A forklift maintenance agreement is one of the best investments you can make to reduce equipment downtime, improve safety, and control operating costs. Whether you operate one forklift or manage an entire fleet, choosing the right maintenance plan helps keep your equipment running efficiently while minimizing unexpected repairs.
Equipment downtime is one of the biggest threats to warehouse productivity. Like any vehicle or piece of heavy equipment, forklifts require routine maintenance to perform safely and reliably. Waiting until something breaks often leads to costly repairs, emergency service calls, and workflow disruptions that impact your bottom line.
To avoid these problems, many businesses choose a proactive forklift maintenance program. The two most common options are Planned Maintenance (PM) Agreements and Full Maintenance (FM) Agreements. While both help maximize equipment uptime, they provide different levels of coverage and cost management.
This guide explains the differences so you can determine which forklift maintenance agreement best fits your operation.
Schedule Your Maintenance Today: Forklift Repair – Heavy Equipment Repair & Service | WD Matthews
Proactive with Planned Maintenance
A planned maintenance agreement is a preventive service program designed to identify potential issues before they become expensive breakdowns.
Instead of reacting to equipment failures, certified technicians inspect your forklift on a scheduled basis and perform routine maintenance according to manufacturer recommendations.
Typical planned maintenance services include:
- Comprehensive forklift inspections
- Preventive maintenance based on operating hours
- Lubrication and fluid checks
- Filter and routine replacement of wear items
- Battery, tire, and brake inspections
- Safety inspections
- Detailed repair recommendations
- Flexible maintenance schedules based on usage
During each service visit, technicians complete a detailed inspection checklist to identify:
- Potential safety hazards
- Worn or damaged components
- Maintenance items nearing replacement
- Repairs that may prevent future breakdowns
After the inspection, you’ll receive a report outlining recommended repairs and associated costs. Once approved, repairs can be completed immediately or scheduled for a later date.
The primary goal of a planned maintenance agreement is to maximize forklift uptime while reducing unexpected repair expenses.
Benefits of Planned Forklift Maintenance
Businesses that invest in planned maintenance often experience:
- Reduced equipment downtime
- Longer forklift lifespan
- Improved workplace safety
- Better OSHA compliance
- Lower long-term repair costs
- Increased productivity
- Maintenance scheduled around operational needs
For many companies, preventive maintenance offers the ideal balance between equipment reliability and maintenance flexibility.
Free Time with Full Maintenance
A full maintenance agreement provides the highest level of forklift service and peace of mind. It includes all the preventive services found in a planned maintenance program while covering many additional repair costs under one predictable monthly payment.
Instead of managing maintenance yourself, your forklift dealer oversees the health of your equipment throughout its lifecycle.
Typical benefits include:
- Everything included in a planned maintenance agreement
- Scheduled preventive maintenance
- Breakdown repairs (excluding misuse, abuse, and normal wear items)
- Maintenance history and service records
- Equipment performance tracking
- Regular maintenance reports
- Predictable monthly billing
- Priority service in many cases
With a full maintenance agreement, your service provider monitors your equipment and recommends repairs before minor issues become major failures.
Because technicians routinely inspect your forklifts, they develop a thorough understanding of your fleet and operating conditions. This proactive approach helps reduce costly downtime while extending equipment life.
Benefits of a Full Maintenance Agreement
A full maintenance agreement offers several advantages for businesses that rely heavily on forklifts.
Predictable Monthly Costs
Instead of paying for each repair individually, you pay one consistent monthly fee. This makes budgeting easier and helps eliminate surprise maintenance expenses.
Maximum Equipment Uptime
Routine inspections and covered repairs reduce unexpected breakdowns and keep forklifts available when your operation needs them.
Professional Fleet Management
Experienced technicians manage your maintenance schedule, service records, and repair planning, allowing your team to focus on daily operations.
Longer Equipment Life
Regular servicing helps prevent excessive wear, protecting your investment and improving resale value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a forklift maintenance agreement?
A forklift maintenance agreement is a service plan that provides scheduled inspections, preventive maintenance, and repair services to keep forklifts operating safely and efficiently.
What is the difference between planned maintenance and full maintenance?
Planned maintenance focuses on routine inspections and preventive service, while full maintenance includes preventive maintenance plus many covered repairs under a fixed monthly payment.
Does preventive forklift maintenance reduce repair costs?
Yes. Routine maintenance helps identify worn components before they fail, reducing emergency repairs, extending equipment life, and lowering overall operating costs.
How often should forklifts receive maintenance?
Maintenance frequency depends on manufacturer recommendations, operating hours, and work environment. Most forklifts are serviced at scheduled hour intervals established by the manufacturer.
Contact Us: Contact WD Matthews Machinery Company in ME, NH and MA
