The Basics to Forklift Maintenance

Aug 12, 2020

Forklifts are expensive, complex warehouse equipment and an integral part of your facility’s daily operations. When they break down, you can find yourself facing costly repairs or even having to replace the equipment. With the right forklift maintenance strategy in place you can protect your investment, and more importantly, keep employees safe.

 

Perform Daily Checks

Inspections should be performed on forklifts at the beginning of each workday and/or each shift, without fail. Not only is this daily check an OSHA requirement, but it’s also the best way to identify any small problems before they become big issues. Create a checklist ( these resources from OSHA are a great place to start) to address key components of the forklift before employees start using it. Target these areas, specifically: Hoses, tires, seat belts, fluid levels, forks, overhead guards, and brake performance.

 

Check the Manufacturer’s Guidelines

This is the best resource to follow when it comes to a maintenance schedule. Most forklift manufacturers recommend that comprehensive inspection and/or servicing to happen at regular intervals of distance traveled or hours of use. You should change the oil and tires on your forklifts and check fluids, filters, and brakes regularly to keep it running smoothly.

 

 

Pay Attention to the Tires

Many forklifts travel fixed paths around the warehouse, and this repetition can cause tires on the equipment to wear out quickly and unevenly. Depending on the climate in the facility, tires can deflate, and leaks and worn tread are also common occurrences. Tire checks should be a part of daily inspections, and this particular task should include pressure checks along with getting a good visual of the tread. According to OSHA requirements, forklifts need to be taken out of service if tires have pieces missing, and you should also replace them regularly due to wear and tear.

 

Keep Forklifts Clean

Not only do regular cleanings keep your forklifts looking good, but this step is also important for the overall safety of your equipment. The buildup of dust, lint, and cardboard particles can create a combustion risk and block systems (like the radiator) that impact the overall performance of the equipment. Perform cleaning on weekly, with steps like blowing trapped dust out of the radiator, wiping down the parks, and changing out dirty filters. While it may not seem like it, this small move helps save big money when it comes to repairs due to wear.

 

Know the Signs of a Problem

Even the most seasoned forklift operators can overlook small signs that forklifts need to be maintained or repaired, so be sure to offer training materials that they can revisit from time to time. These resources should not only include signs that forklift problems should be addressed but also offer guidelines on how to properly use the equipment. Improper use could lead to unnecessary wear and tear, excess maintenance, total replacement of the equipment, and ultimately create a huge safety hazard.

 

 

Address Issues ASAP

Even with daily required checks and regular maintenance, you could still face some unexpected problems with your forklift — like brake failure during a shift or tines that bend or break during use. Don’t put off fixing these issues and take the forklift out of service at the first indication that something is amiss, even if it may cause downtime for the equipment or a delay in work. Again, it’s important to train employees on how to recognize the issues listed above and create a protocol for addressing them so everyone is on the same page on how to deal with surprises.

 

Find a Forklift Maintenance Partner

The easiest way to maintain your equipment is by partnering with a team of professionals that you can trust to regularly maintain and repair your forklifts — regardless of the manufacturer or brand. Outsourcing this task means your employees and equipment don’t have to be taken off the floor and productivity doesn’t have to slow down. Forklift experts are also well-versed in OSHA standards and safety guidelines and can keep your equipment and warehouse compliant.

Forklifts are the lifeblood of your warehouse operations, but just like any of the equipment you use regularly, forklifts need maintenance to keep running smoothly and safely. It’s important to have qualified repair professionals and maintenance techs in your corner. Trust Benco to perform routine preventative maintenance and inspections of material handling equipment to minimize breakdowns; we’ll even bring you a rental

Common Hazards in Your Warehouse (And How to Avoid Them)

08 Apr, 2024
Warehouses are the backbone of many industries, storing and distributing goods to keep the economy moving. However, behind the scenes of this logistical hub lurk various hazards that can pose severe risks to employees and property. Let's investigate some of the most common warehouse hazards and explore proactive mitigation strategies. Slips/Trips/Falls Slips, trips, and falls are among the most prevalent hazards in warehouse spaces. Spills, cluttered aisles, and uneven surfaces can easily lead to accidents if not adequately addressed. To prevent such incidents, warehouses should prioritize proper housekeeping, including regular cleaning and maintenance of floors. Additionally, using signage to highlight potential hazards and ensuring adequate lighting throughout the facility can significantly reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls. Fires Flammable materials and electrical equipment in warehouses make them susceptible to fires. Faulty wiring, improper storage of combustible materials, and lack of fire suppression systems can all contribute to the risk of fire outbreaks. Implementing preventive measures such as regular equipment maintenance, proper storage protocols for flammable materials, and employee training on fire safety procedures are crucial in mitigating this hazard. Harmful Substances Warehouses often house various chemicals and hazardous substances, which can pose risks to employees' health if not handled properly. Exposure to harmful substances can lead to respiratory issues, skin irritation, and other serious health problems. To mitigate this hazard, warehouses should properly store and label hazardous materials, provide employees with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), ensure adequate ventilation systems, and conduct regular training on safe handling procedures. Falling Objects With shelves stacked high with merchandise, falling objects present a significant hazard in warehouses. Poorly secured storage systems, improper stacking of items, and inadequate safety measures can all increase the risk of objects falling and causing injury. Warehouses can minimize this risk by adequately securing shelves and storage systems, using barriers or guardrails to prevent objects from falling, and conducting regular inspections of overhead storage areas. Overexertion The physical demands of warehouse work can lead to overexertion injuries if employees lack adequate training or don't perform tasks ergonomically. Lifting heavy objects, repetitive motions, and working in awkward positions can all contribute to overexertion injuries such as strains and sprains. To prevent such injuries, warehouses should provide comprehensive training on proper lifting techniques, encourage the use of mechanical aids such as forklifts and pallet jacks, and implement ergonomic workstations to reduce strain on employees' bodies.

Common Inventory Management Mistakes

08 Mar, 2024
Effective inventory management practices influence the success of each warehouse, the supply chain, and the business at large. Inventory management involves many moving parts and elements – everything from the product catalog to the warehouse space to tracked KPIs. Experienced warehouse managers know that no matter how fool-proof your inventory management systems are, there’s always room to improve and prepare for unexpected circumstances. Let’s discuss common inventory management mistakes (and what to do instead). Overstocking or Understocking One of the most prevalent inventory management mistakes is maintaining too much or too little inventory. Overstocking ties up valuable capital and warehouse space, leading to increased carrying costs and a higher risk of obsolescence. On the other hand, understocking can result in stockouts, backorders, and dissatisfied customers. Businesses should leverage historical sales data, market trends, and advanced forecasting techniques to accurately predict demand and optimize inventory levels. Inaccurate Demand Forecasting Businesses are prone to making costly inventory planning errors without precise demand forecasting. Relying on outdated data or flawed forecasting methods can lead to inefficiencies and missed opportunities. By utilizing advanced analytics and predictive modeling, businesses can better anticipate shifts in demand, seasonal fluctuations, and emerging trends, allowing for more informed inventory decisions and improved responsiveness to customer needs. Lack of Inventory Visibility Poor visibility into inventory levels across multiple locations or channels can result in operational inefficiencies and errors. Without real-time data on stock levels and movement, businesses may struggle to fulfill orders on time, leading to customer dissatisfaction and lost sales. Implementing integrated inventory management systems that provide comprehensive visibility into inventory across the supply chain can help businesses optimize inventory allocation, reduce stockouts, and improve overall operational performance.

A Beginner’s Guide to Electric Forklifts

By Denis Benden • 08 Feb, 2024
Efficient material handling is crucial for businesses of all sizes and industries. It directly impacts productivity, cost-effectiveness, and overall operational success. Effective material handling ensures that goods are moved, stored, and transported in a streamlined and organized manner, minimizing delays, damages, and errors. Electric forklifts play a significant role in effective material handling, transforming the […] The post A Beginner’s Guide to Electric Forklifts appeared first on Benco Industrial Equipment.
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