THE FORKLIFT TRUCK TRAINING CENTRE

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Forklift Myths – Debunked!

Whilst some myths and legends are fun, forklift myths are very much the opposite. If you’re looking for more advice about forklifts, look no further – here’s some of the top myths about forklifts debunked!

Any forklift can do the job. Not true at all – there are a number of specialist models depending on your products, requirements and available space. Think carefully when considering what sort of forklift you need in your warehouse.

Forklift maintenance is optional, most important when your forklift breaks. Absolutely not the case! Regular maintenance means you can catch small problems before they become fatal to your vehicle – make sure you have a regular forklift maintenance schedule – and stick to it!

Forklifts are easy to operate without training. Importantly, this is absolutely untrue – training is imperative. Not only should only trained professionals use forklifts, but their training should be regularly refreshed – best practise can change and bad habits can creep in. A strong training schedule is an absolute must.

And that’s where we can help!

For more information about our forklift training or to book your place, contact 01582 383388 or office@wetrainflt.co.uk.

What are the dangers of poor forklift training?

Good forklift training isn’t just a nice to have – it’s absolutely vital! There are many dangers to not investing in proper forklift training – But what are they?

Safety is your top priority. Adequate and up to date forklift training is the first step to reducing accidents and mistakes. Both forklift drivers and pedestrian safety comes first – even the most experienced forklift drivers will benefit from refresher training to keep everyone safe.

It’s costly! Yes, good forklift training costs money – but damage caused by accidents can cost much more. If there are more and more mistakes they’ll be the rising cost of insurance to think about too.

Is your warehouse compliant? Meeting your requirements for safety isn’t just a risk to your forklift drivers, warehouse workers and your business – it’s against the law too! Investing in good training means you won’t be wasting any time on unnecessary legal matters.

Why take the risk? Protect your company reputation and your workers – Book your forklift training with us today!

For more information about our forklift training or to book your place, contact 01582 383388 or office@wetrainflt.co.uk.

Break your Forklift bad habits today!

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 office@wetrainflt.co.uk.

Is your forklift overheating?

Forklifts go through a lot of work – and overheating your forklift can cause huge problems for your equipment. Avoid an overheated forklift at all costs – here’s how.

Do your maintenance! It’s incredibly important to keep up to date with your maintenance checks – they are a perfect opportunity to find any problems before they become a bigger issue and resolve the matter.

Is your warehouse dusty? Dirt and dust build up can cause your forklift to overheat – make sure your warehouse is kept as clean as possible at all times.

Is your forklift carrying the proper load? Forklifts are built with a specific load weight maximum – if you’re overloading your forklift you’ll cause it to work harder, which in turn can lead to system stress and overheating.

If you do find your forklift is overheating, you should take immediate action. Stop using the forklift, park it in a cool area of your warehouse and let it sit for at least 4 hours before conducting a thorough maintenance check.

The best thing to do however is to try and avoid letting it overheat in the first place!

For more information about our forklift training or to book your place, contact 01582 383388 or office@wetrainflt.co.uk.

Is it time to buy a new forklift?

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 office@wetrainflt.co.uk.