So, you’ve finally purchased that brand new forklift. It’s in perfect working condition, with an efficient engine, a new battery and durable tyres. You want to maintain your new forklifts pristine condition, but how?
From the moment your new forklift leaves the warehouse, we recommend actively implementing strategies to reduce the risk of damage. A well looked after forklift will allow you to maintain the productivity of your warehouse and avoid any additional costs associated with repairs or forklift breakdown.
Before you put your new machine to work, we have provided the top seven ways to maintain your forklift’s pristine condition.
1. Educate beyond the basics
Before any forklift operation occurs, the operator needs to be well educated on all aspects of forklift safety and damage prevention. In addition to the basics, training the operator on how to carefully handle pallets will prevent the risk of damage during busy operation periods.
During operator training, carefully explain how to stack the pallets evenly. A training course should also cover things like how to keep the load as low to the ground as possible and managing elevated loads appropriately to avoid tipping over.
Educating operators and emphasising the importance of careful management will help reduce the risk of damage.
2. Maintenance catches problems before they snowball
When regularly maintained, a forklift is an incredibly tough and durable machine. Regular equipment maintenance ensures that all components are in working order, preventing the risk of an unexpected breakdown and helping lower the cost of forklift ownership over time.
Going beyond this, if you are looking to sell your forklift in the future, an educated potential buyer would request records of maintenance. Being able to prove that your equipment has been properly maintained gives you leverage to increase your asking price and chance of receiving a greater return on your investment.
3. Ensure your forklift is safe to operate in the rain
The first step to avoiding water damage to your forklift is to purchase the right model for your requirements. If you will be operating the forklift outdoors, it is best to err on the side of caution by opting for a combustion forklift powered by either diesel or LPG/Gas, which is versatile for all weather conditions.
Operating a battery-powered electric forklift in the rain can cause severe damage to your forklift. In addition, the combination of electricity and rain can leave you at risk of electrocution or severe injury.
4. Keep it stable
As I’m sure you can imagine, a forklift that has tipped over will likely have sustained lasting damage. Thankfully, there are strategies you can implement to avoid this. When travelling on an incline, only drive up or down, never across it.
Each forklift comes with its own specific load capacity data plate that needs to be strictly followed at all times. Overloading a forklift can cause the machine to become unstable and tip over, resulting in serious damage to your machinery and the operator. Being aware of the maximum load capacity and keeping this in mind at all times will prevent your risk of the forklift tipping over.
5. Check it before you wreck it
Conducting an adequate pre-start and post-start safety check will help you spot damage in its early stages. Driving a damaged forklift will cause the problem to snowball, resulting in a greater cost to have it fixed. Not to mention, by driving a damaged forklift, you are putting yourself and others in danger.
Preventative actions include examining tyre and fluid levels, checking for water, oil or radiator leaks and testing the lights, horn, brakes and steering functions before and after operation. If you spot any signs of leaks, holes or tears, tagging out the forklift until it has been examined by an expert will avoid causing greater damage.
6. Be aware of surroundings
When operating a forklift, it is essential that you remain highly alert at all times. Forklifts can cause serious damage to anything it collides with. To remain alert, never use your mobile phone, remove any potential distractions, and pay close attention to your surroundings.
This will ensure the safety of yourself and others and help prevent damage caused by unexpected accidents.
7. Buy a forklift that is your perfect match
By carefully selecting the right forklift for your warehouse space, you can reduce the risk of collisions caused by narrow aisles or low overhead clearance, which can cause pallets to fall from the forklift during operation.
Our competent team at Hyworth Forklifts can help match you with a forklift that is ideal for your requirements. We conduct free on-site consultations where our team will assess your job site, recommending a forklift that will help you adequately complete your warehouse operations without experiencing damage.
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Our tailored recommendations can help keep your forklift in perfect working condition for years to come. Book an on-site consultation with our team today.
