Some of the most common forklift maintenance issues include fluid leaks, blown hoses, lift chain wear, dead batteries, faulty wiring, worn tires and brake pads, engine troubles, broken lights, and mast drift. If your facility is experiencing recurring forklift maintenance problems, Burns Industrial Equipment is here to help.
We offer comprehensive system inspections, preventive maintenance programs, 24/7 emergency repairs and forklift parts replacements. Our certified technicians work quickly and efficiently to maximize equipment safety and uptime. Request forklift service online today!
Burns services and repairs all types and brands of forklifts, aerial lifts, and other material handling equipment. Our experienced service staff has seen it all! We can provide all scheduled and emergency breakdown repair services on a time and materials basis. If you need forklift repairs, our field technicians, with fully stocked vans, are based throughout Northeast Ohio, Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Western Maryland. This gives us the ability to be at your facility in less than 2 hours to handle any emergency breakdown. Let us get you back up and running quickly.
Services Offered
- Forklift Repair
- Aerial Lift Repair
- Tire Service
- Battery Maintenance
- Construction Equipment Repair
- Sweeper/Scrubber Repair
- Welding
- Dock Maintenance
Field Service
We know that unexpected equipment repairs mean lost productivity and lost revenue. That’s why Burns has a staff of mobile service technicians who are able to work on equipment at your facility. We’ll come to you 24/7, saving you time and getting your fleet back up and running as quickly as possible. Our Field Technicians all have laptops and operate from fully-stocked service vans equipped with GPS for the most efficient dispatch to your location.
When repairs become uneconomical, our team can help you explore our inventory of new forklifts for sale and used forklifts for sale. Whether you need an electric forklift for sale or traditional forklift for sale options, we provide honest guidance on repair versus replacement decisions.
Shop Service
Your large repair needs are covered at our Burns Shop, which could include engine rebuilds, tire pressing, painting, fabrication and more. Our transportation department provides pick-up and delivery service and forklift rentals are available while your forklift is being serviced.
Our shop services also include specialized repair for Hyster electric forklifts and Yale electric forklifts. We maintain extensive parts inventory for leading electric forklift manufacturers, ensuring fast turnaround times for critical components and systems.
Full-Service Maintenance Agreements
Our Full-Service agreements provide the lowest overall fleet maintenance cost with the highest degree of truck use. Features of this plan include periodic maintenance, parts inventory on-site, and single monthly invoicing.
Planned Maintenance
Burns offers flexible, customized and comprehensive maintenance plans based on each application, lift truck make, model and operating environment. A Periodic Maintenance (PM) Program ensures each lift truck in a fleet receives timely, thorough inspections. In addition to ensuring uptime and productivity, proper maintenance and inspections improve confidence that trucks are operating properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some of our most common questions about forklift maintenance.
What are the most common maintenance issues with forklifts?
The most common maintenance issues with forklifts include:
- Hydraulic fluid leaks.
- Blown hoses.
- Lift chain wear.
- Dead batteries.
- Faulty electrical wiring.
- Tire damage.
- Worn brake pads.
- Check engine light.
- Broken lights or backup alarms.
- Mast drift or jerky movements.
Burns Industrial Equipment can identify and fix your forklift issues. We offer decades of expertise, transparent pricing, advanced diagnostic tools and reliable maintenance plans to keep your equipment operational.
What are the warning signs of forklift failure?
Recognizing early warning signs can prevent downtime and expensive repairs. Watch for these common indicators:
- Jerky or slow mast movement.
- Puddles or stains.
- Unusual noises.
- Weak batteries.
- Constant overheating.
When you notice any of these symptoms, contact our service team for a comprehensive inspection.
How can I prevent common forklift breakdowns?
Breakdown prevention starts with daily inspections before each shift. Have operators check fluid levels, tire conditions, brakes, lights and controls. Proper operator training is also essential, as it prevents wear caused by rough handling. Keep your work areas clean to minimize tire damage from debris.
Schedule routine maintenance according to your manufacturer's guidelines. Our certified technicians can conduct thorough inspections, catching small problems before they escalate.
What parts of a forklift fail the most?
Here are the forklift parts that tend to fail the most:
- Hydraulics: Hoses and seals often fail due to constant pressure cycles and temperature changes.
- Batteries: Battery terminals can corrode from acid exposure, calling for regular cleaning.
- Tires: Tires wear quickly in demanding applications, especially when operators make sharp turns or work on rough surfaces.
- Chains: Lift chains stretch over time and need periodic measurement.
- Wiring: Fuses and electrical connections can fail from vibration.
- Brakes: Brake pads deteriorate over time with heavy use.
We offer a large parts inventory to minimize your downtime when replacements are necessary.
Is it expensive to maintain a forklift fleet?
Forklift maintenance costs depend on your fleet size, equipment age and usage levels. However, preventive maintenance generally costs less than emergency repairs. A well-maintained forklift often experiences fewer breakdowns, operates more efficiently and lasts longer.
Our Full-Service Maintenance Agreements offer predictable monthly payments and reduce your overall expenses. We also provide flexible financing solutions to make your investment more achievable. Contact our team online for a maintenance plan tailored to your budget.
What should be included in a daily forklift inspection?
A thorough daily inspection takes only minutes and can prevent hours of downtime. Operators should:
- Confirm proper hydraulic fluid levels.
- Inspect tires for cuts, wear and proper inflation.
- Verify all lights, horn and backup alarms work correctly.
- Check the mast for cracks or damage.
- Look underneath for leaks or stains.
- Test brakes, steering and controls for smooth operation.
- Document any issues immediately and report them to maintenance.
This simple routine catches problems early when they're easiest and least expensive to fix.
Who is the best Hyster forklift dealer in Cleveland?
Burns Industrial Equipment is a leading authorized dealer serving Greater Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Youngstown and Lorain. We have earned the Hyster Dealer of Distinction designation and have been a Yale Dealer of Excellence for 30 consecutive years.
Since 1972, we've been a trusted partner for comprehensive sales, service, parts and rental support. Our Cleveland location maintains 24/7 technician availability and an extensive inventory to keep your fleet operational. When you need reliable service and genuine parts, our factory-trained technicians are here to help.
