When it comes to choosing the right forklift for the job, there are many options available depending on your requirements. In fact, you can choose to rent, buy or lease a forklift but no matter which option you select, heavy equipment should be serviced regularly by a certified forklift technician. How can you be sure that you require a forklift inspection or service? Read our top 4 forklift repair warning signs below.
This is the most obvious sign that indicates your forklift needs a maintenance service. If your forklift’s engine is experiencing issues, or the tire pressure is low, or an oil change is required, the information system on your forklift will light up with a warning light. The information panel may be different depending on the forklift model or may not be present, so always ensure you do a visual inspection of the forklift before the start of each shift and make a note of any such warning signs.
Brakes are a vital part of your forklift and must be checked regularly to ensure they’re working the way they should. Without properly working brakes, you not only jeopardize your safety but also the safety of others around you. If you notice that your brakes are making a squeaky noise, or are getting weak or soft, have them inspected right away along with your brake fluid and brake lines.
If your forklift is parked for an extended period of time and you notice stains on the ground below, chances are you have an oil leak or a hidden fluid leak in your forklift. If you’re facing other performance issues while operating your forklift such as spongy brakes, difficulty steering the forklift or poor fuel efficiency, these may all be linked to a leaky forklift. Ensure you check your oil levels regularly to achieve optimum productivity and an enhanced forklift life.
As climate changes occur more frequently, many companies are working to introduce modern forklifts that are either electric or are environmentally-friendly with a cleaner-burning mechanism. However, if you have a gas or a diesel-powered forklift, make sure you check for any unusual exhaust fumes emitting from your forklift. This could be an indication of a bigger problem such as engine issues, which in turn could lead to health hazards for the forklift operator or the people working in the vicinity. If these fumes make you sick or nauseous, shut down the forklift and step away immediately.
If you experience any of these warning signs while operating your forklift, or if you think there’s something wrong with the way your forklift is performing, it may be a good idea to get a qualified technician to inspect and service your forklift. Remember, if you don’t act quickly, the problem may get worse and could potentially run into a repair or replacement worth thousands of dollars. Schedule your forklift service with a Brandt factory-certified service technicians who repair and maintain all makes and models.