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When Should a Forklift have Preventative Maintenance Done?

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How Often Should a Forklift be Serviced?

You just bought a lift truck and now the sales rep is standing in front of you with a maintenance contract to sign.  The question of when should a forklift have a preventative maintenance done arises. The PM (Preventative Maintenance) contract says every 90 days.  But how much maintenance is enough and how much is too much?

OSHA Rules Around Lift Truck Maintenance

OSHA has specific rules around the maintenance of industrial trucks, which is found under the compliance section 1910.178(q),  Maintenance of industrial trucks according to OSHA, a lift truck should be removed from service if it is not “in safe operating condition”.  And “all repairs shall be made by authorized personnel”. Also, when creating a maintenance program, be sure that “the manufacturer’s instructions on vehicle maintenance…be consulted”.

A Lift Truck Must be Safe to Operate

During regular maintenance visits, an employer can ensure that a powered industrial truck is safe for use.  A lift truck would be consider unsafe, for example if:

  • A gauge is found to not be functioning properly
  • Welds are broken
  • Bolts are missing
  • The overhead guard is damaged
  • Tires are missing large pieces of rubber

So what do manufacturers and authorized personnel recommend?

Following what OSHA requires for the maintenance of lift trucks, let’s look at what manufacturers and lift truck maintenance companies recommend.

Hours or Time – Whichever Comes First

You will hear from lift truck maintenance companies that a Forklift will need to be serviced based on usage intervals – measured in pedal hours or key hours, and time intervals – measured in days and months.

Key Hours versus Pedal Hours

LP Forklift hours are often listed by key hours, the time the keyswitch is in the “on” position.  Electric lift trucks have a variety of hour meters that measure motor and travel hours.  Usually maintenance intervals are based on “Pedal Hours”, a measurement of when the lift truck has the deadman pedal depressed.

Internal Combustion Lift Trucks Maintenance Schedule

A field service tech for Sunstate Equipment, recommends service intervals based on hours.  Here are  recommendations straight from a Forklift Mechanic :

Every 50 Hours

  • Grease zerks to be greased

Every 200 hours a full service is recommended, including:

  • a fuel filter
  • oil change and filter
  • an air filter
  • greasing all the lube points

Every 500 hours, the hydraulic system should be serviced including:

  • New filters and
  • Fresh hydraulic oil

Northern ToyotaLift of Vermont recommends forklifts to be serviced every every “30 to 90 days or 100 hours based on truck usage”.  They check these items:

  • Mast and Attachments
  • Drive Train
  • Engine Compartment (including fluids & filters)
  • Electrical System
  • Brakes
  • Hydraulics
  • Steering System
  • Safety and cosmetic appearance

How frequently should I change the oil on a Mazda F2 engine?

The frequency of oil changes for a Mazda F2 engine depends on several factors, including the engine’s age, driving conditions, and maintenance history. As a general guideline, Mazda typically recommends changing the engine oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 kilometers) or every six months, whichever comes first, for normal driving conditions.

However, if your driving habits involve frequent towing, driving in extreme temperatures, or stop-and-go city driving, you may need to change the oil more frequently. In such cases, it’s advisable to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or a Mazda dealership for specific recommendations tailored to your driving circumstances.

Regular oil changes are crucial for maintaining the performance and longevity of your Mazda F2 engine, as they help lubricate internal components, reduce friction, and prevent engine wear. It’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule to ensure optimal engine health and performance.

The recommended interval for changing the oil on a GM 4.3 engine varies based on factors such as driving conditions, mileage, and the age of the vehicle. However, typically, it’s advisable to change the oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 kilometers) or every six months, whichever comes first, for standard driving conditions. For vehicles subjected to severe driving conditions, such as towing heavy loads or frequent stop-and-go driving, more frequent oil changes may be necessary. It’s always best to consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual or a certified GM technician for specific recommendations tailored to your vehicle and driving habits. Regular oil changes are essential for maintaining the engine’s performance and longevity by lubricating internal components and preventing premature wear.

The recommended interval for changing the oil on a Toyota 4Y engine typically falls within the range of every 3,000 to 5,000 miles (or approximately every 4,800 to 8,000 kilometers). However, it’s important to note that the specific oil change interval may vary depending on factors such as driving conditions, vehicle age, and maintenance history.

For vehicles subjected to severe driving conditions, such as frequent towing, driving in extreme temperatures, or stop-and-go city driving, more frequent oil changes may be necessary. It’s advisable to consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual or a certified Toyota technician for precise recommendations tailored to your vehicle and driving habits.

Regular oil changes are essential for maintaining the performance and longevity of the Toyota 4Y engine, as they help lubricate internal components, reduce friction, and prevent premature wear and tear. Following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule ensures optimal engine health and performance.

The recommended oil change interval for Nissan K21 and K25 engines typically ranges from every 150 to 250 operating hours or every three to six months, depending on which comes first. However, it’s crucial to take into account various factors such as operating conditions, load capacity, and maintenance history to determine the most appropriate interval. In cases of heavy-duty applications or severe operating conditions, more frequent oil changes may be warranted to maintain optimal engine performance and longevity. Consulting the vehicle’s owner’s manual or seeking advice from a certified Nissan technician is recommended for tailored recommendations aligned with your vehicle’s needs.

The typical recommended oil change interval for a Mitsubishi S4S engine is every 250 to 500 operating hours or every six to twelve months, contingent upon usage and operational conditions. However, it’s imperative to refer to the vehicle’s owner’s manual or seek advice from a certified Mitsubishi technician for precise recommendations tailored to your vehicle’s requirements. Consistent oil changes are fundamental in upholding peak engine performance and durability by lubricating internal components and thwarting premature wear and tear.

The recommended oil change interval for a Yanmar 4TNE engine generally spans from every 250 to 500 operating hours or every six to twelve months, contingent upon usage and operational circumstances. Nevertheless, consulting the vehicle’s owner’s manual or a certified Yanmar technician is vital for precise recommendations tailored to your vehicle’s requirements. Consistent oil changes play a pivotal role in sustaining optimal engine performance and longevity by lubricating internal components and averting premature wear and tear.

How often should oil be changed on a Kubota V2403 Engine

The recommended oil change interval for a Kubota V2403 engine typically falls within the range of every 250 to 500 operating hours or every six to twelve months, depending on usage and operating conditions. However, it’s essential to consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual or a certified Kubota technician for specific recommendations tailored to your vehicle’s needs. Regular oil changes are crucial for maintaining optimal engine performance and longevity by lubricating internal components and preventing premature wear and tear.

Electric Forklift Maintenance

Electric Lift Trucks will have slightly different maintenance intervals.  The Raymond Corporation has developed pallet trucks with self-lubricating bushing and AC motors to increase the maintenance intervals and lower maintenance costs.

Conclusion

If you have a lift truck in use in your facility that gets regular use, it is a good idea to have a fully trained and licensed technician look at your lift every 90 days.  Make sure they have a list of items they inspect, and be sure that the lift looks clean and cared for after each forklift maintenance visit.  Keep a copy of the items inspected in a file and be prepared to show it OSHA should they ask. When you look for a company to perform forklift repair and service, check out their various service offerings and inquire about their first call completion and response times.  And then ask for references. Did we miss anything?  Please leave your comments below.