Forklift downtime can be a MAJOR headache and throw a serious wrench in your operations – slowing productivity, increasing costs and disrupting workflows all at the same time.
It’s like trying to lift a pallet with a flat tire; everything just grinds to a halt!
Not to worry – keeping your forklifts up and running isn’t as hard as you may think. In this article, we explore six helpful tips to reduce forklift downtime and keep your operations running smoothly.
1. Prioritise Operator Training
A well-trained operator is a forklift’s best friend!
Operators who know the ropes (and the forks) handle forklifts safely and efficiently, reducing wear and tear, and preventing unnecessary breakdowns.
However, training isn’t a one-time task. Regular refresher courses ensure that operators stay sharp and up to date with the latest workplace safety improvements.
By prioritising operator training and organising refresher courses, you are one step closer to preventing small mistakes from turning into big problems – saving time, money, and stress.
2. Commit to Preventative Maintenance
Think of your forklift like the trusty car you drive to work!
To ensure maximum performance and reliability of your machine, scheduling routine inspections and servicing is crucial.
Depending on the unit, the guidelines can differ based on many variables e.g., size, capacity, fuel type etc. It is important to gain an understanding of your specific model for servicing recommendations to ensure you can address any wear and tear prior to it leading to costly breakdowns.
Regular inspections of key components of the unit can reduce the risk of unexpected malfunctions that could hinder operations and compromise safety.
We recommend checking:
– Brakes for responsiveness.
– Tires for damage and proper inflation
– Forks and mast for cracks, bends and misalignment- no one likes a wonky lift!
– Safety features like lights, horn, and seatbelts
– Fluids and Filters
– Lubrication for moving parts such as mast chains and hydraulic components
– The radiator of debris and coolant levels.
Fork Force makes it easy to stick to a forklift maintenance schedule and keep your fleet running like a dream. We’ve got experienced technicians and a range of spare parts on hand for many makes and models to meet your preventative maintenance needs.
3. Optimise Forklift Usage with Fleet Management
Overworked forklifts wear out faster, while underutilised ones gather dust.
A fleet management system helps businesses avoid this by watching forklift usage, tracking the performance of the forklift, balance workloads, and addressing any issues they might have. By giving your forklifts a fair workload, you reduce unnecessary strain on any single unit, extending its lifespan and preventing premature breakdowns.
Optimising usage of the forklifts not only reduces downtime, but also saves money overall.
Fork Force has you covered with our Fleet Management Software, Sapphire V2S, available as an optional extra to get installed in your unit. With Sapphire V2S, increase the safety of your fleet with automated OSHA Compliant safety checks.
Sapphire V2S also has features available to optimise your operations, such as:
– Impact Reporting
– Operator Access Control via Pin
– Operator Licence and Training Expiration Tracking
– Session reporting regarding Machine Use
4. Keep Spare Parts on Hand
There’s nothing worse than waiting for parts while your operations are at a halt; we understand time is valuable.
Keeping commonly used spare parts on hand allows you to fix minor issues fast and get your forklift back to work with minimal delay.
Essential spare parts to stock include:
– Filters
– Tires
– Fuses
– Belts and hoses
At Fork Force, we’ve got your back with the ability to source a wide range of parts for most forklift makes and models, such as our exclusive Enforcer Forklifts, Toyota, Crown, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Linde and Unicarriers.
As a nationwide company, we can service most locations, making forklift servicing by our experienced technicians convenient for your business operations.
5. Tailor Forklifts to Their Environment
Not all forklifts are created equal. Using the wrong forklift for the job is like wearing thongs to a construction site; it’s bound to cause problems and it’ll definitely get you into trouble!
There are many types of forklifts designed for specific environments and tasks, so choosing the wrong one can lead to early wear and tear, overheating or unexpected breakdowns.
Fork Force offers a massive selection of forklifts, designed for all sorts of environments – such as warehousing, construction sites, manufacturing facilities etc. Whether you are after a Petrol, Diesel or Electric Forklift, our friendly team can help you find the perfect forklift for your specific operational needs, budget and preferences.
Not sure where to start? Check out our blog post on What Are the Types of Forklifts and Which Do I Need For My Business!
6. Maintain Clear Communications and Procedures
Clear communication between operators, the team and management and developing procedures are essential to ensure forklifts are kept in top shape.
Encouraging your team to report issues – no matter how small – as soon as they notice them through a reporting process will prevent those little issues from snowballing into larger (and more expensive) issues.
Reducing forklift downtime doesn’t have to be complicated – and it ensures you’re getting the most value out of your unit. Our responsive service team supported by a nationwide branch network ensures you’ll always have expert assistance at the tip of your fingers.
Preventative action to maintain your forklifts may seem like a small task, but it has a big impact for your units.
By focusing on the basics like operator training, preventative maintenance, fleet management, a supplier with sufficient access to spare parts and using the correct equipment, you’ll keep your forklifts running efficiently for longer, maximise the value of your unit, and support your thriving business.
Our experienced service team at Fork Force are here to assist you every step of the way – from finding the perfect forklift for your needs to servicing your forklifts to reduce downtime.
Need a forklift solution? Fork Force offers short-term hire (under 3 months), long-term hire, and our exclusive Rent-To-Own Program. With over 4,000 forklifts in our fleet and nationwide support, including Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, and beyond; we are ready to help you find the perfect solution.
Call us on 1300 192 366 or request a quote today to discuss your needs and keep your forklifts moving!
