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| What kind of training do I have to have to operate a forklift? |
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Employers are required by law to ensure that their industrial truck operators receive both hands-on and formal (classroom) training by a qualified instructor. See our forklift training section for more info.
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| How often do I need to have my forklift serviced? |
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It depends on how often you are using it and under what circumstances. If you are using it 24 hours per day, 7 days per week it will needs service more often than one used only 2 days per week. In general, a lube service at least every 1000 hours or every four months - whichever comes first. |
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| Should I buy a used forklift or a new one? |
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Many companies prefer purchasing new because of the warranties. Others want to buy at a lower cost taking advantage of the initial depreciation of a new unit. Check out our section called New or Used Forklifts |
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| Should I purchase an electric forklift or a LPG forklift? |
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If your business is involved in working in cold storage or freezers you must use an electric forklift. An LPG forklift emits gas fumes and heat that will actually raise the level of the temperature in the area in which it is being operated.
If, however, you are using your forklift outside where it could possibly rain or snow, LPG is strongly recommended as an electric forklift can short out if it gets wet.
In general, an electric forklift is quieter and does not emit fumes, but requires recharging time while an LPG requires that you get the tank refilled.
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| What exactly is PM service? |
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PM, or Preventative Maintenance, is a program where you have basic service performed like oil and filter change, battery check, fluids topped off and other routine. The service is automatically scheduled and the dealer comes out to service your forklift on a regular basis.
By servicing your forklift before you have trouble, they can catch many things that can be taken care of before it becomes a problem and your forklift stops running. PM service is less expensive than a service call and it only takes us about an hour.
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| How often does my forklift need to have new tires? |
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It depends on how often you use it, how heavy your loads are and whether you only run it on smooth surfaces such as concrete or outside on gravel or uneven surfaces. As a general rule, when there is less than one inch from the lettering on the tires to the top of the tires, it is time to change the tires.
Remember than changing tires can actually reduce fatigue on the transmission of your forklift as well as operator fatigue. After a tire is worn 40%, the forklift and the driver are absorbing over 84% of the shock if it's being run over a rough surface.
The transmission has to work much harder to turn the tires the same amount of rotation, which can result in a breakdown. Changing tires is an expensive way to keep your forklift and operator in good condition.
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| Can I put holes in my forks for towing? |
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No, according to OSHA standards it is not acceptable to put holes in your forks. It could lead to a fine. |
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| When do my forks not meet OSHA requirements? |
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When 10% of the fork heel is worn. |
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| When do my fork extensions need to be reinforced? |
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According to OSHA standards it is not acceptable to Weld or alter your forks. |
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| Can I safely use pallets on my forklift to elevate my employees? |
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No – OSHA requires a safety man basket to elevate employees at all times. Don't take a chance on having an accident! |
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| On occasion my forks are to short, Do I need to buy new forks? |
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No – Not necessarily! Fork extensions are a quick and inexpensive answer to a fork length problem. Be sure to buy OSHA approved! |
