WHAT'S THE VALUE OF REGULAR FORKLIFT MAINTENANCE?
How to Extend the life of your equipment
In the world of material handling, forklifts are indispensable assets. Ensuring the best performance through regular maintenance is not just the best practice - it is a necessity. According to ForkliftTracker, performing proactive maintenance creates an average savings of $3,200 per forklift per year because problems are caught early instead of spiraling into major issues.
Enhanced Safety
Safety is critical in any business. Regular maintenance ensures that all forklift components function correctly, minimizing the risk of accidents caused by mechanical failures. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there are between 35,000 and 62,000 forklift-related injuries annually. Routine inspections can identify potential issues before they escalate, safeguarding both operators and pedestrians.
Reduced Operational Costs
Preventive maintenance is cost-effective. It reduces the likelihood of significant repairs and unplanned downtime. Studies show that proper maintenance can cut operational costs up to 30% over a machine's lifespan. And if you are like most businesses, there are plenty of other places to spend those dollars.
Improved Productivity
A well-maintained forklift operates more efficiently, not only reducing the chances of unexpected breakdowns but also meeting the productivity levels you need and expect. Operators can’t hit their productivity goals without proper functioning equipment.
Extended Equipment Lifespan
Regular service keeps components healthier, extending the useful lifespan of a forklift and delaying expensive capital replacement. Longer life directly improves ROI because you get more productive hours out of each unit. It's been proven that a well-maintained forklift can last 20–30% longer, helping you get the best return on your investment.
Higher Resale Value
Forklifts with a documented maintenance history are more attractive in the resale market. Prospective buyers are willing to pay more for equipment that has been well cared for so you can get the highest resale or trade-in value when it is time to replace your forklift.
It is Easy to Implement an Effective Maintenance Program
- Develop a maintenance schedule by establishing routine service checks based on manufacturer recommendations and your specific usage.​
- Ensure that forklift operators are trained to perform daily inspections and recognize signs of potential issues.​
- Have a relationship with a trusted partner who can regularly perform preventative maintenance.
It is very important to document all maintenance to track performance and identify recurring problems.​ Reviewing your maintenance history can provide valuable insight into your fleet and help you make smarter decisions on when it is time to replace a piece of equipment that is costing too much to keep operational.Â
Neglecting maintenance can lead to unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. And equipment reliability directly impacts productivity and safety. By having a plan for preventative maintenance (PM) you can reduce downtime and extend the lifespan of your equipment. Because a well-maintained forklift fleet can provide long-term cost savings taking more dollars to your bottom line.
- Lower unplanned repair costs
- Less downtime
- Longer equipment life
- Better productivity