Forklift operators have a very important job in the warehouse and it’s important they follow all best practise to make sure they don’t cause damage or an injury. As such, if you’re a new or experienced forklift driver, make sure you leave these bad habits at home!

Do your checks! It can be very tempting, especially when there’s a long to-do list, to skip the pre operation checks to make sure your forklift is functioning properly. But don’t! Neglecting your forklift can cause problems further down the line.

Are you loading your forklift correctly? If you overload your forklift you could cause long term damage to the forklift as well as damage the load. Take your time, make sure your load is well balanced and that you’re not overloading the vehicle.

Stay alert! It’s easy to get fully focused on the task in hand, but if you’re not aware of what is happening around you, including space available and pedestrians, you could cause someone harm. Be aware of your environment at all times.

Do your training! It might be obvious, but it is vital you keep up to date with your training, even if you think you know all there is to know about operating a forklift.

For more information about our forklift training or to book your place, contact 01582 383388 or [email protected].

Many warehouses rely heavily on their forklift trucks. Any sign of forklift failure must be spotted and acted upon to avoid any gaps in service. So how can you tell if it’s time for you to invest in a new forklift?

Forklifts typically last 5-6 years of regular usage before they need replacing. It’s worth keeping a record of when each of your forklifts arrive in your warehouse, to have an idea of when each one will need to be replaced. Working in extreme environments can reduce a forklift lifespan, particularly if you’re working in cold, damp or corrosive environments.

Here’s some signs to look out for demonstrating your forklift needs replacing.

• Limited availability of new parts when a replacement is required
• Increased regularity in maintenance needs and more services required to keep your forklift in top shape
• A drop in forklift performance leading to more services and checks than before
• Old technology that’s no longer in use on newer models

Regular training of forklift operators is also vital to ensuring your forklift is used correctly and stands the test of time.

Replacing your forklift in a timely and efficient manner is critical to ensure there’s no loss of productivity. So keep an eye on your forklift!

For more information about our forklift training or to book your place, contact 01582 383388 or [email protected].