When you are servicing your forklift, there are a number of things you need to consider. These include checking your lubrication levels, inspecting your tires, and keeping your operator compartment clean. These steps will keep your forklift operating properly and safely. Why do you need to service your forklift?
Regular service is an essential routine for your forklift. It ensures that your forklift works smoothly with the proper mechanism. It will also enable you to detect problems in any part of the forklift and prevent it from breaking down.
Also, early detection of problems in the forklift’s mechanism will save you money as the cost of sudden downtime is much greater than that of routine services.
Most importantly, by means of regular service of your forklift, you can avoid misfortunes such as industrial accidents.
Cleaning the operator compartment
When servicing your forklift, the operator compartment should be free of debris and in good working order. This is important for several reasons. First of all, it will ensure that you avoid accidents. Second, it will protect your machine and prevent you from spending hundreds of dollars on repairs in the future.
Whether you are a forklift driver or an owner, knowing when and how to clean the operator compartment is vital. It is also important to understand that regular cleaning is crucial to the longevity of your forklift.
To properly clean your forklift, you should use a pressure washer. This will blast away stubborn dirt and debris. You should also wear protective clothing and footwear. The proper clothing will protect you from hazards and injuries that may arise from a forklift.
Inspecting the tires
If you are a forklift operator, it is important to inspect the tires of your forklift regularly. Without proper maintenance, your forklift could experience serious damage. Taking the time to maintain your forklift tire properly can save you from costly repairs.
There are several things to look for during a forklift tire inspection. These include cracks, chunked tires, tears, and flat areas. Any sign of damage should be repaired immediately.
A worn tire can cause a forklift to become unstable and may increase the risk of an accident. When your forklift loses control, it can hurt your dock plates, doors, and other structures. Even a small amount of damage can cause significant repair costs.
If you have a pneumatic tire, it is important to ensure it is inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended level. It is also important to check for damage to the lug nuts.
Preventive, predictive, lubrication, and reactive maintenance
A good preventive, predictive, lubrication and reactive maintenance for forklifts program can boost your operations and improve your site’s reliability. By following the guidelines outlined here, you’ll be able to implement a strong plan that can lead to significant value for your business.
One of the most impactful exercises for OEMs is to refocus maintenance on maximizing uptime. This means avoiding unnecessary downtime and minimizing the cost of repairs and service. In addition, happier customers can increase your chances of selling more machines and renewing your service contracts.
To establish an effective PM program, you’ll need a solid baseline. Your plan should include metrics and a schedule to review KPIs. Consider how much time it takes for your staff to complete the work, how much equipment you have, and what basic functions the asset should perform.
Maintenance Tips for Forklift includes:
To easily identify the damaged or worn parts, make a practice of keeping your forklift clean.
Lubricate all moving parts of the forklift well.
Allow trained professionals to conduct inspections, maintenance, and repair of the forklift whenever required. This is extremely important in the case of LPG forklifts. Also, consider trained installers in case of removing or replacing the forklift tyres.
In case your forklift is damaged or unsafe, plan a proper strategy. It includes tagging the vehicle as out of operation and informing the authoritative person regarding the same. Make sure that the gauges are in proper working condition always.
Oil leaks in lift trucks can lead to injuries.
A forklift oil leak differs from what you want to happen at your business. Leaks are not only a pain but also a safety hazard. They can also be a fire hazard. And as you can imagine, a forklift in flames is an awful sight.
The best way to prevent an oil leak is to maintain safe working conditions. You can do this by ensuring that the forklift is properly fueled and that the vehicle is not out of commission. You can also create a barrier to separate forklift traffic from pedestrian walkways. While a forklift may not be the most aesthetically pleasing machine on the block, you don’t want to see your employees injured or killed.
Reduce maintenance costs
One way to minimize maintenance costs is to maintain a good forklift maintenance program. By scheduling regular maintenance and inspections, you can reduce costly repairs and keep your equipment running at its best.
Regular maintenance can help you avoid accidents and injuries. It can also help you save money by catching problems before they start. This will increase the lifespan of your forklift.
Forklifts should be inspected for wear and tear before they are used. A multi-function display can tell you the status of your forklift’s health and performance. It can also monitor oil levels and determine maintenance needs.
Battery issues are another potential source of hidden costs. Check the vent caps on your battery to ensure they are tightly closed. Proper battery care shows that you care about your equipment and reflects well on you as an operator.
Safety Precautions While serving Forklift
The foremost thing to consider is only skilled, and qualified technicians should service your forklift truck. Service from unskilled technicians can prove to be harmful in terms of safety and cost.
During the forklift service, personal protective equipment such as adequate footwear should be worn.
Special attention must be paid while performing activities such as handling lead-acid batteries, battery charging equipment, or changing LPG tanks. For this, ensure that the technician wears goggles, face shields, gloves, or rubber boots.
Before proceeding with any of the repairs or services, the technician must go through the daily checklist of that particular forklift. Also, the technician must ensure when the forklift suffers the problem, before starting it or while driving.
Before embarking on any work, ensure all batteries are disconnected. Ensure that the workplace is clean. Immediately wipe off any spills of oil or fuel. The workspace must be free from obstructions and well-lit.
Also, the tools you will use must be clean and free from defects. Avoid contact of battery terminals with metal objects such as chains, tools, etc. For safety purposes, cover the battery top with insulating material.
The Bottom Line
With years of experience and expertise in handling a wide range of forklifts, CFE is ready to serve your forklift with the best. At CFE, our skilled technicians are always ready for the fleet and offer services that align with the needs of your forklifts.
In conclusion, it is important to know what to do when servicing your forklift. Serving your forklift can help keep it running smoothly and prevent problems down the road.
