How to Run Your Forklift As Cost-Effectively As Possible

The cost of living crisis is hitting homeowners and businesses hard, and this is something that is being felt by warehouse owners alike, more so because the cost to run forklifts and other pieces of warehouse machinery has, subsequently, sky-rocketed.

With this in mind, there are a few things you can do to reduce the running costs of your forklift, whether it’s electric, diesel-powered or LPG-powered. Here’s how to run your forklift as cost-effectively as possible.

Make sure you’re using the right forklift for the job

Firstly, you need to make sure that you’re using the right forklift for the job at hand. There’s no point using a forklift with very little weight or reach capacity for a task that requires the moving and handling of heavy loads from a great height. Not only could this cause the forklift to burn more fuel or lose more charge, as it’s working harder, but it could also cause unnecessary wear and tear on the machine, which only adds to your costs and financial outgoings in the long run. Acquiring the right equipment can be costly, but you should consider it more of an investment than just another thing you have to pay for.

Ensure your operators are fully-trained

Part of knowing which forklift is right for the job is ensuring that everyone is fully-trained. This way, they’ll know which machine to use and for which application. Not only does this conserve fuel, but it prevents damage to the vehicle as well. In addition, if your operators are trained to use the equipment, they will be aware of the requirements surrounding their efficient and safe operation. This helps to keep your employees safe, whether they’re operating the forklift or are pedestrians on the ground.

It also ensures that fuel and electrical charge is conserved and that the forklift won’t suffer unnecessary wear from going around corners too quickly or if they’ve been used for something they shouldn’t be. Fully-trained operators will also be aware of the weight capacity of the machine they’re using, so there’s no chance that the forklift will become damaged as a result of lifting something that is too heavy. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by ensuring your forklift operators are adequately trained.

Carry out regular maintenance on your forklift

When it comes to wear and tear, carrying out regular maintenance is a sure way of preserving the integrity of the machine. Like with most things, if you continue to look after it, it will remain in good condition and its lifespan will, therefore, be elongated as a result. This is something that you need to bear in mind when it comes to forklift maintenance.

Although it can be laborious and repairs can be expensive, it’s nothing when compared to the cost of replacing the machine entirely. From changing its tyres to washing the chassis, everything you do to ensure its integrity is saving you a considerable amount of money in the long run. In addition, catching things that need to be repaired as early on as possible can prevent those problems from becoming a larger, most costly issue to rectify further down the line.

Keep an eye on fuel consumption

Whether your forklift is failing to hold its charge or if it’s burning more fuel than usual, then you need to have it repaired as soon as possible. Where this is equally about making sure the machine itself runs efficiently for an indefinite amount of time, it’s also important when it comes to preserving fuel and saving money on your electricity bills.

Much like a car, you’ll be buying more petrol if it continues to burn more than usual, therefore causing you to increase your fuel budget. This is something that rings true for the fuel consumption of forklifts as well. If your operators notice that it’s getting through its charge or is burning more fuel than normal, then have the forklift looked at so as to preserve your fuel stores and keep your electricity bill to a minimum.

Optimise warehouse layout

This might not sound like something that would, in fact, reduce the costs of running a forklift, but it comes down to both fuel consumption and wear and tear, yet again. The more complicated your warehouse layout is, the more wear will be put on your forklift and, subsequently, the more fuel it will burn.

If you have popular items, for example, located right at the back of your warehouse, then your operators will have to take the forklift, unnecessarily, all that way to retrieve an item that is commonly picked. Move the most common items closer to the forklift storage area. This means that your forklift won’t have as far to go on a regular basis. Not only does this conserve fuel, but it also reduces wear and tear.

You should also look to reduce the number of corners and tight turns by utilising your ceiling space to create longer aisles. This is something we can help with at Multy Lift. We have a range of warehouse racking available for you to choose from. Optimise your warehouse layout if you want to run your forklift in the most cost-effective manner.

Consider renting your forklift as a solution

If you’re currently experiencing a hole in your fleet, or if you find yourself needing another forklift to keep up with temporarily-increased demand, then consider hiring the forklift rather than buying it outright. Not only will renting a forklift not affect your capital or your profits, it will also give you a chance to try out some of the latest models.

In addition, you won’t have to worry about the costs of maintaining or repairing the machine should something go wrong. This will all be covered under your forklift rental contract. Forklift hire is something that Multy Lift is proud to offer our customers.

Multy Lift has over three decades of material handling experience. As such, we can be counted upon to provide customers throughout the UK with quality forklifts and warehouse equipment. For those on a budget, we also have second-hand warehouse equipment and second-hand forklifts available. For further information about the products and services we have on offer, get in touch with a member of our friendly team today – we’re always pleased to hear from you.