The Ultimate Forklift Maintenance Checklist

Forklifts are essential for smooth operations in manufacturing facilities, supermarkets, airfields, and lifting items. However, they can threaten a facility's operating efficiency, drive up maintenance costs, and even cause accidents if they suddenly cease working. That’s why it's essential to follow the forklift maintenance checklist, which includes yearly, monthly, and daily checklists that you can customize. The yearly checklist includes adhering to manufacturer guidelines and is typically linked to warranty coverage. On the monthly checklist, you must check for lubrication, electrical parts, hydraulic levels, gas, and other general components. 

While on the daily checklist, you have to verify whether the tires are correctly inflated, whether there is any damage to the hydraulic lines, and whether the seat belt on the forklift is functional. Following this checklist can avoid common workplace injuries and deaths to operators and bystanders. Keep reading to learn how to craft a good maintenance checklist like a pro. You can contact Truck Forklifts to get quality forklifts for your business.

Check The Manufacturer's Schedule For Forklift Care

Consult your forklift's manufacturer's maintenance program. Keep up with brake inspections, oil, spark plug, and filter changes. By doing this, you can protect your employees' safety and avoid future expensive repairs.

Create A Forklift Maintenance Schedule

Having a checklist makes maintenance much more straightforward. Three separate forklift maintenance checklists have been assembled below: one for daily inspections, one for monthly maintenance, and one for yearly maintenance.

Daily Forklift Maintenance Checklist

Remember to check the following as you conduct your forklift's daily inspection. The first things to look for while the engine is off are as follows:

1. Are the tires properly inflated and free from significant damage or wear?

2. Do the lug nuts fit properly?

3. Are the axles and other parts that move visible?

4. Do the mast and forks not have considerable corrosion? Are they twisted, worn, or cracked?

5. Are the rollers and chains on the mast lift in excellent working order?

6. Is there no damage to the hydraulic lines? Do the fluid levels seem appropriate?

7. Is there a handbook for the operator on board?

8. Are all of the visible wires and hoses undamaged?

9. Is the data plate current and readable?

10. Is the seat belt on the forklift functional?

Once the activities mentioned above are finished, start the engine and carry out the operational tests listed below:

1. Are the horn, lights, and other safety features operating as they should?

2. How well-maintained are the lift cylinders? Are there no scars on them?

3. The forklift should be moved to a truck's length. Does it run without a hitch?

4. Are the turn signals, accelerator, brakes, and parking brakes functioning properly?

5. Is the steering responsive and smooth?

6. Is it possible to fully raise and lower the forks?

7. Are the hoses and cables neatly wrapped around the guide rails?

8. Examine the attachments. Are they functional, safe, and undamaged?

9. Does tilt control run silently and smoothly?

10. Do the gauges and instruments function?

Monthly Forklift Maintenance Items

Consider used forklift trucks in the industry's finest monthly forklift maintenance procedures, which closely follow manufacturer recommendations and conform to industry standards. These procedures entail much more work and can be needed for specific diagnostic tools. Because of this, most warehouses hire trucking equipment suppliers like Truck Forklifts to take care of the necessary maintenance. Every facet of the machinery is often included in the vast array of operations that comprise monthly maintenance, such as:

1. Lubrication

Lubrication is a crucial component of a proper forklift maintenance checklist to maintain the smooth operation of your forklift. Tasks involving lubrication include:

• Greasing the connection between the chassis and mast

• Replacing the air filter in the engine

• Sanitizing every breather

• Replacing the engine's filter and oil

• Verifying the fluid's composition

• Cleaning and covering the battery connections

2. Electrical

Additionally, you must confirm that each of the following electrical parts is operational:

• Switches

• Contact advice

• Drive control system

• Every motor, including the steer, drive, and hoist

• Commutator

• Blowout

• Collisions

• Connections for batteries

• Springs

3. Hydraulic

Regarding the hydraulic system of your forklift, you should carefully inspect the following:

• Pumps

• Cylinders

• Valve

• Every tube, hose, and fitting

4. Gas

Among the gas-related parts that require examination as part of the monthly maintenance are:

• Radiators

• Belts

• Plugs for sparks

• Distribution Point

• Muffler

• Instruments

• Ignition switch

• Forklift Hoses for LPG

• Accessories for engines

• Fuel filter

5. General

Among the general elements that should be verified are:

• Brake adjustment

• Horn

• Steering

• Parking brake

• Cotter pins, bolts, and nuts

• Alarms and lights

• Battery water levels

• Tires

It's also important to remember that the monthly maintenance checklist needed for your forklifts will depend on the environment in which they are used. For example, equipment functioning in a pristine warehouse of a pharmaceutical firm is likely to sustain less wear and tear than equipment operating on a rough fish dock.

Annual Forklift Maintenance Checklist

Annual maintenance schedules adhere to manufacturer guidelines and are typically linked to warranty coverage. An expert technician can evaluate your equipment and find any necessary repairs to ensure durability and optimal performance with a yearly inspection. Additionally, they can provide valuable maintenance tips to extend the lifespan of your equipment and prevent costly repairs in the future.

Conclusion

At  Truck Forklifts, we're experts in meeting your transportation and trucking needs with premium forklift trucks. We've spent many years at the forefront of this sector and are here to provide you with the best forklift trucks. Contact us now to learn more about our other services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a forklift's maintenance schedule?

After 250 hours of operation, new forklifts require minimal maintenance. It is recommended that safety inspections be done every three to six months or 500 hours of usage (intermediate maintenance). Major maintenance should be scheduled after 2,000 hours of use or, at the latest, a year after the previous maintenance.

How do you clean a forklift?

You can clean the outside of electric forklifts and lift trucks using a brush to remove dust and debris. Use an air compressor to loosen dirt and debris that is more difficult to remove. You can also use a non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning solution to clean the outside of your forklift gently.

Which OSHA guidelines apply to forklifts?

When lifting, loading, and using a forklift, be sure you have enough clearance and can see well into the work area. When stepping onto the lift, use the handhold if it's accessible and on sound footing. In cross aisles and other blocked locations, use your horn. Be mindful of pedestrians and abide by the posted speed limit.