In the modern industrial and logistics sectors, forklifts play an indispensable role as essential equipment for handling, loading/unloading, and stacking materials. Whether in manufacturing workshops, warehouse goods management, or transportation operations at ports and docks, forklifts provide strong support for production processes with their efficiency and flexibility. However, with increased usage frequency, the performance of forklifts gradually declines, and the failure rate also increases. Therefore, scientific maintenance and preservation have become core measures to ensure the stable operation of forklifts and extend their service life.

ⅠDaily Inspections: The First Step in Preventive Maintenance

Daily inspections are the foundation of forklift maintenance and also the easiest part to overlook. Operators should conduct simple checks before starting work each day to ensure that the forklift is in good working condition. These checks include:

⚪ Visual Inspection: Look for any obvious damage, leaks, or wear on the forklift.

⚪ Tire Condition: Check if tire pressure is adequate and whether there are cracks or excessive wear.

⚪ Fluid Level Checks: Confirm that levels of engine oil, hydraulic oil, coolant, and brake fluid meet standards.

⚪ Functionality Test: Test all operational controls such as lifting, tilting, steering, etc., to ensure they are functioning properly.

⚪ Lighting and Signal Systems: Ensure all lights, turn signals, and warning devices are working correctly.

Through these simple steps, potential problems can be detected early, preventing larger mechanical damages caused by minor faults.

ⅡPeriodic Maintenance: Key to Maintaining Forklift Performance

Besides daily inspections, forklifts need deeper maintenance at certain intervals. This periodic maintenance is usually carried out by professional technicians and includes:

⚪ Filter Replacement: Regularly replace oil filters, fuel filters, etc., to prevent contaminants from entering critical components and affecting the forklift's operational efficiency.

⚪ Lubrication: Apply lubrication to key parts like chains, bearings, and mast frames to reduce wear.

⚪ Battery Maintenance: For electric forklifts, the battery is the core power source. Regularly check the electrolyte level, the stability of the charging system, and ensure battery connections are secure, which can effectively extend battery life.

⚪ Brake System Adjustment: The reliability of the braking system directly affects operational safety. Regularly inspect brake pad wear and adjust or replace as necessary.

⚪ Hydraulic System Inspection: The hydraulic system is crucial for enabling the forklift's lifting functions. Check the quality of hydraulic oil, hose seals, and whether joints are loose.

These periodic maintenance measures not only enhance the forklift's work efficiency but also significantly reduce the likelihood of sudden failures.

ⅢLong-term Maintenance: Comprehensive Assurance of Forklift Lifespan

Apart from daily and periodic maintenance, forklifts should undergo comprehensive technical inspections annually or semi-annually. This stage of maintenance typically includes:

⚪ Overall Evaluation: Have professional technicians conduct a thorough inspection of the forklift to assess the operating status of each system.

⚪ Component Updates: Replace parts that show significant wear or aging in a timely manner to avoid impacting overall machine performance.

⚪ Software Upgrade (for Smart Forklifts): With the popularization of intelligent forklifts, some models come equipped with electronic control systems. Regular software upgrades help optimize the functionality of the forklift.

⚪ Operator Training: Maintenance isn't just about physical upkeep; it also involves ongoing education for operators. Ensuring they understand correct operation methods and emergency response skills helps reduce equipment damage due to human factors.

ⅣImportance of Maintenance and Preservation

Forklift maintenance and preservation are not only related to the performance and lifespan of the equipment itself but also directly affect a company's operational efficiency and production safety. Neglecting maintenance could lead to the following consequences:

⚪ Frequent breakdowns

⚪ Safety hazards

⚪ Increased repair costs

⚪ Premature equipment retirement

Therefore, establishing a sound forklift maintenance system and strictly implementing it is an important measure for companies to improve production efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure safety.

As an important tool in the modern logistics system, the stability and safety of forklifts directly impact the operational quality of enterprises. Through scientific daily inspections, periodic maintenance, and long-term preservation, not only can the optimal working condition of forklifts be ensured, but also significant savings in repair and replacement costs can be achieved. At the same time, strengthening training and management of operators will further enhance the safety and efficiency of forklift use.

In summary, forklift maintenance and preservation is a systematic project. Only by integrating it into routine management protocols can we truly achieve 'maximum utilization' and allow forklifts to create more value for enterprises.