Warehouse lift trucks are used in many different types of industries, from shipping to retail to warehousing. They have a variety of uses and are essential devices in just about every industry.
Maintaining your lift trucks is no easy task. Lift trucks come in all shapes and sizes, and getting familiar with all the different types of models, mechanisms, and designs of a lift truck can be overwhelming. But, if you want to keep your lift trucks running, you need to learn a few tips for maintaining warehouse lift trucks.
Warehouse employees spend the majority of their time on their feet, making their equipment an even bigger concern. Warehouse lift trucks are heavy, they are used frequently, and they often need to be operated while standing. All these factors make warehouse lift trucks harder on employees than outdoor lift trucks, which tend to be more stable and used less frequently. The consequences can be a slowdown in productivity and an increase in back injuries, but with proper maintenance and attention to forklift safety, employees can increase productivity while reducing injury risks.
Here Are the Tips for the Maintenance of the Lift Trucks
Do not over-extend the lift truck
Maintain forklifts properly and keep them in good working condition. Lift trucks are an important part of your warehouse and among the many pieces of equipment that are vital to your operation. Lifting and stacking many types of inventories can take a toll on pallet jacks and counterbalance forklifts, so it is important to maintain them regularly.
Check the brakes periodically
Brakes are one of the most critical safety features of any forklift. Any worn-out brakes, whether a part of the forklift itself or part of the hydraulic system, should be replaced immediately.
Check the tires periodically
The tires on the lift trucks need to be regularly checked and inspected to make sure they’re properly inflated and have adequate tread. Failure to do so may result in a vehicle that won’t function properly, which can lead to accidents, property damage, and injuries.
Minimize driving
A forklift is one of those essential pieces of equipment that your company relies on to keep things moving. But they are dangerous machines. A forklift driver (and, by extension, a company) is tasked with the responsibility of safely maneuvering a forklift and lifting and transporting large, heavy objects—sometimes at high speeds.
Check the batteries periodically
60% of lift truck accidents are caused by batteries that malfunction. Keep a close eye on the health of your batteries. Always check the batteries before using this equipment.
Inspect the electrical system regularly
To protect the health and safety of warehouse workers and customers, keeping the lift trucks in good working condition is crucial. Regular inspections of the electrical system are essential for safety, as are regular operator training and safety checks.
Clean the forklift regularly
Any dusty, greasy, or wet forklifts are unsafe to use. You should clean the forklift regularly by spraying water and cleaning it with soft cloths.
Routine Maintenance
Routine maintenance includes regular tune-ups and correcting problems before they turn into larger problems.
Scheduled Maintenance
Scheduled maintenance should be performed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations or as soon after the scheduled maintenance as possible.
Lubrication
Always check the lubrication will keep your lift trucks operating smoothly.
Warehouse lift trucks are among the most commonly-used trucks in warehouses. They’re also among the most expensive, which means keeping them in working order is a significant expense. To keep these trucks in optimal condition, it’s important to properly maintain them, which means knowing how to repair them when necessary.
Why Is It Important to Maintain the Lift Truck?
A forklift costs a lot of money. It’s one of the most important pieces of equipment at your warehouse, and you have to keep it in working order. After all, you can’t operate a machine that doesn’t work right. But forklifts break down, and when they do, they’re expensive to fix.
Lift trucks are the core of many businesses. They are the workhorses, the workhorses, workhorses! They are used to deliver goods, move materials, and, in some cases, even pick up materials. Because of this, lift trucks are one of the most commonly damaged pieces of machinery used in the workplace today. When you are using lift trucks in a facility, there are specific things you can do to protect them.
Maintaining a lift truck involves inspection and maintenance of each shift to ensure it’s in proper working order. At any point in time, a lift truck operator should inspect the lift truck’s electrical systems and safety components, including the lights, turn signals, horn, and backup alarm. Operators should also check to see if any components are damaged. Any damaged parts should be replaced immediately.
