{"id":54,"date":"2017-08-11T10:28:26","date_gmt":"2017-08-11T16:28:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/blog\/?p=54"},"modified":"2025-05-30T13:07:56","modified_gmt":"2025-05-30T19:07:56","slug":"forklift-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/blog\/forklift-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Ultimate Guide to Forklift Maintenance"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row kd_background_image_position=”vc_row-bg-position-top”][vc_column][vc_column_text]Forklift maintenance<\/span> is the regular servicing of a <\/span>forklift<\/span> to perform preventive repairs, cleaning, and inspections that keep the machine running smoothly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Benefits of <\/span>planned maintenance<\/span> for your <\/span>forklift<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Providing your <\/span>forklift<\/span> with regular <\/span>planned maintenance<\/span> has a number of benefits:<\/span><\/p>\n

Lower costs<\/span><\/h3>\n

Planning <\/span>forklift maintenance<\/span> will reduce <\/span>maintenance costs<\/span>. You will also reduce production costs due to reduced <\/span>downtime<\/span>. Some managers value <\/span>forklift<\/span> downtime<\/span> at thousands of dollars per minute. Additionally, keeping up with <\/span>forklift maintenance<\/span> will help avoid fines from <\/span>OSHA<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Improves equipment life<\/span><\/h3>\n

A well-maintained <\/span>forklift<\/span> will provide years of reliable and safe service.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Increases productivity<\/span><\/h3>\n

Regular <\/span>forklift maintenance<\/span> helps to avoid surprise breakdowns and long periods of <\/span>downtime<\/span>. Less <\/span>downtime<\/span> equals more productivity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Increases residual values<\/span><\/h3>\n

A well-maintained <\/span>forklift<\/span> will bring a higher price tag when it\u2019s time to sell because prospective buyers will have greater confidence in its reliability.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Enhances safety<\/span><\/h3>\n

Perhaps the most significant benefit of regular <\/span>forklift maintenance<\/span> is enhanced safety by preventing dangerous accidents due to unexpected equipment failure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

OSHA requirements<\/span> for <\/span>forklift maintenance<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

Workplace safety is the cornerstone of maintenance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Guidelines and regulations regarding occupational health and safety are set by an arm of the U.S. Department of Labor \u2013 Occupational Safety and Health Administration (<\/span>OSHA<\/span>) and they have set quite a few <\/span>forklift maintenance<\/span> regulations<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” kd_background_image_position=”vc_row-bg-position-bottom” kd_top_separator_style=”skew-left” kd_top_separator_height=”separator-height-small” kd_bottom_separator_style=”skew-left” kd_bottom_separator_height=”separator-height-small” kd_top_separator=”true” kd_bottom_separator=”true” css=”.vc_custom_1682969576554{margin-bottom: 40px !important;padding-top: 120px !important;padding-right: 40px !important;padding-bottom: 50px !important;padding-left: 40px !important;background: #dde4e8 url(https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cta-laired-hex-4.webp?id=9077) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;border-radius: 0px !important;}” css_tablet_landscape=”.vc_custom_1682969576554{padding-bottom: 80px !important;}” css_tablet_portrait=”.vc_custom_1682969576555{padding-bottom: 80px !important;}” css_mobile=”.vc_custom_1682969576555{padding-bottom: 80px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_row_inner kd_background_image_position=”vc_row-bg-position-top”][vc_column_inner]

Checklist for Creating a Preventive Maintenance Plan<\/h2>
Following a consistent Preventive Maintenance Plan can make life easier. Use this checklist to create your own!<\/h6><\/header>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner content_placement=”top” kd_background_image_position=”vc_row-bg-position-top”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1631866454223{padding-right: 50px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-6 vc_col-md-12 vc_col-xs-12″ css_tablet_landscape=”.vc_custom_1631866454223{padding-right: 0px !important;}” css_tablet_portrait=”.vc_custom_1631866454223{padding-right: 0px !important;}” css_mobile=”.vc_custom_1631866454224{padding-right: 15px !important;}”][vc_raw_html]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[\/vc_raw_html][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image source=”external_link” alignment=”center” css_animation=”fadeIn” custom_src=”https:\/\/3975608.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net\/hubfs\/3975608\/Content%20Downloads\/PM%20Checklist%20mockup.png”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row kd_background_image_position=”vc_row-bg-position-top”][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

General <\/span>forklift<\/span> safety: daily <\/span>maintenance checklists<\/span><\/h2>\n

Operators should inspect <\/span>forklifts<\/span> each day before use by performing these simple, daily checks.<\/span><\/p>\n

Non-driving <\/span>maintenance checklists<\/span><\/h3>\n

Perform these tests while the <\/span>forklift<\/span> is off.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Check your <\/span>fluid levels<\/span> (i.e., fuel, water, hydraulic).<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Look for visible damage. See something? Tell your manager.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Check <\/span>tire condition<\/span> and pressure.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Check that <\/span>forklifts<\/span> are in good condition.<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Check that the inspection stickers and decals are in the right place and legible.<\/span><\/li>\n
  6. Ensure the operator\u2019s compartment is clean and free of debris.<\/span><\/li>\n
  7. Check that all safety devices (i.e., <\/span>seatbelt<\/span>, finger guards) are working.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Forklift<\/span>-specific <\/span>maintenance checklists<\/span><\/h3>\n

    There are three types of <\/span>forklifts<\/span>, and each requires additional daily checklists according to type. Make sure to perform these tests while the <\/span>forklift<\/span> is off.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Electric forklifts<\/b> (battery-powered)\u00a0<\/b><\/h4>\n

    These are typically used indoors, in warehouses, and in manufacturing facilities.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Safety maintenance checklist for electric forklifts:<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Ensure no cables are frayed.<\/span><\/li>\n
    2. Check the battery restraints.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
    3. Check that electrolytes are at proper levels.<\/span><\/li>\n
    4. Ensure the hood latch is secure.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Internal-combustion<\/b> engine <\/b>forklifts<\/b><\/h4>\n

      These are commonly used in environments where high speeds, ramps, and longer continuous operations are required.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

      Safety <\/span>maintenance checklist<\/span> for <\/span>internal-combustion<\/span> forklifts<\/span>:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Check the <\/span>engine oil<\/span> and <\/span>coolant<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
      2. Check <\/span>brake fluid<\/span>.<\/span><\/li>\n
      3. Check that belts and <\/span>hoses<\/span> are in good shape.<\/span><\/li>\n
      4. Check that the <\/span>radiator<\/span> and <\/span>air filter<\/span> are in good shape.<\/span><\/li>\n
      5. Ensure the hood latch is secure.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Liquid <\/b>propane<\/b> forklifts<\/b><\/h4>\n

        These are powered by <\/span>propane<\/span> stored in a pressurized tank. These <\/span>forklifts<\/span> are typically used in large indoor or outdoor facilities that require great lifting power of up to and above 15,000 pounds.<\/span><\/p>\n

        Safety <\/span>maintenance checklist<\/span> propane<\/span> forklifts<\/span>:<\/span><\/p>\n

          \n
        1. Ensure the <\/span>propane<\/span> tank is mounted correctly and secured.<\/span><\/li>\n
        2. Check the tank for any damage or leaks.<\/span><\/li>\n
        3. Check that the relief valve is pointing up.<\/span><\/li>\n
        4. Check that <\/span>hoses<\/span> and belts are in good shape.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Driving <\/span>maintenance Checklists<\/span><\/h3>\n

          All types of <\/span>forklifts<\/span> require the same driving checklist. Perform these tests while the <\/span>forklift<\/span> is on.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

            \n
          1. Ensure the steering, accelerator, and brakes work.<\/span><\/li>\n
          2. Check that the gears work (forward and reverse).<\/span><\/li>\n
          3. Check that the lift works (tilt and hoist).<\/span><\/li>\n
          4. Ensure the horn, lights, and backup alarm work.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            Most common <\/span>forklift maintenance<\/span> repairs\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

            It\u2019s essential to tend to an issue with your <\/span>forklift<\/span> as soon as it\u2019s spotted to decrease <\/span>downtime<\/span> and prevent further damage, but it isn\u2019t always easy to figure out what the problem is. Here are the top 3 most common <\/span>forklift maintenance<\/span> repairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

            Mast problems<\/span><\/h3>\n