When it comes to operating forklifts, reach trucks, pallet trucks, pallet jacks, and other materials handling equipment (MHE), regular maintenance is an absolute must. Not only does proper maintenance help keep your equipment running safely and efficiently on the job site, but it can also be a cost-effective way to extend the life of your MHE investments.

For repair technicians, MHE owners, and operators alike, Jaltest’s material handling equipment diagnostic kits from Triad Diagnostic Solutions are the go-to for quick, efficient, and reliable preventive maintenance. But let’s take a closer look at why regular MHE maintenance is important for your operations.

A man at a warehouse

Benefits of Regular MHE Maintenance

Regular preventive maintenance can lead to improved efficiency and reliability. By routinely inspecting and repairing MHE, you can reduce the likelihood of sudden equipment failure or breakdowns, helping to ensure that your operations are not disrupted. Regular maintenance also helps extend the lifespan of MHE and reduces the need for costly repairs or replacements further down the line.

Improved Safety

Regular maintenance of material handling equipment (MHE) is essential to ensure the safety of your service team and other personnel in the workplace. By performing regular inspections and maintenance during non-peak hours, potential hazards can be identified and addressed before they become a problem. Additionally, regular maintenance can help extend the life of MHE, reducing repair costs and the need for replacements.

Increased Efficiency

Regular maintenance of MHE can also help increase efficiency in the workplace. When MHE is appropriately maintained, it will run more smoothly and efficiently, reducing downtime due to breakdowns or malfunctions. This increased efficiency can lead to improved productivity and cost savings for businesses.

Improved Productivity

Regular maintenance of MHE can help improve overall productivity in a business setting by ensuring that all pieces of equipment are running efficiently at all times. Properly maintained equipment will be less likely to experience breakdowns or malfunctions, leading to fewer delays due to repair work or waiting for replacement parts. This improved productivity can lead to higher profits over time as well as improved customer satisfaction due to faster turnaround times on projects and orders.

Reduced Risk of Injury

Another benefit of regular MHE maintenance is that it reduces the risk of injury in the workplace. Properly maintained equipment will be less likely to malfunction or break down, reducing the risk of accidents or injuries caused by faulty equipment and excessive wear. Additionally, regular maintenance can help to identify potential hazards before they become a problem, further reducing the risk of injury in the workplace caused by infrequent maintenance.

Extended Equipment Life Cycle

Regular MHE maintenance is also important for extending the life span of your equipment. By regularly inspecting and servicing your equipment, you can identify any potential problems early on and address them before they become serious issues. This will ensure that your equipment remains in good condition for longer, helping you get more out of your investment in the long run.

Compliance with Regulations

Regular MHE maintenance is essential for ensuring compliance with safety regulations in the workplace. Many jurisdictions have specific regulations regarding the use of material handling equipment that must be met in order to maintain a safe working environment. By performing regular inspections and repairs on your MHE, you can ensure that it meets all applicable regulations and keep your workplace compliant with local laws and regulations

Cost Savings

Finally, regular maintenance of MHE can also lead to lesser maintenance costs for businesses over time. By regularly inspecting and maintaining equipment, businesses can identify potential problems before they become hugely costly repairs or replacements.

Additionally, properly maintained equipment will be more efficient than un-maintained equipment, leading to additional cost savings through reduced energy consumption and labor costs associated with downtime due to breakdowns or malfunctions.

Tips for Maintaining Your Materials Handling Equipment

The best way to maintain MHE is to develop a comprehensive preventive maintenance (PM) plan and adhere to it. This maintenance process should include regular inspections of all the equipment’s components, a machine’s fluid level, and fuel levels as well as any necessary repairs and adjustments. Also consider scheduling regular lubrication and cleaning services, as well as training for operators to ensure they’re using the equipment safely and properly.

A woman behind a forklift

Consider investing in training for forklift mechanics and your maintenance technician. It is important for them to have updated training on basic maintenance activities, correct maintenance procedures, preventive maintenance programs, battery maintenance, breakdown maintenance, reactive maintenance, and other maintenance tasks. Always evaluate your current maintenance practices to ensure that these actual maintenance are up to the current standards.

Finally, it’s important to keep accurate records of all maintenance activities. Maintenance logbooks right inside your Jaltest kit will help you stay organized and make it easier to track when service is due or if any problems arise especially when it comes to maintenance contracts.

By following these simple tips and developing a good PM plan, you can ensure that your MHE remains in top condition and a reliable asset for years to come. Regular maintenance is an important part of any safe and successful materials handling operation — this approach to maintenance lets you save time, resources, and even lives.

A person on a pallet truck

Regularly Maintain your MHEs with Triad Diagnostic Solutions

Properly maintained equipment will help to extend the life of investments while reducing risk and saving money in the long run. With a comprehensive preventative maintenance program in place, businesses can make sure that they are getting the most out of their materials-handling equipment.

Regular maintenance of MHE is also essential for successful workplace operations and can lead to improved efficiency, increased safety, longer equipment life span, compliance with regulations, and cost savings in the long run.

With the right Jaltest diagnostic tools from Triad Diagnostic Solutions, businesses can make sure that they are getting the most out of their materials-handling equipment. Contact us today to learn more about our technician training and technician repair hotline and how they can benefit your business.