Custom transfer top application

Troubleshooting

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Southworth is here to provide the support you need. Before reaching out for service, you may want to first try our troubleshooting guide to learn if information about a solution is readily available. Enter a product name or select an equipment category below to explore common issues and resolutions.




Container Tilters

Unit fails to lower
Possible CausesCheck This
Down valve may not be energizedMake sure that the coil is energized when the down valve button is pushed.
Ensure that the down valve itself is shifting and allowing oil to go back to the tank. Do not remove when under pressure.
Check that nothing is binding, causing the unit not to lower.
Unit elevates but will not hold a load
Possible CausesCheck This
Down valve coil is energizedEnsure that the down valve coil is not being energized when the up button is pushed. Verify no stray voltage to down valve coil preventing it from being fully closed. Check the wiring.
Ensure that debris is not holding the down valve plunger open.
Leaking cylinderCheck the vent line for signs of oil.
Tilt platform will not raise
Possible CausesCheck This
Battery needs chargingCheck battery volt level.
Check to make sure charger putting out 12 volts.
Check that 12 volts is being reached at the motor and motor relay.
Check that the charger is operating properly.
Weight of load too heavyEnsure that the actual weight of the load is at or below maximum allowed.
Unit low on oilInside the tank, make sure the oil is full to the elbow in the filler pipe.
Tank vent pluggedMake sure the solid plug is not in place of the vent plug.
Suction filter cloggedRemove and clean the suction filter
Blown fuse(s)Check the 3amp inline fuse, control power fuse, main 150amp motor fuse.
Motor starter relay clickingCheck the relay for damage or loose connections, verify the battery is fully charged.
Down valve coil is energizedEnsure that the down valve coil is not being energized when the up button is pushed. Verify no stray voltage to down valve coil preventing it from being fully closed. Check the wiring.


Lift Tables

Lift will not lower
Possible CauseCheck This
Down valve may be energizedCheck the solenoid in the valve with a volt meter.
Flow control needs adjustmentAdjust flow control as needed.
Lift will not raise
Possible CauseCheck This
Weight of load too heavyEnsure that the actual weight of the load is at or below maximum allowed.
Motor not runningCheck the main disconnect switch, fuses, and wiring to the motor. A 20 amp designated breaker must be supplied for 110V.
Hydraulic oil level lowWhen lift is raised as far as possible, oil level should be 3/4″ from bottom of tank.  When lift is down, 3/4″ from top.
Lift has reached its upper limitUpper limit switch may need to be adjusted.
Motor may be “single phasing”If motor hums but does not turn, check motor wiring and line fuses.
Motor voltage too lowSupply voltage should be +/- 10% of the rating at the motor terminals.
Tank vent pluggedIf supplied, remove solid plug from tank and insert vent plug.
Suction filter cloggedClean suction filter as described in periodic maintenance.
Vacuum leak in suction line   Check all fittings in suction line.
Down valve may be energizedEnsure that the down valve coil is not being energized when the up button is pushed. Verify no stray voltage to down valve coil preventing it from being fully closed. Check the wiring.
Missing couplingEnsure that debris is not holding the down valve plunger open.
Lift fails to hold
Possible CauseCheck This
Down valve may be leakingRemove down valve and inspect for debris which may be preventing it from closing.
Down valve may be energizedEnsure that the down valve coil is not being energized when the up button is pushed. Verify no stray voltage to down valve coil preventing it from being fully closed. Check the wiring.
Cylinder may be leakingCheck for oil in cylinder in the vent line.


Pallet Handling Equipment

Wear on underside of turntable
Possible CauseCheck This
This is a normal condition caused by work-hardening of metal.No repair is necessary.
Excessive “rumble” when the rotating ring is turning
Possible CauseCheck This
Excessive wear or lack of lubrication to bearings under the turntableRemove the turntable and replace the bearings.
Top of lift bounces
Possible CauseCheck This
Damaged shock absorberCheck for leaks or dents. Replace if necessary.
Top of lift rotates away from me/towards me on its own
Possible CauseCheck This
Frame of unit not levelMove the unit to a level surface or install the optional adjusting feet to level base frame.
Lift lowers too hard and too late
Possible CauseCheck This
The springs may be too strongCheck the spring ratings.
Lift lowers too easily and too early
Possible CauseCheck This
Springs may be too weakCheck the spring ratings.
Lift lowers too slowly
Possible CauseCheck This
Down valve may not be fully open or stuck closedRemove down valve and clean.
Flow control may need adjustmentAdjust flow control as needed.
Lift raises too slowly
Possible CauseCheck This
Low voltageCheck voltage at motor to ensure proper voltage is being supplied.
Foreign material clogging suction filter, breather cap or pressure lineRemove necessary components and clean.
Insufficient oil causing pump to overheatCheck oil level and oil viscosity.
Lift will not lower
Possible CauseCheck This
Down valve may be de-energizedCheck the solenoid on the valve with a voltmeter.
Flow control needs adjustmentAdjust flow control as needed.
Lift fails to hold or drifts down
Possible CauseCheck This
Down valve may be leakingRemove down valve and inspect for debris which may be preventing it from closing.
Down valve may be energizedEnsure that the down valve coil is not being energized when the up button is pushed. Verify no stray voltage to down valve coil preventing it from being fully closed. Check the wiring.
Cylinder may be leakingCheck for oil in cylinder in the vent line.
Lift will not raise or run up
Possible CauseCheck This
Reflector blockedCheck to ensure nothing is blocking reflector or photo eyes.
Weight of load too heavyEnsure that the actual weight of the load is at or below maximum allowed.
Hydraulic oil level lowWhen lift is raised as far as possible, oil level should be 3/4″ from bottom of tank. When lift is down, 3/4″ from top.
Lift reached upper limitUpper limit switch may need to be adjusted.
Motor may be “single phasing”If motor hums but does not turn, check motor wiring, and line fuses.
Motor voltage too lowSupply voltage should be +/- 10% of the rating at the motor terminals.
Tank vent pluggedIf supplied, remove solid plug from tank and insert vent plug.
Suction filter cloggedClean suction filter as described in periodic maintenance.
Vacuum leak in suction lineCheck all fittings in suction line.
Down valve may be energizedCheck wiring to down-valve, and solenoid on the valve.


Roll Handlers + Upenders

Tilter lowers too slowly
Possible CauseCheck This
Down valve may not be fully open or stuck closedRemove down valve and clean.
Flow control may need adjustment.Adjust flow control as needed.
Tilter raises too slowly
Possible CauseCheck This
Low voltageCheck voltage at motor to ensure proper voltage is being supplied.
Foreign material clogging suction filter, breather cap or pressure lineRemove necessary components and clean.
Pump may be overheating due to insufficient oil.Check oil level and oil viscosity.
Tilter will not lower
Possible CausesCheck This
Down valve may be de-energized.Check the solenoid in the valve with a volt meter.
Flow control needs adjustmentAdjust flow control as needed.
Tilter fails to hold a load
Possible CauseCheck This
Down valve may be leakingRemove down valve and inspect for debris which may be preventing it from closing.
Down valve may be energizedEnsure that the down valve coil is not being energized when the up button is pushed. Verify no stray voltage to down valve coil preventing it from being fully closed. Check the wiring.
Cylinder may be leakingCheck for oil in cylinder in the vent line.
Tilter will not raise or run up
Possible CauseCheck This
Weight of load too heavyEnsure that the actual weight of the load is at or below maximum allowed.
Motor not runningCheck the main disconnect switch, fuses, and wiring to the motor. A 20-amp dedicated breaker must be supplied for 115V single phase 1 horse power motors.
Hydraulic oil level lowWhen unit is raised as far as possible, oil level should be 3/4″ from bottom of tank. When lift is down, 3/4″ from top.
Machine reached limit switch.Limit switch may need to be adjusted.
“Single phasing” of motorIf motor hums but does not turn, check motor wiring and line fuses.
Motor voltage too lowSupply voltage should be +/- 10% of the rating at the motor terminals.
Tank vent pluggedIf supplied, remove solid plug from tank and insert vent plug.
Suction filter cloggedClean suction filter as described in periodic maintenance.
Vacuum leak in suction lineCheck all fittings in suction line.
Down valve may be energized.Ensure that the down valve coil is not being energized when the up button is pushed. Verify no stray voltage to down valve coil preventing it from being fully closed. Check the wiring.
Manila wiring

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