Warehouses run on forklifts. Such familiar machines may seem easy to work on. According to Forklift Professional, a forklift typically lasts around 10,000 hours, which is equivalent to around 2,000 hours per year if you have eight-hour shifts. Keeping up with regular maintenance can help extend the life of your forklift beyond the average lifespan. DIY forklift repairs may seem like an attractive option, but they come with huge risks.

What Does DIY Mean?

DIY means do it yourself: performing forklift repairs yourself, without the expertise of a professional technician. This includes changing the oil, replacing a tire, or modifying the forklift. Remember that forklifts are complex machines requiring specialized tools and knowledge to safely work on.

What Are the Dangers of DIY?

The average forklift carries between 20 and 50 tons. Such immense weight requires the safest equipment to securely move such loads. It's easy to underestimate the complexity of forklift maintenance and repair. Forklift components such as the brakes and steering need to be inspected and precisely adjusted regularly to ensure safety. Working on these components without the proper knowledge and tools is dangerous and can cause serious injury or death.

Why Should I Hire a Professional Forklift Repair Company?

Hiring a professional forklift repair company is essential to keep your forklifts working safely. Professional mechanics are trained to diagnose and repair a variety of forklift problems, from fixing broken components to reprogramming computer systems. They have access to specialized tools and parts that are not available to the average person. The quality of their customer service is better than what you would find in a DIY repair situation, as they are familiar with the ins and outs of the industry and will be able to offer sound advice and support.

Does DIY Work Cause Warranty Issues?

If your forklift is still under warranty, DIY repairs can void that warranty. This could end up costing you more money overall if something goes wrong and you need to pay for costly repairs out-of-pocket.

Forklifts are complex machines that require specialized knowledge and training to repair. Attempting DIY forklift repairs is dangerous and can end up costing you more money in the long run. It's always best to leave forklift repairs to professionals with the expertise and experience to do the job safely. If you need forklift repairs, call A Lift Above today.