Forklifts are the heart of the operation in many warehouses across the country.
Without these heavy load-bearing machines, industries such as manufacturing, transportation, and many others would be massively impacted.
But sometimes, a forklift that isn’t operating at its best can be just as much of a nuisance or worse. That is when you should consider forklift replacement, but this can sometimes creep up on a business that doesn’t see the equipment’s usefulness decline.
Read on to know what to look for and when is the best time for replacing old forklifts.
Is Forklift Replacement Necessary?
You may be asking yourself this question. You forked out a ton of money on this thing, and it still works; maybe it’s a little slower, or rustier, or noisier.
But some serious dangers come from not maintaining equipment properly or replacing them when they wear out.
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics, between 2011 and 2017, there were a total of 614 fatalities from forklift-related accidents. And then a further 7,000+ which were non-fatal.
So it is vitally important to replace and update this machinery.
When To Replace Your Forklift
With several types of forklifts available, there isn’t one set answer to when you should replace a forklift.
There are obvious reasons why might need to such as damage to forklifts or wearing down of parts, and in both situations, replacing forklift parts or the entire machine is needed.
But sometimes, the signs are not as obvious as this.
1. Cost of Maintenance Starts to Increase
You should regularly review how much it costs you to own and operate heavy machinery for your business.
If the costs start to go up a lot, it’s a sign that the equipment is starting to break down and should be replaced.
2. Dangerous Equipment Malfunctions
This might appear to be more obvious, but often near misses and almost accidents tend to go unnoticed in the workplace.
A forklift has some powerful and potentially dangerous components, from batteries to hydraulic presses, that could cause serious injuries.
If something starts acting up, get it looked into and fixed immediately. If that isn’t possible, then you need to consider buying new forklifts.
3. More Time in the Corner Than on the Floor
If your forklift is not in use frequently, it’s not worth it. A forklift is built to be used daily, and if it isn’t meeting the requirements due to needing servicing or a cool-down period, you should consider replacing it.
Otherwise, you are paying tax and insurance on a vehicle that is costing you more time and money than it’s worth.
Forklift Rental
If you don’t feel that you need a forklift full time, or you just aren’t sure that investing money into buying a forklift outright, there are other options.
A forklift rental can be the perfect way to keep your business running smoothly without worrying about costs that come with ownership, like maintenance and repairs.
Elevate Your Business, Replace Old Equipment
Forklift replacement is a necessary part of any developing and growing business. Stay on top of these tasks when it’s more affordable, and you will save yourself plenty in the long run.
So if it sounds like you require a new forklift, come and take a look at our high-quality stock.