Should you repair or replace a forklift?

10 Jan Should you repair or replace a forklift?

Forklifts are one of the most important types of materials handling equipment that you can have in your arsenal. But they’re also expensive. That’s why you should think carefully before deciding to repair or replace. Not sure where to begin? Don’t worry, the team at Triwest has got you covered. 

Here’s some things you should consider when it comes to deciding whether to repair or replace your forklift.

Age

The first thing to consider is age. In simple terms, if a forklift has been around for longer than you can remember, and performance is suffering, then it may be time to replace rather than repair. This is because you can only do so much with an old machine. If your forklift is relatively new, however, then getting an experienced technician to look things over might be a safe bet. 

Age can also be looked at in terms of lifespan. The average economic life of a forklift is 10,000 to 12,000 hours. So, if your machine is pushing these numbers, then feel free to look for something new. 

The type of forklift

Next, it’s important to think about the type of forklift you have. Electric forklifts generally have a longer life when compared to internal combustion models. The reason being that electric forklifts have significantly less moving parts. Why does this make a difference? Because with less things to worry about, there’s less opportunity for things to go wrong. 

Workload

Workload plays a key part in deciding whether or not it’s time to repair or replace a forklift. For instance, if your forklift is regularly used to lift heavy loads, and this has been going on for years, then chances are performance may start to suffer. The outcome? You probably won’t get a great return from repair work. On the other hand, forklifts that have a lighter workload can usually be restored to great working order with the right attention. 

Environmental conditions 

If your forklifts are used in harsh conditions on a regular basis, then their lifespan will likely suffer. This is because the mechanical parts, engine, and outside shell can deteriorate when exposed to wind, rain and the hot sun. With this in mind, try to park your materials handling equipment inside, if possible. This way, you’ll only have to fork out for repair bills, not a whole new forklift. 

Maintenance

A forklift that has a good service history will often be a better fit for prolonged repair work. This makes sense because machines that are regularly checked and maintained by experienced technicians will run better than those that don’t get the same level of care. Remember to stay on top of your scheduling to ensure you can get the most out of your forklift. 

Expert forklift repairs and support

Need help with your forklift? The team at Triwest is here to help. With over 40 years of experience in the materials handling industry, we can determine the best course of action for your business. Call today on 1800 874 937 or complete a contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.