How to Reduce Damage to Your Forklift

Not just anyone can operate a forklift, and this is for a reason. Because these pieces of equipment are heavy and powerful, great care must be taken in their operation, upkeep, and storage. Damaging your forklift can require expensive repairs and cause delays in your work, which is why doing what you can to reduce or avoid the risk of damage is so important. Read on to learn what you can do.

Only Allow Licensed Operation

Unlicensed people should never be permitted to operate a forklift under any circumstances. There’s a reason why people get licenses to operate heavy machinery: it’s complex and dangerous if used without the right training and experience. Forklift operators also need to be recertified every three years so that they don’t have to deal with OSHA penalties.

Inspect Pallets

Before you move your forklift, you should thoroughly inspect the pallets you’ve placed upon it so that you can ensure everything is good to go. Watch for broken wood, nails that are sticking out, or a load that isn’t properly stacked and wrapped securely.

Keep Pathways Clear

Any aisle or floor space that is covered by a forklift needs to be free of obstacles. Forklifts are not designed to swerve around obstructions or make severe turns. It might be helpful to walk the path you intend to take with your forklift just to make sure there isn’t anything in the way that could stall you or force you to maneuver around it.

Stop by our dealership in Bryan, TX, to check out our fine selection of new and used forklifts for sale. KMC Forklift proudly serves our customers in the cities of Caldwell, College Station, and Hearne, TX.