Popular and regular forklift servicing and maintenance are crucial to keeping a machine working properly. When this machine is well-maintained, it will provide the user years of safe and reliable service. If the machine is neglected, the machine will break down much more frequently, require replacement much sooner, and even more importantly, put those operating the forklift at risk. If a person wants to get the most out of their investment and reduce the likelihood of a forklift accident, then preventative maintenance is key. Some of the most important steps to take to ensure a forklift continues operating properly year after year are listed here.
Inspect the Machine Each Day
While it is possible to learn more from Equify Auctions about forklift maintenance, there are several things that need to be done regularly to ensure proper operation. Not only is a regular inspection ideal for identifying problems early, such as faltering brakes and leaky hoses, but it is also required by OSHA. The regular checks are going to help a forklift owner save both money and time over waiting to repair issues until they actually interfere with the machine’s operation.
The best way to begin implementing these checks is to use an OSHA provided checklist. This will ensure that all of the issues are addressed before the forklift is used. Some of the most important elements on this list includes brake performance, overhead guards, forks, fluid levels, seat belt function, tire conditions, tire pressure, and hoses.
Follow the Maintenance Schedule from the Manufacturer
Regular forklift maintenance needs to adhere to the schedule that is provided by the machine’s manufacturer. For example, most forklift manufacturers will recommend an in-depth inspection or complete service after a specific amount of time has passed. This includes things like oil changes every three or six months, or when a certain level of usage is achieved, for example, after 250 hours of use.
Making sure that these important tasks, such as the drive train, spark plug replacements, filter changes, and more will help owners and users avoid bigger and unexpected issues that may result in lost time and money, along with potential safety risks.
Check the Tires on the Forklift Regularly
The tires on a forklift can wear out very quickly. This is especially the case if it is regularly traversing the same paths in a warehouse. This repetitive motion can cause the tires wearing out much faster on one side than on the other. The tires may also deflate, lose treat, or spring leaks. Because the tires are so important for the proper operation of the forklift, maintenance should include the regular inspection of and servicing of the machine’s tires.
It’s important to check these as part of the day-to-day inspection. The inspection needs to include a pressure checked, along with a visual exam to make sure they are still in good condition and that they have adequate tread.
According to OSHA, forklifts should be removed from service if any of the tires are missing any amount of rubber. However, it’s also a good idea to remove machines that have a leaking or damaged tires.
Clean the Forklifts Each Week
Cleaning a forklift does much more for the machine than just improve the overall aesthetic appeal. It’s also a crucial safety feature that can help to prevent the accumulation of combustible materials, like lint, on the machine and prevent a blocked radiator, along with other issues that may impact the safety and proper operation of the forklift.
What this means is that weekly cleanings need to be done as part of any good forklift maintenance plan. The process needs to include blowing the radiator out, wiping down the dirty elements, and changing the filters that are dirty. This proper and regular cleaning will help to keep the forklift working properly for several years and help save the owner and operator money by reducing the wear and tear on the machine by removing all built-up debris and dirt.
Deal with Issues Right Away
Even with the regular checks and the regular maintenance schedule, there could be unexpected issues that occur with the machine. For example, the operator may see the brake getting soft during their shift or a tine could break or bend while being used. Making sure to address these issues right away is crucial to prevent bigger issues and more dangerous accidents.
Handling problems early can help to prevent smaller issues from becoming larger and more expensive. It is much more affordable to fix the machine’s coolant leak than it is to replace the entire engine -; or even purchase an entirely new machine -; after a leak that was neglected has been fixed.
Sign Up for a Professional Maintenance Plan
In some cases, the most convenient way to maintain a forklift is with a preventative maintenance contract with a professional service provider. This type of maintenance plan helps to guarantee that routine maintenance is done on time. This plan is going to provide peace of mind that a forklift is kept at optimal levels of safety and repair. There are also companies that offer maintenance and repair services that complement one another, which means there’s no need to find a separate repair company. This will help the equipment owner save time and money.
Taking the time to make sure that a forklift is properly repaired and that no serious issues arise will pay off in the long run. In most cases, by following the maintenance tips here, it will be possible to ensure that any forklift continues to operate properly. Remember, never ignore a problem when it occurs, as it will only get worse as time passes. By following this advice, it is possible to ensure that the forklifts being used are safe and in good repair, which is crucial when it comes to worker safety and well-being. Also, hiring professionals for help with forklift maintenance is always a smart move.