To avoid costly delays in your warehouse, it is important to have an organized stock of essential forklift parts. Here is a guide to the ten most essential forklift parts you should always have in your inventory to keep your operations running smoothly.
- Hydraulic Fluid Hoses. Manufacturers recommend replacing them every two years or after 4,000 hours of service. Keeping spares for power steering hoses, brake hoses, and hydraulic lift hoses is essential.
- Hydraulic System Rubber Parts. These parts should be replaced annually or every 4,000 hours, as recommended, to prevent unexpected failures.
- Replacement Hydraulic Fluid, Filters, and System Cleaner. Regular maintenance of the hydraulic system includes cleaning the system and replacing fluids and filters. Keeping them in stock ensures you are ready for both scheduled maintenance and unexpected repairs.
- Fuel Hose for Internal Combustion (IC) Forklifts. Inspect fuel hoses regularly and replace them every two years. Having a spare fuel hose on hand ensures that any leaks or damages can be addressed without halting operations.
- Brakes. Brakes should be a top priority in your inventory. Given the immense loads forklifts carry, brakes need to be dependable. Replace them every two years or as soon as you notice any efficiency drop or visible wear.
- Lift Chain. Manufacturers suggest replacing your forklift’s lift chain every three years or after 6,000 hours of use. Keeping a spare lift chain in stock can prevent hazardous situations and maintain productivity.
- Forks. Regular inspections are necessary, and forks should be replaced if they lose more than 10% of their original thickness or show signs of damage. Having extra forks in stock is a smart move to avoid downtime.
- Tires and Wheels. Tires are often subjected to harsh conditions, leading to wear or damage. Keeping a set of replacement tires and wheels, along with wheel bearings, ensures that any issue can be swiftly resolved, preventing unsafe operations.
- Electrical Components. Wire harnesses and cable assemblies degrade over time due to exposure and wear. It is also wise to keep spare batteries for electric forklifts to avoid delays due to supply chain issues.
- Miscellaneous Items. Experience with your fleet will reveal which components frequently fail. Keeping a good maintenance log will help you decide on additional parts to stock up on.
If managing a large inventory is challenging, consider a planned maintenance program with a reliable partner to manage your needs. Remember, a well-maintained forklift fleet is key to a productive and safe warehouse.