Many businesses require a forklift truck for their day to day operations. A forklift truck can be a valuable piece of machinery for any business involved in or planning to be involved in, the movement of heavy goods and materials. Forklifts are used extensively, and there are many different types of machines, each more suited to a specific job than the next.
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Fuel type is one such consideration in the process of selecting the correct machine for the application. Forklifts are available as diesel, gas or electric, regardless of fuel type all require daily maintenance checks to ensure the safety and smooth running of the vehicle on a day to day basis. The following article provides an overview of what these checks should include for each fuel type, and who should carry them out.
Electric
Check battery electrolyte levels after charging the battery
Check hydraulic oil level
Check all wheel nuts for tightness
Inspect hoses for leaks and damage
Visually inspect tyres for damage and inflation pressure
Top up batteries with distilled water/de-ionised
Additionally ensure that batteries are recharged after each shift, and avoid engaging in random charging.
Diesel / Gas
Check the radiator water level
Check engine oil level
Check all wheel nuts for tightness
Check fuel level
Visually check water trap
Inspect hoses for leaks and damage
Examine tyres visually for damage and inflation pressure
Ensuring that the above checks are carried out not only prolong the life and ensure the safety of your forklift truck, they also reduce any costs incurred. Any neglect or misuse of a forklift will result in damage and hence unnecessary costs, therefore it is wise to make sure operators sign off on such duties on a daily basis.
In summary, making certain that your machine is well maintained, and daily checks carried out, can not only prolong the life of any machine the business owns and ensure safety is preserved but also make sure that additional costs are not incurred and the smooth running of your business is ensured.