Although you can extend the life of your forklift by installing OEM forklift parts and making sure you have your forklift service done on time, there comes a time when you have to retire it. The main reason for retiring forklifts is a scenario wherein its value is surpassed by its running costs. While you can go for forklifts for sale or forklifts for rent to replace it, you need to find a responsible and resourceful way to dispose the old truck. In this blog, we look at some of the ways you can consider when retiring an old forklift.
Keep it as Backup
If the forklift still runs but has only been compromised in terms of its working hours or efficiency, you can still keep it as backup for your new acquisition. This eliminates stoppages whenever there is a problem with one of your main forklifts.
Trade-in
If you are retiring your forklift early before it totally gives up, you can explore the option of trading it in. This allows you to exchange it for a new or used forklift truck for sale with the option of topping up a little cash.
Sell to parts/scrap dealers
If the forklift has no life left, the next best thing that can happen to it is being dismantled for reusable forklift parts and scrap metal. You can either break it up yourself if you have the technical knowhow, tools and workspace, or sell it to dealers and junkyards that specialize in used or salvage forklift parts or scrap metal. Such a deal allows you to recoup some of the expenses associated with buying a new or used replacement forklift.
Reassign it
If the forklift is still functional but at reduced efficiency, you can move it to a different section of the warehouse or job site that requires lifting and hauling of lighter loads. You may still enjoy a few more years using the forklift before you are forced to retire it.
Consult Experts
Absolute Lift Parts offers Used OEM forklift parts in Atlanta and surrounding jurisdictions to help you maintain your fleet and extended the trucks’ working life. You can even find salvage forklifts parts to keep your old truck going. Call us today at 877-475-5438 or mail to sales@absoluteliftparts.com.
Good forklift maintenance entails servicing your trucks whenever service is due and replacing or repairing damaged, worn, non-functional parts. Discussions around the subject often emphasize the need to buy OEM forklift parts all the time. However very little or nothing is ever said about one of the most important and potentially dangerous forklift parts of them all – the forks. Perhaps the obvious giveaway that illustrates the significance of forks is that forklifts are named after them. They do the actual lifting and hauling of heavy loads.
Why checking forks is important
Apart from the fact that they are often ignored, forks also keep their secrets close to the chest. Damaged forks will still look new on the outside even though they may be hiding alarming levels of damage. If damage to the forks goes undetected for long, the results can be catastrophic as they can suddenly give in while hauling heavy loads.
How forks get damaged
Apart from the wear and tear that occurs during normal use, forks can also be damaged beyond safety in any one of the following ways:
• Collision with walls or building columns
• During repair, by applying excessive heat
• By being used as a battering ram
• Picking off-balance loads
• Picking and hauling above capacity loads
• Being dragged across the ground
• Any modifications such as drilling holes, welding, or bending
• Adding DIY attachments
• Handling loads too far out
The Way Forward
Accidents associated with damaged forks often take operators and technicians by surprise as it is easy to believe in their indestructibility. Even your morning visual inspection won’t detect signs of damage in the forks. One simple tool that you can employ to periodically check the level of wear is a wear caliper. You can also get them checked using more advanced techniques when you take your equipment for forklift service. When looking for forklift parts for sale in Atlanta, make sure to deal with an authorized dealer. Authorized dealers like Absolute Lift Parts subject parts like forks to standard safety tests, which are backed by a warranty.
We can help
Absolute Lift Parts is your one-stop shop for OEM used forklift parts. We carry parts of reputable brands such as Toyota forklift, Caterpillar forklift, Nissan forklift, and Hyster forklift to name a few. We offer used oem forklift parts, and salvage forklift parts for sale to suit your requirement and budget. Call us today to hear how we can help with your OEM forklift parts requirement. Just dial 877-475-5438 or mail to sales@absoluteliftparts.com.
