FOUR WAYS TO EXTEND THE LIFE OF YOUR FORKLIFT

A forklift is no cheap piece of machinery.

Repairs can be even more costly. Not to

mention that a forklift must be operated

at optimal settings, and can feature no defects

that hurt the performance of the device or

threaten the safety of those who use them as

a result. Therefore it is extremely imperative

to preserve and maintain your forklift properly.

Doing so will allow you to enjoy a long and

fruitful relationship with your forklift that may

extend its lifetime and peak performance ability.

Here are some simple ways to extend the life of

any forklift:

1. Regularly check fluids and replace as necessary.

To get the most out of your car, you need to

routinely schedule oil changes and check-ups.

The same rules apply to a forklift. In fact, fork-

lifts run on motor oil as well. Get the most out

of your forklift by ensuring that the oil is clean

and safe to use for the forklift.

In addition, forklifts rely on hydraulic fluid,

transmission fluid and coolant. Make sure you

check these fluids before use and top off as

necessary. Just like cars, the transmission and

the cooling system of the forklift must be pro-

tected and properly maintained. Failing to do

so can result in early expiration of the forklift,

as a transmission can malfunction or the core

may overheat. In any event, these red flags

are easily preventable with routine check-ups

and maintenance.

2. Properly fuel the forklift. Feed the forklift

the right kind of fuel it requires. Do not run the

forklift down to empty before fuelling; always

keep it above half a tank, and you can also

prevent a host of problems that may materialise

from using a forklift without proper fuel.

Many forklifts rely on diesel – do not skimp

and try to use regular unleaded if it is not

suitable. This can only damage the fuel

injectors and engine block of the device.

3. Monitor the gauges. The gauges are the first

tell-tale sign of trouble ahead. The most import-

ant practice with gauges is ensuring they work

properly. Do not use a forklift if the oil pressure,

temperature or electrical production gauges do

not work properly. Doing so can be very costly

and you will not be able to predict an overheat-

ing or know if the forklift is running low on oil

or gas. Doing so can damage the forklift, and

create plenty of hazards and dangers that are

otherwise avoidable and detectable.

4. Safely handle the forklift. Never load more

than you can handle and never load more than

the forklift can handle. This is both a safety

concern for those operating the forklift, and for

the welfare of the forklift. Do not speed with the

forklift or drive aggressively. It is not a race car;

it is a factory vehicle that can be exceptionally

helpful. Reckless or negligent use can result

in an accident that can ultimately destroy the

forklift and create collateral damage that should

be easily prevented.

These are some of the tips to ensure your

forklift will have a long and healthy run. Abiding

by these tips will help extend the life and vitality

of any forklift.

Tom Reddon is a forklift specialist and blog

manager for the US National Forklift Exchange.

He also sits on the MHEDA Executive Dialogue

team. You can connect with Tom via Twitter

at @TomReddon.

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TOM REDDON

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