Forklift Repair: Save Money with Preventative Maintenance! 

For heavy lifting and making work easier, forklifts form the backbone of warehouses and manufacturing processes. Forklift repair isn’t just about fixing a broken machine; Neglect of maintenance increases the hazards well beyond equipment downtime.  

Every three days in the United States, a forklift accident claims a life and results in thousands of injuries annually.  

Regular maintenance and timely forklift repairs would help many of these events to be avoided. 
 
Repairing a forklift is about actively protecting your equipment, guaranteeing safety, and avoiding expensive mishaps—not only about solving problems as they come up.  

Let’s look into the value of consistent maintenance, provide repair examples, and underline safety statistics to show why being proactive is so important. 

The Reality of Forklift Accidents 

The statistics emphasize why forklift repair and maintenance must be a priority: 
 
85 deaths and 34,900 serious injuries occur annually due to forklift accidents (OSHA, 2007). 

42% of fatalities happen when operators are crushed in forklift tip-overs. 

Every year, 11% of forklifts in the U.S. are involved in an accident. 

Forklift accidents contribute 10% of all workplace injuries and 61,800 non-serious injuries annually. 

OSHA estimates that with proper training and maintenance, almost 70% of forklift accidents could be avoided. 

Common Causes of Forklift-Related Injuries 

Tip-Overs: Accounts for 25% of forklift-related deaths. Operators attempting to jump out often suffer fatal injuries. Staying strapped in with a seatbelt is the safest option. 
Crushing Hazards: Workers hit or pinned by forklifts face severe injuries or fatalities. 
Falls from Forklifts: Inadequate safety protocols lead to workers falling from improperly secured lifts. 
Dock Incidents: One-quarter of warehouse injuries occur on loading docks, including collisions with lumpers and equipment. 

Examples of Preventable Forklift Repairs 

Some instances of avoidable forklift repairs 
 
1. Older Forklifts Demand Extra Attention 

Situation: Skipped oil changes caused engine breakdown in an older forklift. 

The engine repairs cost is $4,200. 

Three weeks represent the downtime. 

Lesson: Older forklifts need more rigorous maintenance plans to stop expensive breakdowns. 

2. Radiator Problems Escalated Situation  

Ignoring a minor radiator failing consequence from a little hose leak. 

Radiator and filter replacements will set you $2,700. 

Three days constitute the downtime. 

Lesson: Little repairs like changing a $30 hose could have prevented this one. Routine inspections help. 

3. Electric Forklifts Aren’t Maintenance-Free  

On a tiny electric utility truck, neglected maintenance caused brake failure. 

Repairing the brake system will cost you $1,500. 

Lesson: Even with electric forklifts, regular brake and battery checks are vital. 

Why Forklift Maintenance Is Non-Negotiable 

Forklift repair that isn’t done can cause: 

• Safety Risks: Accidents like tip-overs, crashes, and others can be very dangerous. 

• Costs Go Up: Ignoring maintenance turns small problems into big ones that need expensive forklift repair services. 

• Lost Hours: When equipment isn’t working, time is lost, and goals are missed. 

Simple Ways to Keep Forklifts from Breaking Down and Needing Repairs 

Do Daily Inspections: Before every shift, check the brakes, fluids, and tires. 

Plan regular maintenance: Work with a dependable forklift repair service to stay ahead of problems. 

Care for the battery: Make sure that the water level is right, and the electric trucks are charged correctly. 

Train Operators: OSHA says that with the right training, 70% of injuries can be avoided. 

Encourage safe behavior: Always wear a seatbelt, don’t overload, and check the floors for trash to keep the tires from getting damaged. 

Common Forklift Parts That Break Down & Why 

The most frequently replaced forklift parts aren’t usually the hydraulic components.  

It’s the forks, tires, brakes, oil, and batteries that tend to wear out more often. But that doesn’t mean the hydraulic system can be ignored. 
 
Hydraulic cylinders in forklifts can fail in several ways: 

• Contaminated Hydraulic Fluid: This can damage seals and cause pressure loss in the system. 

• Damage to the Piston Rod or Cylinder Barrel: This impacts the forklift’s efficiency and performance. 

• Bearing Issues: Often caused by overloading the forklift beyond its weight capacity. 

• Hose Failures: Modern safety features like load-holding valves reduce danger but proper forklift use, and regular maintenance will keep the hydraulic system in good working order. 

How Often Should You Inspect & Service Hydraulic Systems? 

For proper functioning, forklifts should undergo the following inspections: 
 
Planned Maintenance: Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines or assess every 200 hours if no specific recommendation exists. 

Annual Inspection: At least once a year or every 2000 hours, whichever comes first. 

Lifting Capacity Check: Conducted before first use, whenever a new owner acquires the forklift, and regularly according to the manufacturer’s guidelines (at least once a year).  

This ensures the forklift can safely handle the maximum load it’s rated for. 

Qualified maintenance technicians must carry out these inspections, and any issues found should be fixed before the forklift is used again.  

Regular checks will help keep your forklift running smoothly and safely. 

MDS Industrial Equipment: Expert Forklift Repairs 

At MDS Industrial Equipment, we’re here to keep your forklifts running smoothly so your operations never miss a beat.  

We know how important forklifts are to your business, and we’re dedicated to providing fast, reliable, and expert forklift repair services. 

Why Trust MDS with Your Forklift Repairs? 

• Skilled Experts: Our team has years of experience fixing forklifts of all kinds. No problem is too big or too small for us! 

• All-in-One Service: From quick fixes to major overhauls, we do it all—batteries, hydraulics, tires, and more. 

• Fast Service: We work quickly to get your forklift back to work and reduce your downtime. 

• Quality Parts: We use only top-quality parts that last, so you don’t have to worry about the same issue popping up again. 

• Maintenance Plans: Regular checkups with us can help spot problems early and save you from expensive repairs later. 

Forklift Repair & Maintenance Too Much of a Commitment? You Can RENT IT! 

At MDS, we make keeping your equipment running easy and affordable. If you need a forklift for a day, a year, or forever, we’ve got you covered! 

• Forklift Rentals & Sales: Need a forklift? We’ve got options to fit every job and budget. Rent for short-term needs or buy for long-term reliability. 

• Preventative Maintenance Plans: Don’t wait for a breakdown! Our maintenance plans keep your forklifts in tip-top shape and help you avoid costly repairs down the road. 

• Fast, Reliable Repairs: When something goes wrong, we’re on it! Our expert technicians fix forklifts quickly so you can get back to work without missing a beat. 

• Parts & Accessories: From batteries to tires, we’ve got all the forklift parts you need to keep your forklifts running smoothly. 

Rent forklifts for very affordable price now!  

Let MDS Handle It 

MDS Industrial Equipment doesn’t just fix forklifts; we help prevent issues before they happen.  

With our help, your forklifts will stay in top shape, your team will stay safe, and your operations will run smoothly. 

Conclusion 

With forklifts accounting for 10% of workplace injuries, ensuring their safety and reliability is critical.  

Regular maintenance and prompt forklift repair services extend equipment lifespan but also protect workers, minimize downtime, and reduce long-term costs. 
 
Don’t let neglect turn a valuable asset into a liability. Stay proactive, invest in regular inspections, and make forklift safety a priority for a more productive and secure workplace.