Forklift Maintenance Tips For The Start Of A New Year

As the year begins, it’s a good time to take stock of your equipment before getting down to business. If you use forklifts, it is important to periodically undertake routine maintenance to eliminate downtimes, prevent costly repairs, ensure the equipment performs safely and optimally, and serves you for long. If your lift truck is not in good shape or out of action, this may be a good time to recondition it or consider getting a new one. You can also get used forklifts for sale in Atlanta and other jurisdictions at affordable prices. Below are some of the major parts of a forklift that you must check before putting it back to use.

Battery life/Condition

If a forklift battery is near the end of its life or damaged, it can cause unnecessary disruptions or delays to your operations. If your battery is in a bad state, try to repair it, and if not possible, get a new one. If it is still in a good condition, just service it to ensure it continues to work optimally and lives long. Get expert help if you are not familiar with battery servicing or repair.


Hydraulics

Always ensure that the lift truck’s hydraulic system is intact. That means checking for any cracks in the hydraulic pipes and ensuring that oil is not leaking from the pipes. Also, make sure that your lift truck is well lubricated to aid the proper functioning of the engine, tines etc., and longevity. If the components are lubricated and hydraulics routinely maintained, you reduce downtimes and expensive repairs by preventing or fixing problems in their infancy. If you are ever in need of forklift service fixing the problem early is the key to long and costly repairs.


Tines and Tires

Your fork tines should still be intact, without any receding cracks that may cause accidents or even further damage the lift truck. If they are worn out or damaged, replace them. Likewise, ensure that the tires are in an excellent condition and can see the forklift through the year. It is always good practice to keep spare tires in case of any damage to the ones in use, to eliminate downtimes.


Forklift License

Remember to check your lift truck’s license for validity. If the license needs to be renewed soon, keep the fact in mind and note it down somewhere. You need to get the forklift inspected to get it licensed. Also, check your operators training, and if they need new training for the new or used lift truck in your fleet, make arrangements for the training and certification. This is to help reduce accidents and abide by regulations, and ensure proper use of your equipment.
Stay on Top of the Situation


Regular inspection of your forklift is a good practice, as it alerts you of any issues that need to be addressed. Routine checks and maintenance of your lift truck also helps you determine if it is still in good condition to carry out the desired tasks safely and efficiently. You might be better off renting or getting a new one. You can also get used lift trucks for sale from reputable forklift services providers in Atlanta.