Why forklift maintenance keeps your forklifts performing longer

Forklift maintenance plays a big role in keeping your operations safe, productive, and cost-efficient. Whether you own your fleet or make use of rental equipment, having a solid maintenance plan in place helps reduce downtime, improve safety, and extend the life of your machines.

Why maintenance matters

Putting off forklift maintenance can cost more than you think. A neglected truck is more likely to break down, create safety risks, and interrupt daily operations.

Poor maintenance can lead to:

• Unexpected downtime
• Costly repairs
• Higher safety risks
• A shorter forklift lifespan

Having a maintenance plan helps you stay ahead. Instead of waiting for problems to appear, you can spot issues early and fix them before they turn into expensive repairs.

What makes a strong maintenance plan

A good maintenance plan covers all the essentials, including inspections, records and training.

Performing regular inspections

Routine checks keep forklifts running reliably and help catch problems early. How often you inspect depends on usage and truck type:

• Daily: Fluid levels, brakes, forks, warning lights, tyres
• Weekly: Battery health (electric), engine oil, hydraulics
• Monthly: Drive system, lifting mechanisms, electronics

Safekeeping records

Good documentation isn’t just paperwork; it’s proof of compliance and a key planning tool. Maintenance records help with:

• Safety audits and warranty claims
• Tracking wear, parts, and repairs
• Forecasting servicing intervals

Digital fleet systems make record-keeping easier and more reliable.

Conducting staff training

Operators are the first line of defence. Make sure they know how to:

• Perform pre-start checks
• Spot early mechanical or electrical issues
• Report faults quickly

Maintenance by forklift type

• Electric forklifts (lead-acid): Keep batteries topped up, clean terminals, avoid overcharging, and follow proper charging schedules. Check controllers and sensors regularly.
• Mixed fleets: Coordinate schedules across electric, diesel, and LPG forklifts to meet each type’s needs.

If you’re renting forklifts

Confirm right from the start who’s responsible for maintenance. Typically, most providers would handle it, but that’s not guaranteed, or service levels may differ. A quality rental agreement should include:

• Routine servicing and inspections
• 24/7 breakdown support
• Operator training
• Flexible terms with maintenance built in

Keeping forklifts well-maintained isn’t just about compliance. It’s about performance, safety and peace of mind. Book your next service with our expert technicians by clicking the button below.

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