Electric Forklift Maintenance

Ease of maintenance is an often-mentioned advantage regarding electric forklifts, even with their higher-capacity large electric forklift variants. However, like internal combustion forklifts, regular intervals for electric forklift maintenance help decrease breakdowns.

Key Items To Inspect During Electric Forklift Maintenance

Motor Cables

Every modern forklift is equipped with at least two electric motors, each with a minimum of three cables to carry the electric current. Over time, these motor cables can loosen during forklift operation. Causes include vibration and jolts from rough floor surfaces, worn tires, or driving over dock plates. Additionally, the heating and cooling cycles that occur as current flows through the cables can contribute to loosening. If left unchecked, loose motor cables can lead to fires or severe damage to the motor or motor controller, resulting in costly repairs or replacements.

Reach Truck Caster Wheels

A reach truck caster wheel, located below the operator’s feet, may require an adjustment. As the caster wheel wears, its vertical travel limits become out of adjustment which can affect the reach truck’s traction during acceleration and braking. Properly adjusted caster wheels enhance safety and stability.

Blow Out

Electric forklifts accumulate dust during operation, which can insulate electrical components and cause heat buildup. Many forklift technicians emphasize that excessive heat is especially damaging to forklifts, particularly the electronics. Heat exposure makes components brittle and more vulnerable to damage from impacts and vibrations. Regularly blowing out the forklift to remove dust and debris helps keep the components cool, ensuring better performance and longevity.

Forklift Battery Maintenance

When you purchase a forklift battery, you're essentially buying all the fuel you'll need for the next 3-6 years, or potentially even longer. Proper forklift battery maintenance can double your fuel economy and keep money in your forklift budget. Watering, charging and cleaning of the forklift battery and occasional removal to neutralize the forklift battery case and compartment can prevent downtime on electric forklifts.

Mechanical

Electric forklifts require just as much regular greasing and inspection as internal combustion forklifts. Despite their differences, both types perform the same tasks using nearly identical components. Periodic maintenance includes inspection of normal wear items such as tires, brakes, chains, hydraulic hoses, mast, attachments and forks to maintain the reliability and safety of your employees and forklifts.

Gain support from ProLift on your electric forklift maintenance. Schedule an appointment with a sales consultant to review frequency and the best program for your needs.