Service and Maintenance: The Keys to Forklift Efficiency - Catalog - Page 6
CHOOSING THE RIGHT PLAN
When choosing a planned maintenance program,
consider these key questions:
Once you realize the benefits of planned
maintenance, choosing the right maintenance
plan is the next step. Ideally, your supplier can
choose from a variety of plans to recommend
the right fit for your specific application.
How many and what type of forklifts are in
your fleet?
How many hours do your forklifts operate
per shift? Per day? Per week?
An effective service provider understands the
nuances of planned maintenance and knows
that a one-size-fits-all approach isn’t viable given
the diversity of the material handling world. Your
choices can be the difference between a welloiled operation and one riddled with unplanned
disruptions.
Are there seasonal business fluctuations
that affect operations?
How does your application and warehouse
operating environment affect forklift
performance?
Some facilities require a service call almost
daily depending on the application, fleet
size, operation schedule and maintenance
requirements. Others have less frequent needs.
Service providers will typically offer options
that range from a time-and-materials approach
to full or complete maintenance plans that
are more comprehensive in terms of covered
products and repairs.
Do you know the service history of your
forklifts? Are there specific lift trucks,
parts or components that tend to require
replacement more often than others?
What is the average age of the forklifts in
your fleet?
No matter the plan, when planned maintenance
is performed the provider’s technicians should
check wearable components such as forks,
chains and the mast. The inspection includes
not only a visual check of the components
themselves but also an operational check to
ensure that all forklift systems are functioning as
intended. It also includes checking fluid levels
and other consumables, like load wheels, tires
and other wearable components.
A typical complete maintenance plan includes
fundamental maintenance to keep forklifts
running, plus coverage of some routine
maintenance repairs and even some abuse
repairs up to a defined threshold. Many will also
offer options for maintenance and repairs for
batteries and chargers.
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