How to Maintain a Forklift

A forklift is an industrial vehicle that has a pronged platform that can be raised and lowered. Forklifts are ideal for moving heavy loads. Whether you use one on your job or have one at home for occasional jobs, maintain it well and prolong its life.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Check the hydraulic fluid, motor oil and transmission fluid regularly in order to maintain a forklift properly. How often you check fluid levels will depend on how often the forklift is used. If used daily, then check daily. For occasional forklift use, weekly or monthly checks are sufficient.
2. Make sure that all grease fittings are greased regularly. On a forklift, this mainly includes all of the moving joints.
3. Keep the battery fully charged on an electric forklift. If your forklift runs on LP gas, make sure the tank stays full in order to maintain it efficiently.
4. Pay attention to the gauges and warning lights on the forklift. Any light or gauge that indicates a problem should be checked out immediately. Failure to do so could result in more costly repairs.
5. Inspect controls regularly. If the controls feel slack or loose, the forklift could need hydraulic fluid or there could be a leak in one of the lines.
6. Look at the tires daily. Some forklift tires require air. Others are just solid pieces of rubber. If the forklift tires require air, make sure the air pressure in the tires is correct. If your tires are just solid rubber, check for gashes in the tire. This could cause an unstable ride and possibly damage whatever you are moving.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure that the safety belt on the forklift operates properly. In the event of a rollover, the safety belt prevents you from being thrown from the forklift.

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