One of the key components of gaining control of your equipment repair costs is putting in place an effective Scheduled Maintenance Service. Most forklift owners have this in place to some degree. The purpose of this maintenance is like the “oil change” that you drive in for with your automobile. Similar, but much more comprehensive.

First, we come to you. Much more convenient. Secondly, a forklift has many more moving parts and hoses as well as being very heavy. The forklift back in your warehouse probably weighs around 9000 pounds. A ½ ton pick up weighs around 2000 pounds. And typically, only two of the four tires on a forklift have service brakes installed. If one side stops working, you have lost 50% of your braking ability. A damaged or blown lift cylinder supply hose can allow your load to drop to the ground much faster than you can ever imagine. I’ve seen it happen a couple of times. It’s scary! Fuel system and hydraulic leaks are identified and noted for repairs.

A proper Scheduled Maintenance Service should include:

• Block the front of the machine in the air, jack the rear of the forklift in the air and block. This allows the mast trunnion bushings to take grease as well as letting you inspect the steer tire bearings for noise or slack. It also allows for inspection beneath the machine for brake fluid leaks, engine oil leaks, etc.
• Blow the entire machine off with compressed air. A forklift pulls air from beneath and the blows it across the radiator fins and then exits out the rear of the machine. As you can imagine, lots of debris can end up plugging your radiator, causing overheating problems. Cleaning dust off the remaining drive train allows for more effective cooling as well as allowing for small oil leaks to be located before they turn into big oil leaks.
• The engine oil is drained, fresh synthetic blend oil and a new oil filter are installed. The air filter is typically changed as well as replacing the spin on transmission filter (if equipped).
• Forklifts have many moving parts. The entire machine is greased, the lift chains are oiled (I prefer motor oil from a squirt can), fork slide areas are lubricated if needed.
• The entire machine is checked for needs such as forks worn beyond spec, worn belts and hoses, brake operation, mast operation, gauge operation and safety items such as the seat belt, neutral safety switch, tire condition and then all deficiencies are noted on the PM Checklist and discussed with the customer.