Lift trucks, also known as forklifts, are widely used in distribution centers, construction sites, warehouses and more. Routine and regular forklift maintenance is key to running these machines smoothly and productively. Of course, these services require payment, and many professionals opt for cheaper solutions. While they might save money upfront, lower-cost services may lead to higher expenses and more headaches in the long run.
How Much Does Forklift Maintenance Cost?
Forklift maintenance and service should take place roughly every 200 hours of operation. You should also perform daily inspections to ensure it’s ready to tackle each day’s work. Regarding maintenance and repairs, costs will likely vary depending on the type of service required. Investing in high-quality services, which may be more expensive up front, is necessary to maintain cost-effective and successful operations in the long run.
In general, servicing costs anywhere from $1,500 to $6,000 yearly, assuming you run your machines for around 2,000 hours a year — roughly the amount of working hours per year. With this in mind, your forklift service cost per hour is a few dollars for every hour. While it may cost less to employ an in-house professional, you’ll have to worry about sourcing materials and purchasing replacement parts.
Partnering with an expert forklift fleet maintenance professional offers unique advantages like:
- Reduced repair times
- Minimized equipment downtime
- Increased efficiency
Forklift Fleet Utilization and Maintenance
Building an effective fleet is a major component of being successful. Some professionals acquire too many or too few machines, while others keep certain machines for too long, likely leading to inefficiency and wasted capital. Many forklift service providers, like Barclay, offer audit and analysis services to help you better understand your fleet and make adjustments that result in higher savings and better decision-making. These services provide transparent forklift maintenance costs and will help you evaluate the following factors:
- Actual usage
- Age of the assets
- Asset condition
Improve Safety and Reduce Equipment Damage
As time passes and the hours on your forklifts increase, your equipment is more susceptible to wear and tear, malfunctions and accidents. Implementing routine lift truck maintenance activities into your workflow is crucial to creating a safe and efficient working environment. Preventive solutions empower you to address issues before they become expensive and potentially dangerous, giving you the peace of mind you deserve in your operation.
Keeping your machinery in top condition with service will also help align your operation with strict compliance standards set forth by organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA). Following these guidelines will construct a safeguarded space while preventing potential fees or fines that can build up over time.
Schedule a Forklift Maintenance Appointment With Barclay
Protect your forklift investment with high-quality forklift fleet maintenance from Barclay. Our team of qualified service technicians is dedicated to creating customized preventive maintenance programs. We strive to help you save more money while keeping your equipment in top condition and ready to get the job done right.
Interested in learning more about our forklift maintenance programs? Contact our professionals online for more information about our services and to discover how we can start supporting your operations.
