Forklifts need maintenance more than most other mechanical machinery due to their high levels of wear. People use them for days on end with little break, which means that you must constantly inspect your forklifts for any failures in operation. This is a quick rubric on how often you should have your forklift serviced to give you an idea of how closely to monitor your equipment.
In Extreme Temperatures
Forklifts are already under enough pressure and tension, as it is with the long hours and incredible loads that they lift continually throughout the workday. If we did the same level of work that a forklift puts out in a shift, we might get through an hour before needing our first break.
So, when you add extreme temperatures to that, such as working in a warehouse during the summertime or in a hot area of the world, this means you will have to drive your forklift cautiously. Be sure to avoid putting too much strain on your rig. Regardless of that, make sure you’re checking the thermostat on it periodically and rest the machine whenever you can.
During Seasonal Spikes
During the holiday season, things are nuts. It may not be as hot as the summer months, but with the amount of wear you put on your rig, you will need to make sure that you do your morning inspection and end-of-shift inspection. You might even throw in a lunchtime inspection just to be on top of things.
After Attachment Usage
This is one of the top things you need to look out for. Anytime there are attachments used with forklifts, you can be sure that this means even more stress on the rig than usual and can lead to signs that your forklift needs repair. So if anything is out of lines, such as the tires balding, cracks in the forklift, or compression issues, you need to shut it down. Ignoring such issues could cause your engine to fail if there is too much stress on it.
How often you should have your forklift serviced is largely up to you. Examining it every shift is a fail-safe way to keep it running well and avoid a breakdown. So stay on top of it and do the best you can to keep it in operation.
