How to Check and Fill Fluid in Your Hyundai Forklift

Anyone who operates a forklift should know how to check and fill the various fluids in the machine. These fluids play a vital role in equipment performance. By neglecting to inspect and replace the different types of fluid, your forklift’s components can deteriorate over time. 

Fluid management is part of owning and operating heavy equipment. Do not overlook the need to maintain these levels. Ensuring there is enough fluid and that it is not contaminated or degraded can save you hundreds in repair and replacement costs. 

Learn more about how to check the fluids in a forklift and maintain your equipment’s performance. 

What Types of Fluid Does a Forklift Use?

Your forklift’s fluids are its lifeblood. Without adequate fluid levels, your machine’s components will not run efficiently and its parts will wear faster. Engaging in routine maintenance can help avoid damage and improve your equipment’s performance.

The following are the main types of forklift fluids that keep the machine running efficiently:

• Brake fluid: Your forklift’s braking system is vital for safe operation. Ensuring you have sufficient brake fluid is important because it helps your braking components respond promptly when engaged. When exposed to moisture, the brake fluid can degrade and negatively impact the performance of the brakes. 
• Power steering fluid: As a type of hydraulic fluid, power steering fluid is a critical hydraulic link between the steering wheel and the front tires of your machine and makes it easier for the operator to turn the machine’s wheels. This fluid lubricates moving parts and helps minimize corrosion within the power steering gear and steering pump. 
• Transmission fluid: Also called transmission oil, this fluid assists in the lubrication of a few different moving parts in the machine’s transmission. It works as a coolant for automatic transmissions like that of a Hyundai forklift.
• Hydraulic fluid: Heavy machinery relies on the right levels of hydraulic fluid to operate efficiently. This fluid plays a few key roles, including delivering power and lubricating parts. Hydraulic fluid also dissipates heat and defends against contamination. 
• Engine oil: Regularly tending to your forklift’s engine oil and filters is essential to minimizing wear and tear. Engine oil that loses its viscosity or is not properly filtered can wreck your engine over time. 

How to Check and Fill Fluids in Your Forklift

When checking most of the fluids in your forklift, it is important to begin by shutting off the machine’s engine before performing any inspections. Start by unlatching and then opening the hood on the engine compartment, where you will find most fluids that are critical to the equipment’s operation. 

Once the engine is off, you can access each of the following types of fluid and ensure their levels are adequate.

Engine Oil

To check and fill your forklift’s engine oil, follow these steps:

1. Locate the dipstick: Find the dipstick in the engine compartment and slowly pull it out of the dipstick tube. 
2. Wipe off residual oil: Use a fresh wipe to clean all of the oil residues off the stick so you can clearly see where the level is in the next step. 
3. Insert the dipstick and check the level: Put the clean dipstick back into the dipstick tube until it is fully inserted. Slowly remove the dipstick and compare the level to the high and low marks. 
4. Fill as needed: If the oil level is too low, add some oil until it is at a normal level. Be careful not to overfill.

Hydraulic Fluid

Do the following to check and fill your forklift’s hydraulic fluid:

1. Ensure your forklift is level: Keep your forks in a standard position and park your forklift in an area that is completely level to get an accurate reading. 
2. Find the hydraulic fluid reservoir: Located the reservoir in the engine compartment. 
3. Use a dipstick to check fluid level: Remove the vented cap and insert a clean dipstick to check the level. 
4. Add fluid to the fill tube: If your fluid is low, add more by funneling it into the reservoir until it reaches the maximum line. 
5. Close with a new vented cap: Use a new cap and ensure it is tightly closed. 

Before filling your hydraulic fluid, be sure to identify your forklift hydraulic type and use what Hyundai suggests in your operator’s manual. 

Transmission Fluid

Follow these steps for checking and filling forklift transmission fluid:

1. Run the engine: Before checking transmission fluid, run your forklift’s engine until it reaches the operating temperature. 
2. Apply the parking brake: When the machine is parked, ensure it is operating at idle and the transmission is in neutral. 
3. Locate the dipstick: This dipstick is under the floor plate beside the transmission valve. Use the dipstick to check the fluid level.
4. Fill if necessary: If the transmission fluid is low, add more until reaching the “Hot” zone.

Brake Fluid and Power Steering Fluid 

Forklift power steering fluid and brake fluid levels are especially easy to read. Simply check both plastic reservoirs and see where the fluid level is. 

If the level is below the line for brake fluid, inspect your brakes immediately. Remove the reservoir cap and add more fluid if necessary. Your power steering fluid may have two lines, one for both a hot and cold engine.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maintaining Hyundai Forklift Fluid Levels

When it comes to the maintenance of forklift fluids, there are some important steps you should take on a regular basis to ensure your machine’s performance is efficient and optimal. Check out these frequently asked questions about maintaining your Hyundai forklift fluid levels:

How Often Should You Check Your Forklift’s Fluids?

According to Hyundai, forklift operators should follow the daily equipment checklists outlined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Anytime you operate your forklift, inspect the following prior:

• Engine oil level 
• Hydraulic fluid level
• Brake fluid level
• Any leaks 

How Often Should You Change Your Forklift’s Fluid? 

As a general rule of thumb, you should change a forklift’s fluids every 1,000 operating hours. By replacing them, you can rid your machine of degraded fluids that can wreak havoc on your equipment and shorten its working life. 

Get Your Hyundai Forklift From Thompson Lift Truck Today

Choosing the best forklift for your business can be a real challenge. Luckily, you can turn to our team of experts at Thompson Lift Truck for help. We pride ourselves on offering top-quality forklifts while delivering outstanding customer service. 

We partner closely with you to ensure we meet all of your material handling needs. Our specialists can assist you with insights and services when you need them. And if you are looking for a short-term solution, we also have forklift rental options available. 

Are you interested in learning more about forklifts from Thompson Lift Truck? Get in touch with us to get started today!