Electric forklifts are some of the most dynamic and innovative technologies that you can ever come across. These mechanisms are known for their ability to enhance and revitalize material handling operations. Electric forklifts have been known to be eco-friendly and cost-effective solutions that have been an asset to any business that invests in them. However, just like any other equipment, tool, or component, they require the necessary upkeep to ensure they work at the optimal standard. Are you looking to learn how to properly maintain these vehicles? Are you unsure of how to make sure these vehicles are consistently up to par and ready for service? Here are some tips on how you and your business can effectively maintain any electric forklift:
1) Less Moving Parts – It is essential to ascertain that gas-fed forklifts and electric forklift feature huge differences in their components and make-up. You will not need to purchase anti-freeze, engine oil, or an oxygen sensor because these vehicles do not rely on combustion or lubricants to operate. They are strictly electric. However, it is essential that you focus your attention on the central computer of the machine which serves as the heartbeat for the vehicle. Wiring is also another portion of the vehicle that needs to be taken into consideration and should be optimized at all times. Like its gas-fed counterparts, electric forklifts should also be protected from oxidation and rust build up.
2) Telematics Applications– The good news is that there are tools and interfaces designed to take the load off of many owners today. Telematics offer fleet management platforms that are designed specifically to handle electric forklift upkeep. With ever-changing ordinances and regulations in OSHA, these applications maintain up-to-date knowledge of these standards and implement them accordingly. This is also the case when it comes to limiting liabilities and potential risks that can incur fines and moreover jeopardize safety. Telematics applications are a great asset to help in electric forklift maintenance.
3) Check Before Each Use– Just like any other device, electric forklifts require a daily check prior to use. This is imperative to derive if there are any problems emerging in the use of the vehicle and to also mitigate any risks to the apparatus, any goods, and most importantly any workers that will be engaged with it. Previous to use, make sure the forks are in working order. Moreover, also check over the brakes and tires to ensure they are properly inflated. Doing this can prevent any collateral damage to the forklift from being used inappropriately and bolster workplace safety.
5) Focus On The Battery – Experts such as Hodge champion that the battery is something that must not be taken for granted. In fact, it must be safeguarded at all costs. In many instances, we see improper battery handling spell the end of many of these vehicles. A typical yet very dastardly mistake that many businesses make is mismatching the voltage size of battery to the wrong kind of charger. Doing this reduces the lifespan of any battery and also makes any vehicle more susceptible to breakdowns.