Material handling equipment takes a beating. It's built to work hard—every day, all day—but even the best tools wear down without some regular attention. And when a pallet jack or lift table breaks down mid-shift, it doesn't just slow things down—it derails the whole operation.
The good news? Most equipment doesn't need complicated maintenance. A few smart habits can keep your tools running longer, safer, and with fewer surprises.
Start with Daily Visual Checks
No one wants to start their day with a busted wheel or a broken handle. A quick once-over before use can catch a lot:
- Cracked or flat tires on pallet jacks
- Frayed straps or bent forks on lift equipment
- Leaks under hydraulic tables
- Loose bolts, worn grips, or broken casters on carts and other manual handling equipment
You don't need a full inspection checklist—just train your team to stop and look. If something's off, tag it, report it, and get it handled before it becomes a bigger issue.
Keep It Clean
Dust, dirt, and debris aren't just cosmetic—they wear things down. Wipe down lift tables, keep wheels and rollers free of buildup, and vacuum or sweep around storage areas where gunk tends to collect.
For electric or powered equipment, clean connections and battery terminals regularly to prevent corrosion and poor performance. It doesn't take long, and it helps everything last longer.
Lubricate What Moves
Wheels. Bearings. Hinges. If it rolls, swivels, or lifts, it needs lubrication. Dry metal-on-metal contact is loud, inefficient, and quick to break.
Check your equipment manuals for the right lubrication schedule and product. Greasing something once a month can save you the cost of a full replacement down the road.
Don't Skip Preventive Maintenance
If your equipment came with a maintenance schedule, follow it. If it didn't, create one. Even basic manual gear like pallet jacks and hoists need regular tune-ups.
Set reminders for quarterly or bi-annual inspections, especially for high-use items. Keep records. Track repairs. It's easier to manage when you're proactive instead of waiting until something fails mid-shift.
Keep Things Running
Material handling equipment isn't complicated—but it's critical. A few minutes a week spent checking, cleaning, and maintaining your gear pays off in uptime, safety, and fewer headaches. Don't wait until something breaks to give it attention. Take care of your tools, and they'll take care of your team.
