Joris Van Dijck

Spring check: is your forklift ready for the busy season?

For many companies, spring means one thing: increased activity.
In construction, logistics, production and distribution, workloads rise. More deliveries, longer working days and higher warehouse turnover.

But is your forklift technically ready for that?

Spring is the ideal time for a thorough forklift check-up. Not when things are already going wrong, but before the busy season really begins.

Why Spring Is the Ideal Time for a Forklift Inspection

During winter, machines often operate under different conditions: cold temperatures, humidity, less intensive use or, on the contrary, heavier loads.

This can impact:

  • Battery performance

  • Hydraulic systems

  • Tires and grip

  • Braking performance

  • Electrical components

A preventive check in spring ensures that minor wear doesn’t develop into major failures during peak periods.

Downtime During Peak Periods Costs More

When workloads increase, downtime becomes even more expensive:

  • Deliveries are delayed

  • Employees are waiting for available equipment

  • A replacement unit may need to be arranged urgently

A technical check in March can save you a lot of stress and costs in April, May and June.

As we also explain in our blog on preventive forklift maintenance vs repair, waiting for a breakdown is almost always more expensive than acting in time.

👉 Read more: 7 reasons why preventive forklift maintenance is cheaper than repair

5 Signs Your Forklift Needs Maintenance

Not sure if a check-up is necessary? Watch out for these signals:

1️⃣ Difficult starting or loss of power
A forklift that feels less powerful or responds slowly may indicate battery or engine issues.

2️⃣ Unusual noises
Squeaking, ticking or grinding sounds are often early signs of wear.

3️⃣ Oil or hydraulic leaks
Even small leaks can cause major damage if not addressed in time.

4️⃣ Tire wear
Uneven wear reduces stability and increases safety risks.

5️⃣ Brakes that respond less smoothly
Safety always comes first. Brake issues require immediate attention.

Recognize any of these signs? Then a professional forklift inspection is not an unnecessary luxury.

What Does a Spring Check Include?

During a professional maintenance check, the following are inspected:

  • Technical condition of the engine or battery

  • Hydraulic system

  • Brakes and safety systems

  • Tires and steering

  • General wear of components

This way, you know exactly where your machine stands, without surprises during busy working days.

Plan Your Spring Forklift Check in Time

Don’t wait until your schedule is under pressure.
March is the ideal time to have your forklift technically checked and prepared for the busy season.

At Joris van Dijck, our mobile workshops are available 24/7 in Herentals, Genk and surrounding areas. This ensures your internal transport keeps moving.

📍 Herentals | Genk
📞 014 23 11 10
📩 info@jorisvandijck.be
💡 Discover more at www.jorisvandijck.be