Forklift trucks can improve safety and productivity by handling heavy loads in a warehouse or other workplace. Regular maintenance and servicing will help ensure that a forklift always runs safely and reliably, saving money on repairs and preventing costly downtime.
What Are Common Faults With Forklifts?
There are a number of common faults that can occur with a forklift truck. These faults are more likely to occur if a forklift is used frequently and include;
- Mast won’t lift – Problems with the lifting mechanism will mean a forklift can’t safely lift and lower goods. This is often caused by a lack of hydraulic fluid, so check for leaks and keep levels topped up.
- Worn out tyres – Like any vehicle, a forklift truck relies on good tyres to keep moving. Over time, wear and tear can cause damage to tyres. Keep an eye on tyre condition and take care in areas where there is debris on the floor.
- Overheating engine – An engine that overheats will mean a forklift is going nowhere. Check for blockages or other problems with the radiator and ensure the thermostat is working so that coolant is added to the engine when the temperature increases.
- Steering problems – Issues with steering a forklift can make it less safe to operate. Check that tyres are aligned correctly, gears are in good condition, and that the steering mechanism isn’t showing any rust. Regularly check steering fluid levels.
- Battery problems – Make sure batteries are kept fully charged and are periodically inspected to ensure they are working efficiently.
Preventative Maintenance for Forklift Trucks
Preventative maintenance is the best way to avoid expensive repairs or disruption to your business when a forklift breaks down. To ensure a forklift keeps working reliably;
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. Check the forklift handbook for details or contact the manufacturer directly for advice on how to take care of a forklift truck and how often it should be serviced.
- Clean forklifts weekly. A build-up of dirt and dust can cause parts of a forklift to not work efficiently, so have a regular cleaning routine in place to prevent any problems. A clean forklift will also protect goods from damage when in transit and will also be more pleasant for the operator to use.
- Regularly check fluid levels. Many common forklift faults can be fixed by simply topping up fluid or fuel. Monitor these levels carefully and keep stocks of fluid on hand to keep your forklift running reliably.
- Fix faults before they develop further. It is easier and often cheaper to fix a fault with a forklift before it develops into a major problem. Annual servicing will ensure that any potential problems are spotted and fixed before they require more expensive repair work.
Why is Forklift Maintenance & Servicing Important?
Forklift maintenance and servicing is important because;
- It saves money. Repairs tend to become more expensive once faults get more serious. Spotting a fault early during routine maintenance or servicing will ensure it can be fixed quickly.
- It improves safety. A well-maintained forklift truck is a safe forklift truck. Keep your people and your premises safe by investing in regular maintenance to avoid health and safety issues on site.
- It boosts productivity. If a forklift breaks down, your business could experience inconvenient downtime while the forklift is fixed. Maintenance can help keep your business running efficiently, so you meet every deadline.
What If a Forklift Breaks Down?
If a forklift truck breaks down, contact a company who provides a breakdown service, like Approved Forklift Trucks. Our team will respond quickly when a breakdown occurs to get your forklift back up and running as soon as possible. We also offer maintenance and servicing for fork trucks, so call 0116 276 2868 or complete our contact form for help keeping your forklift trucks in full working order.