In today's economy, we are tasked with reducing costs to achieve the bottom line and increase profits. Forklift maintenance programs and the quality of lift truck technicians who service them have a greater impact on bottom line profit than one might think. Choosing the right forklift service plan helps maximize return on your capital and hedge against the potential of equipment failure from lack of maintenance. By not choosing the right forklift maintenance or service option you risk increased downtime, inefficient performance and expensive forklift repairs.

• How Will Down Time Impact My Business? Delays in lift truck repairs mean down time in your forklift fleet. Unfinished or in process repairs cause reductions in productivity that can be costly to your daily operation. Efficient forklift technicians and good parts availability can help minimize interruptions in workflow.
• How Do I Extend The Life Of My Forklift? Regular maintenance can be the best way to ensure you get maximum return on the investment you have made in buying material handling equipment for your operation. While you may not be able to increase the useful life of a piece of equipment, poor maintenance practices or purchasing the wrong forklift service option can have a negative impact on how long equipment lasts. Regular inspections and timely maintenance are valuable in reducing down time, increasing performance and making a positive impact on your bottom line. Your local Cat^® lift truck dealer should be able to talk to you about options and service plans that best fit your operation.
• What Are My Lift Truck Maintenance Expenses? Lift truck maintenance expenses tend to be high when you fix a problem after it occurs. Most forklift dealers offer service programs that help you track your equipment expenses and even spread the costs out over time. In addition, scheduled maintenance gives you a regular opportunity to have a trained technician go through your equipment and look for potential problems. It is better to control the outcome ahead of time, before it becomes catastrophic. Ask your Cat lift truck dealer about how they can help you understand your true forklift costs and help improve your bottom line.
• What Safety And Legal Concerns Should I Be Aware Of? Excessive wear on certain lift truck components poses a threat to safety and should be addressed immediately. Fork, chain or tire wear should be inspected and worn components should be replaced accordingly. Forklift engine and fuel systems create another concern. Federal emission standards are becoming part of every day operation, and your local Cat lift truck dealer should be prepared to discuss how these regulations may impact your choice of equipment or lift truck service programs. Many manufacturers offer standard equipment options that help you comply with federal air and safety requirements. In addition, there are dozens of dealer installed upgrades that can help increase productivity and make the workplace safer.