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.
When maintaining warehouse trucks, it is crucial to prioritize safety by adhering to a comprehensive set of safety measures. This includes the use of personal protective equipment like safety glasses, ear protection, latex gloves (Click here to find out where you can get these from) and high-visibility vests, alongside the implementation of lockout/tagout kits to prevent accidental startup, fire extinguishers for fire safety, and the availability of eye wash stations and first-aid kits for immediate care.
Spill kits should be accessible to manage chemical spills, and proper tools and equipment should be maintained. Warning signs, barriers, and ventilation systems should be in place to address potential hazards, and personnel should receive adequate training and certification. Safety procedures and manuals, as well as regular inspection and maintenance schedules, play an essential role in promoting safe maintenance practices for warehouse trucks, with specific equipment requirements tailored to the type of truck and workplace policies.
Likewise, the choice of flooring material, such as aluminium checker plate, is pivotal for ensuring a secure and stable surface for warehouse lift trucks. The utilization of aluminum checker plate contributes to improved traction and slip resistance, playing a critical role in accident prevention and facilitating the smooth operation of lift trucks. This durable flooring option proves particularly advantageous in environments where employees spend extended periods on their feet.
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. Getting high quality Industrial tyres from Fieldens OTR (or a similar manufacturer) is important to maintain the trucks and ensure safety. Investing in high-quality parts and checking regularly for any issues with the vehicle is essential to prevent any warehouse hazards.
Minimize driving
A forklift stands as an indispensable asset for businesses, ensuring seamless operations. However, their indispensability is matched by the potential dangers they pose. Operating a forklift demands precision and caution. Forklift drivers shoulder the critical responsibility of skillfully navigating these machines, lifting substantial loads, and transporting them, often under time constraints. The inherent risk is amplified by the speed factor-objects moved at high speeds can escalate mishaps. Ultimately, a forklift driver’s competence directly impacts both individual safety and the company’s overall welfare. Vigorous training, adhering to safety protocols, and maintaining equipment integrity are vital measures to mitigate risks and ensure efficient, secure material handling operations.
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
Forklift safety is paramount, and ensuring a clean operating environment is essential. Dusty, greasy, or wet conditions can compromise both operator visibility and vehicle performance. Regular cleaning routines are advised, involving the careful use of water and soft cloths. This practice not only enhances visibility but also prevents slipping hazards caused by grease or water accumulation. Regular cleaning not only promotes a safer workspace but also maintains the longevity of the forklift by preventing the corrosive effects of grime and moisture. Diligently upholding cleanliness standards not only safeguards operators but also optimizes forklift functionality, contributing to an overall safer and more efficient material handling process.
Opt for Safety Tests
Services akin to machine safety testing by ST&L can play a pivotal role in maintaining lift trucks. Regular safety testing ensures that lift trucks adhere to industry standards and regulations, identifying potential issues before they escalate. By examining crucial components such as hydraulics, these services prevent malfunctions, reduce downtime, and enhance operator safety. Implementing necessary repairs and improvements based on testing results can also extend the lifespan of lift trucks and safeguard both personnel and operations, ultimately fostering a secure and efficient work environment.
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.
