The smooth operation of forklift truck fleets is critical to many businesses, with any downtime causing delays, production disruption, and potentially costly financial losses.
Steve Briscall, National Training Manager, and Sam Cook, Technical Training Manager at Rushlift, share a five-point plan designed to keep fleets running at peak performance.
1. Compliance
Legal requirements demand that industrial vehicles undergo a full service at least once a year under PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998).
Additionally, if a forklift lifts loads above 300mm, it must have a ‘Thorough Examination’ under LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) annually.
However, meeting these minimum standards is just the start—regular servicing by qualified engineers is essential for optimal performance.
2. Enhanced safety
Regular maintenance ensures forklifts are safer to operate, reducing risks to operators and other personnel on site.
Routine checks of chain wear, tyres, brakes, axles, forks, wheel bearings and lubrication are vital, especially in harsh environments like dusty or uneven surfaces.
Such diligence fosters a strong safety culture and helps shield directors from legal risks in the event of accidents.
3. Reliability and performance
Well-maintained forklifts suffer fewer breakdowns and enjoy longer operational lifespans, improving productivity and cutting emergency repair costs. Regular servicing also identifies small issues early, preventing costly failures and minimising disruption.
4. Records and analysis
Maintaining comprehensive service records—including parts replacements and repairs—is invaluable for monitoring vehicle health, controlling costs, and maintaining resale value.
Rushlift’s Fleet Management System offers a 24/7 online platform for logging breakdowns, scheduling maintenance, and accessing real-time data, streamlining fleet management and ensuring engineers have instant access to up-to-date records.
5. Vital support
For businesses reliant on tight delivery schedules, Rushlift provides a nationwide support network with over 90 field engineers and strategically located service centres.
The average response time for breakdown call-outs is just four hours. Furthermore, a UK-based parts distribution centre stocks over £1 million worth of inventory for next-day delivery, preventing costly downtime caused by delays in parts supply.
Rushlift works closely with fleet owners throughout the contract, from specifying the best trucks for the job—regardless of make—to providing regular servicing and performance reviews.
By analysing usage data, Rushlift can recommend strategies that reduce costs and improve reliability, helping businesses maximise the value of their forklift fleets over time.