Heavy equipment must be appropriately maintained to ensure it continues to run efficiently. Furthermore, this maintenance helps extend the equipment’s lifespan. A forklift is an example of heavy equipment that requires regular maintenance to minimize wear and tear. When wear and tear is minimized, a company will not need to be concerned about replacing the equipment prematurely or experiencing costly downtime.
How can a company keep forklift maintenance costs manageable? Using quality forklift replacement parts is the first step. However, there are additional steps a company can take to reduce these costs.
Quality Parts
A business owner may choose to invest in aftermarket parts to save money. However, when the parts arrive, the owner discovers they don’t fit the forklift. If they do fit the forklift, they may not last as long as factory parts. Every business should prioritize quality parts when repairing or maintaining forklifts or any heavy equipment to reduce the risk of costly downtime and other issues. Furthermore, low-quality parts can lead to safety issues in the workplace, and no business owner wants that.
Operator Training
Every person allowed to operate a forklift should undergo certification. Doing so lowers maintenance expenses because the business has trained individuals who know how to handle the equipment properly. They will not engage in bad driving habits that put excessive wear and tear on the forklift. Reckless driving and improper driving techniques can lead to mechanical breakdowns. These breakdowns can easily be avoided with proper training. Additionally, trained operators recognize the importance of basic maintenance checks and conduct these inspections before using the machine, enabling them to identify and correct problems early.
Daily Inspections
A forklift should go under a daily pre-operational inspection as well as a post-operational assessment. These inspections enable operators to identify problems early, before they escalate into major breakdowns and expensive repairs. When conducting these inspections, the operator should check all fluid levels, examine the tires, test the brakes and steering to ensure they respond as expected, and look for any leaks or cracks. When operating the machine, they should also listen for unusual noises that may indicate the machine needs maintenance or repair.
Implement a Maintenance Schedule
A business owner should have a maintenance schedule for every piece of heavy equipment they own and operate. This equipment is subject to wear and tear over time. Conducting preventive maintenance helps minimize the effects of wear and tear, thereby extending the forklift’s lifespan. Regular maintenance minimizes the effects of friction and wear on moving parts. Having the machine maintained by a professional ensures that all moving parts are lubricated and checked routinely.
The assistance of this professional reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns, increases productivity, and minimizes costly downtime. Accidents are often the result of mechanical failures, which can be easily prevented through proper maintenance and regular inspection. Business owners find their costs decrease when they invest in a maintenance plan offered through a reputable forklift dealer.
Business owners must be proactive when it comes to their heavy equipment, including forklifts. Taking action early helps reduce maintenance costs while ensuring the machines are ready for use when needed. However, operator training, daily inspections, and a structured maintenance plan are also necessary. When a business owner prioritizes these areas, they find that they save money in the long run and have the required equipment for efficient operations.
