How Often Should You Service Your Forklift?

It’s commonly understood that any vehicle you use regularly requires service from time to time. You know how often to have your car’s oil changed, and your driver’s manual will tell you the intervals for service based on mileage. Your fleet of forklifts should be treated no differently.

OSHA requires operators to inspect their forklifts at the end of each shift. Other OSHA requirements are detailed under compliance section 1910.178(q), but the overall guideline is that forklifts should not be used if they’re not in safe operating condition. OSHA guidelines and requirements should be followed as you determine how often to service your forklift, but there are other factors to consider as well. Generally, forklift maintenance is scheduled based on usage and time intervals. While time intervals are measured in days and months, usage intervals are based on pedal or key hours. Electric lift trucks require preventive forklift maintenance based on the run time of the hydraulic/drive motor, while LP forklift hours are based on the time the key switch has spent in the on position. Electric forklift engines also require less maintenance than internal combustion engines.

For regular internal combustion engine planned maintenance:

Blow out radiator core and clean machine with compressed air
Clean grease fittings and lubricate machine
Change engine oil and filter, fuel filter if diesel
Inspect condition and verify functionality of all safety components
Check operation of unit
Check all components of cooling system and verify coolant level
Inspect drive train system and verify operation
Inspect hydraulic cylinders, hoses and mast components
Inspect fuel and exhaust systems
Inspect tires

At 1,000 hours:

Replace air filter and tune up unit
Clean vaporizer and inspect fuel system
Replace transmission fluid and filter
Check differential oil and brake fluid condition
Load test battery and check charging system
Check emission system
Replace hydraulic return filter

At 2,000 hours:

Replace hydraulic pick up filter and oil
Replace coolant
Replace LPG fuel filter

For regular electric engine planned maintenance:

Clean machine with compressed air
Clean grease fittings and lubricate machine
Inspect condition and verify functionality of all safety components
Check operation of unit
Check differential oil level, drive motor/motors, and all mounting
Inspect hydraulic cylinders, hoses and mast components
Inspect hydraulic and steering motors
Inspect battery, cables, connector, water system, and blinky light

At 1,000 hours:

Check differential oil and brake fluid condition
Perform battery cell voltage test
Replace hydraulic return filter

At 2,000 hours:

Replace hydraulic pick up filter
Replace hydraulic oil

Keeping up with your lift truck’s planned maintenance can improve the performance and increase the longevity of your equipment. It’s important to note, though, that older machinery with heavy usage may need expanded maintenance. Be sure to keep comprehensive service records and be prepared to show them to OSHA if required.

Since 1938, Fraza has been working to provide the best materials management solutions in the industry. Since its humble beginnings repairing large trucks and hydraulics at a small garage in Detroit, this family-owned shop has grown into a full-service material handling business. Our highly-skilled team of 200 employees spans a wide geography in Michigan, helping our customers become more efficient, productive, and connected to technology. Our driving commitment is exceptional service, and we strive to provide our customers with the tools, technologies, and best practices they need for maximum efficiency. For more information call 800.954.5553 or contact us through our website.

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