Everything you need to know about forklift servicing & forklift repairs. Your quick and simple guide to forklift maintenance!
Just like cars, forklift servicing is vital to keep your forklift in prime condition. In addition to making sure that your forklift is properly maintained, servicing can also identify any issues your forklift may have run into that could impede it’s usage and efficiency, such as worn out tyres or suspension. Lucky, basic forklift maintenance can help to keep your forklifts in prime condition in between servicing and can help to ensure that your forklifts remain in a safe working condition too. Below are some simple and easy things to build into your maintenance routine to help keep your forklifts in a safe condition, which could help to avoid a costly repair bill.
In some cases, trying to repair a forklift can become more expensive than it’s worth. In which case we advise that you think before going ahead with costly changes. There is always the option to buy an affordable used forklift. We pride ourselves on providing the UK with high standard forklifts at great prices. Feel free to contact us for more information.
Back to repairs – the below guide gives you an idea of what to expect when your forklift requires repair work.
Follow The Schedule
A lot of manufacturers will include a forklift servicing schedule, which will tell you how regularly to service your new forklift. Following this can really help to prolong your forklift’s life, and by carrying out any forklift repair work flagged up at these services, then you’ll be able to enjoy and use your forklift for many years to come! If you’re purchasing the machine second hand, it’s even more important that you keep to the forklift’s maintenance schedule, as it will help to keep your machine in as best a condition as possible, and can also help to flag any issues from the previous owner.
Carry Out Daily Checks
Arrange a daily checklist of basic maintenance areas for staff to use before they use the forklifts. This will help to ensure that it remains safe in between the forklift’s servicing, while also allowing any problems to be spotted quickly. Some things to look out for in a daily check include:
- Tyre pressure and condition
- Any hoses attached to the forklift
- Fluid levels
- The condition of the breaks
- The forks and overhead guards.
By checking these items daily, you’ll be able to identify and easily carry out any repairs that need doing.
Check The Tyres
Not all forklifts have tyres, but for those who do, tyres are one of the most vital parts of the forklift. Not only do they allow for safe travel while using the forklift, but, if poorly maintained, can also pose a safety risk both to the forklift, as poorly maintained tyres can also cause other parts of the forklift to become damaged, but could also affect the stopping distance of the forklift. Add checking the tyres weekly to your forklift maintenance plan and you’ll help to ensure that your forklift stays safe and operational for as long as possible!
Keep The Forklift Clean!
Keeping the forklift clean as part of your weekly maintenance plan will also help to prolong it’s life. Not only will it help to identify any problems that may otherwise be hidden by dirt, but it will also make any repairs considerably easier. Along with this, by keeping the forklift clean, team members will also be able to flag any problems that they spot when performing checks.
Deal With Issues When They Arise
Despite daily checks and a maintenance schedule, there may occasionally be unexpected issues that arise with your machine. These tend to happen as parts wear out over time, or if parts are left exposed to the elements for prolonged periods of time. However, while these can’t always be prevented, your response to them can have a massive effect on the fallout from them. For example, if it is reported that the brakes on a machine felt soft during a routine maintenance check, but it is not dealt with, then it could potentially cause an accident. Whereas dealing with it when it is flagged would remove that danger. Another benefit of having a forklift repair is that you also get the chance to find any other potential problems that may be unknown to you.
Conclusion
Looking after your forklift and ensuring it is both kept regularly serviced and also well maintained can really help to extend your forklift’s lifespan, and will save you money in the long run. This can very easily be done by just a few short measures that can be carried out daily, and with a bit of proactiveness, you can enjoy many years worth of work from your forklift.