Forklifts aren’t cheap — and neither is downtime.
Whether you run a single truck or a full fleet, extending the life of your equipment can save serious money and reduce disruption. But it’s not just about making your machines last longer — it’s about making sure they’re safe, compliant, and performing at their best, day in, day out.
At All Makes Mechanical, we work with businesses across the UK who rely on their forklifts. Here’s what we’ve learned about keeping them running better, for longer.
1. Stick to a proper forklift maintenance schedule
A reactive approach — waiting until something breaks — might seem cheaper in the short term. But breakdowns tend to be more expensive and more disruptive than planned maintenance.
What to do instead:
• Set up a planned maintenance schedule based on usage hours and environment
• Make sure checks are carried out by qualified engineers
• Keep clear records of every service and repair
Regular servicing doesn’t just catch issues early — it helps maintain efficiency and fuel economy over time.
2. Train your operators properly
The way your team uses your forklifts has a huge impact on wear and tear. Bad habits — like harsh braking, speeding, or carrying uneven loads — accelerate component failure.
A well-trained operator will:
• Handle the machine smoothly and safely
• Spot early signs of problems
• Treat the truck like an investment, not a disposable tool
Make sure your operators receive accredited training and consider refresher sessions every few years.
3. Don’t skip daily checks
Quick daily inspections might feel like a formality… but they’re one of the easiest ways to catch small problems before they turn into big ones.
Make it part of the routine:
• Tyres, brakes, forks, mast
• Fluid levels and leaks
• Lights, horn, steering
If you’re not sure what to include, ask us for a simple daily forklift checklist tailored to your equipment.
4. Choose the right tyres for your site
Tyres are often overlooked — but using the wrong type can cause vibration, damage the truck, and lead to faster component wear.
Think about:
• Indoor vs outdoor use
• Floor conditions (smooth, rough, wet, oily)
• Load weight and travel distance
Still unsure? Our team can recommend the best tyre type for your site and application.
5. Book regular Thorough Examinations
Under UK law, lifting equipment like forklifts must undergo a Thorough Examination — a bit like an MOT — to stay compliant with LOLER and PUWER.
As CFTS-accredited providers, we ensure your inspections are:
• Fully compliant
• Carried out to national standards
• Documented with a CFTS certificate
Beyond legality, Thorough Examinations can identify hidden issues that — if left unchecked — would cut short your forklift’s working life.
6. Act quickly on warning signs
Strange noises. Unusual vibrations. Small leaks. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait.
Common warning signs worth investigating:
• Sluggish movement or steering
• Changes in brake feel or response
• Visible wear on chains or mast
• Fluid pooling under the truck
Catching problems early often means cheaper repairs and less downtime.
7. Match the right truck to the right job
Using a truck that’s underpowered, overworked, or poorly suited to the environment leads to premature wear, or worse: safety issues.
If your fleet is working harder than it should be, it might be time to reassess:
• Are the trucks the right capacity for the loads?
• Are they suitable for the terrain?
• Are your electric trucks coping outdoors?
Need advice? We can assess your site and recommend better-suited options, including refurbished models if budget is tight.
A longer life for your fleet starts here
Forklifts are a big investment. But with the right care, they’ll reward you with years of reliable performance.
At All Makes Mechanical, we help businesses across the UK extend the life of their fleet through proactive maintenance, expert servicing, and reliable support.
Whether you need a service, an inspection, or just some honest advice — we’re here to help.
Get in touch today and find out how we can keep your forklifts working better, for longer.