When operating any sort of machinery, you should limit time. So what is considered high hours on a forklift? And does it differ between new and used models? Whilst forklift usage is often greater than some other machinery, you should always watch out for how much time you are spending in the cab.
In this article, we will look at what is considered high hours on a forklift, as well as the difference between new and used forklifts, and whether or not this will adapt usage limits. We will also look at how many hours the average forklift can last, and when you should invest in new, or used, models.
What is considered high hours on a forklift?
There are a few different factors that you should take into account when asking what is considered high hours on a forklift. It is not just a simple, definitive answer as forklifts are used in a vast array of different sectors and industries. Some jobs may only need you to operate your forklift for short, sharp bursts, whereas others may require you to be in the cab for longer periods of time in order to complete your work effectively.
There are guidelines provided by HSE and gov.uk that define that you should not be working any more than 48 hours a week across an average of 17 weeks. For workers under the age of 18, the limit is 40 hours a week and eight hours a day. For forklift usage, there is not a set limit to the amount of hours you can operate a piece of machinery for.
There are factors that do create a time limit however. For example, no matter what fuel source your forklift uses, there will be a time when there is no power left. For example, an electric forklift will eventually run out of battery, meaning you have to stop operating it and thus take a break from that work.
Some people may be employed simply to drive a forklift all day, every day. However, they must still adhere to the law restricting working time to 48 hours a week. Workers over the age of 18 are entitled to breaks during work, as well as daily and weekly rest periods. If a worker works over six hours a day, employers must ensure they have a break of at least 20 minutes per day. Workers can also receive at least 11 hours rest between shifts, as well as a 24-hour break between work each week, or 48 hours each fortnight. So when it comes down to what is considered high hours on a forklift, it is often job-specific.
Should You Operate A Used Forklift For Shorter Periods of Time?
Used forklifts are an excellent means of receiving a high standard of machinery for a more affordable price. The second-hand forklifts that we provide will always go through rigorous tests and inspections before they are sold and are always to the standard to pass LOLER certification. But what is considered high hours on a forklift that is of used specification? And does it even make a difference?
Because all of the used forklifts that we provide are put through their paces in terms of inspection and testing, we are confident that they will be able to live up to the standards that are expected of them in your workplace. This should not limit the amount of forklift usage time you experience, so you can continue to use your machinery as you normally would.
How Long is The Average Forklift Usage Lifespan?
The average lifespan of a forklift will be between 10,000 to 20,000 hours’ worth of use, depending on how often it is used and what it is being used for. To say that the average time you will get from a single charge or refuel of an engine is eight hours and that the average working day is eight hours, you will get, on average between 1,250 to 2,500 days of continuous use. The average working year is 261 days, meaning that you will be getting on average between five to ten years of use out of your forklift. Of course, these numbers are only estimates and there are many variables that can contribute to forklift usage.
If you would like to a member of our team for more information regarding what is considered high hours on a forklift, or if you would like any further info regarding our new and used forklifts, we would love to hear from you.