Common Myths About Forklift Maintenance Debunked

You’ve invested a lot of money in the forklifts that are being used in your business. It doesn’t matter if you own these forklifts or you are paying for rental services… It’s critical to ensure that you are keeping up with forklift maintenance. These tasks might seem simple, but they shouldn’t be underestimated.

Our team at ACE Equipment is here to help you follow the ideal forklift maintenance plan, based on the type of forklift that you are using. We are working hard to educate our customers about common maintenance myths, especially since some of these myths could lead to expensive repairs, safety concerns, and even downtime.

Here are a few things that you need to know in order to improve the safety and lifespan of your forklifts:

Myth 1: If the Forklift Is Running, It Doesn’t Need Maintenance

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is waiting for the forklift to break down before considering maintenance and services. If a breakdown occurs, then it will often result in expensive repairs and downtime in your business.

On the other hand, preventive maintenance is a proactive way to catch and fix small issues before they turn into major breakdowns. We recommend regular servicing and inspections to extend the life of your forklifts.

Myth 2: Only Mechanics Should Handle Forklift Repairs

While there are times that it makes sense to bring in an experienced mechanic, certain types of maintenance and repair tasks can be handled on your own. Your operators can handle daily care, such as daily forklift safety checks and inspections of the brakes, tires, and fluid levels.

If you have more complex repairs that need to be addressed, then it’s time to call a certified technician. Ideally, you want to have shared responsibility between both operators and mechanics to take care of the long-term health of your equipment.

Myth 3: Frequent Oil Changes Waste Money

Don’t assume that it’s ok to skip oil changes. Delaying oil changes can speed up engine wear and result in expensive repairs in the future. So, it’s best to view oil changes as a good investment and a necessary part of forklift maintenance.

Check the manufacturer’s guidelines to determine the ideal schedule for your forklift oil change frequency. Then, mark your calendar so you never miss an oil change. Keeping up with oil changes is one of the most cost-effective forklift maintenance tasks, especially when you understand that it’s much cheaper than replacing the engine.

Myth 4: Forklift Batteries Don’t Need Special Care

Don’t ignore forklift battery maintenance, because improper care will shorten your battery life (and increase the money you spend on battery replacements). Your batteries need proper watering, charging, and cleaning. Staying consistent with these forklift maintenance tasks can double the lifespan of your battery! Also, keep in mind that poorly maintained batteries can be dangerous since they increase the risk of fire and safety issues.

Myth 5: A Quick Visual Inspection Is Enough

Yes, you need to do a visual inspection, but a quick look over for a few seconds isn’t sufficient.  Every owner and operator needs to understand the reason why forklift inspection importance matters: for preventing accidents and safety concerns.

A proactive approach and thorough inspections are necessary to catch hidden issues. Make sure that pre-shift inspections are always happening and the operators are checking the brakes, lights, tires, and hydraulics.

Myth 6: New Forklifts Don’t Need Immediate Maintenance

You want to protect the warranty coverage on your new forklift, which is why it’s critical to start maintenance right away (even on a new forklift). Early maintenance keeps you in compliance with warranty requirements, and it also helps to optimize the performance and safety of your equipment.

If you skip the early maintenance and inspections, then you might be dealing with premature wear and expensive breakdowns in the coming months and years.

Myth 7: Maintenance Doesn’t Affect Lifespan

Talk to any forklift maintenance expert and they will agree: if you neglect forklift servicing, then it will reduce your efficiency and decrease the lifespan that you will be able to use the forklift. The most important thing that you can do to protect your forklift’s longevity is to make sure that you are keeping up with seemingly simple tasks, such as fluid checks and tire care.

Also, well-maintained forklifts are more valuable down the line because you can maintain a higher resale value. Additionally, forklift maintenance can actually save you money by reducing operating costs and avoiding the need for more intensive repairs.

The Real Truth About Cost-Effective Forklift Maintenance

When we are talking about forklift maintenance, this is about preventing problems before they start causing bigger issues. Maintenance is preventive so that you don’t have to spend money on repairs to fix problems.

Staying consistent with proper care is essential to improve safety, lower your costs, and ultimately extend the lifespan of your equipment.

FAQs

How often should a forklift be serviced?

It depends on the type of forklift you have and how it is being used. But we recommend forklift servicing every 200 – 250 hours of use. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines for more information.

Can I perform forklift maintenance myself?

Certain types of forklift maintenance tasks can be handled by operators, such as daily checks. But if you need major servicing, then call a certified technician.

What happens if I ignore forklift battery maintenance?

If you neglect your battery maintenance, then the lifespan of the battery can be cut in half, resulting in the need for a replacement battery much sooner.

Are pre-shift inspections enough to ensure forklift safety?

While pre-shift inspections are essential, they must also be paired with regular scheduled servicing by a certified technician.

Call the Forklift Maintenance Experts

If you have questions or need assistance with forklift maintenance, then reach out to our expert team for more information. ACE Equipment is here to help with all of your forklift needs. In addition to forklift maintenance services, we also offer forklift rentals or services. Contact us today for more information.