In the U.S., the average ambulance response time is an impressive 8 minutes 42 seconds.
Most of us need at least three times as long to commute to work. The lights and sirens definitely help, but it takes a lot more to keep response times down. Even small EMS agencies invest thousands of hours and millions of dollars each year to maintain short response times. All of that serves a single, obvious truth: When you need an ambulance, you need it now.
Likewise, you can’t wait around for repairs when your forklift goes down.
A breakdown is rarely life-threatening, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t an emergency. Unexpected downtime could cost as much as $10,000 per hour in repair costs, overtime, and lost productivity. At those rates, losing a three-shift day could cost you hundreds of thousands.
Your budget wasn’t built to absorb that.
To recover, you’ll likely have to tighten your proverbial belt, slashing other budgets and eliminating positions. Functional forklifts are about more than hitting KPIs; they protect lives and livelihoods.
If you’ve ever frantically searched “mobile forklift repair” to recover from a breakdown, this article is for you.
You have an emergency action plan for injuries and disasters; why don’t you have one for breakdowns?
In a crisis, preparation can make all the difference. When your forklift breaks down, every minute you spend searching for on-site forklift repairs costs you money, and shopping around gets expensive fast.
Save yourself the panic by having a vetted, reliable forklift repair provider before a crisis.
Do your research when you have the luxury of time. Choose a designated provider, collect their mobile repair contact information, and begin building a step-by-step plan for unexpected equipment breakdowns.
Just knowing who to call for emergency repairs reduces disruption and saves you thousands.
Keep the total cost of a service call in mind as you research providers.
Smart fleet managers look beyond labor rates and evaluate the bigger picture. Many mobile forklift companies advertise low hourly rates to hook clients. Yet, total repair costs include much more, and cheap hourly rates often mask other expenses. (Check out our Forklift Service Paradox article for more info.)
Hidden costs can bloat your bill, but the right forklift service team keeps it lean.
We take pride in our professional repair team. So-called “quick-fix” mechanics use “good enough” as a standard. They keep a few parts in inventory, delaying repair with after-the-fact ordering, and bargain-basement hourly rates encourage longer service calls.
Conversely, our professional technicians know your business and our reputation depends on quality service.
Your forklift returns to work faster, and our professionals take satisfaction in a job well done. It’s a win-win.
The more we know about your forklift, the faster we can complete the repair.
When you call, be prepared with the following:
Providing these at the initial call helps our technicians arrive prepared. This shortens the diagnostic time, which saves you money.
Any maintenance records you can provide to the on-site technician are also a big help. These create a picture of the forklift’s history, further reducing time lost searching for the root problem. Any documents you have are helpful, but these are especially useful:
The more our technician knows ahead of time, the faster they can get your forklift back into the action.
We do our best to complete most repairs on-site, but sometimes in-shop is best.
Safety is the biggest determining factor. Our technicians require a safe space to work. Without this, repairs obstruct your workflow and could endanger the technician and your staff.
Forklift size and the repair itself also influence this decision.
Big jobs and big forklifts require equipment that is often inaccessible on-site. For these jobs, in-shop repair is the only option. Shop jobs typically include:
The technician may determine that other repairs require in-shop service based on their diagnosis.
For most forklifts, our technicians can complete many common repairs efficiently on-site. These include:
The final determining factor is your convenience.
While we work hard to keep common parts in stock, backorders can happen. If there is an extended wait, we can help you bridge the gap with our rental fleet. Our rental forklifts can serve as a temporary replacement while we resolve the issue. In these cases, our technician may advise an in-shop repair to get the broken-down unit out of your way and minimize workflow disruptions.
Whichever option your technician recommends, the outcome is still exceptional service.
During busy shifts, setting up on-site forklift repairs can take precedence over other considerations.
However, lockout/tagout procedures aren’t a suggestion. They are an OSHA requirement. Despite this, these protocols are frequently overlooked, making them one of the most common OSHA violations. Failing to properly lockout/tagout a forklift can result in a hefty fine, even if no one gets hurt.
For the complete standard, review OSHA 1910.147 and 1910.333, or read a summary in our 3 Most Common Workplace Injuries article.
Most forklift breakdowns result from deferred maintenance.
Few fleet managers completely ignore planned maintenance, but many don’t keep up with it as they should. Most forklift makers recommend forklift service intervals of 250-500 operational hours. As such, a single-shift forklift working 2,000 hours per year will need service approximately every 45 to 90 days, depending on the working environment of the forklift.
Yes, your forklift really does need service that often.
That might seem like a steep drain on your maintenance budget, but it’ll actually save you money. A properly maintained forklift protects you from:
Avoiding even one of these can make a comprehensive service plan a real deal.
Don’t let planned maintenance and mobile forklift repair become a hassle.
Our team of expert professionals can handle it all. We help you find the best maintenance plan for your fleet, repair breakdowns fast on-site, and even handle after-hours emergency repairs. With The Lilly Company, your fleet has the total protection you need to keep up in your competitive industry.
To learn more about service plans or mobile forklift repair, contact us online or visit one of our locations:
Arkansas - Jonesboro
Alabama - Birmingham, Dothan, Irondale, Madison, Mobile, and Montgomery
Georgia - Atlanta
Mississippi - Belden ( Tupelo) and Richland
Tennessee - Jackson, Memphis, Knoxville, and Kingsport
Further Reading
How Often Should a Forklift Be Serviced?
Fast Forklift Repair That’s Done Right
Only the Best Work With Toyota Platinum Forklift Technicians