If your business relies on forklifts, you already know how essential they are to your day-to-day operations. From loading and unloading deliveries to moving stock around the warehouse, forklifts keep your workflow efficient and productive. But like any hardworking piece of machinery, they need regular care to perform at their best. From daily safety checks to regular services, we understand that staying on top of forklift maintenance tasks doesn’t just protect your fleet; it protects your business, your team, and your bottom line.
Here’s your ultimate guide to maintaining your trucks and keeping them ready to support your business for the long run.
Daily Forklift Safety Checks
To ensure machines remain safe and compliant, it’s a good idea complete daily safety checks before each shift. As well as helping to spot any issues with your forklifts, this promotes a safety-first culture amongst operators.
Please note that these points are general guidance for forklifts only. It’s essential for all forklift operators to also adhere to the specific manufacturer’s guidance for their truck.
Visual inspection
- Have a thorough look around and under the truck for any sign of fluid leaks
- Make sure the forks are in good condition, with no evidence of excessive wear or deformation. If your forklift has any attachments fitted, make sure to inspect their security too!
- Inspect the chains for signs of wear, pin rotation or metal fatigue. Visually inspect the integrity of the hoses, do not use your hands
- Check the condition of the mast, attachment and overhead guard
- Look at each tyre and ensure wheel nuts are fastened securely and alignment markers are positioned correctly
In the operator cab
- Whilst in the cab, check that the seatbelt fastens properly and all seat functions work as expected
- Check that lights and indicators work, as well as back lights, warning and brake lights
For the engine/battery compartment, required daily checks will depend on how your forklift is powered. Refer to the operator manual if you’re not sure.
LPG or Diesel Forklifts
- Make sure there are no oils, lubricants, fuel or other organic dust or fibres in the engine compartment
- Check the levels of fuel, coolant, engine oil and hydraulic oil and top up where necessary
Electric Forklifts
- Look at the general cleanliness of the battery compartment, and ensure the battery itself is secure
- Check cable connections for worn or loose wires
Before starting work, do a final check that the lift and auxiliary functions are working as expected, as well as the foot brake and parking brake.
LOLERs
In the UK, forklift owners must comply with regulations such as LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) and PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations).
Regular servicing and thorough examinations help ensure your equipment meets legal requirements. Staying compliant not only avoids fines and penalties but also demonstrates your commitment to safe working practices.
Forklifts should have a Thorough Examination every 12 months, or more frequently if exposed to heavy use. If you have any equipment that is used to lift people, such as MEWPs, inspections are required every 6 months.
Service Contracts
A service contract is a proactive preventative maintenance agreement that covers regular servicing, inspections, and support for your forklifts. Rather than reacting to breakdowns or other unexpected issues, a service contract allows potential issues to be identified and resolved before they hurt productivity.
As well as extending the working life of your equipment and ensuring the compliance and safety of your fleet, a service contract minimises downtime and allows businesses to budget for maintenance costs in advance.
Supporting Your Operation
To stay on top of regular forklift maintenance, many businesses find it helpful to work with an experienced materials handling equipment partner.
Forklift servicing isn’t an expense; it’s an investment in your business performance. By reducing downtime, improving safety, and extending equipment life, regular maintenance directly supports productivity and profitability.