Gehl RS5-19: Main Features, Common Problems, and Lifespan

Are you in search of the perfect forklift for heavy lifting at the construction site? You are in luck, thanks to the Gehl RS5-19. The RS19 features a maximum lifting capacity of 5,500 lbs. and 19 inches of reach. This is a powerful yet compact forklift that will get the job done the way you would expect. Because of its compact design, the Gehl RS5-19 works in the tightest spaces with the power of a full-size lifting machine.

The engineering of this machine is informed by decades of experience and operator feedback. With the RS5-19, you can confidently navigate difficult terrain, get the job done, and return home safely in the evening.

With a job as brutal and dirty as your construction site, you need a machine that works as hard as you. This article explores the best features of the Gehl RS5-19, common problems, and how long the machine can last.

Gehl RS5-19 - Main Features

The following are the most important features of the Gehl RS5-19.

1) The Engine

The Gehl RS5-19 features a powerful Tier 4 Certified Yanmar Engine with a top traveling speed of 15 mph and a maximum rotating speed of 2,500 rpm. Paired with a well-built Rexroth 2-speed hydrostatic transmission, the Tier-IV engine produces 69 horsepower.

 The engine has a shutdown protection feature that allows you 30 seconds of run-time to park the machine for diagnosis and repair. The vehicle's front axle has a limited-slip differential for enhanced traction when working on muddy and difficult terrain.

Moreover, the RS5-19 has an excellent hydraulic system with a system pressure of 3,350 psi and a hydraulic reservoir of 18 gallons. When it comes to the tools of work, the Gehl RS5-19 has one for every project.

The machine features a Dynattach Quick-Attach system that allows you to detach and attach the next tool easily. This forklift accommodates masonry, framing, and standard carriages in various sizes and widths. It also accommodates rotating carriages, forklifts, truss booms, and light material buckets.

Regarding serviceability, the RS5-19 comes with an intelligent design that protects the engine and its components, providing easy access to the engine bay for quick diagnosis and repair. The engine bonnet lifts fully and out of the way, giving easy access to the engine and battery for easy maintenance checks.

There is a hinged door for easy access to the oil drain. On top of the engine bay is a hydraulic oil cap with a spill guard for enhanced protection as you refill the hydraulic fluid. To keep the engine constantly protected, the Gehl RS5-19 features a dual-element air filter. This keeps airborne contaminants away from the engine.

Moreover, there is a protective sleeve over the exhaust pipe to keep you safe as you work on the engine.

2) Performance

With a potent 69-horsepower engine and a compact size of 5' 11" wide and 6' 4" tall, the Gehl RS5-19 comes with everything you would expect from a hardworking machine. It has a total weight of 10,000 lbs. and an excellent ground clearance of 14 inches. The machine has a two-section telescopic boom with full hydraulic power.

The Gehl RS5-19 has a hydraulic self-leveling system that balances your load when you raise the boom. The limited-slip differential at the front axle ensures the machine has enough traction when working on challenging terrain. There is a highly visible level indicator on the outer boom and an intuitive frame level gauge inside the operator cabin.

Regarding handling, the Gehl RS5-19 has enhanced maneuverability thanks to the three available steering modes. You can switch between 2-wheel, 4-wheel, and crab-type steering using a switch in the operator's cabin.

3) The Cabin

The Gehl RS5-19 features a spacious cabin with a modern, ergonomic design to maximize operator comfort. The cab features a high-back seat with an adjustable armrest on the right side of the operator. Moreover, you can get the optional high-back seat with suspension. The cab design and the ground clearance allow you to have a 360-degree view of your surroundings, enhancing your safety as you work.

The Gehl RS5-19 cabin features an ergonomic design with all controls found on a dash panel on the right side of the operator. All the gauges, light switches, and indicator buttons are easily accessible.

Gehl RS5-19 - Common Problems

Like other vehicles, the Gehl RS5-19 could have multiple benefits and still have some limitations. If you do not follow the maintenance schedule of your machine religiously, it may break down, cause damage at work, or cause accidents and, sometimes, even death. If you watch your forklift well, these issues may arise, but they will not be fatal.

These are some of the common limitations of a Gehl RS5-19.

1) Starting Problems

For your RS5-19 to experience starting difficulties, it may have an empty fuel tank or faulty electricals. If the problem is due to fuel, refill the fuel tank or check the fuel delivery system. If your Gehl RS5-19 refuses to start, check the battery. Ensure the battery is connected properly and its terminals have no signs of corrosion. The condition of the battery can also cause starting issues. You can check the battery's electrolyte level and refill it if needed. Also, check the functionality level of the battery. Below 80 percent means you should replace the battery immediately.  

It is common for forklifts like your Gehl RS5-19 to experience temperature changes and be exposed to chemical and other corrosive materials at your workplace. Working in water-logged areas could also cause corrosion. These factors affect the cooling system of your lift and could cause the engine to overheat, causing the machine to shut down.

 To troubleshoot this problem, check the battery, electricals, and wiring, and look for any signs of corrosion on the battery terminals or the wires.

2) Steering Issues

Although this is not a common problem, it could be pretty dangerous when it happens. Your Gehl RS5-19 could exhibit steering problems due to low steering fluid, which means your steering wheel does not transmit directional variations fast enough. Worn gears could also cause steering problems, which require the help of a professional to fix.

When you hear strange noises when turning the wheel, especially when you are loaded, your steering system has a problem. The noises could be due to rust within the steering compartment or faulty hydraulics. Other causes of steering problems include faulty pressure valves and worn or misaligned gears.

3) Mast/ Lifting Issues

The mast is the lifting mechanism and frame of your Gehl RS5-19. Common problems with this mechanism is failing to lift or lower items properly. The issues could be because of a leaking fluid that affects the lifting capacity of your forklift. If your machine is low on hydraulic fluid, it produces insufficient power and cannot attain its recorded lifting capacity. Low hydraulic fluid could also affect other mast movements, affecting your efficiency at work.

Another cause of mast issues is when dirt and debris enter the hydraulic fluid, causing a blockage in the system. You can identify this problem by checking the hydraulic fluid level.

A leaking hydraulic fluid could cause adverse problems if not repaired quickly. It can even limit the mobility of your Gehl RS5-19. If your hydraulic fluid leaks at the rate of a drop per second, you could lose around 420 gallons in a year; explaining why you must inspect and fix this problem immediately.

4) Worn Tires and Suspension Problems

Tires and suspension affect each other when one is not working properly. A worn suspension can cause severe problems to your vehicle. When you combine worn tires with a faulty suspension, this problem can quickly escalate and cause severe problems to your RS5-19 forklift.

Although your Gehl RS5-19 does not travel far, it works daily and carries and lifts heavy loads, which puts too much pressure on the tires. Eventually, the tires give in and wear out rather quickly. It is important to replace tires when they wear out to ensure your vehicle has stability and traction.

Also, the suspension of your forklift suffers from the heavy loads it supports daily. With time, the daily lifting causes the suspension to develop problems. When this happens, the stability of your RS5-19 suffers and could also affect its traction.

5) Engine Overheating

As mentioned earlier, your forklift works in challenging environments. If your machine operates at a construction site, it could collect too much dirt and debris, clogging the cooling system. If the cooling system fails, your engine will overheat and cause the vehicle to shut down during operation.

How Long Can a Gehl RS5-19 Last?

The Gehl RS5-19 is a robust forklift that can serve you for many years and hours without major issues. The forklift is powered by a Tier 4 Certified Yanmar Engine with 69 horsepower. Yanmar is one of the most respected manufacturers of tractors and engines, loved by farmers, landscapers, and road crews across the United States.

It is recommended that you maintain the regular service schedules and major service after every 20,000 hours of operation. If you do this, you can expect the Gehl RS5-19 to last many years and hours without a major breakdown.