The Basics Of Forklift Truck Maintenance

Forklifts are very important pieces of equipment that make operational tasks easy and jobs faster. It is important to see to it that the equipment receives proper and religious maintenance to keep it running, operating optimally, and give it longevity. Proper maintenance also helps keep expensive repairs at bay. Whether you have an in-house team of mechanics or you are partnering with a forklift repair services provider in Atlanta such as Accurate Forklift, make sure that there is no sub-standard work and only forklift OEM parts are used. Here are some of the elements that must go into your forklift maintenance regimen.

Check tires on a regular basis

Checking tires is an important part of any maintenance regimen. The first thing you want to check is the tire pressure as under or over-inflation are both problematic as they expose you to accidents and high gas costs. Underinflation means less traction while over-inflation can damage the tires or even cause tire bursts. Always check your cushion tires for cracks or missing chunks that may cause an unstable ride.

Check your brakes for safety

Forklift brakes should never be compromised as such a development could easily spell disaster. That is why it is always vital to make sure that all issues pertaining to the brakes are resolved as soon as possible. Brakes can be affected by regular wear and tear and will also soften over time requiring more physical exertion to get them working.

Change oil and fluids regularly

A forklift makes use of a variety of fluids to function properly. These include hydraulic fluid, transmission fluid, coolants, and motor oil which help in the working of moving parts. It is recommended to change the fluids every 3 months as this helps in giving the forklift longevity and optimum utilization. The approach and importance are pretty much the same as with your car or any other vehicle that you own.

The Last Word

You must also include other elements such as checking antifreeze levels and ensuring that forks are still straight. Partnering with accurate Forklift for your forklift repair in Atlanta frees you to concentrate on your core business while working with a team of seasoned forklift technicians on friendly terms. We offer forklift sales and forklift rentals as well as forklift services in Atlanta for all makes and models. Our team of experts is always available to discuss your requirement and answer your questions. Call us today at 770-692-1455 and ask for service or email us at service@accurateforklift.net. 

5 Important Elements to Ensuring Forklift Safety

 

Forklift service providers offer repair and maintenance services for different types of forklifts. It remains important for operators to be trained to operate the trucks in a way that promotes longevity and safety. Accurate Forklift offers some of the best forklift service as well as forklift rental, forklift sales, and forklifts parts. In this blog, we share five important elements to ensure safety around the workplace. Read on.

1. Ensure Proper training of operators

Before an operator takes control of a forklift, they should be properly trained, certified, and governed by the Department of Labor and Industries. OSHA mandates all powered industrial forklift operators to have practical training and workplace evaluation. The training program includes classroom lectures and videos, safe lift truck operation, specialized training on particular trucks, and general safety requirements according to OSHA.

2. Perform forklift inspection

It is important to perform regular preventative inspections of each forklift before every job. A circle-check reduces the probability of operating a forklift under unsafe conditions. Inspection makes it easy to identify and deal with maintenance issues before they become more serious. If small issues are neglected, they will cause downtime, expensive repairs, equipment damage, and even accidents, injuries, and deaths. OSHA recommends all forklifts to be inspected daily or after every shift. The inspection points must include tires, brakes, lights, seat belts, filled level, horn, backup alarms, and moving and loading-support parts of the forklift.

3. Know the equipment and its rules

It is important to know your forklift and be more proactive with regards to how you operate it as this helps in avoiding accidents and equipment damage. This is why the National Safety Council's program includes a discussion on worker and bystander safety. Among the different things operators have to appreciate include the fact that a lift truck, being an open structure, is more prone to tipping over whether loaded or not, weight range, travelling speed limits, turning radius, and three-point suspension. The NSC also encourages drivers to wear seatbelts and to be aware of their surroundings at job sites.

4. Know about the stability triangle

Forklifts are built on a three-point suspension system which resembles a triangle, having support points at both ends of the front axle and the other located at the center of the rear axle. It is important to understand that the weight of an unloaded truck has equal concentration while the load has its own center of gravity. A loaded lift truck has a combined center of gravity between that of the load and the truck. The operator must understand the stability triangle and must stay within it when the forklift is moving. Factors such as unstable, raised, or heavy loads, fast starts or stops, and turning quickly can cause the truck to get off the stability triangle.

5. The final word

The above-listed elements are important to take note of as they help in promoting safety and reducing the risk of accidents. Accurate Forklift offers specialized forklift services and a huge inventory of well-maintained forklifts to ensure safety and smooth operations.  For more information about our forklift services such as preventative or routine maintenance and repairs or to discuss your requirements, simply call us at 770-692-1455 or email at service@accurateforklift.net and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Tips For Proper Battery Maintenance

Seven tips for proper battery maintenance

1. Keep the battery clean, dry, and free from corrosion
2. Maintain the correct water level (about one half inch below the battery cap opening)
3. Add water only after the charge cycle
4. Set up a weekly or bi-monthly watering schedule to ensure proper water levels
5. Avoid opportunity charging (charging during break times and lunch breaks) because each time you connect the battery to a charger, it uses one of its life cycles
6. Inspect your battery for any defects or malfunctions, and have your service provider repair them as needed
7. Have your batteries washed and serviced semi-annually to help control acid and corrosion.

10 commandments of battery care

1. Add approved water only— never add acid
2. Keep electrolyte level above separator protectors
3. Keep battery top clean and dry
4. Keep flames and metal away from battery top
5. Keep vent caps tightly in place
6. Discharge to no lower than 80 percent, and do not operate battery if the specific gravity is below 1.150 for Powerline, Varta, Waterless, and Top Power batteries, and 1.175 for Energy-Plus batteries
7. Cool before charging or operating if battery is above 115 degrees Fahrenheit
8. Only use approved chargers of correct voltage and current output
9. Keep truck compartment and battery cover open during charging
10. When in doubt, call your Accurate Forklift Service representative for assistance

Watering instructions:

• Approved water: Only distilled and deionized water should be added to batteries, be sure to check your manual for specifications.
• Proper electrolyte level: The electrolyte level must be kept between the “high watering level” and the separator protectors. Only fill batteries at the end of the charging cycle.

Talk to Accurate Forklift

Whether it is repairs and maintenance or forklift equipment rental service in Atlanta, Accurate Forklift has got you covered. Talk to us today to discuss your requirements and hear how we can help. We also offer heavy-duty forklift rental services. Just dial 770-692-1455. You can also email us at service@accurateforklift.net, rentals@accurateforklift.net or sales@accurateforklift.net.

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Forklift Stress

Are you stressed out over Forklift Service, Forklift Rental, Forklift Parts or Forklift Sales. Accurate forklift can take all your stress away. With over 22 road techs we can handle any service request that you may have. We have the Atlanta Forklift Rental area covered with over 250 forklifts available for rent. We carry everything from a 3,000 lb electric up to a 36,000 lb diesel. We are one of the souths largest Total Source dealer so parts are no problem. We can ship anywhere in the United States and usually one day shipping. We have 110,000 sq. ft. of indoor used forklift parts ready to box and ship.

Give us a call today at 770-692-1455 for all your forklift needs. You can also check us out on the web @ accurateforklift.net 

Answering Common Questions About Forklift Rentals

Forklifts for rent give you absolute control over lifting equipment costs. They also give you the flexibility to swap forklift types as you have access to a range of forklift types and lifting capacities. Accurate Forklift is a reputable provider of forklift rentals, forklift sales, forklift parts, and  forklift service in Atlanta, Georgia. To help you know more about forklift rental services, we answer some common questions.

What’s short-term and long-term forklift rental?
Short term rental, also known as casual rental, pertains to daily, weekly, and monthly forklift rentals every other period below a year. Long term rental is any rental period exceeding 1 year.
What is included with a typical rental?

• A reliable forklift truck
• Preventative maintenance repairs
• Repairs and servicing
• Discounts for weekly and monthly rentals

What is not included with a forklift rental?

• A forklift operator
• Training
• Fuel
• Issues resulting from negligence or abuse
• Batteries, tires, and comprehensive insurance (long-term rental)

How much is forklift rental in Atlanta?

Forklift rental in Atlanta starts at $125.00 per day and you can access discounts of up to 35 and 60 percent for weekly and monthly rentals, respectively.
What Forklift capacities are available?
Forklifts for rent are available in lifting capacities that range from 3,000 to 40,000 lbs. Counterbalance principles help you determine the best forklift capacity for your requirement.
Do I need to pay a security deposit?
Yes, you need to pay a security deposit when you rent a forklift truck and the amount varies depending on the specific type and capacity of the truck in question.

How flexible is the forklift rental contract?

The contract is quite flexible as it allows you to modify your rental such as by extending the rental period or swapping the forklift to suit the different stages of your project. Modifications will often be introduced to the billing as well to suit the changes in your requirement.
Talk to a forklift rental expert!
If you wish to get more information or rent a forklift truck in Atlanta, Accurate Forklift has you covered. Browse through our forklifts available for rent in Atlanta or discuss with an expert to get the best help. Call us today for amazing deals on forklift rental services at 770-692-1455. You can also email us at rentals@accurateforklift.net or fill out our contact form.

Tips on Choosing the Right Forklift

Selecting the right forklift is very important for you to enjoy maximum utilization in your company. There are many elements that come together to influence the best choice of forklift truck for your requirements. If you wish to own a forklift for your company’s operations, it is best that you consider a few important aspects so that your investment is worth its while. Below are a few pointers that will help you in doing just that.

Nature of your work

If most of your operations require the use of a forklift truck and you use it for more than 5 hours every day, it may be better to purchase a forklift than keep on renting. You must also be sure that it is not only for temporal but you will be using it a lot more in the foreseeable future. However, it may not be necessary for smaller operators to purchase a forklift as opposed to bigger companies.

Working Environment

You must identify the environment in which the forklift will be working. Either indoors or outdoors, smooth or rough terrain etc. This helps your forklift sales provider better assist you to choose the right forklift. The right choice ensures that the forklift will have a longer lifespan, giving you value for your money.

Load Size

How much is the load that the forklift will be expected to carry? Specify the maximum, minimum and average load that your forklift will carry. The best way forward is to opt for one with a load capacity that is higher or within the range of your requirements. It is important that you consider the nature of your load so that you get a lift truck with fork attachments that are suitable for the job. There is nothing more frustrating than getting a machine which cannot handle its operations due to configuration issues, which is why you must keep this in mind when choosing your lift truck for sale in Atlanta or any other place.

Fuel type

Choice of fuel type is related to your work environment. Let’s say you require the lift truck to work in a warehouse, it is advisable to go for battery power. This is due to the fact that it does not produce much noise, the power source is cheaper, and has a longer life span, although it has high maintenance cost. If the forklift is required for outdoor work, a diesel or gas powered option is the best. This is because they can handle higher power requirements to maneuver around different terrain while carrying maximum loads. Big lift trucks are often either diesel or gas powered.

Brand new or Used.

You do not always need to purchase a brand-new forklift. If you are looking to add a forklift in your fleet or seek to buy your first truck on a restricted budget, you may want to consider a reconditioned forklift truck for sale. This will help you save lots of money and get a near-mint condition machine in the process. If, however, you need a machine with a longer lifespan to handle major operations in your company, then search for the best deals on brand new forklifts for sale online.

Final remarks

When getting a lift truck, find a that enjoys a good reputation in the market and gives you access to wide choice and great deals on forklifts for sale in Atlanta or any other jurisdiction. Conduct background checks on the service provider and google the specs of the various options on your shortlist. Get some expert help and maybe hire the same model before buying to assess its performance and suitability for your requirements.