1 (866) 313-2180
SALES@FORKLIFTTIRE.COM
23rd Mar 2025
Proper maintenance is essential for keeping your forklift running efficiently and ensuring it lasts as long as possible. Forklifts that are not regularly maintained often experience excessive wear and tear, leading to premature replacements and costly downtime.
To help keep your forklift maintenance costs manageable, here are three key steps you should follow.
1. Work with Trained Personnel
Hiring certified forklift operators is one of the best ways to lower maintenance expenses. Trained operators understand how to handle forklifts properly, avoiding bad driving habits that can cause unnecessary damage.
Why Trained Operators Matter:
- They use proper driving techniques, reducing wear on forklift parts.
- They are less likely to engage in reckless driving that leads to breakdowns.
- They understand how to perform basic maintenance checks, helping to catch issues early.
How to Ensure Your Operators Are Trained:
- Invest in forklift operator certification programs.
- Conduct regular training sessions to reinforce proper handling techniques.
- Encourage operators to report any issues immediately to prevent further damage.
2. Conduct Daily Inspections
Performing daily pre-operational and post-operational inspections is a simple yet effective way to prevent costly repairs. Identifying issues early can help avoid major breakdowns that require expensive fixes.
What to Check Daily:
- Fluid levels (hydraulic fluid, engine oil, and coolant).
- Tires for wear and proper inflation.
- Brakes and steering for responsiveness.
- Leaks, cracks, or unusual noises that indicate potential problems.
Benefits of Daily Inspections:
- Helps detect minor issues before they become costly problems.
- Reduces the risk of forklift failures during operations.
- Enhances safety, reducing the likelihood of accidents.
3. Implement a Regular Maintenance Plan
Forklifts naturally experience wear and tear over time. Regular preventive maintenance ensures that these effects are controlled, allowing the forklift to operate at peak performance.
One of the best ways to achieve this is by enrolling in a forklift maintenance plan, which provides scheduled servicing by professionals at set intervals.
Why a Maintenance Plan is Important:
- Damage Prevention
- Forklifts, especially non-electric models, have many moving parts that experience friction and wear. A good maintenance plan ensures these parts are lubricated and checked regularly, preventing excessive damage.
- Cost Savings
- A well-maintained forklift is less likely to experience unexpected breakdowns, reducing downtime and lost productivity.
- Regular maintenance prevents major failures, which are significantly more expensive to repair.
- Improved Workplace Safety
- Many forklift accidents are caused by mechanical failures. Routine maintenance ensures that faulty parts are replaced before they lead to safety hazards.
How to Choose a Maintenance Plan:
- Select a plan from a reputable forklift dealer.
- Ensure the plan covers all critical forklift components.
- Look for flexible plans that offer emergency repair services.
Final Thoughts
Reducing forklift maintenance costs is all about proactive care. By hiring trained personnel, conducting daily inspections, and following a structured maintenance plan, you can extend your forklift’s lifespan and keep repair costs under control.
At Forklift Tire Company, we provide high-quality forklift tires and parts to help keep your forklifts running efficiently. Visit our online store for exclusive deals or contact us at sales@forklifttire.com for expert guidance!