What You Need to Know About Servicing Your Forklift

When you or your business owns a forklift, it comes with a great deal of responsibility and maintenance needs. Making the decision to buy a forklift – as opposed to renting – is undoubtedly a big one that is not made without a great deal of thought and contemplation. In order to ensure your forklift lasts for many years to come and you get your money’s worth, it is important for you to understand how to service the machine. Regardless of whether you have an electric forklift or diesel-fueled machine, it is important that you take the time to understand the various signs that maintenance is needed. In doing so, you will be setting yourself up for success and many years together with your forklift.

From checking and replacing the tires to ensuring no bolts are missing, there are many things you should be on the lookout for. One of the most common questions we are asked is when is the right time to service my forklift? While this differs from machine to machine, there are a few across the board factors to keep in mind. If you just bought a lift truck and need to sign a service contract, or if you have had the forklift for some time now but are unsure of when it was last serviced, please do not hesitate to contact Ace Equipment.

Here is a look at a few of the most common problems that may indicate it is time to get your forklift repaired:

• The truck’s welds are broken
• There are missing bolts
• One of the gauges is not functioning properly
• The overhead gauge has sustained some type of damage
• Tires are missing chunks of rubber

Now we will take a more in-depth look at some of the top items that should be serviced every 250 hours:

• Fuel filter
• Oil change and filter
• Drive train
• Brakes
• Hydraulics
• Mast and attachments
• Steering system
• Electrical system

These components should be repaired or serviced every 500 hours:

• Antifreeze
• Spark plugs
• The points and condenser should be replaced, and the timing set

It is no secret that the forklift is a powerful machine that aids in the movement and storage of various products and materials. In order for this to occur in an efficient and safe manner, it is absolutely imperative that the vehicle is maintenanced and serviced whenever necessary. Unfortunately, forklift accidents occur every single year, resulting in serious injury and even loss of life. In fact, the majority of forklift accidents take place due to driver error and lack of training. To prevent these types of accidents from taking place, it is imperative your employees are properly trained on how to use these vehicles and that you bring them in to get serviced per the manufacturer’s guidelines.

To learn more about specific repairs for your forklift, please contact Ace Equipment today.  Our Irving forklift technicians have the experience and tools necessary to replace any parts and ensure your forklift is operating at its full potential. Find out more about our service and parts inventory here.