Finding a quality forklift repair company is a critical task—but are you using them effectively? Knowing how to keep your forklifts in excellent working condition requires understanding a few things you might not know about repair services.
Using a forklift until it breaks is an expensive way to own or rent these machines. An excellent repair company can fix your lifts quickly to get them back into service, but that’s not the best use of your machines or repair services.
When it comes to maintaining your forklifts, you might not know what you don’t know! Here are five essential things to know.
1. Maintenance Prevents Repairs
Regular maintenance can prevent forklift repair. Even if your machines are working well, keeping up with monthly maintenance can help your forklifts stay running smoothly.
What kind of maintenance prevents costly breakdowns or repairs? Each month, take care of:
- Cleaning the air filter
- Checking the tension for the drive belt
- Inspecting the lift and tilt cylinder
- Replacing engine oil or transmission fluid (if-needed)
- Lubricating the chassis and mast parts
If you aren’t sure how to do these critical tasks, your forklift repair company can provide these services for you. Ask your service company about three- and six-month maintenance tasks, too.
2. Daily Checks Keep Your Lifts Safe
Your repair technician will also recommend a few daily safety checks before operating your lifts. This checklist helps you recognize unsafe conditions before a small problem becomes a significant issue that requires repair or causes an injury.
Before each use of your forklift, check the:
- Tire pressure
- Fluid levels
- Hoses
- Seat belts
- Forks
- Overhead guards
- Brakes
If you notice any issues, take the lift out of service and let your repair company look at the machine.
3. Annual Inspections Aren’t a Problem
In addition to pre-check inspections, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) requires annual forklift inspections to operate your machines legally. Your lifts must pass a thorough inspection conducted by a certified technician to remain in-use.
Your forklift repair company can do these inspections for you. Not only can they maintain your machines to keep them in safe working order, you already have a professional in place when it’s time for forklift certification inspections.
4. The Best Repairs Take Place On-Site
If you dread forklift repairs because you think you need to haul it to a repair shop, we can set your mind at ease! The best repair services offer mobile repairs. When you pull your machine out of use, your repair shop comes to you for most routine fixes.
5. Parts Aren’t a Problem
When it’s time to replace a part, you don’t have to search for it and arrange for delivery. Your repair shop has the parts you need—when you need them!
Choose Superior Forklift Repair Services
Not every forklift repair shop offers superior service, parts, and training. Get everything you need to keep your lifts in service and operate them safely when you choose Superior Industrial Products. Contact us to learn more about what we can do for you!