Regularly cleaning both the exterior and interior of your forklift will help to keep it in good condition. Forklifts get dirty quickly, especially if they’re used outdoors. Ensuring that they are clean and free of mud, dirt, and other debris will help to prevent wear and tear on the forklift’s components. We recommend using a damp cloth when cleaning your forklift.
Keeping your workplace clean is just as important as maintaining the forklift itself. Whether it is debris getting caught in the forklift mechanisms or obstructions that drivers must constantly manoeuvre around, poorly maintained environments can easily damage forklifts.
Equally, storing your forklift in an appropriate environment is key to its longevity. Protect it from the elements and make sure it’s not in direct sunlight or a cold, damp place. Dry, clean environments will help your machinery avoid rusting.
Forklifts are tough machines, but they’re not indestructible. Make sure you keep an eye on any wear and tear and repair or replace damaged parts as soon as possible. This will help to prevent more serious problems down the road. This includes checking the tires, brakes, steering mechanism, and all other parts of the forklift.
Forklifts require engine oil to run properly. Make sure you check the oil level regularly and top it up as needed, as it is crucial to a forklift’s internal operation. If the forklift doesn’t have enough oil, it can cause serious damage to the engine. In particular, a low oil level can cause the forklift engine to overheat. We recommend that you change your oil roughly every 200 hours.
This one might seem like a no-brainer, but using the forklift properly is key to preserving its lifespan. For the same reasons, it is imperative that all forklift operators are trained correctly!
Make sure you read the operator’s manual carefully and follow the instructions for proper use. Improper use can cause unnecessary wear and tear on the forklift’s components. For example, avoid sudden stops and sharp turns. Similarly, do not overload your forklift as this can put a lot of strain on the machinery and can lead to it breaking down prematurely.
Follow these top tips and maximise the lifespan of your forklift truck! At the same, however, you need to be able to spot when it needs replacing. If you are in the market for a forklift, check out our premium range of first- and second-hand L.P gas, diesel, and electric forklift trucks!
The Definitive Guide to Forklift Transport