The Pitfalls of Not Servicing Your Forklifts
Forklifts are the backbone of many warehouses, manufacturing plants, and distribution centers. Yet, despite their critical role, regular maintenance and servicing often gets overlooked—usually in the name of saving time or cost. At Hannaman Material Handling, we’ve seen firsthand what happens when businesses push routine forklift servicing down the priority list. The consequences aren’t just inconvenient—they’re costly and dangerous.
Here are the top pitfalls of neglecting your forklift service schedule—and why proactive maintenance is a smart business decision.
1. Unexpected Downtime
When a forklift breaks down unexpectedly, operations come to a halt. Delays in unloading, storage, or distribution ripple through the supply chain, impacting customer satisfaction and revenue. Preventative maintenance dramatically reduces the risk of unscheduled breakdowns, keeping your operations smooth and reliable.
Did you know? Unplanned forklift downtime can cost UK businesses anywhere from £5,000 to £16,000 per hour, depending on the size of the operation and the role of the equipment.
2. Higher Repair Costs
A minor issue left unchecked can escalate into a major failure. Servicing your forklift regularly allows small wear-and-tear problems—like worn brakes or leaky hydraulics—to be addressed before they become catastrophic (and expensive). A £200 service could save you a £2,000 repair.
3. Safety Hazards
Forklifts that aren’t serviced regularly pose a serious safety risk to operators and others in the facility. Worn tires, faulty brakes, and malfunctioning hydraulics can cause accidents—resulting in injuries, liability issues, and even potential lawsuits.
Fact: The HSE (Health and Safety Executive) in the UK reports over 1,300 forklift-related injuries each year—many of which could be prevented with regular maintenance.
4. Shortened Equipment Lifespan
Forklifts are a major investment, and like any machine, they have a life expectancy. Regular servicing ensures components remain in good condition, maximising your return on investment and extending the useful life of the equipment.
5. Regulatory Non-Compliance
Failing to maintain your forklifts could put your business in violation of safety and equipment regulations, leading to fines or shutdowns. Keeping up with scheduled maintenance helps ensure compliance with PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations) and LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) standards.
6. Decreased Resale Value
A poorly maintained forklift loses value fast. If you ever plan to sell or trade in your equipment, a complete maintenance history will make it far more attractive to buyers and increase its resale price.
The Solution: A Proactive Maintenance Plan
At Hannaman Material Handling, we offer flexible service agreements designed to keep your forklifts in top shape. From basic inspections to full preventative maintenance plans, we tailor our services to fit your operation and budget. Don’t wait for problems to appear—stay ahead of them.
Conclusion
Ignoring forklift maintenance might seem like a small risk today, but the long-term costs—downtime, repair bills, safety risks, and compliance issues—can be severe. Protect your people, equipment, and productivity by committing to a regular service schedule.
Need help with your forklift service or maintenance plan?
Contact Hannaman Material Handling today to schedule your next service or request a free maintenance consultation. You can also download our pitfalls infographic here.
