Don’t Overspend on Repairs

For busy material handling operations, forklift repairs and downtime are top concerns. How can you make sure your equipment is working in top condition without spending too much? The balance may seem hard to strike, but it doesn’t have to be. The solution is changing your strategy from repairs to maintenance.

What’s the difference between forklift repairs and forklift maintenance?

Essentially, forklift repairs fix something that is broken while maintenance keeps things working as needed and avoids downtime. Repairs are reactive and are completed to get forklifts back up and running after they are down; maintenance is proactive and helps avoid downtime altogether by fixing issues before they become problems. Proper maintenance also reduces total operating costs, such as the cost per hour (CPH) of operating a particular forklift.

Typically, businesses that use a material handling equipment partner with a forklift maintenance plan to repair and maintain their forklifts. This may be in addition to their in-house technicians for more routine maintenance tasks, or that provider may be their sole maintenance resource. The solution depends on what works best for your business model.

Why should I consider a forklift maintenance plan?

Outsourcing your forklift maintenance with a forklift maintenance plan is a big decision. Thankfully, providers like Thompson & Johnson Equipment have different plans available to meet different business needs. You should consider purchasing a forklift maintenance agreement if:

Forklift downtime is affecting your business performanceYour fleet has more issues than your current technicians can keep up withYou want to accurately project your monthly maintenance spend with predictable ratesYou want to keep your equipment safer for operators and other employeesYou want to extend the effective economic life of your forkliftsYou want to protect the trade-in value of your material handling equipment

Forklift maintenance plans feature inspections and maintenance every 250 hours of active use or every 90 days to ensure performance is consistent. Keeping your equipment running and working properly will reduce your operating costs and maintain business performance. Beyond the immediate benefits, regularly scheduled maintenance will maintain your forklift’s value as a business asset that you can trade-in towards new equipment later.

How does forklift maintenance impact my bottom line?

Forklift maintenance plans may look like a large financial commitment up front, but they’re an investment. By committing a consistent amount of time and money to your fleet’s maintenance, your business is protected from:

Lost productivity that harms your profit margins due to forklift downtimesPotential harm or injuries to employees due to equipment failuresUnpredictable costs associated with major forklift repairsLost equipment value due to damage from avoidable failure

Keeping your forklifts working well and consistently is essential for maintaining your business’s profitability. Working with a forklift service provider is an investment in your fleet that protects your equipment’s value and efficiency over time.

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