Maintenance Training Programs

One of our clients was discussing their maintenance training program, and  last week as they were performing some corrective maintenance he was impressed by what he observed.  This is what he shared with me:

“.. our newest forklift off-line in order to isolate and then repair what was reported to be a brake line leak.  As we started to investigate the source of the leak, we found that the leak wasn’t from the brake system, it was a hydraulic leak.  The source of the leak was an auxiliary hydraulic port which was installed originally to power an auxiliary power unit, for say an additional mast. 

Fixing the problem was not as significant as was the manner in which the problem was approached by our newest mechanic.  Our newest mechanic took the time to get the brake and hydraulic system schematics, even before looking at the forklift.  He showed me what he thought was a discrepancy in the hydraulic schematic when he showed me the fourth hydraulic port.  Upon further investigation, we discovered that this particular hydraulic port came standard from the manufacturer, and was utilized for some specialty industrial applications, but not for normal warehouse use.  Upon finding this fourth port, we both noted that the hydraulic port cap had vibrated open from its fully shut position.  We also noted that hydraulic fluid was seen tracking down from that port.”

The most important thing in troubleshooting is the methodology which is being applied in assessing and then fixing a problem.  The Student Guides provided by ITC, continuously reinforces a standard approach to all troubleshooting efforts. All ITC curriculums have within their training objectives, to instill in their students a solid engineering approach to troubleshooting.  First understand the system you are investigating, obtain all factual observations and data from field, and then begin your troubleshooting process.  This approach which ITC bases their instruction is based on years of solid engineering sound practices and time proven methodologies.  The knowledge base of the personnel is important, more important still is the way that ITC trained personnel approach troubleshooting. 

” At that moment, it was extremely clear that the benefit of having our personnel go through the ITC training, is reflected in all aspects of maintenance.  For me, it made and impression that the methodologies that are reinforced in the curriculum, manifest themselves as with the mechanics as they are carrying out their repair activities.”