In order to avoid forklift abuse wherever possible, counterbalance lift truck drivers are encouraged to take the following measures to keep the machine functioning as safe as possible and to make sure that the driver remains safe.
Tires: When tires are worn badly or missing chunks, they should be replaced. Tires that are in bad shape can cause jarring impacts to the operator, the axle components, to the wheel parts and to the load itself. Demanding operations involve utilizing proper tires for maximum functioning of the lift truck. In order to be certain that your machine has the correct type of tires, ask your local dealer for an application survey.
Forks: Driving a forklift with worn tires could add to the premature wearing of the bottom of the forks. This can greatly jeopardize the ability of the forklift's truck to lift, which can result in a potentially dangerous work setting. Being sure to complete frequent fork inspections by in-house maintenance technicians and by operators has to occur regularly in order to make certain that your machine is operating at maximum capacity.
Transmission: Operators who ride on the inching pedal could cause damage to the transmission. In order to prevent major component failure and breakdown, the inching pedal must ideally only be engaged when you want to apply the brakes while revving the engine and when you are approaching a rack. When the engine is revving, the hydraulics can work at full speed. When the hydraulics are not being used, the brake pedal is used for regular stopping of the truck.
Impact: Whenever the unfortunate circumstance of a forklift encountering an impact to surroundings and products at high travel speeds happens, wheels, forks, backrests, tires and attachments all suffer. Following what operators drive what models by assigning equipment to a driver can help track who is responsible for the abuse to the equipment. By installing an impact monitor, a vehicle speed limiter or a keyless access system as options on your lift truck could really help you to greatly decrease impact damage.
Training: The key to making sure that your equipment is correctly maintained is regular and ongoing training. The machines users need to be on board with good maintenance and safety applications. It is required that all new operators are correctly taught and know how to perform the required inspections on a daily basis so they can properly operate the machine prior to using it.