How To Help Keep Your Forklift In Good Condition
Whether a customer is buying new or used, it is important to ensure that once the forklift has been bought that it is maintained properly. Forklifts are often viewed as an unwanted expense for many companies which can lead some to neglect their forklifts. Whether it is leaving them to the elements or not properly maintaining them, each of these activities can drastically reduce a forklift’s life span and result in larger additional costs occurring. In this article, we examine what steps you can take to extend the lifetime of your forklift and to ensure that it stays in a safe and usable condition.
Cabin
When examining the cabin, the main issue that customers face is weathering on the dash and seat due to being left outside. The best way to ensure that your forklift does not receive any damage from the elements is to keep it stored undercover. If this is not a viable option, then Rain Covers can also suitably protect the forklift from any damage that rain exposure may cause. While this will not protect it from the sun, it will reduce any water damage that may occur on the seat or dash as a result of rain. To help protect from the sun, your forklift can simply be covered with a tarp or dust cover that is large enough to go over the forklift. It is therefore recommended to protect your forklift cabin with either a rain cover, dust cover or keep it stored undercover to avoid any damage from the weather.
Tyres
In regard to Tyres, it is important to ensure that they are checked regularly. For solid tyres, it is important to check that the tyres have tread and are not bald, as that will present an issue in regard to traction if that has occurred. For pneumatic tyres, it is important to check that they do not have any punctures and are kept inflated. Tyres do not need much attention for maintenance but should be frequently monitored for any of the previously discussed issues.
Mast
For the mast of a forklift to work effectively, it should be kept properly lubricated with grease. This not only helps the forklift lift and lower with ease, but also helps to ensure that no issues occur when lifting stock. The mast should also be part of the scheduled servicing process to ensure smooth operation and all rollers are checked for correct operation.
Tynes
Tyne maintenance is simple as no real work needs to be done to keep them in good condition. The only consideration for tynes is to ensure that workers are not scraping the tynes along the ground when operating, as this will slowly erode away at the tynes and compromise their lifting capabilities. There is a legal specification with a maximum allowance of 10% wear on tynes. The service technician can measure the thickness of the tynes to ensure they are still safe to use or not. If the wear is greater than 10%, the tynes will require replacement for safety reasons.
Lights
Forklift lights are an important asset to the driver as they not only help improve visibility in poorly lit areas but also warn others of their presence. It is therefore important to check the lights on your forklift regularly to ensure that they are working and if they are not, then they can be replaced promptly.
Servicing
Servicing is another important aspect of keeping your forklift in its best working condition. Forklifts are advised to be serviced every 6 months or every 250 hours, depending on what comes first. During most services, filters will be replaced and safety checks will be carried out to ensure that your forklift is issue free. Coolant and oil levels are additionally topped up as well. Forklifts Direct offers servicing to our customers in SA so if you are in need of another service, contact us here.
While it is hard to predict the life span of a forklift, it is easily extended when it is taken proper care of. By frequently monitoring the tyres, lights and tynes, their life span can be further increased. With the proper protection of the cabin, lubrication of the mast and regular servicing, you can expect your forklift to last you many years. As always, this article is simply a guide to the regular checks you should carry out on your forklift. Each forklift varies so there may be some other checks you need to cover frequently as well so it is always important to discuss what checks you should be doing with your service provider.