Many factors can affect the lifespan of your forklift attachments - from general wear and tear or harsh winter conditions, to inappropriate use or inadequate maintenance - so we’ve put together some top tips below to ensure your attachments remain at their very best for many years to come.

 

Carry out a regular visual check

 

 

Damaged, corroded, or excessively worn attachments can be dangerous.  For example, the structural integrity of a lifting jib could be affected once under load, or a damaged lock could disengage whilst in use causing a serious accident. Make a habit out of regularly checking for visual signs of excessive wear, corrosion, or any fractured or damaged elements on your attachments, to ensure they remain safe for use.

 

 

 

Listen out for any tell-tale noises

In addition to a physical check of your equipment you should also pay attention to any noises during use which might indicate a problem, for example a noisy gearbox on a forklift drum rotating attachment. Listen for anything out of the ordinary and investigate promptly, arranging a Thorough Examination if required.

 

Don’t misuse or overload your forklift attachment

 

Ensure all operators of your attachment receive adequate user training, and don’t be tempted to misuse your attachment in an attempt to capitalise on it, as this can add strain or cause significant damage. If you have a unique need not covered by a standard attachment, why not ask about our bespoke service?

Similarly, overloading your forklift attachment beyond its lifting capacity can also cause damage, not to mention pose a significant health and safety risk. To keep your attachment in prime condition pay attention to the Safe Working Load (which should be clearly labelled on the attachment at all times) and ensure you don’t exceed it.

 

Regular maintenance

As with all machinery, your forklift attachment requires routine maintenance to keep it in great working order, so do ensure you apply grease or oil to all moving parts on a regular basis.

 

Ensure your Thorough Examinations are up to date

 

In the current climate the costs and potential downtime involved in putting your equipment through tests can be daunting, but think of the Thorough Examination as the MOT equivalent for your attachment. It will ensure you spot any potential issues early on and can have them fixed before they escalate into much bigger or even dangerous ones. Plus, it’s a legal requirement to ensure this is carried out every six to twelve months depending on the attachment.

 

 

Proper use and maintenance of your attachment will provide you with many years of trusted service. Do get in touch if you’d like to discuss how we can help with user training or Thorough Examinations: https://www.forklift-attachments.co.uk/contact