Forklift Repairs & Purchase

When you buy a forklift, treat it much in the same way as you would a vehicle. It will need regular services as well as repairs from time to time. This is a machine that does work on a daily basis, and because of the workload, things can go wrong and parts can fail. If you own one, forklift repairs are inevitable!

That said, other than regular maintenance, there are things you can do that ensure your forklift gives years of service. Let’s take a closer look.

Check fluid levels daily

For gas or diesel forklifts, checking fluid levels is essential. If you live in an area with a very cold climate, start with the antifreeze. This doesn’t mean you should not check this in a warmer climate. In these situations, lower levels of anti-freeze can cause overheating.

Remember, some forklifts use hydraulic fluids and gas to operate, so these should also be checked, especially hydraulic fluid. Should there not be enough, parts can seize up and be very costly to repair. Don’t stop there either. A forklift’s brakes are very important, so be sure to keep the brake fluid topped up regularly.

Also, make sure the radiator is kept full. Lastly, regular oil changes can greatly lengthen the life of your forklift. In fact, treat oil changes on your machine as you would your vehicle.

Check the forklift’s moving parts

Now a forklift consists of many moving parts. This allows for its incredible versatility in moving items around and placing them at different heights, thanks to its movable forks. These should be lubricated and greased properly, thus eliminating friction which can cause damage over time. Check them at least once every week and re-grease where necessary. Also be sure to inspect the various ball bearings around the machine, replacing any worn ones you may come across. If you live in an area with high rainfall, consider spraying working parts with an anti-rust spray. Again, rust, if left unchecked can cause significant friction and therefore worn parts, which can eventually fail.

Electronics and gauges

A forklift has many warning indicators on the dashboard panel. When these begin to burn, it means the machine has problems in that particular area. Ignore them and rest assured, the problem will intensify and it will need repairs in the near future. A burning malfunction indicator lamp often means a small failure has occurred and should be acted upon.

Forklift drivers should be encouraged to look out for warning lights and to bring it to the attention of their supervisors as soon as possible. By doing this, repair bills will be kept much lower and the forklift will have a far longer lifespan.

By paying the necessary attention to your forklift, not only will it be a willing workhorse for years, but the trade-in value on it will remain, allowing you to upgrade to a newer model when the time comes.