Maintaining your forklift is the most reasonable way to prevent costly repairs. You wouldn’t skip an oil change on the family automobile, right? The same involves your lift truck. You take care of it, and it will take consideration of you.
Internal combustion-powered forklifts require service every 250-300. Filters require to be replaced, parts need to be greased and you can find small concerns before they become expensive repairs.
- At 500, 1,000, and 2,000 hours, there are further parts that require to be checked, adjusted, or replaced
- Some forklifts require service more repeatedly
- Electric forklifts should be serviced every 500 hours
Below is a sample annual supervision schedule for IC (Internal Combustion) and electric forklifts — a known list of what to service (and when) to bypass expensive repairs. This example timetable is for illustrative purposes only. Always observe manufacturer-specific procedures for your forklift.
How Frequently Should a Forklift Be Serviced?
As noted above, combustion forklifts require service every 250-300 hours. Hours are calculated using key hours (the amount of time the forklift is switched on), or pedal hours.
An average single-shift operation that uses their forklift(s) 2,000 hours a year should have their forklifts serviced almost every 60 days. A forklift may require more frequently if:
- It operates in harsh temperature conditions or a dirty/dusty work environment.
- Your business has seasonal spikes - because the 1,000 and 2,000-hour services take a little longer to complete, you're better off getting them done before peak season to avoid downtime when you need your equipment the most.
- It uses an extension- because attachments compel the forklift’s hydraulics and cooling system to work harder.
Sample Forklift Maintenance Program
Below is an example one-year supervision schedule for an IC forklift used by a single-shift operation. As noted above, some forklifts require service more often, and you should always follow manufacturer suggestions.
Every 250 Hours/Two Months
- Modification of engine fluids and filters
- Check/adjust engine idle speed and ignition timing
- Lubricate chassis and mast elements
- Examine the hydraulic system and mast
- Check belts, hoses, the drive train, steering and electrical method
- Blow out and examine the brakes
- Review tires for damage and wear
- Check attachments (if applicable)
Every 500-600 Hours/Four Months
- All objects in the 250-hour service above
- Return the: antifreeze, spark plugs, differential and transmission oil, contact breaker (points), and condenser
- Inspect/adjust the chassis links, clutch discharge bearing, and mast support bushing
- Thoroughly inspect the hydraulic oil pump and verify the hydraulic oil level.
- Additionally, check the hydraulic filter and replace it if necessary.
- Cleanse the radiator
- Check the chains for damage and useful tension, check the mast operation,
- inspect carriage rollers, lift and tilt cylinders for proper operation
- Asses pedal free play
- Inspect/adjust hand brake
- Review the PCV valve
Every 1,000-Hours/Six Months
- All things in the 250 and 500-hour services above
- Change all fluids and filters containing(but not limited to) hydraulic, transmission, and brake fluid
- Lube drive hubs
Every 2,000-Hours/Annually
- All items in the 250, 500, and 1,000-hour assistance above
- Hydraulic pressure assessment
- Cooling system inspection
- Study steer axle
- Examine brake drums (replace if necessary)
- Compression check
- Clean and check the fuel system
What About Electric Forklift Maintenance?
One of many causes electric forklifts are so popular is their low cost of ownership. There are comparatively few regions to replace and they demand minimal maintenance compared to internal combustion forklifts.
Minimal maintenance doesn’t mean zero supervision, regardless. Electric forklifts have brakes, ties, and other parts that ultimately wear out.
Typically speaking, electric forklifts should be examined and serviced about every 500 hours. On an electric lift truck, “hours” are calculated using drive motor/hydraulic running hours. An electric forklift service call should contain:
- Studying the motor for proper operation
- Examining the cables (vibration can shake the cable loose, causing considerable damage)
- Lubricating moving regions
- Checking the battery and verifying whether it’s being adequately maintained by operators
- Securing the forklift’s lights, accessories and any attachments work appropriately
- Performing a thorough safety assessment
- Delivering documentation for OSHA/resale
Do Forklifts Require Service That Often?
We know staying on top of forklift supervision can be a challenge for busy managers.
It may appear like an excessive expense when the forklift is running well.
Or it just falls through the cracks
But there’s no obtaining ground the fact that skipped keeping is an expensive repair waiting to occur. It’s like buying cheap work boots or low-quality devices. You might save a few hundred dollars in the short span, but you’ll lose money ultimately when that forklift breaks down.
Accurately maintaining your forklift also permits you to:
- Maintain it under warranty
- Get a more reasonable trade-in value
- Avoid accidents and costly OSHA fines
- Maximize uptime
- Improve fleet efficiency
A maintenance plan is an affordable way to protect your business against costly downtime. You pay a balanced rate every month, and a professional technician ensures your forklift is taken care of.