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How often do I need to service my lift truck?
There are many variables in determining the frequency of Programmed Maintenance(PM) servicing
- Type of truck Propane, diesel, electric
- Conditions the truck is being used in. Outdoor yard, freezer, general warehouse, dust,
- General guideline is approximately every 250 hours of use or at the minimum every 6 months if not enough hours are accrued.
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What exactly is a PM service?
Programmed Maintenance is a service program that is an essential requirement to help keep the lift truck in top operating condition through out its lifetime.
Our Programmed Maintenance Package is a three part program, B Plan, A Plan and Lifting Device Inspection.
- B Plan, performed approximately every 250 hours of truck use. I.C trucks will have the engine oil and filter changed, check all fluid and oil levels, lubricate truck. Inspect and check operation of brakes, cooling system, steering and safety components. We will also inspect all hoses and hydraulic components for leaks and abnormal wear. Blow off truck and radiator. On electric trucks we will check all fluid and oil levels, lubricate truck. Inspect and check operation of electronic controls, motors, brakes, steering and safety components. We will also inspect all hoses and hydraulic components for leaks and abnormal wear. Blow off truck.
- A Plan, performed approximately every 1000 hours of use or at least once a year. An A Plan includes all inspections as a B Plan, with the addition of the following.
- I.C. Trucks
- Tune up engine if required
- Remove drive and steer wheels, inspect shoes, drums, wheel cylinders, repack bearings and replace hub and axle seals
- Change transmission fluid and filter
- Change hydraulic oil and filter when required
- Electric Trucks
- Remove drive and steer wheels, inspect shoes, drums, wheel cylinders, repack bearings and replace hub and axle seals
- Change hydraulic oil and filter when required
- Lifting Device Inspection
- Generally done in conjunction with a Plan A maintenance.
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How often does my lift truck require new tires?
- There are several factors determining how long a set of tires will last on a lift truck. These factors include the amount of use of the truck, driving habits of the operator, the environment, tire compound and load weights.
- Worn tires can cause a number of problems with the lift truck, such as making the transmission work harder, discomfort for the operator and poor under clearance to name a few.
- Generally press on tires need to be replaced after approximately the outside diameter is worn by 1 1/2", Pneumatic tires, depending on size should be replaced after the outside diameter has worn 2 to 3".
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How often do my lift truck operators need to be trained?
Upon completing initial training certification, operators are required to be retrained every 3 years with a mid-term practical evaluation to be done 18 months after either initial training or retraining.
Upgrade training shall be given to lift truck operators when- equipment is introduced in the workplace that is unfamiliar to the operator;
- the equipment used by the operator is modified;
- the operating conditions or the environment in which the operator works is changed(e.g., the operator works in a different area, moves different types of loads, etc.);
- applicable legislation changes; or
- or knowledge deficiencies have been identified.
Source: CSA B335-04
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Do my operators need to wear their seatbelts?
Yes, the operator must ensure that the restraint system is used. Some existing models of lift trucks might not have been equipped with an operator restraint system at the time of manufacture. Where feasible and available, these lift trucks should be retrofitted with an operator restraint system.
Restraint systems are to protect operators in the invent of a tip-over, reducing the risk of entrapment of the body and any part thereof between the truck and the ground.
It is up to each company to make sure that the person operating the equipment is competent and understands all safety hazards related to performing their job.
Source: CSA 4.9.2.3 Operator restraint system
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If I have been certified by a company and I go to work for another company, is my certificate still valid?
Your certificate may still be valid, but the new company should follow the CSA standard for Training and provide training that is site specific (see above "How often do my lift truck operators need to be trained?").