5 Things That Can Damage Your Forklift

Here at Multy Lift, we understand that forklifts play a vital role in the smooth running of any warehouse or distribution centre. As such, it’s absolutely paramount that the machines you’re using are looked after in order to elongate their lifespan and retain their market value.

If certain things are neglected or overlooked, or if the forklift is used for anything over than loading and unloading stock, then it could be extremely expensive to repair the damage. With that in mind, here are five things that have the potential to damage your forklift and how to avoid it.

1. A heavy load putting strain on the heel

Primarily, the overall weight of a load is carried on the heel of the forklift, and so it’s imperative that this part of the machine is protected at all times. If the heel suffers any kind of damage, it could cause the forklift to drop significant loads, putting workers at dangerous risk of injury.

Also, repairing or replacing a forklift heel can be a quite a difficult task, making it incredibly costly to rectify any damage caused. Therefore, if this situation arises, many warehouse owners opt to buy an entirely new forklift as opposed to fixing the problem in order to keep things as simple and as cost-effective as possible.

How to prevent damage to the heel of a forklift

There are a few ways in which damage to the heel can be avoided, including not dragging the heel or applying any kind of heat to the heel. It’s also essential that the forklift’s maximum loading capacity is not exceeded.

2. Using a forklift for anything other than lifting loads

Some warehouse workers have been known to misuse forklifts, using the forks to pry objects apart or push things open. This can cause damage to the forks themselves, leading to stress fractures, noticeable cracks or even bending of the metal itself. Where replacing forks on a forklift is relatively hassle-free, there can be considerable cost involved as you’ll firstly need to buy the materials and then possibly pay for the labour as well.

How to prevent damage to the forks

To prevent damaging the forks, only use the forklift for lifting, transporting and unloading stock. It’s also important that both forks are used to lift loads as opposed to one, helping to distribute the weight. Do not use the forks to pry or push things open, no matter what it is.

3. Lifting loads that exceeds the forklift’s maximum capacity

Forklifts come with a maximum lifting load for a reason and have specifically designed that way to ensure the machine runs for as long as possible, providing effective material handling solutions throughout its lifespan. However, there are some warehouse workers who have been known to exceed the forklift’s maximum loading capacity, causing significant damage to the forklift itself.

If the load is exceeded, you risk the forklift tipping over or the forks may simply snap off. If this happens, then that puts the workforce at serious risk of injury. As well as this, stock will be damaged and so the business will lose out financially as a result. It will also cost a considerable amount of money to either repair or replace the damaged forklift.

How to prevent damage to a forklift

Simply follow the weight guidelines and parameters when it comes to lifting loads using a forklift. You should also check the weight of the stock you’re about to carry to ensure that the loading capacity isn’t exceeded. It would also be worth getting a second opinion on the matter and maybe even having a spotter nearby just in case.

If you’re the warehouse manager, then you could perhaps consider retraining some forklift operators. This will help to ensure that they’re as up to date as possible when it comes to the health and safety aspects of operating a forklift, in turn, both your employees and your forklift trucks will be protected from harm.

4. Letting the forks hit the ground

Not only could this cause damage to the forks themselves, but it could also cause some damage to the forklift chassis. Forks or even the body itself could end up with cracks, chips and other forms of damage that could either cause the value of your machine to drop or render the forklift useless until either the damage is fixed or the machine is replaced. It could also cause damage to the load the forklift was carrying, meaning even more money will have to be spent.

How to prevent damage to the forks or forklift chassis

It would help to lower the stock down at a slow rate as opposed to lowering it quickly. This way, you’ll have more control over the load you’re dropping off. It would also be worth asking someone to watch as you unload the stock, ensuring that the forks do not touch the ground at a significant rate.

Again, if forklift operators need to be retrained and brought up to speed about how to load and unload stock efficiently and safely, then kindly request that they attend the sessions in order to ensure the safety of themselves and others.

5. Only using one fork to lift, carry and unload stock

A common occurrence in many warehouses, using one fork to lift loads can be extremely damaging to the fork and even the forklift itself. The machine has been specifically designed to carry loads using both forks. This helps to ensure that the forklift doesn’t topple over and the forks remain intact. As such, only using one fork could cause it to bend, making it ineffective at carrying stock as it could simply slide off. This will then be considered a safety hazard in the workplace and so the machine will have to be repaired at the warehouse owner’s expense.

How to prevent damage to a forklift or its forks

It’s easy to prevent this kind of damage occurring – use both forks when lifting loads, no matter how heavy the stock may be. If you aren’t sure about how to do this or if you need to be retrained, then request the help you need in order to drive a forklift safely once again. This will keep yourself and others safe when the machine is in operation.

Multy Lift is proud to be able to offer our customers high-quality warehouse equipment and used forklifts that can always be relied upon. From forklifts and reach trucks to pallet trucks and order pickers, we’ll be able to suit both your needs and your budget with our extensive collection of reasonably priced warehouse equipment. Our specialists are even able to construct mezzanine floors and warehouse racking to maximise space. For more information about how we can help you today, get in touch with a member of our knowledgeable team today – we’re always happy to help.