Material handling equipment are essential warehouse assets as they keep the business running. But they alone cannot keep working to its optimum potential. They need to be looked after to ensure they deliver their best. Be it an electric forklift used indoor or a diesel forklift used outdoors, regularly cleaning forklift has numerous benefits. For this you must make sure that the worksite supervisors and the operators of your warehousing facility are aware about the tips to keep the forklift clean. Failing to do so can hamper the productivity levels of your facility as well as result in spending more on maintenance. Consider these cleaning tips to keep the machinery at your facility in a good working condition.
1. Put on protective workwear
First things first, wear protective clothing. While cleaning a forklift or any material handling equipment it is imperative to ensure that you’re taking all the safety precautions while carrying out any cleaning procedure. Tough boots, safety hats, goggles, and glove are some of the must wears to ensure that you’re protected from the probable harm that might be caused cleaning procedure.
2. Get rid of the dust and the debris
The least you must do to clean your forklift is to grab a brush, broom, or a duster to wipe off the dirt and debris accumulated in the gaps, near the steps, and footrest of the forklift. Neglecting this first and easy step of forklift cleaning can result in issues that could have been easily prevented in the first place. For instance, a diesel forklift encounters a lot of dirt and dust as it is mostly used outdoors. So, it becomes necessary for the operator to clean it everyday and ensure it works fine before getting behind the wheels.
3. Use high pressure water cleaner
Soap and water alone cannot help clean a forklift thoroughly. If your forklift finds application mostly on the outdoors, cleaning that stubborn dirt on the tyres and the bottom is not easy. You need a professional cleaning equipment like a high-pressure water cleaner that uses tank water and foam to get rid of the mud. If not cleaned regularly, the mud will prevent the parts from working to its optimum potential.
Also, if the forklift is likely to come in contact with a hazardous chemical you need to check if mixing of the chemical with soap will cause a dangerous reaction. If yes, then it is recommended using high-pressure cleaners to clean the forklift.
4. Take the top to bottom approach
Cleaning the forklift’s top portion first and then moving to the bottom makes the cleaning process efficient. The reason behind it is gravity. This approach will help you get rid of the dirt in an easier way.
5. Let the forklift dry inside out
Letting the forklift dry is as important as cleaning it. Not all parts of a forklift are waterproof. Some parts may be highly sensitive to water leading to an electric shock especially in case of an electric forklift or cause any other kind of damage. So, whenever you wash your forklift, make sure you’re giving it ample time to let it dry.
Cleaning your forklift not only enhances the appearance of a forklift but increases the performance of your warehouse as well. A clean forklift helps you save time, energy, and money in the long run.
If you feel that regularly cleaning your forklift isn’t reaping much benefits, its time for you to consider upgrading your machinery. Linde Forklift, a leading forklift manufacturer in India will help you with a free consultation. Our experts will visit your site, review your forklift and based on your requirement and concerns, we will suggest you a Linde forklift best fit for your business needs.
At Linde forklift you will find a wide range of new, used, and rentable material handling equipment like electric forklift, battery operated pallet truck, diesel forklift to name a few.