It is called preventive maintenance that maintenance service that is carried out regularly with the sole purpose of anticipating probable failures in the operation of a lift truck, as well as to identify those parts that suffer most wear. There are two basic purposes of preventive maintenance:
 
Constantly inspect and monitor the condition of the forklift’s internal parts, so that minor problems that could become larger can be identified and eliminated. As a result of the above, users will be able to maintain his forklift and operate it at 100% capacity.
 
The lift truck is a cargo handling equipment that by the nature of the works it is used for, it often operates shifts of up to 24 continuous hours, and which work in most cases is performed both in roofed yard and in outdoor operating yards, which generates greater wear on the machine. Hence the importance of having your equipment constantly monitored; because as we know a lift truck no longer working is a lot of money going to waste.
 
The first preventive maintenance services needed in any type and brand of lift truck must be done once the first 50 hours of work (in new equipment) have been completed. During this first maintenance service, the factory oil change is performed changing it for the one with which the machine will start to work regularly. During this first maintenance service technicians check the lift truck is operating correctly to ensure that it will meet 100% of the user requirements.
 
From this moment on it is recommended to do a preventive maintenance every 250 hours, during which the electrical system, the hydraulic system, the ignition system is thoroughly checked; also the engine oil and its filter are changed. Upon arrival at the 500 hours, the air filter change is added to these other changes.
 
This systematic maintenance is repeated until reaching the 1000 hours of work. This maintenance service demands a higher degree of work and spare parts. Spare spark plugs, air filter, brake system cleaning, oil change and hydraulic filter and especially the oil and filter used by the automatic box.
 
Apart from this, if any other correction is required they should be done, however, the aforementioned is the minimum indispensable that the lift truck requires to achieve a satisfactory performance.
 
At this point it is worth remembering the importance of the correct functioning of the horometre, but above all, it is important to monitor the lift truck of its monitoring and monitoring by the responsible of the or the lift trucks. The function of the horometre does not make sense if the preventive maintenance services are not carried out periodically, and they lose all their effectiveness if they take place after the hours established.
 
Corrective maintenance

This type of maintenance seeks to correct failures that the lift truck presents and that can arise from the natural wear of the parts, from the absence of preventive maintenance or from a failure that arises during the daily operations. Unlike preventive maintenance, corrective maintenance does not have an established periodicity.
 
In addition to repairing defective parts, corrective maintenance includes:

• Internal cleaning and inspection of the alternator
• Cleaning and internal inspection of the starter engine
• Cleaning and internal inspection of the carburettor
• Cleaning and inspection of the hydraulic oil tank
• Cleaning and inspection of the fuel tank.

The incidence of corrective maintenance can be reduced considerably as long as preventive maintenance is performed periodically as established by the manufacturer of your equipment.
 
Some recommendations when operating a lift truck

Operating a lift truck is a big responsibility. While it is true using your own criteria and doing timely maintenance to your equipment you can avoid certain types of accidents, but not all. Therefore, it is imperative that you have safe habits and operate this type of heavy machinery in a very professional way. Here are some recommendations to take into account:
 
Assigned, Qualified and Trained

These are the three elements to look for in a lift truck operator. As the latter does not work for regular vehicles since this type of heavy machinery is usually handled and operates better with load than without any loads.
 
Buckle up your seat belt

It is necessary. This way you will always be safe inside the lift truck. Also, if you fall off from the machine to the ground, the belt will hold you, since you must always have three points of support.
 
Suitable clothing

Always carry the indicated clothes to handle lift trucks, such as: helmet, visibility vest and safety shoes.
 
Signals, speed and height

It is always good to be aware of all the signs, especially to take into account the maximum loads established, the floors and heights also
 
Speed

Never exceed the speed limit, nor make sudden changes of direction, nor abrupt stops.
 
Risks

Just avoid them. Moving away from uneven terrain, honking when you make a turn or crossings through an entrance where there may be pedestrians or other lift trucks.
 
Stable load

Never lift or move loads that are not stable. It needs to be correctly positioned between the fasteners.
 
Visibility

If you do not have a lot of visibility when driving, stop. The best thing is for you to be supported by an assistant for these circumstances.
 
Only loads

Lift trucks are only for carrying loads, not people. In case it is necessary to move to an area where it is through a working platform.
 
Finally, make sure the merchandise is evenly distributed and when you have finished your workday, turn off the lift truck motor and remove the key. Remember that you must always keep in mind the rules of how to operate a lift truck safely, whether you are lifting, hauling, loading, and of course also when it comes to protecting your life, others’ and your business.
 
If you are looking for a business that provides lift trucks that are second to none in terms of performance, Hunter Liftrucks our organisation is an excellent choice with more than 35 years of experience in the field.