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Introduction to Forklift Maintenance

May. 5 2022 Maintenance By Arizona Tractor Sales

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Each piece of heavy equipment needs regular upkeep to stay in good working order, and a forklift is no exception. Equipment downtime can hurt your bottom line, and an improperly maintained forklift is a safety hazard that can put workers at risk. Not sure where to start? This quick primer from Arizona Tractor Sales covers all the basics of forklift maintenance.

If you are in the market for a forklift, you can find plenty of options to choose from here at Arizona Tractor Sales. We proudly serve customers from all over the Western United States.

Your Operator’s Manual

Before we proceed, it’s important to note that while these general tips can be applied to most forklifts, you should always check the operator’s manual provided with your equipment for model-specific instructions. Keep the manual close at hand when operating the machine for quick reference. You can also use the blank pages in your manual to keep a service log.

Daily Inspection

Inspecting your forklift daily is not just a good idea, it’s an OSHA requirement! That’s for good reason, of course – daily inspection is the best way to identify potential problems before they can start interfering with performance. This will save you time and money down the road by reducing downtime and extending the service life of your equipment.

Go through a standardized checklist each time you perform a daily inspection. Your list should include:

  • Fluid Levels
  • Hoses
  • Seat Belts
  • Brakes
  • Forks and overhead guards
  • Tire pressure and condition

Once your inspection is complete, you can proceed with confidence knowing that your forklift is safe and fully operational.

Tires

Tires are one of the most critical components of your forklift, so pay close attention to the condition of your tires. Forklift tires can wear out and deflate quickly due to the constant repetitive motion they endure on the job. Check the tire pressure daily, and give them a thorough visual inspection to confirm they still have adequate tread. If the tires are leaking or damaged, they will need to be replaced right away.

Forks

Fork maintenance involves checking for wear, cracks, and bends. Uneven fork height is also a concern. Keep in mind that when one fork becomes damaged, it will be necessary to replace them both. The two forks must have equal amounts of wear, or else they will not work together properly.

Lights and Safety Features

The lights and safety features are also vital components of your forklift that should not be overlooked. The taillights and brake lights are essential for communicating the intentions of the forklift operator to others in the surrounding area. When operating outside or in dimly lit environments, OSHA standards require forklifts to have working headlights as well. When the bulbs burn out, they will need to be replaced before you can get back to work.

Cleaning

Last but not least, you will need to clean your forklift regularly to remove any combustible materials that may have accumulated on its surfaces, and to improve airflow to the radiators. Experts recommend cleaning your forklift at least once a week. Your weekly cleaning appointments can also serve as an opportunity to check the filters and replace them as needed.

We hope you found these tips helpful! If you have any questions about forklift maintenance, feel free to contact us. Arizona Tractor Sales is your trusted equipment supplier based in Chandler, TX.