6 Maintenance Tips to Extend Equipment Life Span

A well-maintained fleet of heavy machinery offers a good return on investment and many years of loyal service. Following a few pivotal maintenance steps is crucial to keeping your forklifts, tow tractors, walkie stackers, floor cleaners and industrial vehicles operating at their best. Read on to learn how regular industrial preventive maintenance and routine upkeep can boost your productivity, save you money and keep your worksite compliant.

The Importance of Industrial Machine Maintenance

Factories and warehouses that maintain their equipment regularly reap a ton of rewards, including:

• Reduced downtime: Consistent care keeps more forklifts and other vehicles operating during busy work periods.
• Longer machine life span: Equipment lasts longer if smaller issues are handled promptly and effectively.
• Fewer repair costs: Fixing minor wear and tear now can prevent much larger, more costly breakdowns in the future.
• Enhanced safety: Well-maintained machinery is safer for staff to operate and work alongside.
• Better product quality: Machines working smoothly are less likely to cause damage to valuable assets.

6 Maintenance Tips to Extend Equipment Life Span

While the perfect maintenance routine looks different for each warehouse and factory depending on how often they use their equipment, their climate, industry and other factors, there are still some best practices that all heavy machinery users should follow. To give your fleet the best chance at a long and productive life, pick up the following six habits:

1. Inspect Your Equipment Regularly

Consistent inspection is paramount for keeping your workplace safe and spotting dirty or worn-out parts. Surveying your heavy machinery allows early detection of potentially dangerous or catastrophic failures later. The Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) further highlights regular inspections as one of the key ways to mitigate workplace hazards.

During your inspection, check for:

• Rust, cracks, dents or warping on metal fixtures.
• Tire tread wear, punctures, cuts and deflation.
• Hydraulic fluid levels and hose fittings.
• Fraying wiring or loose connections in electrics.
• Non-functional controls and safety mechanisms.
• Slackened chain or belt tension.
• Any other visible damage to the structure.

Incorporate a thorough monthly maintenance checklist for each piece of equipment in your fleet so that different staff members’ inspections are consistent over time and across all machines.

2. Schedule and Record Maintenance Sessions

Having a regular industrial machine maintenance schedule keeps your workers reminded and accountable, and recording what was done or observed each time gives you valuable data on the state of your equipment. There are two different types of recurring maintenance equipment managers can schedule, and both are needed for optimal machinery upkeep:

• Scheduled routine maintenance: Scheduled maintenance follows a fixed schedule and usually involves routine inspections and adjustments, such as checking for wear and tear, balancing fluid levels, changing filters, testing electronics, lubricating moving parts and calibrating instruments.
• Industrial preventive maintenance: Preventive maintenance is condition-based and allows warehouse and factory operators to proactively prevent potential issues using previous records and manufacturer recommendations as guidelines for replacing parts and checking more specialized fixtures.

3. Ensure Regular, Appropriate Cleaning

You can extend a machine’s life span by cleaning your equipment often and using suitable materials. The right cleaning agents depend on which industrial vehicle you’re working on and which part of the machine you’re maintaining. For forklift trucks, floor cleaners and walkies, check the manual to ensure your machine doesn’t have any special requirements or precautions, and then consider using:

• Brushes and rags: Use cloths and bristles to clear loose debris off your equipment’s surface and undercarriage.
• All-purpose cleaners: Wash away topical outer grime by hand with a pH-neutral all-purpose cleaner or mild dish soap.
• Pressure washers: For more stubborn, caked-on dirt, you can use a high-pressure hose to clean the outside of your vehicle.
• Degreasers: Industrial degreasers will help remove oil and grease from engine components and other fixtures.
• Battery cleaners: Off-the-shelf battery cleaners or baking soda paste can remove corrosion buildup from battery terminals.
• Time to dry off: To prevent water damage, let walkies and forklifts dry completely before using them again.

4. Protect Machinery From the Elements

The environment is one of the greatest perpetrators of undue damage to industrial equipment. Snow, ice, rain, flooding, humidity, sun and other weather-borne challenges can wear down machinery and lead to corrosion and disrepair. Store your industrial equipment indoors in a dry, ventilated area with proper drainage or undercover whenever possible. In very cold climates, consider indoor temperature regulation during winter months to prevent fluid freezing.

If you have to store machinery outdoors for a while, consider investing in protective covers or tarps that fit snugly enough to stay on during periods of high wind. Ensure the covers aren’t trapping any moisture underneath them, and let your equipment dry off regularly to avoid rust or mold buildup. Weather-resistant materials like stainless steel and UV-resistant coatings are ideal for harsher conditions.

5. Train Your Machine Operators 

Proper staff and operator training is critical for workplace safety and preserving the longevity of your factory or warehouse’s industrial equipment. Operators who know how to use the controls properly, avoid hazards and protect machinery will cause fewer mishaps and thus prevent on-the-job damage. They’ll also notice sooner if something is not working as it should and will promptly alert supervisors, avoiding more egregious issues in the future.

Beyond basic operations and malfunction identification, employees must also know how to conduct their own comprehensive inspections and routine equipment maintenance. That way, the floor will have more capable hands to keep the maximum number of machines running smoothly and productively.

6. Replace Parts Through Trusted Outlets

With consistent industrial preventive maintenance and inspections, there will come a time to replace a part every so often to keep your equipment in top shape. The best practice is to promptly replace any parts with significant wear and tear when you notice them or when the manufacturer recommends replacing them. That way, you avoid one worn part compromising other parts that are still in good condition and prevent unexpected machinery failures.

When it’s time to replace a part, ensure you’ve done your homework before committing. Pick a provider that keeps a well-stocked inventory of parts from various reputable brands. Inquire about their repairs and maintenance programs, technician certifications, warranties and shipping options to ensure you’re getting quick, professional service. When choosing replacement parts, you have the option of:

• Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts: The manufacturer makes OEM parts specifically for that brand and model. They are high-quality, optimally compatible, adhere to original specifications and standards and usually have warranties and high-level customer support. OEM parts are excellent, reliable long-term investments.
• Aftermarket parts: These parts are made by unaffiliated third-party companies and sometimes fit numerous makes and models with modification. Their quality and compatibility vary based on the provider, and they sometimes lack the rigorous warranties and customer service that OEMs have. Aftermarket parts are suitable for operators who prioritize cost-effectiveness and customization above other factors.

Extend Your Machine Life Span With Alta Material Handling

At Alta Material Handling, our highly trained and certified technicians deliver dependable industrial machine maintenance, whether your company needs a tow tractor, walkie stacker, floor cleaner or forklift maintenance services. We have an expansive range of OEM parts from industry-leading brands with six-month warranties for your peace of mind and are dedicated to premium and ongoing customer service.

We also provide lift truck rentals to reduce unexpected downtime, customization options for more specialized equipment needs and expert operator training programs. Visit one of our locations in Ontario, Burlington, Woodridge or Montréal or contact us online today to schedule an appointment and learn more about our extensive range of industrial machinery products and services.