Your Guide to Maintaining a VNA Forklift Truck

You might think that looking after a VNA forklift is the same as looking after any other forklift model, but you’d be mistaken. VNA forklifts, given their impressive ability to work in and around the narrowest of aisles and tightest of spaces, experience different strains and wear and tear than a more conventional forklift type. With this in mind, there are several things you should do if you own a VNA forklift to ensure it remains in top condition whilst in your care. Some of the things you can do to look after your VNA forklift are as follows:

Regularly inspect & maintain it

Where this is something you should do with any forklift, both before and after use, there are a few things that you’ll need to look at in more detail with a VNA forklift, paying particular attention to the tyres and turning mechanisms.

This is because VNA forklifts are often used to turn in compact spaces, with a tight turning radius also. This puts more wear on the tyres and the mechanisms used to steer the vehicle. In addition to looking at tyres and steering columns, you should also inspect the following parts, components and elements of your VNA forklift:

• Hydraulics
• Masts
• Carriage
• Chains
• Fixing bolts
• Backrest
• Forks
• Attachments
• Wheel nuts
• Brakes
• Operating controls
• Warning lights
• Gauges and instruments
• Lights
• Horns
• Alarms
• Safety guards
• Body work
• Inching pedal
• Fuel level
• Fuel connectors
• Engine oil level
• Battery
• Fan
• LPG bottle security
• Electrolyte levels
• Battery security
• General cleanliness
• Cable connections

Ensure your forklift operators are fully-trained

One way to ensure the integrity of your VNA forklift is to make sure that all of your operators are completely up to date with their forklift training. This allows the VNA forklift to be operated safely at all times. This reduces the chances of crashes and accidents. Not only does this protect your VNA forklift from damage, but it also keeps the operators and pedestrians in the area safe and protected from harm. This also helps to ensure your stock remains undamaged, making sure that your profit margins aren’t hindered also.

Look after the forklift batteries effectively

This is only something you’ll really need to be concerned about with an electric VNA forklift. There are a number of things you’ll be required to do when it comes to looking after your electric VNA forklift battery, according to Charnwood Lift Trucks. From charging the battery correctly, and at the right times, right through to changing the battery as and when needed, here are some things you can do to keep your electric VNA forklift battery in top condition for as long as possible:

• Fully-charge the battery at the end of each working day
• Keep the battery fluid topped up
• Make sure that the battery itself is kept clean
• Have a competent person inspect the battery so as to determine when you need a new one to be fitted
• When fitting a new battery, it needs to be done by a competent professional and in a dry place

Check the forklift tyres

We have already placed considerable emphasis on making sure that you’re checking the tyres on any VNA forklift, because of their capability to work in compact areas. But as well as a visual inspection, where you should be looking for tyres that are damaged, bulging or are lacking tread, you should also make sure that you’re checking the tyre pressure and that they’ve been fitted properly and securely to the truck.

You also need to check that the VNA forklift tyres are performing as expected whilst braking, turning, accelerating and reversing. To maintain the integrity of the forklift tyres, you should refrain from turning corners at speed, braking heavily or travelling over rough terrain. If you have spare tyres for your VNA forklifts, you need to be storing them somewhere that’s cool, dry and dark to minimise premature wear and decay.

Make sure the forklift is kept clean

A way to make sure that your VNA forklift is maintained properly and remains in top condition is to ensure the vehicle itself is kept clean. This isn’t always an easy job, mainly because it’s advised that you should clean the VNA forklift truck by hand so as to protect the chassis, windows, lights, the forklift battery (if electric) and the paintwork. There are a few steps you should taken when cleaning your VNA forklift, including:

• Removing dust – take a dusting cloth and wipe the chassis down, removing any dust and loose debris that might be present. This ensures the forklift is relatively clean to start with, but it also prevents scratching and unnecessary damage caused by grit, stones and other materials
• Wash the forklift by hand – washing the forklift by hand allows for optimum control, something that’s especially important if you have an electric forklift. Refrain from using a pressure washer, only opting for a standard hose on a sprinkler setting to wash off soapy suds

Multy Lift has been supplying customers throughout the UK with quality material handling equipment for over three decades. With extensive knowledge and expertise, we can always be counted upon to provide high-quality VNA forklifts, as well as many other new and used forklift models, such as multi-directional, counterbalanced machines and more. We also have a wide range of fuel options available, such as diesel, electric and LPG. For more information about our VNA forklifts, or to discuss our other forklifts and new or used warehouse equipment, get in touch with a member of our specialist, professional team today – we’re always pleased to hear from you.