Forklifts are essential equipment in logistics and warehousing; however, prolonged high-intensity use can lead to performance deterioration. According to statistics, a well-maintained forklift can last 10 to 15 years, while a poorly maintained one can only last 5 to 8 years. Below are key measures to extend the lifespan of a forklift:
1. Proper Operation to Reduce Human-Induced Wear and Tear
Avoid Overloading: Always adhere strictly to the forklift's rated load capacity. For example, if a 1.5-ton forklift is overloaded by 10%, the bearing life is shortened by 40%.
Drive Smoothly: Sudden acceleration or abrupt braking accelerates tire and drivetrain wear. It is recommended that the driving speed does not exceed 8 km/h.
Proper Starting and Stopping: Preheat the engine for 2-3 minutes before starting, and allow the engine to idle for 1 minute before turning it off to protect the engine.
2. Regular Maintenance to Prevent Failures
Lubrication: Change the hydraulic oil every 500 working hours and the gear oil every 1000 hours.
Battery Management: For electric forklifts, control the battery's discharge depth to within 80%. Always fully charge the battery, which can extend its lifespan to 5 years.
Inspection of Key Components: Check the brake pad thickness weekly (replace if less than 3mm) and check tire air pressure (tolerance ±0.5 bar).
3. Scientific Management of Parts and Consumables
Use Original Parts: Aftermarket filters are 30% less efficient in filtration, which can cause engine wear.
Tire Selection: Use polyurethane tires for indoor operations (lifespan of approximately 8,000 hours) and pneumatic tires for outdoor operations (lifespan of approximately 5,000 hours).
4. Optimize the Operating Environment
Keep the Work Area Clean: Gravel and debris can scratch the chassis, so it is recommended to clean the work area daily.
Temperature and Humidity Control: Lithium battery forklifts experience a 2x faster capacity degradation when operating outside the temperature range of -20°C to 40°C.
By implementing these measures, the overall lifespan of a forklift can be extended to over 12 years, and annual maintenance costs can be reduced by 25%-35%. Companies should establish comprehensive maintenance records and integrate equipment monitoring systems to maximize forklift lifespan.