If your forklift stops working or starts behaving oddly, take it out of service and call us at 778-316-8133. Do not try to repair it yourself. If you can bring the truck to our Richmond warehouse, we will inspect it there, and the inspection is free while the truck is under warranty. This page covers what to do in the first few minutes, the few checks an operator can safely make, and what our warranty covers.
The short version: stop using the truck, take the key out, call 778-316-8133 and describe what happened, then bring it to our Richmond warehouse if you can.
Take it out of service first
Alberta's forklift guideline says a forklift found to be hazardous must not be operated until the defect is repaired. In practice, if you notice a problem at the start-up check or while driving, such as noise, vibration, an odd smell, smoke, an oil leak or a warning light that does not make sense, stop using the truck and tell your supervisor. Take the key out and leave a note in the cab so nobody else drives it.
Park it where it is not in anyone's way, with the forks lowered if you can. If the brakes or steering are the problem, do not move it under its own power. Call us and we will tell you how to get it to us.
Checks worth making before you call
These are the checks an operator can make without opening anything up:
- Won't start. Check that the forward and reverse lever is in neutral and the parking brake is set, as your start-up routine requires. On an LPG truck, check that the cylinder valve is open and that the cylinder is not empty. If it still will not start, stop cranking it and call us.
- Running hot. Stop the truck in a safe place and let it cool fully before you open the hood. Never open the radiator cap on a hot engine, because steam can scald. If you cannot find an obvious cause, such as a blocked radiator, stop using the truck and call us.
- Smell of gas. Close the cylinder valve and follow the leak check in our guide to changing and storing propane cylinders. If a leak persists, take the truck out of service.
That is where operator checks end. Anything involving the fuel system, brakes, steering, hydraulics or mast should be left to a qualified technician.
If the problem is an electric truck that will not charge, see our guide on what to check when an electric forklift won't charge.
What to tell us when you call
Have the model and forklift number ready. They are on the truck's nameplate, which is usually on the mast. Then describe what you saw, heard or smelled, when it started, and what the truck was doing at the time. That is usually enough for us to tell you whether it needs to come in.
How service works
Our service is based at the Richmond warehouse. The simplest route is to bring the truck to us, and we will inspect it there. Inspection is free while the truck is under warranty. We cannot offer the same in-person service outside BC, so if you are in another province, read the warranty page before you order to see how a claim would work for you.
What the warranty covers
The equipment is covered for 1 year or 2,000 operating hours. Frame, mast, drive axle and transmission parts are covered for up to 2 years or 3,000 hours, parts only after the first year. On electric trucks, the lithium battery and the charger each carry 1 year against manufacturing defects. The full terms are on our warranty page.
If you are unsure which oil or parts to use on the truck, ask us before you buy them. The warranty page lists what is and is not covered.
What not to do
- Do not repair the fuel system, brakes, steering or hydraulics yourself. Alberta's guideline says only qualified, trained and experienced people should repair, modify or replace any part of a forklift, and CCOHS says the same for propane fuel systems.
- Do not modify the truck or its attachments. Alberta's guideline says changes that affect capacity or safe operation need the written approval of the manufacturer or a professional engineer.
- Do not keep driving a truck that shows a fault.
Is your forklift giving you trouble?
Call 778-316-8133 and tell us the model and what happened. If you can bring it to our Richmond warehouse, we will inspect it.
Common questions
What should I do if my forklift stops working?
Take it out of service, remove the key and call us at 778-316-8133 with the model and a description of the problem. If you can bring it to our Richmond warehouse, we will inspect it.
Is the inspection free under warranty?
Yes. Inspection at our Richmond warehouse is free while the truck is under warranty.
Can I repair my forklift myself?
Not the fuel system, brakes, steering, hydraulics or mast. Those should be handled by a qualified technician. Operators can check the neutral lever, the parking brake and, on LPG trucks, the cylinder valve and fuel level before calling.
What does the Raelon forklift warranty cover?
1 year or 2,000 operating hours on the equipment, with frame, mast, drive axle and transmission parts covered for up to 2 years or 3,000 hours, parts only after the first year. Lithium batteries and chargers carry 1 year against manufacturing defects.
What if I am outside BC?
We cannot offer the same in-person service outside BC. Read our warranty page before you order to see how a claim would work for you.
To talk to someone now, call 778-316-8133 or contact us.
