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Archive for February, 2020

When to Service a Forklift

February 16th, 2020  | 
Resource Center/BLOGServiceToyota 360

Our motto for maintaining safe forklifts is: “When in doubt, check it out!”

It’s always a good idea to keep a regular service schedule for your forklift fleet, but occasionally, we all fall behind or forget. If you think you might have missed a service appointment or can’t remember when you had the last one, here are nine ways to help figure out if it’s time for a checkup.  

  1. Check your calendar. Has it been six months or more? If the answer is yes, it’s time for a service call. 
  2. Count the hours. If you have a general idea of when your forklift was last serviced, you can count the hours of use to help figure out if it’s time for a service call. Has it been 250* hours or more since the last service if you have an internal combustion forklift? Is it used for 500* hours or more if you have an electric forklift? If either answer is yes, it’s time to service your forklift. 
  3. Notice the tires. Check your forklift tires for cuts, cracks, tire treads, or bald spots. If you see anything unusual, it’s a reason for a service call. 
  4. Focus on the forks. Are your forks cracked, dented, or misshapen in any way? If so, you run the risk of dropping or damaging a load. Don’t take the chance. It’s time for a service call. 
  5. Check the chains. Look at your forklift chains to check for rust, corrosion, kinks, or other damage. Properly lubricated forklift chains usually last around 6,000 hours. If you see damage anywhere at any time, it’s time to service your forklift chains to ensure they are safe. 
  6. Look for oil leaks. If your forklift’s oil level is low, you risk increased friction and temperatures, which can cause problems in other parts of the forklift. Oil leaks are also a safety hazard for other forklifts and pedestrians. If your forklift leaks even a tiny amount of oil, it’s time for an immediate service call. 
  7. Listen up. Are your brakes grinding? Are your tires squeaking? Is the mast making an unusual sound? Noises are often the first sign of a problem — time to make a call. 
  8. Follow your nose. Do you smell fuel coming from the forklift engine? If so, you may need a new filter or service. 
  9. Call your local forklift dealer. If your local dealership services your forklift, they’ll be able to tell you exactly when it was in for repair. Let them do the work so you don’t have to.  

If you’re concerned about your forklift or fleet, click here to schedule a service appointment to help put your mind at ease.  

*These are generalizations. Please check your manufacturer’s guide or manual for information on your specific forklift. 

Forklift Tires: What You Need To Know

February 4th, 2020  | 
Resource Center/BLOGService

Just like an automobile, forklift tires significantly impact safety and performance. Knowing your options, what you need for your specific situation, and when to replace your tires is critical. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know.   

Know your application. 

Weight. What is the average and maximum weight you carry on your forklift? 

Terrain. Where do you drive the forklift? If indoors, are you on wet or slippery floors? If outdoors, is the terrain rocky or uneven? 

Space. How much space do you have between the aisles and exit/entry points? Are you working in a small area with a tight turning radius? 

Know your options.  

There are two common forklift tires: cushion tires and pneumatic tires.  

Cushion tires are solid rubber tires best for indoor applications. Cushion tires are perfect for lighter loads, light use, and small spaces. If you have a narrow aisle forklift or an order picker, cushion tires are probably the right tires for you.  

Pneumatic tires are more durable and stable and offer better traction than cushion tires. Pneumatic tires are best for indoor-outdoor applications, unpaved surfaces, and uneven terrain. If you operate in a lumberyard or on gravel, pneumatic tires are most likely the right choice.  

There are also several uncommon forklift tires. Polyurethane tires and foam fill tires are two options usually recommended for particular material handling applications only. 

Know when to replace. 

Here’s what to look for to decide if you need to replace your forklift tires. 

Cuts or cracks. If you see cuts or cracks, it is a sure sign you need to replace your forklift tires. 

Wear. Inspect forklift tires often for tire tread and balding. If you have pneumatic tires, use the two-inch rule. Check the height of the forklift tires. If the tires have worn down two inches or more from when they were new, it’s time to replace them.  

If you have cushion tires, balding in any tire area is a sure sign to replace. 

Know who to call. 

We are experts at forklift tire applications, options, and use. Do you need help determining which forklift tire you need or if it’s time to replace it?

Contact us today!