Forklift Maintenance: 7 Tips to Keep Your Forklift in Tip-Top Shape

Do you want to extend the life of your forklift and save money in the process? Perform regular maintenance. 

The average forklift has a life span of 10,000 hours, a number that can increase by up to 3,000 with a proper maintenance schedule. Fortunately, performing forklift maintenance and keeping your machine in tip-top shape isn’t a difficult task. By implementing a few tips and tricks, you can keep your forklift working as efficiently as possible.

If you are a forklift owner who wants to maintain a safe and reliable machine, here are several forklift maintenance tips to follow. 

1. Perform a Daily Safety Check

Part of maintaining a forklift is to perform a daily safety check. This safety check is not only recommended but it’s also required by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). You should be performing a pre-operational and operational check whenever the forklift is used. 

2. Keep the Forklift Clean

A great tip on how to take care of a forklift is to keep your forklift clean. Change the filter, blow out the radiator, remove debris, and wipe down all the components to maintain a clean machine. Regular cleanings are essential for safety and performance. 

3. Lubricate Regularly

Part of forklift preventative maintenance is to lubricate the machine regularly. Most moving parts on a forklift should be greased to make sure your machine has a full range of motion. Greasing the parts will help you avoid expensive repairs caused by friction between the movable parts.

4. Maintain the Battery

An important element of a regular forklift maintenance checklist is battery maintenance. Keeping your battery charged, clean, at a safe temperature, as well as maintaining the water levels is essential for keeping your forklift in great shape. A well-maintained battery will help you extend the life of your forklift.

5. Follow the Recommended Maintenance Schedule

Your forklift will have a recommended forklift maintenance schedule from the manufacture. The maintenance schedule will address tire inspections, brake servicing, oil changes, and more. It’s important to follow the recommended schedule to keep your machine working properly. 

6. Address Issues as Soon as Possible

Take care of any performance problems as soon as they arise. Dealing with small problems is a great way to avoid having the make expensive repairs in the future. When you notice an issue, fix it immediately. 

7. Know When It’s Time for a Replacement

At a certain point, your forklift will need to be replaced. While it may be tempting to procrastinate on buying a replacement, working with an old machine can increase your risk of accidents and costly repairs. You can find a quality Moffett forklift for sale, and purchase a safe and reliable replacement. 

Forklift Maintenance Is Essential for Your Safety

Performing regular forklift maintenance doesn’t have to be a difficult or complicated process. 

Implement a daily safety check as part of your overall maintenance plan. Keep your forklift clean, lubricated, and running correctly. It’s always best to follow the recommended maintenance schedule from the manufacture and address all performance issues immediately. 

By following these tips, you will extend the life of your machine.

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