How is your business’s forklift fleet management in Edmonton, Vancouver or Calgary?

Is it something that gets shuffled to the bottom of the pile? Or is it something you prioritise?

In truth, if you properly maintain and repair your forklift fleet in Edmonton, Vancouver or Calgary, it will return the favour tenfold!

The benefits of top-notch forklift fleet management include fewer repairs, increased safety and longevity, less downtime and higher resale value.

But how do you determine an appropriate maintenance schedule for your forklift fleet?

Let’s take a look at six factors to consider when determining the best maintenance schedules for your material-handling fleet:

1. Owner’s manual. Like they say, “If all else fails, read the instructions.” If you have the owner’s manuals for your forklifts, read them. They’re an invaluable starting point for determining an appropriate maintenance schedule.
2. Hours worked. Often, scheduled maintenance schedules are broken down into daily (which should actually be performed at the start of every shift), monthly, quarterly and semi-annual intervals. But every operation uses its forklifts differently! Common sense will tell you to base your schedule on the hours worked (250, 500 etc… hour intervals dependant on the application and environment) rather than a calendar, if possible.
3. Age of forklift fleet. Like with cars, the older the forklifts, the more careful you need to be with maintenance. This is the best way to keep your older forklifts running and out of the repair bay in Edmonton, Vancouver or Calgary until they can be replaced. This doesn’t mean to neglect your newer equipment! Think long-term. If you want to boost the resale value of your new forklifts, then maintain them regularly and fully document the service history.
4. Complexity of machines. A forklift needs care! Not only does it work hard, it also has more complex systems than most cars—in addition to the drivetrain, braking and electrical systems, it also has a hydraulic system. Forklifts often also come equipped with additional attachments like clamps and rotators, which require additional maintenance.
5. Working environment. It goes without saying that rougher environments mean more wear on your forklifts, and therefore more diligent maintenance.
6. Trained personnel. Only trained personnel should perform forklift maintenance and repairs in your Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary place of business. Anything less could void warranties, and even cause liabilities due to unsafe equipment!

Contact us at ARPAC for all your forklift fleet management and maintenance needs in Edmonton, Vancouver and Calgary!

At ARPAC, our decades as industry leaders in materials-handling equipment make us the go-to experts for all your maintenance needs!

Contact us today!