Taking your forklift in to get serviced is a routine part of forklift maintenance. However, even if your forklift is still operational, it might still have problems that needs immediate attention.
There are also maintenance components that OSHA requires you to follow. With this in mind, here are some tell-tale signs your forklift needs to be serviced.
Follow the Requirements for Immediate Servicing That OSHA Mandates
If you notice any of these things happening with your forklift, OSHA requires you to remove it and take it in for servicing. For example, if you notice any defects or safety hazards with your forklift, you must report them and fix the problems right away.
Under no circumstances would they allow you to keep using the vehicle during the workday when you know something is wrong. When your vehicle emits sparks or flames from the exhaust system, this is a dead giveaway that your forklift needs immediate servicing.
If any point of the forklift heats up excessively and doesn’t operate at a normal temperature, it could be a sign of overheating, necessitating its removal. And if your fuel system is leaking, you can’t safely use the vehicle until you correct the leak.
Signs That It’s Time To Service Your Forklift
The best way to avoid costly repairs and accidents on the job is to service your vehicle regularly. But to judge whether it’s time to repair it or not, you need to know how to inspect it. The first sign is when your forks appear bent, cracked or worn out from too much use.
If you damage your forks, it can lead to damaged loads later on. Also, if you’re using refurbished forklift batteries, water them regularly and check for rust and corrosion.
Next, watch out for a mast that fidgets or catches on something when it moves up and down. If you don’t lubricate the mast fittings and surfaces, the repair costs for your hydraulics might prove costly.
This can also lead to permanent damage to your mast if you aren’t careful. In addition, a worn-out or rusted chain could lead to chain failure and damage to other parts of the forklift.
Take Corrective Action As Soon as Possible
Don’t let your forklift degrade to the point of failure. Instead, take it into the shop or repair it yourself as soon as you notice anything out of the ordinary.
You should inspect your forklift daily to keep up with repairs and leaks. Now that you know the tell-tale signs your forklift needs to be serviced, you can make informed decisions about your equipment.
