A busy warehouse depends on forklifts and other material-handling equipment to move orders around the facility, load and unload trucks, and place goods on racks for storage. A warehouse fleet must be able to perform under challenging conditions — a breakdown or mechanical failure can disrupt the operation schedule, possibly resulting in delayed shipments to customers. Routine maintenance is essential for keeping the equipment on the job and productive.
What Are the Benefits of Material Handling Equipment Maintenance?
Companies that implement a regular equipment maintenance schedule can experience a range of benefits.
1. Detects Potential Repair Issues
Too often, businesses wait until a repair need arises before taking corrective measures. The result can be extensive equipment downtime and costly repair bills. Routine maintenance enables you to take a proactive approach and notice problems and warning signs in the early stages.
2. Optimizes Equipment Performance
A well-maintained forklift will operate more efficiently than one that receives no care, with the performance difference becoming more significant as the equipment ages. Basic steps like checking the tires and brakes, changing the oil at regular intervals and keeping fluids at the appropriate levels all contribute to increased productivity and operating efficiency. A properly functioning unit also consumes less energy, resulting in lower operating and ownership costs.
3. Increases a Forklift’s Resale Value
When the time comes to trade in a forklift, you’ll get more value for a well-maintained model than one in poor condition. You’ll maximize your return on investment and be better positioned to get the updated equipment your business needs at a lower cost. If you decide to sell the forklift, you can command a higher price and get more funds to allocate to other areas of your warehouse operations.
4. Enhances Workplace Safety
While newer material handling equipment contains many safety features, routine maintenance is essential for companies looking to prevent warehouse accidents. With a maintenance schedule, you’ll be able to find and replace worn or damaged parts and components before they create hazardous work conditions. You’ll also reduce the risk of job-related accidents that lead to lost time and costly workers’ compensation insurance claims.
5. Extends Equipment Life
Any fiscally responsible business wants the equipment it purchases to last as long as possible. Timely maintenance helps prevent premature wear and other issues that can shorten a forklift’s life span. You’ll have a dependable fleet member that performs well and lengthens the time between expensive upgrades or replacements.
What Happens If You Don’t Maintain Your Material Handling Equipment?
Companies may choose not to take care of their forklifts and other equipment for financial reasons or because they don’t have the in-house resources to manage the task. While this decision may result in short-term cost savings, the long-term ramifications can be substantial.
The equipment will ultimately cost more to repair because it will experience more frequent mechanical problems. An out-of-service forklift can’t contribute to an efficient, productive material handling process, which means your service levels will decrease and your customers may take their business elsewhere.
Poorly maintained forklifts also put your operators’ health and safety at risk. Workers who feel you’re not looking out for their best interests may decide to seek employment elsewhere — before they become another injury statistic.
LiftOne Can Perform Preventive Maintenance in Warehouses
As a leading forklift and material handling equipment solutions provider, LiftOne offers planned maintenance services that remove the burden of forklift upkeep from your shoulders. It’s the most convenient, cost-effective way to keep your fleet functioning properly and safely.
Contact us to request service today. We also recommend checking out our blog post on how to reduce forklift downtime for more helpful forklift maintenance tips and advice.
