Forklift maintenance ensures your machine enjoys a long lifespan. If you follow these eight useful forklift maintenance tips your lift will last a long time.
- Service: Your forklift needs to be serviced within the prescribed service intervals according to the manufacturer. Don’t skip a service appointment, otherwise you risk increasing fuel consumption and deteriorating running conditions.
- Daily checks: It’s imperative that you do daily forklift checks and look at oils, water, tires, seat belts, mirrors, rating plates, etc. By checking everything daily, you can spot any problems right away. Implement a checklist that operators must adhere to at the end of each shift.
- Raise the tines: By dragging the tines on the floor they become worn and more fuel is being used. When you raise the fork tines you’re not only saving them from unnecessary wear and tear, you’re also saving money. Replacing forklift tines is not cheap, so avoid dragging them on the floor.
- Fix problems as they occur: Don’t leave any problems unreported. If you notice a problem with the forklift during your shift, report it right away. Don’t leave it for the next operator to deal with. This slows down the workday and the machine needs to be fixed at some point anyway, why not get it over with.
- Check the hydraulic hoses: Everything from temperature to humidity to light exposure to where the forklift is stored can affect the hydraulic hoses. Look for splitting, cracking or weeping and have the hoses replaced if need be.
- Compressed air: If your unit has compressed air make sure to blow the unit and radiator out weekly. This will take care of any blockage and keep the unit clean. Radiator blockage is often a problem but if you blow the unit and radiator out once a week, you can avoid this issue.
- Traction battery maintenance: Do not opportunity charge your battery because this will reduce its life. By topping up your battery after each usage, you are convincing your battery that it’s not working effectively. Instead, only charge it as necessary.
- Tire wear: An important part of forklift maintenance is tire rotation. To prevent tire wear rotate them on a regular basis. When you’re scheduling prescribed service, you can also rotate the tires or implement a routine tire rotation program.
No matter what kind of maintenance you are doing, ensure that you are wearing the proper protective gear and that all forklift operators are trained and licensed.