When it comes to caring for your forklift, whether during the course of rental or ownership, you will need to follow some steps that will allow you to get the best overall care out of the equipment. The forklift bears a heavy burden throughout the course of your business, which is why there are many contractors and suppliers who can assist you in getting the best out of the forklift's potential. Concentrate on these tips below so that you are able to take you forklift maintenance to the next level. 

#1: Keep The Battery Fresh

The last thing you could want is for your forklift battery to die on you in the middle of a heavy lifting session. The battery drains little by little with each use, so you should do as much as you can to keep it fresh. Turn the machinery off when not in use and never strain it by lifting at or beyond the recommended capacity. If you need a new battery, be sure to consult a forklift repair contractor to buy the right size and brand. If you want to save a little bit of money, you can purchase a used forklift battery for between $1500 and $3500, compared to the cost range of $2000 and $6000 for a new one.

#2: Maintain The Tires

 It is critical that you change out your tires when they begin to wear low on tread. If your tires are worn, it will be harder to grip the ground and maneuver the forklift. This can leave you susceptible to accidents throughout the course of your work. Because of this, you need to be aware of the exact serial number or brand of the tires that you need to purchase so you can swap them out quickly if you blow a flat or if you tread gets low. Worn tires also decrease your fuel economy — for instance, when your tires wear down by 10%, they will lose about 3% of their traction, along with a 3% increase in fuel consumption.

#3: Change The Fluids

 The fluids in your forklift require changes regularly for them to be fresh and to lubricate your equipment. Grease the moving parts and bearings to decrease the amount of friction. You also need to regularly change the oil so that the lift operates at its best. Forklift mechanics recommend changing your forklift oil at 200 hour use intervals. Be sure to also change the oil filter and fuel filter at this time.

Consider these tips to get the most out of your forklift. Contact a company like U.S. Lift & Warehouse Equipment Inc to learn more.

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