When purchasing a new forklift, choosing products that will increase the machine’s safety is essential. These products should help protect both the operator and the public.
Some of these products include seat belts and warning lights. The latter provides visual indicators of the forklift’s presence, and a cab cover protects the driver.
While OSHA doesn’t mandate seat belts on forklifts, it does mandate their use if provided.
Brakes
Fast moving Yale forklift products like brakes are essential for safe operation. They need to be checked and serviced periodically to prevent brake failure.
Brake drums can wear out after five to seven thousand hours, depending on environmental conditions. Also, the operator’s operating style and driving habits can influence how often the brake system needs replacement.
To minimize brake wear, operators should avoid collisions and stack loads to avoid unnecessary pressure on the brakes.
Modern forklift products must stop quickly and efficiently. To meet these needs, leading manufacturers develop sophisticated braking systems. These solutions make it possible for forklifts to stop when necessary.
Fluid Levels
Forklift drivers need to check the fluid levels on their vehicles regularly to ensure that all components are working correctly. A lack of fluid can lead to a faulty hydraulic system, damaging the car.
In addition, maintaining optimal fluid levels can extend the vehicle’s life. Fluid levels are crucial for preventing forklifts from freezing and overheating.
It is essential to check the levels of water, hydraulic fluid, and oil. If these fluids are low, you should add more or replace the entire system.
In addition, it is essential to check the brake fluid levels. Low brake fluid can affect the brake system, causing problems with stopping and handling.
Tires
The growing demand for forklift tires is one of the critical factors that are driving the industry forward. Modern working environments, clean floors, and battery-powered forklifts are all factors that influence forklift tire demand.
Several companies in the forklift tire industry have noted these trends and are taking advantage of them to expand their production capacity.
The types of tires that you choose for your forklift are essential. They must be suitable for the deployment scenario in which you plan to use them.
They should also match the attributes of the forklift truck. Since tires are the interface between the forklift truck and the ground, they play a vital role in precision handling and maneuvering. They also affect acceleration, braking, and turning.
Moreover, the tires’ size, shape, and the material will affect their performance. The most suitable forklift tires should be compact yet robust to carry the truck’s weight plus the load. This is important for space-constrained warehouses and for negotiating sharp bends.
Training
The right training program is essential whether you are a new or experienced forklift operator. Proper training will increase efficiency, minimize risks, and increase the life of the equipment.
It will also help reduce costs associated with downtime. An appropriate training program should address your employees’ safety and the company’s specific needs.
Proper training will help you avoid costly accidents and ensure your employees stay safe using a forklift. Forklift training should focus on how to handle and move different types of loads.
Moreover, it should address specific situations encountered while using a forklift. For instance, operators should be trained to operate a forklift safely in enclosed areas, elevators, and ramps.