As specialists offering a series of innovative forklift solutions, including our series of Sidetracker multi-directional trucks and material handling equipment, we understand more than most how important it is to you and your business to have a fully operating fleet of forklift trucks. Improper maintenance and extensive use will eventually cause your forklift to deteriorate, so its essential that any forklift machinery on your premises is in full working order to ensure that your employees, as well as any stock and machinery, is safe and secure.
With over 60 years of industry experience in creating innovative forklift solutions from concept to completion, our reputation for exceptional forklift design, manufacture and supply proceeds us, and our expertise and passion is at the forefront of all we do. We are able to recognise when a forklift truck is ready for replacement, and offer solutions that fit in with your business requirements; with that being said, here are our top three indicators that you need a forklift replacement.
Excessive Forklift Repairs and Maintenance Costs
One major indicator that your forklift is in need of replacement is continuous forklift repairs and maintenance. Over time, the expenses necessary to maintain your forklift will gradually increase, as the more your forklift ages, the more frequently it will require routine repairs and maintenance. This, alongside the costs of parts and labour, means that more often than not a complete forklift replacement is more economically viable.
With increased age comes increased downtime; the older your forklift gets, the more parts such as motors, drive units, electronics will need to be replaced, and therefore will need to be non-operational until the required repair is made. This significantly decreases your business’s productivity, and will therefore decrease your revenue. It is recommended by the majority of forklift manufacturers that forklifts should be replaced roughly every 7 years, or once it has exceeded 10,000 hours of operation. To ensure that your forklifts are always working at optimum capacity, you should make sure to keep track of its hours of operation, age, and level of required routine maintenance.
Hazardous Forklift Equipment Failures
If your forklift has consistent equipment failures, such as inconsistent steering, and dropped loads, this could be sign that a complete forklift replacement is necessary. Forklift repairs and general wear and tear are to be expected, especially with the industrial premises that forklifts typically operate in. With this being said, however, consistent equipment failures can be extremely hazardous to your workforce, productivity, premises, and equipment.
Repeated forklift equipment failures make adhering to the very strict health and safety codes of practice in these industrial environments difficult to maintain, as the reliability of your forklift is compromised. With a significantly increased risk of hazards occurring in the work place, the best way to secure your workforce’s safety is to make sure that all forklifts are maintained to the very highest degree possible. There a multitude of equipment failures that may indicate that a full forklift replacement is essential, some of which include…
- Dropped loads
- Jerking motions & steering inconsistency
- Power/battery issues
- Hydraulic leaks
- Worn forks
- Damaged structures
Replacing Internal Combustion Forklift
The majority of contemporary forklift trucks are powered electronically, resulting in safer operation. Quickly increasing in popularity, electric forklifts come complete with a host of features designed to protect you, your forklift, stock, and premises. Though it is reported that 60% of the market uses electric forklifts, there is still a large minority who still use internal combustion forklifts who would be better off with electric.
Internal combustion units are powered by fuel, these forklifts are more prone to damage and require more forklift repair when compared to their electric models. Proven to significantly reduce maintenance costs, increase productivity, increase employee safety, reduce emissions, and reduce running costs, there’s little wonder why electric forklifts dominate so much of the market.
To ensure that your forklift is best suited to your operation, you should always make sure to consult periodically with a forklift solutions provider.
Contact Sidetracker For Bespoke Forklift Solutions
If you are in need of a forklift solution that suits the needs of your business, then why not get in touch with the team at Sidetracker today? We are always happy to lend advice and guidance wherever necessary.
For more information on how to choose a forklift truck for your business, read more here.