Cleaning Your Forklift for Spring

Don’t forget that spring cleaning applies to your forklift

Cleaning is inextricably linked with the springtime. You clean your house, your lawn, and your garage, getting everything all set for the summer months. Obviously, your forklift is a bit different in this regard since chances are you’ve used it all winter. Still, the arrival of spring is a great time to make sure that everything is in working order.

Use your checklist

Just as you check your forklift before each shift, make sure that you give a comprehensive inspection of every aspect of the vehicle. Review your forklift’s service history and see if it needs to be repaired in any way. You should check it for cracks and broken parts, and get the vehicle repaired if this is the case. Check the tire pressure, transmission fluid, and battery. If your spark plug needs to be replaced, purchase a new one and have it installed.

While you’re at it, you should look into the battery cable protector. This handy tool will heat shrink your cables and connectors, protecting them from damage. This is especially useful in protecting the cables from getting pinched by the hood.

Cleaning your workplace is important, too

Spring cleaning should also take place in your workplace. Walkways should be clear, and each piece of equipment needs to be stored in a designated spot. It is also important to repair the terrain. If you have cracks in the cement, patch it up with quickset cement. Should you have paved roads that have become bumpy from frost heave, you should certainly hire someone to fill the bumbs. Driving on uneven terrain with a forklift is a recipe for disaster, so be sure to have the interior and exterior of your workplace in working condition.

By all means, you should be doing many of these safety steps regardless of the season. Still, the impending arrival of spring is a great time to take stock of your safety conditions and make the necessary adjustments.