Tips for Cleaning Your Forklift

Many people do not realize this, but forklifts need to be properly cleaned in order to work efficiently. While it is important for you to bring your forklift in for regular maintenance, in between those services you should give your forklift a wash from time to time. Sure, forklifts are a tool that are used to carry out a wide range of important tasks, but they also deserve a little bit of TLC. Believe it or not, but hosing your forklift down and spending a little bit of time cleaning it up can actually go a long way in prolonging its working life.

When a forklift is covered in grime, soot, dirt, and other environmental elements, it can have a negative impact on its overall operation. However, forklift owners often do not even know where to start when it comes to cleaning their forklift. It is typical for forklifts to get dirty much quicker than other vehicles. With this in mind, let’s look at a few tips to help you keep your forklift clean and in excellent working order in between visits to our Irving forklift repair shop:

• Use a Pressure Washer – The number one thing to know when cleaning a forklift is that you should use a pressure washer. Regardless of who you ask, we expect they will tell you the same thing – you need a pressure washer in order to get all of the muck off a forklift. Using water is also much safer than any other method. This is due to the fact that you don’t know exactly what your forklift has picked up over the last few weeks, and it could become potentially hazardous when combined with soap and water. Some examples of potentially dangerous materials include common chemicals spilled during operation, such as antifreeze or battery acid. For this reason, it is important that you keep a safe distance and use a pressure washer to clean up your forklift.
• Get Rid of Any Debris or Loose Dirt – Before you put the pressure washer to the test, make sure to rid your forklift of any debris, loose dirt, or rust. If you can remove these items with a broom or duster, do it. This will make your cleaning experience much more successful – and faster. If your forklift is caked with dirt, rust, sludge, or other debris, it could hurt the performance of the forklift, and make cleaning it much more difficult.
• Start from the Top – It is recommended that you start cleaning your forklift from the top and work your way downwards. This is done so that any remaining grime or dirt will flow downward, making your cleaning job that much more efficient.
• Wear Protective Equipment – When it comes to forklifts, safety should always come first. This is no different when cleaning the piece of equipment. Make sure you wear personal protective equipment – such as goggles, work boots, and work gloves – when cleaning your forklift in order to keep yourself safe.

If you have any additional questions about the best method for cleaning your forklift, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you with all your Irving forklift needs and are happy to steer you in the right direction if you are unsure of how to proceed with cleaning your machinery.