3 Key Maintenance Areas to Extend the Life of Your Electric Forklift

For forklift fleet managers, extending your forklift’s life is key to keeping your operation cost-effective. Unfortunately, many electric forklift owners do not prioritize the maintenance of their equipment.

IF you aren’t maintaining your forklifts properly, you’re throwing money away over the long term. Here are three key areas of maintenance to extend the life of your electric forklifts.

Electric Forklift Battery Maintenance

For electric forklifts, your battery is your lifeline. This energy source can last as long as six or seven years if it is well maintained. However, many owners miss out on this opportunity to double their effective fuel economy by cutting corners on battery maintenance. To protect your battery life, you should:

• Avoid overly frequent charges unless your space is specifically designed for opportunity charging. 
• Always check your operating battery temperature to make sure it is below 113 degrees Fahrenheit. 
• Make sure your maintenance schedule includes battery cleaning at least once weekly to remove dust and dirt that can cause corrosion. 
• Make sure that your battery fluid levels are checked daily to reduce the risk of breakdown. You should also be equalizing the battery at regular intervals to maintain performance.

Motor And Cable Maintenance

Your drive and lift motors are essential for your electric forklift’s operation. As each forklift has at least two electric motors, you need to be checking their operation regularly. Their electric cables should also be checked and tightened regularly to make sure they aren’t loose from vibrations and regular operation. It may seem minor, but loose electric cables can ruin the motor, motor controller, and even start a fire. Taking the time on the little details will keep your motors working longer and more effectively.

Electric Forklift Lubrication and Greasing

Like all forklifts, electric forklifts face wear and tear from frequent moving and lifting. Ensuring that your wheel axles, mast chains, and other key areas are properly greased and lubricated will reduce damage over time. Recommended intervals vary by manufacturer, so be sure to check your operator manuals to maximize your equipment’s safety and productivity. 

If you need support in maintaining your electric forklift fleet, The Lilly Company may be the right partner for you. We’re an authorized forklift dealer for Toyota, Clark, Komatsu, and Linde serving customers throughout Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and eastern Arkansas. Our team of friendly and knowledgeable material handling experts can help keep your forklifts running better for longer to maximize your investment and keep your business profitable.

Contact a forklift expert at The Lilly Company online or by phone at 844-LILLYCO with any questions you have, or visit us at one of our 13 locations across the Mid-South:

Arkansas – Jonesboro
Alabama - Birmingham, Dothan, Irondale, Madison, Mobile, and Montgomery
Mississippi - Tupelo and Richland
Tennessee - Jackson, Memphis, Knoxville, and Kingsport

Further Reading:
When To Buy an Electric vs. LP Gas Forklift
When's the Best Time to Replace An Aging Forklift?
Used Forklift Buyer’s Guide and Checklist