Repairing Forklifts: Tips to Keep Your Equipment Running
Business owners know the importance of keeping their forklifts running. However, doing so can be a challenge. Preventative maintenance goes a long way to preventing expensive downtime and repairs. Why must forklift maintenance and repairs be a priority for every business today?
Reliability
Business owners don't want to spend money buying forklift parts because these funds could be better invested in helping the business grow. A well-maintained forklift is less likely to break down and will perform better. This maintenance also helps to reduce the odds of an unexpected malfunction that could harm an employee or damage property.
Safety
Regular maintenance of forklifts will prevent accidents and ensure operators and other employees remain safe. Routine checks help operators identify potential hazards to be addressed before anyone is in harm's way. Every time an operator uses the forklift, they must ensure that the seat belt and other safety features function properly. Furthermore, a company must adhere to OSHA's safety regulations to protect workers from preventable accidents.
Productivity
A well-maintained forklift is more productive and can tackle any job in the business. Extensive downtime and frequent breakdowns rarely occur so workers can do their jobs without interruption. Output increases and the business benefits, so the owner recoups the money spent on maintenance in increased productivity.
Professional Maintenance
Business owners should have their forklifts professionally maintained regularly. The technician may be able to spot things workers do not and can complete quality repairs to ensure the forklift remains in operating condition.
Extended Lifespan
Regular maintenance will extend the forklift's lifespan. Owners should follow the maintenance schedule provided by the manufacturer to ensure they notice everything. This maintenance should include inspecting the tires and brakes, changing the oil, and checking fluid levels. These tasks are necessary to reduce wear and tear on the forklift.
Less Downtime
Preventative maintenance helps reduce downtime, which can be costly for a company. When the forklift must be repaired, it is not in operation, which can slow or halt business operations. Any downtime can lead to a loss of customers, and no company wants this. Maintaining the machine reduces the risk of this happening.
Reduced Costs
A business saves money by maintaining its equipment. Owners may be tempted to skip maintenance, thinking it will save them a few dollars. Doing so ends up costing them more in the long run. Preventative maintenance should always be completed on time to reduce the need for repairs that could have easily been avoided.
Training
Those who operate forklifts should undergo training to ensure they know how to handle these machines. Forklifts should not be overloaded, and ramps must be navigated cautiously to reduce the risk of equipment damage. When combined with diligent maintenance, smart handling of these machines will lead to significant savings and a healthy bottom line for the business.
Every business should have a forklift preventative maintenance plan to ensure the machine remains in prime condition. This plan should include a daily maintenance checklist for operators before starting the machine, which is completed regularly to ensure the machine functions properly.
The company should also have a checklist specific to the type of forklift owned. The maintenance requirements for electric forklifts differ from those for diesel and propane versions. Warehouse-use forklifts don't need the same maintenance as rough-terrain forklifts. Having checklists available for employees will ensure the machines remain in top operating condition and are ready whenever the business needs them.
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