5 Smart Ways to Prevent Forklift Towing

Forklifts are used specifically to transfer loads in warehouses, shipping yards, factories and freight terminals and other places all across Australia. Forklifts are the backbone of industries and construction companies. Businesses find forklifts as a practical tool for handling material, yet each year, it is associated with a high rate of workplace deaths and injuries.

However, such incidents could be prevented by taking careful precautions and measures while conducting business to improve and ensure the safety and security of workers.

This blog will discuss 5 key ways which, if implemented, drivers can avoid the need for hiring a forklift. This will provide practical guidance on managing the forklift-related risks and how to avoid forklifts in the first place.

By following the right maintenance practices, drivers can avoid the risk of costly out-of-service days and keep their business and equipment running.

1. Regular and Periodic Maintenance Schedule

Creating a regular and effective Forklift maintenance schedule can not only increase the life span of your forklift but can also create a safer work environment for the operators. The essential practices to follow include:

Review Guidelines and Recommendations

Review and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance intervals and procedures. Tailor a regular schedule to meet specific requirements needed to avoid voiding warranties.

Comprehensive inspection

Next comes a careful and necessary inspection of each forklift to assess the current condition. Document the issues which will help you organise the maintenance schedule and help you prioritise the repairs it requires.

Maintenance Regularity

By establishing a maintenance frequency, you can ensure weekly, monthly or annual inspections. However, during maintenance, check for factors like usage intensity, number of operating hours and environmental conditions.

Digital Tracking System:

For regular and scheduled maintenance records, use a digital tracking system to monitor the activities. A tracking system, like a digital software solution or a simple spreadsheet, can help each service, repair and recommendations from the technicians and mechanics.

Regular Inspection by Professionals

Conduct and schedule regular maintenance inspections by certified professionals to identify the potential issues or risks that may not be evident, but are necessary for care to ensure safety.

Maintenance Tips:

• Conduct regular pre-shift inspections. Check tyre pressure, warning lights, batteries and oil levels for safety.
• Replace or change the filters and fluids after regular intervals.
• Track the time and date of each maintenance and inspection.

Well-maintained forklifts are cost-effective, last longer and perform better. It’s a healthy investment that ensures protection and saves you from unnecessary stress.

2. Professional Training of Operators and Staff

Forklift breakdowns could be handled carefully with best practices and trained operators. Improper training might cause damage and injuries not only to the equipment but the person.

Unprofessionally overloading, making sharp turns or driving on uneven roads strains the forklift’s components. However, comprehensive training can prevent such incidents from happening. Well-trained drivers reported 70% fewer accidents and mechanical issues.

Properly trained drivers know the expiration and equipment limits and how to spot the issues and early signs of malfunction

Training Tips

• Provide certified training and knowledge to the new operators and workers.
• Conduct short workshops every 6-12 months as a refresher session.
• Educate about careful handling, load capacity, speed limits and safe turning.
• Learn about strange sounds, warning lights, or unusual inactivity.

3. Store the Forklift for long-term

Long-term storage of forklifts demands complete cleaning. Extreme weather conditions, including dust, rain, and moisture, can all take a toll on mechanical and electrical parts.  Moisture may corrode the metal, while grime can clog the parts and filters, disrupting the movement.

Proper cleaning and sheltering are the easiest ways to enhance the performance, protect and store the forklifts for a longer lifespan

Cleaning and Storage Tips

• Always find a safe place to park the forklift in a shelter, ideally under a covered or a well-ventilated shed.
• Clean the outer parts of the forklift weekly with compressed air and a damp cloth. Avoid pressure washing unless recommended by the manufacturer.
• Wipe down the electrical connections to prevent any corrosion and disruptions.

4. Use Technology to monitor forklift’s health

Technology has made the inspection and monitoring convenient. It has not only revolutionised equipment management but can also detect operational issues.

Modern and latest forklifts are equipped with telematics and digital diagnostic systems to monitor the performance, detect faults and alert the operators about the need for repair or maintenance before the problem escalates.

• Benefits of Digital Forklift Monitoring System
• Real-time alarms to inform about low oil, overheating, or hydraulic issues.
• Tracking systems to detect driving performance
• Automatically monitors and alerts for scheduled maintenance

With technology, problems can be detected fast and can be fixed before leading to a total breakdown. It helps your forklift work efficiently and eliminates the need for emergency towing.

5. Store Batteries and Fuel

The electric forklifts use batteries, whereas the internal combustion forklifts come with a fuel system. However, in both cases, improper storage or mishandling can hinder the efficiency and performance of the machinery. This may also lead to power loss or even failure to start, resulting in the need for emergency towing.

Battery Maintenance Tips

• Keep the batteries fully charged, but avoid overcharging
• Prevent the batteries from overheating by keeping them safe in a cool, dry place
• Check for corrosion on terminals and clean them regularly
• Maintain reasonable electrolyte levels

Fuel Maintenance Tips

• Use uncontaminated fuel and avoid water or debris go into the fuel tanks to prevent engine failure
• Store fuel in appropriate containers approved by the manufacturer, to protect from heat or open flames
• Regularly inspect fuel lines for cracks or leaks.
• Regular or scheduled fuel and battery management keeps your forklifts reliable, efficient and ready.

Preventive maintenance, including proper training, are always better than sudden breakdowns that cost money to repair. Moreover, unexpected faults hinder productivity and cause major delays. However, through regular maintenance and inspection, you are not only saving money but also ensuring safety on the roadside.

Additionally, preventive measures, incorporating professional training, are always better than sudden breakdowns that cost money to repair. Moreover, unexpected faults hinder productivity and cause major delays. However, through regular maintenance and inspection, you are not only saving money but also ensuring safety on the roadside.

By sticking to regular check-ups, monthly training sessions for the staff, keeping the equipment clean and sheltered and leveraging technology, you can manage and keep your forklifts in top shape for years. Because when your forklift runs smoothly, your business runs efficiently.

About Cheap Tow

Cheap Tow has a simple mission to make towing services affordable, accessible and stress-free for your car. As a trusted towing and roadside assistance across Melbourne and Victoria, Cheap Tow specializes in emergency towing, vehicle safety and ensures customers’ peace of mind. Cheap Tow’s professional 24-hour and 7-day-a-week assistance makes the difference in getting you and your vehicle back on the track.

Cheap Tow offers all types of towing services including emergency as well as scheduled towing across Melbourne and nearby locations.

Types of Expert Towing Services at Cheap Tow

• Car Towing
• Prestige Car Towing
• Roadside Assistance
• Breakdown support
• Forklift Towing
• Auction Towing
• Caravan
• Cash for Cars

Also read: Towing Scams in Australia: What Every Driver Must Know Before Hitting the Road

Cheap Tow prioritizes customer satisfaction, affordability and safety by handling the situation with utmost care. A team of experienced professionals provide efficient and damage-free service every time. For more details and assistance, call us at: +61 470 320 481 or 24/7 Towing Helpline: 0470 320 481 serving Victoria and interstate.