Ways to keep your lift truck alive and breathing

By Ronald E. Spooner Project Engineer, Industrial Truck Div. Allis-Chalmers Corp.

Second Of Two Parts

equipped with the best available filter, but if it is not changed when it gets dirty, the cost of the filter and installation is wasted. Every day a truck is run with a dirty or clogged element, is a day the truck runs with absolutely no protection for its hydraulic components.

Economics dictate that a conscientious program of filter and breather maintenance is more than worthwhile. Increased pump and valve life, elimination of spool stiction, increases in fluid life and significant reductions in downtime should reflect in substantial savings to the truck user.

Maintenance departments should devise a schedule for filter element and breather replacement. Normally, the element should be replaced after the first eight hours and every 200 hours thereafter. This schedule is predicted on a normal duty cycle in a relatively clean environment, such as a warehouse or storage shed. Extremely contaminated areas require adjust- ments in this schedule. There are a number of important points to take into consideration before you begin your hydraulic system maintenance program:

(l) Set up a filter maintenance schedule and follow it diligently.

(2) Inspect filter elements that have been removed from the system for signs of impending system problems. Perhaps adjustments to the maintenance cycle nrisht be needed.

I:) po not return to the system any fluid which has leaked out.

(4) Always keep the supply of fresh fluid covered tightly.

(5) Use clean containers. hoses and funnels when filling the reservol r.

(6) Use common sense precautions to prevent entry of clirt into components that have been temporarily removed fronr the circuit. Cap lines and plug ports.

(7) Make sure that all clean-out holes, filler caps and breathers on the reservoir are properly fastened.

(8) Do not run the systenl unless all filtration devices are in place.

HEX l{UT has caused severe peening of the pump inlet port (top photol. Foreign objects frequently will not be found as they are completely destroyed if the pump continues to run. When an object becomes small enough to be caught between the gear teeth llower photol, it may cause damage such as broken teeth.

(9) Make certain that the fluid used in the system is of a type recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

(10) Set up a program for training personnel in the importance of hydraulic system nraintenance. Show thenr how a conscienlious effort on their part will be of great benefit to all.

The use of "will-fit" replacement parts in hydraulic systems is an invitation to trouble. Filter elements and breathers have been carefully chosen to do an effective and reliable job considering the system and environmental conditions that exist. They have passed rigorous laboratory and field tests and have shown their ability to satisfy contamination removal pressure drop, fluid compatibility, temperature limit, flow ratings and other design criteria.

"Will-fits" do not necessarilv exhibit these characterisrics. They may not have the effective life, element construction and material integrity to perform under the con-

Sfory at a Glance

Understanding lift truck hydraullc system contamination... filter maintenance program.. . keeping trucks on the job.

ditions to which they are subjected in the lift truck hydraulic system. While "will-fits" sometimes are cheaper to purchase their use could manifest itself in decreased component life, increased downtime and a substantial rise in maintenance costs.

Periodic oil sampling and analysis is an excellent way to monitor the condition of your hydraulic system. Laboratory equipment is available and testing techniques have been developed which permit thorough analysis of hydraulic fluid.

Test results can be interpreted with the help of information from engineering and service department sources that is combined with data on the vehicle's history and operating environment. Sampling must be done regularly to be of value.

Pump problems can be detected prior to failure through analysis of wear metal concentrations: increasing concentration normally indicates potential trouble. Increased concentrations of silicon suggest that the filter is clogged and in need of service. There are many other

"indicators" that are important, especially after major system components have been changed. The idea is to watch for unusual increases or trends in the concentration of various particulate matter and correct the problem before failure occurs.

In sum, a program that is basically maintenance oriented can be effective in eliminating potential failures and unnecessaiy repair. The program is yours to use.

Need Clear All Heart Hot Tub Stock?

That's iust one of the items we specialize in . . . from rough K.D. to pattern staves, chime joist, seat and cover material. We maintain an inventory of a million feet or more of redwood kiln dried uppers and kiln dried shop at our distribution yard, located on Humboldt Bay, between Arcata (three miles south) and Eureke, Ca., on Hwy. l0l. Rail or T&T shipment. Call Jerry Guin with your inquiries.

For dl species of Western call the company of established professionals people you can have contidence in!

PAUL BUNYAN'S PANCAKE CREW

Skaters with hams tied to their feet kept the griddle greased. Flunkies on roller skates served the tables. Paul Bunyan is always organized for efficiency and service.

CONGRATUATIONS!

"The Merchant Magazine wins award. .Maggie Award. . ." (See Merchont, p. 3, Sept. 1980)

Winning over such magazines as Road & Track, Playgirl (?). Billboard, etc. - quite a feat and well deserved.

None of us PGL'ers can think of any magazine we enjoy more.

Thanks. . for the very nice story and photos of our 40th anniversary. "Ideas x years : Success." This excellent feature plus our two ads will make this a memorable issue.

Sincerely,

Charles D. Lauber

Palmer

G. Lewis Co., Inc.

525 C Street, Northwest Auburn. Wa. 98002

More Congrats

Overall winner in the Architecture and Construction category is mighty impressive indeed, and I would like to add a kudo of my own for the trulY superb job you are doing in serving the western area's lumber and building materials market.

Sincerely, Harold Mendelsohn Koppers Co., Inc.

l40ll Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks, Ca. 91423

Wood Vs Masonry

The following letter wos originally sent to Pat Murphy, editor, The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Az., by Frank Davis, executive v.p. of the Arizona Lumber & Builders Supply Association in on attempt to correct errors in fact tha! occurred in a preceding story. Begause ofthe timeliness of Davis' leuer, it is reprinted here.-ed.

There are so many misstatements of fact, so much damaging innuendo in a story which appeared in the August 23, issue of The Arizona Republic that to let them go uncorrected would be a disservice to your readers.

The article with the head "Block firms forsee ruin in HUD plan" by Ben Cole of the Republic Washington

Bureau, quotes Brooks Billings of Phoenix, industrial coordinator for the Arizona Masonry Guild.

In the story, Billings, to quote, "referred to an extensive testing program conducted by his group and the Arizona Department of Energy."

A spokesman for the Arizona Energy Office at the state capitol, (there is no "Arizona Department of Energy") denies that anyone from that office participated in the study referred to by Billings. A representative from the oflice did look at the project, but that was the extent of the department's contact with the program. It did not participate in, or confirm, the findings.

"Masonry doesn't require as much insulation as frame construction," Billings is quoted as saying. This simply is not true.

Masonry is a conductor of heat. It is only necessary to place your hand on the inside of an uninsulated block wall on a hot day to feel the heat from the outside pouring through the surface. On the other hand. wood is an insulator and, in addition, frame construction provides space between the studding to allow four to six inches of needed energy saving insulation.

Many persons feel that thickness is a criterion for insulation qualities. Not true. Actually an inch of wood possesses more insulating qualities than a foot of solid concrete.

There is reference to "applying Snow Belt insulation standards to Sun Belt masonry homes." And why not? In Arizona and Florida we pay our highest energy bills in the summer while our Snow Belt counterparts have higher bills in the winter. Whether we are heating a building or cooling it, energy is being used for maximum economy, the building should meet standards which assure a minimum loss of energy.

Today, many occupants are paying utility bills which are some fifty percent higher than they need be had proper energy-saving practices been employed during construction.

Frank E. Davis Executive Vice President Arizona Lumber and Builders Supply Association Phoenix, Az.

Wanted

WELL FINANCED So. Ca. wholesaler wants experienced lumber trader. Must be motivated. Must have a So. Ca. following. All replies in strict confidence. Write Box 377 clo The Merchant Magazine.

TRUCKING company needs part-time secretary; l0 Key, dispatching, heavy phones. Some experience necessary. Call Louie Escobedo, Chozen Trucking, (213) 549405 1.

INDUSTRIAL LUMBER salesman needed. Call or see W.M. Hunter, Hunter Woodworks, 1235 E. 223 St.. Carson. Ca. 90745 Ql3) 775-2544.

DENVER wholesale distributor needs experienced trader to handle direct sales in the Rocky Mountain area. Salary and commission plus excellent fringe benefits. Con- nt roard & Morse Lumber tact: Bill Baugh, Shepard Co.^ P.O. Box 16107- Denver. Co.- 80216. Co.. 16107. Denver. Phone: (303) 287-2591.

MANAGER needed for full service lumber and building material retail yard in Greater Los Angeles, Ca., area. Need experienced person able to handle own purchasing, accts. receivable, hiring, firing, act as own profit center. Medical and dental program and other fringe benefits. Send resume. All replies will be kept in total confidence. Write Box 375 c/o The Merchant Magazine.

EXPERIENCED industrial lumber salesman needed. Call or see Sierra Madre Lumber Sales. 1344 East Grand Ave., Pomona, Ca. 91767. 014) 623-6617. (7lq 6n-1244.

BOOKKEEPER, experienced full charge for lumber company,'No. Ca. Send resurie to Box 379, c/o The Merchant Magazine.

EXPERIENCED knife grinder. Custom nrilling. Pernranent job. Contact: Joe (213) 324-4551.

RETIRED lumbermen, tired of being retired? Your old contacts can help both of us. Growing company looking for retired lumbermen to work commission sales in San Gabriel Valley and East Los Angeles, Ca., areas on commercial and contractor sales. Call Joe at (213) 222-7101.

EXPERIENCED yard orderman and grader, hardwood and softwood. Established wholesale distribution vard. Excellent benefits. Ql3) 357-6021.

MANAGER wanted for large retail lumber company in San Francisco, Ca. area. Excelfent salary. Send resume to: Box 364, clo The Merchant Magazine.

EXPERIENCED pallet salesman. Ask for Carl Boesch, Hunter Woodworks, (213) 77 5-2544.

REMINDER:. Payment must accompany the copy you send in for classified ads. Just use the inslructions above to figure the anrount. Whenyou call in ads, we'll tell you lhe anrounl thal nlust be senl for the ad.

60C a word, min. 25 words (25 words : $15). Phone number counts as one word. Headlines, box numbers, centered copy and borders: $4 ea. Col. inch rate: $30. Names of advertisers using a box number cannot be released. Address all replies to box number shown in ad in care of The Merchant Magazine, 4500 Campus Dr., Suite 480, Newport Beach, Ca. 92660. Make checks payable to The Merchant Magazine. Mail copy to above address or call (714) 549-8393. Deadline for copy is the 22nd of the month. PAYMENT MUST ACCOMPANY COPY.

Lumber Sales

WELL ESTABLISHED independent distributor of softwoods is seeking experienced traders and outside sales personnel. Must be aggressive and have a good following. Excellent salary and fringe benefits. Must have knowledge of retail type sales. Contact Jeff Barnes, Kelleher Lumber Co., at (415) 4548861 or send resume to P.O. Box 3433, San Rafael, Ca. 94902. All responses will be kept in strictest confidence.

Industrial Sales Opportunity

l. Tired of Big Corporation nonsense?

2. Tired of wage limits?

3. Tired of not being able to manage your own sales territory?

4. Tired ofnot being able to supply your customers?

United Wholesale Lumber. Montebello, Ca., is looking for an agressive "can do" outside sales person who is motivated by elimination of the four above statements. Contact Bill Clow at Ql3) 726- lll3.

MANAGER for medium size hardware and lumber business in No. Ca. Salary and benefits commensurate with experience. Submit resume to Box 378. c/o The Merchant Magazine.

LUMBER BUYER - Portland. Or.. lumber, plywood, shingles and shakes. 25 years experience. West Coast Inland species, Canadian SPF. Can buy for distributing yards or industrial. Write: Box 373 c/o The Merchant Magazine.

Twisted And Weathered

Douglas Fir S4S and rough, 3x4 and wider and 4x4 and wider. Call Wm. Hunter, Hunter Woodworks . (213) 77 5-2544', (213) 83 5-5671.