Lift truck abuse can be prevented if you follow these four critical cost-efficient solutions.  They can help eliminate and prevent abuse while increasing your operation’s safety and productivity.

1. Worn Forklift Tires.

• Worn or chunked forklift tires can have a major impact on the wheel, axle components, load and operator, causing costly damages and putting the operator at risk for safety.  Be sure to have your tires regularly examined and replaced when they show signs of damage or excessive wear.
• All applications of use are different, demanding applications require the proper tires for maximum forklift truck performance.  When working in heavy-duty applications, such as concrete, steel or operating with heavy loads outdoors, make sure you have the proper type of tire and the right size.

2. Transmission Failure.

• Forklift operators who ride the inching pedal can cause expensive damage to the transmission.
• Get the proper operator training on using the inching pedal.  The inching pedal should only be used when approaching a rack.  Apply the brakes while revving the engine which will allow the hydraulics to work at full speed.
• The brake pedal is used for regular stops the forklift makes when the hydraulics are not being used

3. Impact Damage.

• Lift truck components such as wheels, forks, tires, body panels, attachments and backrests suffer from impacts done on product and surroundings,  due to fast traveling speeds.
• Assign operators to a specific lift truck in your facility to have them familiarize themselves with the equipment and monitor their habits and usage.
• There are multiple safety options that can be used to reduce impact damage and monitor your lift trucks, such as impact monitor, vehicle speed limiter and keyless access systems.

4. Premature Fork Wear.

• Operating with worn, chunked tires can cause premature wear to the bottom of your lift truck’s forks.
• Forks must be replaced when the heel is worn more than 10% which is required by ANSI/ITSDF.
• Ensure that you are operating with safe forks by putting in routine fork inspections.

Call us today at 330-633-6000 for any of your service needs, or questions!  We will be more than happy to service your investments and keep your operation running safe and efficient.