Give your forklifts a run for the money

f, ne voun FoRKLTF-rs pur-LtNc their .Cl,weight? Regular. daily maintenance and proper operator training can help ensure that these workhorses keep performing in your yard and warehouse-and workers aren't injured.

"We know the expense our customers can incur when there is equipment downtime," said Kevin Krakora, director of product services for Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks. "By implementing just a few simple, proactive measures in day-to-day operations, companies will help improve productivity and help keep equipment running efficiently."

Krakora said that the followins items should be on every "ornpuny'i checklist:

Tires: Replace wornor chunked tires that cause jarring impacts to the wheel,axle components, load and operator. Use the proper tires for max- imumperformance in demanding applications.

Forks: Operating the forklift truck with worn tires can also cause premature wear to the bottom of the forks. It can also jeopardize the forklift's ability to lift and create an unsafe working environment.

Transmission: Costly damage to the transmission can occur when operators ride the inching pedal, which should only be used when approaching a rack or when the brakes are applied while revving the engine (allowing the hydraulics to work at full speed). The brake pedal should be used for regular stopping when hydraulics are not in use.

Impact Damage: Assigning equipment to an operator can help track damage and who's causing it. Installing an impact monitor, vehicle speed limiter, or keyless access system are options can alsohelp reduce impact damage.

Training: All operators should be properly trained on how to perform the required daily inspections and properly operate the equipment.

According to safety consultant Thomas Fife, forklifts are one of the most dangerous pieces of equipment in a yard-at least 100 people in the U.S. die in every year in forklift accidents. He advises clients that the following four steps can help prevent forklift injuries:drivertraining and certification, a company policy requiring forklift drivers to wear seat belts, regular maintenance of the equipment, and a safety inspection at the beginning ofeach shift.

Refresher training is also important, especially after an accident or near-miss incident in the workplace. This training should include formal instruction, practical training, an evaluation of the effectiveness of that training, and evaluation of the operator's performance in the workplace.