When you're running any kind of warehouse, loading dock, or industrial operation, your equipment is your biggest and most important investment. Your forklifts, for example, will be important for loading and unloading trucks, moving material around, and more. If you don't know when it's time to invest in new forklifts for your operation, you may find yourself facing an equipment failure that slows your operation. Here are some signs that it's time to buy new forklifts for your business.

Machine Condition Is A Key Factor

Recognizing when your forklifts are showing signs of damage is a key factor toward deciding when machines need to be replaced with new models. For example, the mast should move up and down smoothly whether you have anything on the forks or not. 

Any signs of leaks or smoke from the forklift should also be cause for concerns. Make sure that you start looking for new forklifts as soon as you see problems like these because they are indications of imminent failure.

Operational Hours Matter

For some equipment, the age of the machine is a deciding factor in replacing it with a new one. With forklifts, you need to consider the operational hours instead. Know the average operational hour lifespan of the forklifts that you have, and start considering replacement when each machine begins approaching that lifespan. 

Remember that, with forklifts, operational hours aren't the hours that the key was on and supplying power to the forklift. Operational hours are the hours when the forklift was under power, moving, and actively doing things. Track these hours carefully and be sure that you are ready to buy a new forklift when each one approaches the end of its expected lifespan.

Work Environment Hazards Are Important

While the operational hour expectations are a key factor in choosing when to replace your forklift, you also need to think about the work environment. If your forklifts are working in a demanding environment, such as one that brings exposure to salt air, excessive dust and debris, or other similar hazards, you should plan to buy new forklifts more often than you would with forklifts that operate in a cleaner and more controlled atmosphere.

The temperature of the work environment is also important. When your forklifts are exposed to varying temperatures and temperature extremes, that will cause the machines to wear out and fail faster than machines operated in more consistent environments with regulated temperatures.

These are some of the most important considerations when it comes to deciding if you should buy a new forklift. Talk with a forklift dealer near you today for more information.   

For more information on heavy construction equipment, reach out to a supplier.

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