Forklifts have become safer and more productive due to the technological improvements built into the powertrain of the vehicle. Planned or preventive lift truck maintenance therefore has become even more critical.

Engines, transmissions and differentials on these units are being built with closer tolerances on the components. As these units have become more reliable and productive because of these advancements, we need to assure that the manufacturer’s recommended frequency of changing these lubricants are followed. Most manufacturers require that lubricants be changed at certain intervals using the recommended lubricants for their products. Dirty or burnt transmission or differential fluids will cause parts to wear out prematurely and restrict the oil flow through the very small orifices in the valves. Most failures in these units can be traced back to a lack of routine forklift maintenance services.

It’s important to be aware of the cost of doing business, so your preventative lift truck maintenance has to be done in a careful, organized manner by trained technicians. This provides insurance against larger costs down the line in lost productivity and unexpected large repairs.