Over time, keeping up with the costs of owning forklifts can be more than just parts and labor. Damaged or poorly maintained lifts can cause a loss in productivity when waiting to be repaired. As a truck nears the end of its lifespan, the cost to keep it operational and productive can rise steeply. The motors, drivetrains, hydraulics, masts, and other various components need more frequent and typically expensive repairs as they age. For most lift trucks, this shift occurs when they accrue 10,000+ hours of use, depending on the application. This translates to 7-10 years or more of use in a typical warehouse environment.

Your forklifts are frequently breaking down.

Older trucks can cost more than they are worth by replacing parts repeatedly when they break down. As they age, things like parts availability, obsolescence, and component fatigue may make it necessary to replace your forklift to ensure your company is working productively and safely. If a forklift breaks down regularly, despite diligent maintenance and care, it’s likely time to replace it. In addition, equipment failures and breakdowns can be dangerous to your warehouse staff and products. Accidents and damage due to metal fatigue and component failures can result in situations that can have serious consequences.

Truck technology has improved.

If your lift trucks date back more than 10 years, your operations may benefit from today’s updated technologies. Newer forklifts are typically higher-performing trucks, which can offer better productivity. Faster travel and lift/lower speeds combined with greatly improved operator control can materially improve throughput. Additionally, more robust safety features than older units help the overall operating environment for operators and pedestrians.

Telematics and power

Fleet management and telematics offer insight into the trucks’ use that allows data to be turned into actionable information. Truck utilization, impacts, daily operator checklists, driver license management, and more can result in a smoother and tighter overall warehouse operating environment. Even lift truck power sources have changed, with fast opportunity charging for electric trucks and the introduction of Lithium-ion batteries used for multiple shifts and high-throughput operations.

Your operations have changed.

If your business has grown and evolved over the years, you may have outgrown the type of forklifts you currently use. Companies are constantly asked to store more products, so warehouse space is always at a premium. If you need to store more loads in the same space, an updated or redesigned storage system can significantly increase your storage capacity. Storage systems have also evolved and should be considered when looking to improve storage capacity. Depending on your building parameters, deep reach systems and wire-guided VNA Turret trucks usually offer 25-40% increases in pallet storage capacity.

Abel Womack’s experience, engineering capabilities, and the broad line of Raymond Narrow Aisle Lift Trucks offer solutions to help in this way. Let’s explore our end-to-endless warehouse solutions. Contact Abel Womack today.