How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Forklift: A Comprehensive Guide

When you invest in heavy equipment for the workplace, such as forklifts, scissor lifts, and more, you want to make sure to maximize the value of this investment. Good maintenance and care practices can make a big difference in the performance of the equipment and how long it will last.

When you extend forklift lifespan through regular servicing, ultimately you are reducing the long-term costs and preventing unexpected breakdowns. At the same time, these practices help to improve operational productivity and boost safety in the workplace.

Learning the factors that influence how long a forklift lasts is a critical step to using this equipment for many years. In this article, we are going to cover some of the strategies and steps that every forklift owner should be following.

Forklift Lifespan: How Long Will Your Equipment Last?

Depending on the type of forklift you choose and the way the equipment is being used and maintained, most forklifts will last between 10,000 – 20,000 operating hours. Equipment that is used heavily and is not well-maintained will break down sooner than equipment that receives consistent servicing and maintenance.

Some of the factors that will influence your forklift lifespan include:

• Forklift Service Schedule: Maintaining a regular schedule to take care of the tires, hydraulics, and moving parts ensures that everything is in good condition. Servicing is critical to reduce the wear and tear on the forklift.
• Operator Handling: The way the operators are driving the forklift is important. Make sure that your team members are well-trained on best practices, not only to ensure safety but also to reduce the risk of equipment failure.
• Replacement Parts: Just because something breaks, it doesn’t mean that the whole machine needs to be replaced. Invest in regular servicing, take care of issues as early as possible, and make sure that your repair provider is using genuine replacement parts.

One thing that can ensure that your forklift is always in working condition is understanding why forklifts break down. The most common causes of breakdowns are related to maintenance and usage. In order to ensure that you have the longest lifespan possible, make sure that you are following maintenance recommendations. Also, avoid overloading or overheating the equipment.

Forklift Maintenance Tips to Prevent Expensive Repairs

A little bit of maintenance right now can go a long way to help you avoid expensive repairs in the future. Not only should you have a monthly and annual service schedule, but the daily tasks matter just as much. We recommend that you follow these maintenance tips:

• Daily Forklift Inspection Checklist: Before the forklift goes into operation for the day, it needs to be inspected. Check the fluid levels, tires, lights, brakes, and hydraulic systems. If wear and tear is identified, then the forklift should be repaired before going back onto the work floor.
• Weekly and Monthly Maintenance: Certain maintenance tasks should be performed on a weekly or monthly schedule. For example, the moving parts need to be lubricated, you’ll want to test the battery, and check the entire system for visible cracks or damage.
• Forklift Service Schedule: How often should you service a forklift? It depends on the type of forklift and the usage of the equipment. A general rule of thumb is that the machine needs to be serviced every 250 hours for fluid top-offs and routine checks. At 500 hours, it will need an oil and filter change. At 1000 hours, deep servicing is necessary (including the hydraulic system).

Skipping maintenance and servicing is one of the most common forklift maintenance mistakes to avoid. Staying ahead of the care of this equipment and addressing minor issues in the earliest stages will help to extend your forklift lifespan.

Forklift Battery Maintenance Best Practices

If you have a battery-operated forklift, then there are several things that you can do to take care of the battery and optimize performance. Forklift battery maintenance should include proper charging (based on the manufacturer’s recommendations) and preventing corrosion by cleaning the terminals as needed. Also, make sure that you are maintaining water levels.

When the forklift is actively being used, you shouldn’t run the battery to 0%. Instead, it’s better to maintain the charging cycles based on recommendations for your equipment.

You’ll know when the battery needs to be replaced because it starts overheating, performance is slow, the battery isn’t holding a charge, or you can see that acid is leaking from the battery. If you notice any of these signs, then it’s essential to replace the battery as soon as possible to avoid wear and tear on your forklift.

Forklift Operational Best Practices: Smart Usage to Increase Lifespan

The way your operators are using the equipment will play an essential role in forklift lifespan. Make sure that your team members are controlling their speed, using proper lifting techniques, and managing the weight and distribution of the loads.

If operators are braking aggressively or overloading the forklift, then it puts excess strain on the equipment and can lead to a faster breakdown. This wear and tear can be avoided by following safety standards and best practices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Are the Signs That My Forklift Needs Repair?

Pay attention to your forklift’s performance. If you notice that the machine is sluggish or having difficulty lifting loads, then it could be a sign that you have issues that need to be repaired. Other common signs include fluid leaks, unusual noises, and visible damage.

What Are the Benefits of Using Genuine Forklift Parts for Repairs?

When genuine parts are used for the repairs, you can have confidence in knowing that they will extend the forklift lifespan. Genuine parts help to prevent performance issues (which often occur with incompatible components).

Why Do Forklifts Break Down Frequently?

Your forklift will often have problems if you aren’t consistent with following a regular maintenance schedule. Also, operator misuse is a common problem that can increase the risk of a breakdown.

Call the Forklift Experts for Servicing and Repair

What services are needed for your forklift? Our team at ACE Equipment offers everything that you need at one convenient location. Contact us today for personalized forklift servicing recommendations and a team that will come to you to complete the necessary repairs.