Your forklift has come through for you time and time again — whether you were lifting, loading, or towing. Now, it’s time to make sure that you’re coming through for this rugged machine by keeping it running properly.

Forklifts generally have a lifespan of 10,000 hours. However, to keep these machines operating at the optimum level, you have to maintain them. Performing forklift maintenance regularly will help you to detect small problems before they grow into bigger issues that will impact your productivity.

Fortunately, we’ve created a forklift care guide to help you to improve your machine’s longevity and performance.

Let’s get started!

Daily Forklift Maintenance

Before you use a forklift each day, you should visually inspect the machine for obvious tire issues, leaks, and damage. This will also allow you to make sure that each safety light is in good working order.

Check to make sure that your horn, steering, and parking brakes work as well. In addition, lower and raise the forks both without and with a load to make sure that they are functioning properly.

Finally, check your radiator water, hydraulic fluid, engine oil, and fuel levels each day.

Monthly Forklift Maintenance

Each month, you should perform a deeper inspection of your forklift. This includes replacing the oil and inspecting the machine for cracks.

At the month mark, you should also make sure that your mast and chassis components are well-lubricated. Be sure to also clean your air filter and check your battery if you have an electric forklift.

Quarterly Forklift Maintenance

Every quarter, you should conduct another level of forklift maintenance to ensure that your machine is functioning well.

For instance, inspect the hand brake and carriage rollers to make sure that they are in good condition. If your truck is engine powered, check the condition of the hoses as well.

During your quarterly maintenance process, you should also replace your fuel filter and clean the exterior of your radiator. Check your electrical system to make sure there aren’t any issues with it as well.

Annual Forklift Maintenance

Finally, each year you have your forklift, you should replace several components or fluids. These include the following:

  • Water separator (if you have a diesel truck)
  • Drive hub lube
  • Engine coolant
  • Brake fluid

This is also a good time to check your battery and electrical system once again. You should also be prepared to check the strength of your engine’s head bolts and manifold nuts. They may need to be tightened.

How We Can Help

By performing forklift maintenance on a daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual basis, you can ensure that your machine will handle any task you throw at it. Proper maintenance includes replacing the fuel filter each quarter and checking the battery each year.

Fortunately, at Superior Industrial Products, we can assist you in your forklift care process. Our savvy techs provide grade-A forklift repairs and use only quality parts to keep forklift fleets running smoothly. Get in touch with us to learn more about our services and schedule service today!