How Preventive Maintenance Keeps Forklifts Running Longer

Regular preventive maintenance is the key to reducing costly breakdowns, maximizing uptime and extending the life of your forklifts.

With MHS Lift’s service plans, your fleet stays reliable, safe and cost-efficient – so you can avoid unexpected downtime.

Why is preventive maintenance so important for forklifts?

Forklifts are the backbone of warehouse operations, moving thousands of pounds daily. When one goes down unexpectedly, the entire supply chain feels it – lost productivity, delayed shipments and costly emergency repairs. Preventive maintenance (PM) helps businesses avoid this by scheduling inspections, lubrication and parts replacements before failures occur.

MHS Lift services over 5,000 customer forklifts in its preventive maintenance program, with factory-trained technicians providing on-site support across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic.

How does preventive maintenance reduce forklift breakdowns?

Regular inspections catch small issues – like worn tires, low fluid levels or loose connections – before they escalate into full-blown failures. By following a consistent PM schedule, companies can:

• Reduce unplanned downtime by addressing wear-and-tear early.
• Lower lifetime costs by avoiding major repairs or premature replacements.
• Increase operator safety by ensuring equipment is always OSHA-compliant.

MHS Lift offers both preventive and full maintenance programs, including safety inspections, minor and major repairs and even loaner units when needed.

How does preventive maintenance extend forklift lifespan?

Just like cars, forklifts last longer when properly maintained. A neglected forklift may fail years earlier than one under a PM plan. With proper care, electric and internal combustion trucks alike can stay in service longer, reducing the need for expensive fleet turnover.

MHS Lift also integrates fleet telematics through its My Fleet 365 portal, giving managers real-time visibility into usage, service history and maintenance costs.

What does MHS Lift’s preventive maintenance service include?

MHS Lift customizes PM plans to fit warehouse operations, offering:

• Scheduled inspections (based on hours of use and manufacturer guidelines).
• Lubrication, filter and fluid service to minimize wear.
• Parts replacement and repair with a $3M inventory of OEM and Crown Integrity parts on hand.
• Certified technicians available 24/7 for urgent needs.

With 90+ factory-trained technicians, MHS Lift guarantees fast response times and reliable service.

FAQ

Q1: How often should forklifts get preventive maintenance?
A1: Most forklifts should be serviced every 200-250 operating hours, but usage and environment matter. MHS Lift tailors schedules to each fleet.

Q2: What’s the difference between preventive and full maintenance?
A2: Preventive covers inspections and basic upkeep. Full maintenance includes all repairs, parts, labor and even loaners – giving you predictable monthly costs.

Q3: Can MHS Lift service any brand of forklift?
A3: Yes. MHS Lift services all makes and models, from Crown and UniCarriers to Toyota, Hyster and beyond.

Q4: Why not just wait until forklifts break down?
A4: Breakdowns are far more expensive than prevention – lost productivity, overtime pay, rental costs and rushed parts orders add up quickly.

Q5: Does preventive maintenance improve safety compliance?
A5: Yes. Regular inspections reduce OSHA violations, prevent accidents and keep operators safe on the job.

Ready to keep your forklifts running longer?

Don’t wait for breakdowns to slow down your warehouse. MHS Lift offers tailored preventive maintenance plans that protect your fleet, lower lifetime costs and keep your operations moving without interruption. Give us a call today: (877) 647-9320.