How to Maintain Your Material Handling Equipment for Long-Term Use

Every warehouse, manufacturing unit and the logistics hub requires material handling equipment to keep their operations functioning without any hassles. From pallet jacks to industrial carts, all of these essential tools act as the backbone of efficient movement and transport of goods. 

But even these reliable tools undergo wear and tear throughout time. The regular material handling equipment maintenance is necessary because it prevents costly repairs, downtime and even risk associated with safety along with increasing its lifespan. When the company establishes a consistent routine then the business can operate with great productivity, safety and cost-efficiency. 

Let’s find out the top methods to maintain your equipment for the long-term work performance: 

Why Maintenance Matters

The right maintenance of warehouse equipment is beyond mere practice as it is a major investment into safety and efficiency. Every time any pallet jack malfunctions or disrupts the workflows, it leads to delayed shipments and high expenses. The regular checks and service on time makes sure that all the pieces of machinery are working at top notch level.

• Minimized Downtime: The regular inspections saves from unexpected breakdowns which may pause all the operations.

• Long Life Equipment: A maintained equipment can function for longer hours, maximize
  The return on investment.

• Added Safety: The working machines minimize the chances of workplace accidents or injuries.

• Reduced Repair Costs: These preventive support care will help you to identify minimal costs and end it during the right time.

Some of the Top Maintenance Practices

There are multiple types of material handling equipment which have their special care routines such as pallet jacks or industrial carts. The target goal is the same in both cases, which is that all the components must be working efficiently and safely. 

Pallet Jack

These are the most commonly used tools in warehouses but due to their simple design, operators generally overlook the routine check. But, constant care is needed for long-term durability. Some of the tips are mentioned below:

• Regularly check the fluid levels if needed to replace or fill them up because low hydraulic fluid can result in bad performance. 

• Always check the seals, cylinders and any hoses to verify any chances of leaks.

• Apply lubrication to the wheels, axles and also the pivot points so that operations can be with ease.

• Look for the cracks, flat spots or even any worn out bearings which may impact any movement or cause any surface damage. 

• Wipe the dirt and dust when the jack is being used in a high moisture atmosphere or dusty space.
  

Generic Industrial Equipments 

There are many warehouses which rely only on platform carts, trolleys and trucks for regular operations. Hence, proper industrial equipment care makes sure that all the important items stay functional and safe for the usage. 

• Check and verify for any loose bolts, rusting or any wearout which may impact the stability. 

• Also, if the wheels are not aligned or worn out can lead to uneven load distribution and operator fatigue. 

• The regular cleaning assists in avoiding the corrosion damage and improves the lifespan of equipment. 

• Always maintain the load capacity which is recommended to save any long-term damages.

The basic steps such as cleaning, inspecting and tightening the necessary components can lead to a long way which will preserve the efficiency of your equipment.

Major Signs Your Equipment Requires Maintenance

The material handling tools will show signs of weariness over time even if you take proper care. But if you know how to recognize the early warning signs then you can take corrective action prior to any breakdown. Below we have provided some red flags for you to look out:

Unusual Sounds: When you start hearing weird noises such as grinding, squeaking or rattling noises which leads to either friction, loose parts or even internal equipment damage. 

Restraints in Moving and Lifting: When the pallet jack faces problems to function properly it shows that hydraulic or mechanical components need servicing.

Visible Leakages: If any oil or fluid is seen dripping on the floor, this clearly gives a sign of maintenance needs.

Decreased Load Capacity: When the equipment is unable to lift or carry up heavy weight normally then it may signal wear inside structural components or systems.

Corrosion/ Rusting: During the humid environments, rust can occur badly which leads to weakening of metal structures and risking safety. 

While addressing these issues, you must ensure that the equipment stays reliant in productivity and include minimal expenditure on repairs.

Preventive vs Reactive Maintenance

There are two major approaches which are used to maintain the material handling equipment which are preventive and reactive maintenance. Understanding the distinction can save your business significantly time and money.

Preventive Maintenance
This maintenance comprises routine inspections, cleaning and servicing prior any breakdown occurs. It is a proactive method which is focused on reducing the possible risks. There are many benefits as mentioned below:

• Minimized unplanned downtime
• Extends the shelf life of equipments
• Improves the safety and overall performance capability
• Lower down the cost of maintenance

Reactive Maintenance

Whereas the reactive maintenance occurs after the failure which has happened. While it may look cheap in the short period but it results in higher costs and also reduced productivity later. There are different demerits of reactive maintenance such as:

• Results into unexpected downtime

• It may need expensive emergency repairing

• Increase the weariness on different components

Investing in preventive maintenance results is a cost effective and reliable option then opting for a risky choice.

Top Practices for Increasing the Longevity of Equipments

In order to make the material handling equipment long lasting and consistent in performance, you need to follow these practices. 

1. Schedule Routine Inspections
Create a regular inspection calendar for all warehouse equipment. This ensures that every pallet jack, or trolley receives the attention it needs on time.

2. Make Use of Correct Lubricants
Not every lubricant works in the same manner. So it's better that you always use the one which is being recommended by the manufacturer to prevent any damage due to friction.

3. Staff Training
The operations must be trained properly to use and care for the material handling tools. The basic habits such as avoiding overloading or handling in the rough manner can make a major impact on reducing wear and tear.

4. Equipments Should be Tidy
The dust, oil or debris can result in corrosion or even clogging up the moving parts. The daily cleaning after heavy usage maintains your equipment in the right condition.

5. Store Up Your Equipment Correctly
When you are not using the equipment then it must be stored well in a dry and clean space to prevent exposure to any moisture or harsh temperatures. This storage elongates the shelf life of metal parts and also saves from the rust.

By following all these guidelines, you make sure that all the warehouse equipment works efficiently, safely and stays reliable which saves up your time and money in the long term.

Final Words

The material handling equipment works as a foundation of your warehouse’s productivity. With the regular maintenance you can take years of service from your most productive pallet jacks or industrial carts. When you implement a structured material handling equipment maintenance plan you minimize the risk of unexpected losses and increase the safety which gives you seamless operations. Right from checking the hydraulic fluid levels to cleaning the wheels or storing all properly, every single step leads to long-term performance and cost-efficiency.
Are you ready to improve the warehouse productivity? Explore our durable and low maintenance solutions at 5 Seconds brand. Visit our website today and upgrade the operations to next level productivity.

FAQS

What should be the frequency of performing the maintenance of material handling equipment?
You should daily check and also schedule expert maintenance in a month to avoid any breakdowns.

Mention the main steps for pallet jack maintenance?
The steps begin by regularly checking the hydraulic fluid, lubricating the wheels, inspecting for the leakages and cleaning after each use.

What are the top signs that show the need for maintenance at your warehouse?
The unusual noises, leakages, minimizes power to lift and weariness can show that it is the need for maintenance.

How to enhance the durability of my material handling equipment?
If you clean up the material consistently, avoid overloading, perform the scheduled inspections and also store up the equipment correctly, you stretch up the equipment life.

What safety precautions should I follow while using pallet jacks or carts?
Use within weight limits, keep surfaces clear, and move at a safe speed.