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Maintaining a forklift, or a fleet of forklifts, is exceptionally important when it comes to the smooth-running of warehouse operations, and for a number of reasons. So why do you need to maintain your machine, should you have a schedule and how, exactly, do you go about doing it effectively? Multy Lift are on hand to explain this all to you.
Why do I need to service & maintain my forklift?
There are several different reasons for why you should take the time to properly service and maintain your forklift, or fleet of forklifts and they include the following:
You’ll experience improved performance
If your forklift is in top condition, whether it be new or used, then you’ll be guaranteed to experience improved forklift performance. As a result, your machine will be able to lift and transport considerably heavy loads countless times. This will ensure that your warehouse operations stay on schedule.
There’ll be a reduction in repair costs
You won’t have to worry about the associated costs of repairing your forklift if you maintain it properly throughout your ownership of it. If it’s kept in good condition, then you’ll have peace of mind that you’ll get to experience many hours of uninterrupted service and that, in turn, will result in a reduction of repair costs.
The money you save here could be used for other aspects of your business, such as increased wages for workers or even investing in an additional machine. The money could also be used to upgrade existing equipment or for the implementation of extra safety measures throughout your premises.
It’ll work out safer for your employees
Forklifts that are well-maintained can always be relied upon to lift and transport large, heavy loads with very little trouble, meaning stock will be less likely to fall off and harm one of your employees. It’ll also mitigate the likelihood of a forklift tipping over when carrying inventory, something which will also help to protect your workers, whether they’re operating the forklift or are on the ground.
The life of your forklift will be elongated
Regular forklift maintenance will ensure that its life is elongated, providing you with countless hours of operational time. This will also come in particularly handy if you ever chose to sell on your forklift as a second-hand vehicle. Be sure to include all safety certificates and other supporting paperwork to prove that servicing and maintenance have been carried out by a competent person.
Should I have a regular forklift maintenance schedule?
Having a forklift maintenance schedule will help you to establish the needs of your forklift and it’ll also enable regular checks, whether it be on a weekly, monthly, quarterly or yearly basis. By adhering to a vigorous maintenance schedule, you’ll not only be keeping your forklift in good working condition, but you’ll also minimise downtime and repair costs in the process. In short, having a forklift maintenance schedule is a good idea, especially for the long term.
Tips for maintaining your forklift
There are a number of different tips for maintaining your forklift or forklift fleet, including the following:
- Keeping your forklifts clean
- Having inspections, maintenance and any repairs carried out by a competent, fully-qualified and certified person
- Understanding what should be done with forklifts that are either unsafe or damaged, including reporting the problem to the relevant bodies
- Only using qualified tyre fitters when replacing forklift tyres
- Keeping all moving parts well-lubricated and as clean as possible
- Ensuring the forklift is fully-charged or fuelled to enable instant use
- Making sure forklift gauges are functioning properly
