Forklift trucks are essential equipment for organizations involved in construction, manufacturing, and warehousing. The vehicle's versatility allows for easy maneuvering of heavy loads over short distances. However, these vehicles require regular maintenance to operate safely and efficiently. One of the critical indicators of a forklift's condition is the number of operating hours. In this article, we will explore what high hours on a forklift are and their implications.
What are forklift hours?
Forklift hours refer to the amount of time a forklift has worked from the date of purchase. The total number of hours a forklift has works as a measure of its usage. When you purchase a brand new forklift, its engine hours start from zero. Similarly, when you buy a used forklift from a dealer or auction, it comes with an existing number of engine hours. Keep in mind that each forklift's hour meter is different, and some forklift models may have their hour meters located in unique positions.
What are considered high forklift hours?
The average lifespan of a forklift is between 10,000 to 12,000 hours. However, many considerations can affect this, such as the forklift's make, model, and operating environment. Therefore, what is considered high hours on a forklift depends on these factors. Generally, forklifts that have accumulated over 10,000 hours of operation are considered high hours, and their value significantly depreciates. It is essential to realize that purchasing a high-hour forklift requires a thorough inspection and often leads to higher maintenance costs.
What are the implications of high hours on a forklift?
When a forklift reaches high hours, like any other type of equipment, its working condition and efficiency decline. The forklift's load capacity reduces, and its hydraulic systems become less efficient due to wear and tear. For example, the forklift's hydraulic lift system could begin to struggle with heavy loads, take longer to lift a load, and even fail to maintain a load's level. Additionally, high hours on a forklift increase the risk of failure, presenting safety risks to operators, other employees, and equipment. When a forklift reaches high hours, there's a need to adjust its functionality, conduct more regular maintenance, or replace the equipment entirely.
How to manage forklift hours?
While it's challenging to control many factors affecting a forklift's operating life, there are several ways to manage forklift hours to lengthen their lifespan. First, operators should adhere to scheduled maintenance, inspections, and repairs of forklifts. Regular vehicle servicing helps detect issues before they become significant problems and lowers repair costs in the long term. Second, avoid overloading the forklift, which could cause damage to the hydraulic lifts or reduce the forklift's engine life. Finally, ensure that operators have appropriate training on how to operate a forklift correctly. Proper forklift operation leads to lower maintenance and repair costs, prevents damage to equipment and structures, and ensures safety while using the forklift.
Conclusion
It is vital to understand the implications of high hours on a forklift when purchasing a used forklift or assessing your fleet's overall condition. High hours on a forklift result in a reduction in efficiency, present safety risks, and require more frequent and costly maintenance. Adequate management practices, including regular maintenance and proper usage, can extend a forklift's lifespan, reduce maintenance, and repair costs, and ensure safety while operating the equipment.
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