How Long Do Forklifts Typically Last for?

A forklift is an integral part of warehouse ownership and owning a distribution business. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to manoeuvre around the tightest of corners with heavy or large loads, whilst also making sure it’s done in a timely manner to ensure picking and delivery deadlines are met and executed effectively. So it’s no surprise to learn that when a forklift breaks down, it can have detrimental effects on how well, and how smoothly, a warehouse is run.

With this in mind, it’s important that you’re prepared for a breakdown in your equipment, together with whether it would be better to repair or replace the failed forklift entirely. But how long does the average forklift last, what are the signs that it’s about to fail, when should you consider retiring your forklift and what can you do to increase its lifespan? Let’s take a look.

What is the average amount of forklift use?

Forklifts are used on a daily basis, often for many hours at a time. During the average working week, a forklift is operational for around 2,000 hours a year. As the average lifespan of a forklift is approximately 10,000 hours overall, depending on the manufacturer, they’ll perform seamlessly, with the right maintenance, for around five years. But it’s important to note that there will be some factors that will cause the forklift to deteriorate more quickly, including:

• Cold temperatures
• Lifting weights that are beyond its capacity
• Continuous use with no breaks
• Not maintaining the forklift properly or in line with the manufacturers’ advice

What causes a forklift to break down?

We’ve already touched on a few factors that cause forklifts to break down quicker than usual, but they’re often attributed to forklift breakdown in general as well as premature failure. In addition to the age of your machine, there are many different things that can cause a forklift to break down, regardless of its fuel type or model. Things that can cause a forklift to breakdown includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• The rate at which the machine is used
• The weight of the loads you need it to carry
• Exposure to extreme temperatures, either hot or cold
• Exposure to hazardous substances
• Navigation across loose, uneven or slippery surfaces, especially when they’re not designed to do this
• Using the forklift for something it’s not meant for
• Operating the forklift in correctly
• Not maintaining the forklift regularly
• Failing to keep it topped up with fuel, or not charging the forklift
• Bringing it down narrow aisles or using it in small spaces, even if it’s not designed to be operated in those areas

What are the signs of a forklift that’s about to fail?

There are plenty of signs to look out for which indicates that your forklift is close to failure. Not only should you, the warehouse owner, be keeping an eye out for these things, but so should your forklift operators.

You should make it clear to them that if such signs are spotted, they should inform someone immediately so that the machine can be put to one side, pending an investigation into why it broke down in the first place. But before this can happen, certain things will need to be spotted, including, but not limited to, the following:

• Cracks
• Distorted parts
• Wiring that’s become exposed
• Warped fork blades
• Worn fork blades
• General low performance, even when carrying out the most basic of tasks

When is the right time to retire my forklift?

It can be difficult to determine the right time to retire your forklift. This is because these machines are both expensive and invaluable to the smooth running of any warehouse, regardless of the industry you work in. You should consider how long you’ve had the forklift, whether it still performs as it should do, your budget and also whether you have spotted any signs of wear or tear on your forklift.

Even if you’re not ready, financially, to buy a new forklift, then there are plenty of other options available, including purchasing a second-hand forklift or hiring a forklift for a bespoke amount of time, both of which are available here at Multy Lift.

You should also look into whether it would be better to repair the forklift, but as soon as it starts getting costly, you should weigh up whether it would be better, financially, to simply replace the forklift rather than keep paying a considerable amount of money for repairs regularly.

How to increase the lifespan of your forklift

It’s only natural for you to want to make sure your forklift runs for as long as possible. Whether it’s a trustworthy machine that’s never let you down or you simply cannot afford a replacement, here are a few ways in which you can increase the lifespan of your forklift, no matter its fuel type, model or size:

• Servicing the machine on a regular basis, ensuring its done by a competent professional
• Maintaining the machine properly, from making sure it’s clean to checking all the lights and alarms are working as they should
• Checking tyre pressure
• Checking fluid levels
• Checking the brakes are working
• Carrying out daily safety checks
• Looking for signs of wear and tear so that issues can be rectified as and when they occur
• Ensuring your forklift operators are fully-trained
• Refraining from carrying loads that the forklift is not designed to handle
• Keeping the warehouse in good order, making sure there aren’t boxes or debris in the way

Multy Lift has over three decades of experience in the material handling industry, providing customers throughout the UK with high-quality warehouse equipment that can always be relied upon. From forklifts of varying fuel types to reach trucks, order pickers, stackers and more, Multy Lift will be able to meet your every material handling need. For more information about how we can help you today, get in touch with a member of our knowledgeable, professional team – we’re always pleased to hear from you.