All TCM forklift models powered by internal combustion engines rely on a number of elements to handle the gases expelled from their engines after the combustion process. The set of these elements makes up the exhaust system of these vehicles, whose most recognizable device is the muffler. TCM forklift mufflers are acoustic devices that help control the noise level of the gases expelled by the forklift engine.
These mufflers are designed and manufactured to perform effectively for years, but once their life cycle is over, the best we can do is replace them as soon as possible. Prolonged use of the TCM forklift with a faulty muffler will create an unpleasant and unsafe work environment. That is why at Lift Parts Warehouse, we want to share the most relevant aspects of these devices and the considerations you should have when buying a new one.
What Does a TCM Forklift Muffler Do?
Mufflers are part of your TCM forklift exhaust system and are located at your lift truck's rear. They aid in dampening truck emissions and engine noise. TCM forklift Mufflers are used mainly to dissipate the loud sounds created by the TCM forklift engine's pistons and valves. Every time the exhaust valve opens, a large burst of gases used during the engine's combustion is released into the exhaust system. This release of gases creates mighty sound waves. To acknowledge how a TCM muffler dissipates the sound waves created by the engine, one must first understand how sound is produced.
The loud sound is produced as a result of the rapid expansion of the gasses when they leave the engine. This rapid expansion generates strong shock waves. As the forklift engine constantly releases these gases, the TCM forklift muffler is responsible for making these shock waves collide, forcing them to cancel each other out. These collisions considerably reduce the energy of the shock waves, which in turn dramatically decreases the noise generated.
Most Common TCM Forklift Muffler Problems
The two main sources of failure of a TCM forklift muffler
Rust. Moisture that builds up around a TCM forklift muffler can lead to rust over time. This is often the main cause of the deterioration of a TCM forklift muffler. Rust will accelerate the formation of cracks and holes throughout the muffler body, making it obsolete.
Deformation. If a TCM forklift muffler receives a strong blow, it can become deformed. If this happens, the efficiency of the TCM muffler will be significantly reduced. This blow can be caused by poor handling during its installation or if the forklift is hit from behind very hard.
Symptoms of a Faulty TCM Muffler
The exhaust is louder than it should be. Loud exhaust noise on a TCM forklift is often the result of a leak in its exhaust system. This typically occurs at the TCM forklift muffler, where much of the engine exhaust sound should be reduced. A hole or damage in the TCM muffler causes the gases to escape before their shock waves have been wholly canceled out, making the noise very loud.
The TCM forklift engine is misfiring. A faulty TCM muffler can affect the performance of your TCM forklift's engine. If, for any reason, the TCM forklift muffler becomes clogged, it will not allow the exhaust fumes to be adequately expelled. Prolonging this situation for a long time could cause your TCM forklift engine to misfire.
Strong fumes odor. The TCM muffler helps to remove the exhaust fumes and away from the TCM forklift. If there is a leak or other problem with the TCM forklift muffler, these fumes could escape faster than they should. When this happens, there will be a more significant accumulation of fumes around the lift truck. You will be able to smell these fumes, and they will smell unpleasant.
Vibrations on the exhaust pipe. A strong vibration on a TCM forklift muffler can be a clear sign that there is some kind of crack or hole in the muffler. If you can't find it with the naked eye, it's best to have your TCM forklift's muffler inspected by a professional mechanic.
Example of a TCM forklift with a bad muffler:
The Risk of Driving a TCM Forklift with a Bad Muffler
If a TCM forklift has a faulty muffler, it will create an unpleasant and even dangerous working environment. This is because the truck will make loud driving sounds. Depending on where you conduct your material handling activities, the noise from a faulty TCM muffler can become a distraction for the TCM forklift driver and those around the truck.
Such distractions can lead the driver or bystander to ignore a potentially dangerous situation, which must be avoided at all costs. According to OSHA, the forklift driver must have complete control of the forklift and be able to perceive the work environment visually and aurally effectively.
How to Choose the Right Muffler for Your TCM Forklift
Take your time and choose the right muffler for your TCM forklift
If the lifespan of your TCM forklift muffler goes to its end, the best thing to do is buy a new one. To carry out this task efficiently, you must consider the following aspects:
Your Budget. Any purchase you decide to make must be made according to your budget. There are many alternatives when buying TCM forklift mufflers. You should choose the one that best suits your needs. You need to evaluate the pros and cons of each. For example, could you afford a brand new TCM muffler? Or do you have to buy a used one? Once you have dice what kind of muffler you want, you can continue with other steps.
The TCM Muffler Type. In the market, you will find two large groups to choose your new TCM muffler. The OEM-type mufflers are the original components distributed and endorsed by TCM and its authorized distributors. On the other hand, an aftermarket TCM forklift muffler is a muffler manufactured by a third-party company and generally fits a larger number of forklift models.
The Model of Your TCM Forklift. Once you have decided what type of muffler you are going to buy, make sure that the new one is compatible with your TCM forklift model. Consult the forklift manual and check what dimensions your new TCM muffler should have in order to be installed properly.
The TCM Muffler Retailer. When you need a new TCM forklift muffler, it is essential to choose a reputable and trustworthy dealer. You will have to choose between a distributor with a physical store or an online one. With a physical store, you can get your new TCM silencer immediately. However, with online distributors, the prices are more competitive, and the chances of finding the model you need are much greater. In any case, make sure you buy from an established store that offers a guarantee on each of its products.
Buy Your New TCM Forklift Muffler at Lift Parts Warehouse
TCM forklifts are known for their quality and durability, but even the best machinery needs occasional maintenance. If you're looking for a brand new TCM forklift muffler, there's no better place to get it than at Lift Parts Warehouse. We carry a wide selection of mufflers compatible with many TCM lift truck models, all of them with a one-year warranty.
We strive daily to continue increasing our stock to remain one of the best leading TCM forklift spare parts distributors in the United States. You won't find better TCM muffler prices than ours. If you want to know more about our pricing policy, click here.
Plus, we count on an excellent shipping service that will deliver your new TCM forklift muffler in just a few days. And if for any reason you are not satisfied with what you received, you will have the chance to return it without issues, and your money will be refunded. For more information about our returns policy, click here.
So give us the opportunity and let our work speak for itself. You don't have to wait any longer; order your TCM forklift muffler today! And get your TCM forklift back into service in no time.
Takeaways
TCM forklift mufflers are acoustic devices that control the noise levels produced by the TCM forklift engine as a result of the rapid expansion of its gases as they are expelled from the combustion chambers. Without a proper muffler, many TCM forklift models would not be able to move without becoming a major source of driving distraction. For this reason, when you require a new muffler for your TCM forklift, don't hesitate to contact Lift Parts Warehouse services. Save time and money by buying your new TCM muffler in our online store.