Forklifts are an essential part of most businesses. They help reduce maintenance costs, increase productivity, and improve profitability.
However, the economic lifespan of a forklift depends on usage, maintenance, and upkeep. When the machine is worn or unreliable, it’s time to replace it.
Tires
The tires on your forklift endure much punishment as they move loads through rough terrain and harsh environments. They are also pushed to their maximum capacity during frequent stops, turns, acceleration, and reversals. This can lead to increased wear and tear, decreased fuel efficiency, and unsafe conditions for drivers and other nearby employees.
Typically, forklift tires have a safety line or wear ring to remind operators when it’s time for a replacement. The tire’s top meets this line when it’s nearly 2 inches less than its original height.
If you can’t see the wear line, look for signs of wear in the sidewall. Aside from checking forklift battery replacement cost, check for a fading tread pattern or bald spots, and ensure the tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended level.
When a pneumatic tire loses its tread, the operator will feel uneven traction, and the forklift cannot handle heavy loads. This will lead to poor operation and can even cause damage to the forklift.
Forklift tires can be made with various materials to meet specific needs. For example, fiberglass-impregnated rubber is highly heat-resistant and helps reduce friction that can damage a tire’s integrity over time.
Polyurethane-impregnated tires are better for indoor applications that see oil or chemical spills. They also are a good choice for facilities that work in areas where static electricity is a concern, such as manufacturing facilities.
Engine
The engine and hydraulics of a forklift need maintenance and servicing to keep them working effectively. Check the hoses that connect these components for leaks and wear. The fuel hose on IC forklifts is essential to watch.
A forklift engine that runs smoothly and in good condition can last long. But when the machine becomes expensive to repair, consider replacing it with a new one.
While the lifespan of a forklift depends on its type, it will also be affected by how it is used. Heavy use can exacerbate the wear on the engine, lifting mechanism, and tires, leading to the need for replacement.
Replacing a forklift’s engine is an investment that will save you money in the long run. It also provides peace of mind that you are keeping your employees safe by ensuring that your forklift is in tip-top shape.
Ideally, forklift operators will meticulously ensure their machines receive regular maintenance. This will help their forklifts operate more efficiently and longer, reducing the need to replace them.
It is best to have a strategy that helps you identify when to replace your forklifts. This strategy will allow you to reduce downtime and minimize costs, helping to keep your business running at optimal capacity.
Lifting Capacity
Having the proper lifting capacity is an essential factor when replacing your forklift. It can save you money in repairs and prevent accidents and injury. The rated and de-rated capabilities on a forklift’s data plate can help determine if the truck can safely lift your loads at a specific height.
A forklift’s rated capacity is the maximum weight the lift can safely lift with a centered load. The load center is the middle of the shipment from front to back, where the heaviest part should be placed.
It’s important to note that load centers will increase as the loads get longer and heavier. As a result, the center of gravity will shift forward and up. This causes the stability triangle of the forklift to become more unstable and increases the risk of tipping over.
Another critical factor is the attachments you use on your forklift. Every extension you add subtracts from the lift truck’s lifting capacity. This is because the wings typically move the load center forward and up.
Other factors affecting your lift truck’s safe lifting capacity include fork wear and the type of material you’re handling. For example, if you work in extreme temperatures or with excessive dust, you’re more likely to experience fork wear. Just 10% wear on a fork decreases its safe lifting capacity by 20%, so it’s crucial to check the divisions regularly and replace them when worn.
Safety
Safety is one of the essential factors when replacing a forklift. It’s a legal requirement and can save you money and headaches in the long run.
For example, if your forklift is being operated without the proper certification, it could be illegal and result in a vast OSHA fine. Untrained operators also have a much higher risk of injuries than properly certified workers.
To keep your employees safe, it’s vital to train them correctly and provide regular refresher training as necessary. The frequency of this training can depend on the workplace, but OSHA mandates that refresher training be given at least every three years.
Another way to ensure that your operators use their equipment safely is to conduct routine inspections before each use. During these checks, forklift operators should examine the essential parts of the machine to identify any wear or damage that needs repair.
During these inspections, they should also check the forks to ensure they’re still in good shape. They should be replaced if bent, worn out, or otherwise in poor condition before they cause any hazard.
In addition, forklifts should always have an overhead guard installed to protect the operator from falling objects. They should also be fitted with a load backrest whenever possible. It’s common for operators to remove the load backrest so they can reach higher levels with ease, but this can increase the chances of loads falling off.
Also Read: Must-Have Tools for a Forklift Mechanic
