When your forklift breaks down, there are several steps you should take instantly. First, move the forklift to an isolated area, if that is possible. Second, get the make, model, and serial number of the forklift; it is also helpful to know the service history of the forklift. Having completed these two steps will make it easier for the technician to solve the problem as quick as possible.
There are several other questions to ask when you are wanting emergency forklift service.
- What problems are you experiencing?
- Do you have an estimation on how long the issue has been occurring?
- Does the forklift have a history of issues?
- Is the forklift operable or still running?
What will happen after you call for service?
When you call for service, the dispatcher will collect the information about the forklift and give an estimated time for service. Service usually occurs in less than 24 hours because we want to prevent downtime for your operation. Not only can downtime prevent operations from being productive, they also can cause a loss of profit and affect employee morale. When the service technician arrives to your location to service and inspect, they will give you can estimate for the cost. You will also be given an estimation for downtime. A forklift dealer can also schedule a rental forklift for the downtime, if needed.
There is only one way to attempt to prevent the need for emergency forklift service. The best solution is planned maintenance. Planned maintenance will allow for the same service technicians to inspect the forklift for any potential hazards or needs. This will stop any issues before they cause a breakdown and force your truck into downtime. In addition to planned maintenance, it is also advised that forklift operators and supervisors complete routine inspections of the entire forklift.
