Steering fault prompts Mitsubishi recall

A recall has been issued for two models of Mitsubishi forklifts due to a fault with the steering cylinder.

The forklifts in question are certain models in the CAT N Series 2 tonne class lift truck and the Grendia 2 tonne class forklift.

The official government recall was first issued on 28 August, and says of the defective steering cylinders: "The wheels can develop a tendency to fail to respond immediately to the turning of the steering wheel by the operator.

"In such cases, over-steering may result once the wheels respond. This makes it difficult for the operator to continue to steer in a straight line while at maximum travel speed."

Managing director at MLA Holdings, Ken Rathgen told Safety Solutions that when the seals on the cylinders become worn they could leak oil, causing an indicator to light up on the controls. "It would only become a safety issue if the operator continually ignored the F40 indicator," he said.

Rathgen said the company has fixed the problem in 15-20 forklifts throughout Australia in the past two years, but the Government has now issued the recall for particular models built between July 2003 and December 2004.

Businesses are advised to contact their local dealer.

To view the full recall alert and model numbers for Mitsubishi CAT forklifts, go to www.recalls.gov.au/view_recall_detail.php?Recall_ID_Auto=14322.

To view the full recall alert and model numbers for Mitsubishi Grendia forklifts, go to www.recalls.gov.au/view_recall_detail.php?Recall_ID_Auto=14321.

Wendy Cramer, Editor