Just like with a car, van or most other motorised vehicles, your forklift will need servicing. This is to ensure the safe running of the forklift and all its components, and to help the forklift last and provide the expected ROI.
So, what does a forklift service include?:
Again, very similar to a car or van, forklift servicing will include different things at different intervals, which can be based on the number of hours the forklift has been in operation, or by a few other factors, including:
But, to keep things simple, we’ve broken this article down into the three most common forklift servicing intervals, based on the hours the forklift has been operating, including 200 hours, 1200 hours, and 2400 hours.
For obvious reasons, the 200-hour forklift service will be the service you need the most often. The 200-hour forklift service is also one of the most essential services, as it involves checking and adjusting the most components.
Some forklift manufacturers recommend a service every 500 hours. Still, the length between servicing may be affected by the type of work the forklift is carrying out, so if you’re unsure, ask your forklift servicing specialist.
A 200-hour forklift service will usually include:
Engine oil and filter change
Fuel filter change
Air filter clean and/or change
Spark plug change
Re-grease grease points
The next phase of the 200-hour forklift service will focus more on checks and adjustments, rather than replacements, and usually include:
Checking the clutch setting (inching)
Checking the level and topping up the radiator water
Brake adjustments including handbrake and pedal brake
Engine power setting adjustment
Engine governor setting adjustment
Alternator adjustment
Engine idle speed adjustment
Ignition points adjustment
Wheel alignment
Fork ground clearance adjustment
Tilt cylinder reach adjustment
The 1200-hour forklift service is basically a 200-hour forklift service with a few extra services, which will mostly focus on the transmission, the differential, and the brakes.
Typically, in addition to the services included in a 200-hour forklift service, a 1200-hour forklift service will include:
Transmission oil and filter change
Differential oil change, and filter change if necessary
Brake fluid change
Brake inspection, particularly shoe condition
Anti-freeze change
Changing the hydraulic return filter
The 2400-hour forklift service is a major service, and usually the most costly, as it combines all the services listed in the 200 and 1200-hour forklift services, plus a few more, which usually include:
A complete open brake overhaul, including master cylinder seal replacement
Wheel cylinder seal replacement
Wheel bearing repack
Hydraulic oil change
V-belt replacement
Regular forklift servicing is vital for the ongoing, safe operation of your forklift. But in addition to forklift servicing, it’s also equally important to carry out regular maintenance checks, which you can read more about in our blog post 'A non-mechanics guide to forklift maintenance'.
For all your forklift servicing needs, contact Beds & Bucks Forktrucks Ltd., one of the UK's leading forklift sales, rental, servicing, refurbishing, and repair specialists.
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