How Often Should You Service Your Forklift?

There are many factors that determine how often a forklift needs to be serviced. This includes how the forklift is powered—gasoline, propane or electric—and whether the equipment is used indoors, outdoors or both. For example, those that often operate on rough terrain will need more attention than those operating only on warehouse surfaces. Those that typically carry heavier loads may need to be serviced more frequently as well.

It’s crucial to find expert mechanics you can trust to provide high-quality forklift service in Texas. That’s where V-Bar Equipment Company comes in. Our team of skilled mechanics will be able to resolve all common forklift issues and ensure your equipment works correctly and safely.

Why do you need to service forklifts?

One reason to service a forklift is because the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that certain forklift items be serviced after every 250 hours of use. This includes items like:

• Oil filter
• Air filter
• Brakes
• Drivetrain
• Engine
• Electrical system
• Hydraulics
• Ignition timing
• Steering system

After every 500 hours of use, more of the forklift’s components are required to be serviced. This includes a wide range of items, such as the antifreeze, spark plugs, mast operation and lift chain tension. Still other parts need to be serviced after every 1,000 hours of use.

All of this is in addition to the daily maintenance and service record that OSHA requires for many operating forklifts. Safety checks should be performed every three to six months as well.

What are some signs that a forklift needs to be serviced?

Preventative maintenance is necessary if you want to keep your valuable equipment ready and operational for your business. Keeping a regular schedule of maintenance is smart, both to stay in line with regulations and to preserve the equipment that keeps your business running smoothly.

Many forklifts include a manufacturer’s service schedule either on the lift itself or in the owner’s manual. Older forklifts may require special services to stay operational. In the long run, preventative maintenance may cost a bit more now, but save you money down the road. This way, you will reduce the need to buy new forklifts more often. It will also ensure fewer breakdowns, less damage and fewer safety problems.

When you need forklift service in Texas that you can rely on, V-Bar Equipment Company is the place to go. We’re the team that’s been serving the Abilene area for nearly three decades. Our wide range of services includes everything from selling and servicing forklifts, forklift telehandlers, boom lifts and scissor lifts to renting heavy equipment. Plus, we have a group of certified mechanics who have earned a reputation for their expertise and eye for detail.

V-Bar Equipment Company is proud to be a locally owned business. Our staff is ready to help you with all your forklift needs. Give us a call today or visit our forklift services page to learn more about how we can help your business. We look forward to working with you!

Categorised in: Forklift Service

This post was written by Writer