If you work in a warehouse where a forklift is regularly used, it is very likely that you've have come in contact with a forklift that malfunctioned before it should have. Well, here are Four Ways you can Extend the life of Your Business' Forklift.

1. 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
MHD SUPPLY CHAIN SOLUTIONS — JULY / AUGUST 2014
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