Tips for Routine Forklift Maintenance in Lafayette, LA

April 6, 2018 5:08 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

If you want to keep your forklift in good operational condition for years into the future (and you should), then it’s important you prioritize routine forklift maintenance in Lafayette, LA.

A machine that is well maintained will be able to provide you with safe, reliable service for many years to come. On the flip side, if you neglect some important, simple routine maintenance tasks, there’s a good chance the lifespan of the machine will be shortened, or at the very least you’ll have to spend more money on some repairs that might not have been necessary had you just managed to keep up with these routine maintenance checks in the first place.

With this in mind, here are some tips to help you get the most out of your forklift maintenance to ensure your machines stay in optimal condition:

  • Perform regular inspections: Before you use your forklift every day, you should perform at least some simple inspections. This is a good way to identify any potential problems early on, but it’s also mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that you do this. Performing these regular checks will help you ensure the forklift can be operated safely before each shift. As you find any potential early warning signs or issues, you can resolve them as they come up, rather than waiting for a part to break down and needing to make a more complicated and expensive repair. Always check the hoses, fluids, seat belt, tire pressure, brakes and the fork itself.
  • Closely follow manufacturer recommendations: When you purchased your forklift, the accompanying manual should have included a recommended maintenance schedule. Follow this schedule to the letter. Most of the time, manufacturers recommend you get in-depth inspections after a certain period of time or certain amount of usage. For example, oil changes might be suggested for every three months or every 500 hours of use, whichever comes first. Be familiar with these recommendations and carry them out as listed in the manual.
  • Keep an eye on the tires: The tires of the forklift are extremely important, and they can wear out quickly, especially if they tend to follow the same repetitive paths. We’re not just talking about tires losing air pressure, though that’s an issue to watch for as well. We’re talking about tires losing their treads, wearing down, getting holes or various other issues that could quickly become dangerous if not resolved.
  • Regularly clean the machine: Cleaning the forklift doesn’t just make it look nicer—it also prevents the machine from building up debris that could be combustible, and therefore dangerous. It helps you avoid blocked radiators and other common issues that could quickly become problematic. You don’t have to clean your forklift before every use, but a good weekly cleaning is recommended for the average forklift user.

These are just a few examples of some of the ways you can keep your forklift in good operational condition. It’s highly recommended you sign yourself up for a comprehensive forklift maintenance plan. For more information about routine forklift maintenance in Lafayette, LA, contact George’s Lift Truck Service, LLC today.

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