Tech Tips

Buyer Beware- "Bargain Priced" Planned Maintenance
By Tom Holdorf, Vice President Operations

During this economic downturn, many businesses have been looking for ways to save on expenses. Some lift truck fleet users have been solicited by service providers offering "low priced planned maintenance" on their equipment.

Attracted by the initial price, the user assumes he will be getting the same thing for less. Our Customer Satisfaction Managers and technicians are frequently called in after a service problem comes up in the wake of one of a competitor's "bargain PM program", invariably due to an important inspection or service item that was not performed according to the manufacturer's recommended schedule.

The reality is that in order to professionally and attentively perform all the manufacturer's inspection points, lubrication, adjustments, fluid/filter changes (there can be five different types of fluids in a torque converter lift truck) on a typical internal combustion truck - it should take about 1.5 hours depending on make and model.

Be an informed service consumer by checking on what procedures are taking place during the PM. Are they following the manufactures recommendations or just changing oil? The manufacturer's recommendations frequently can be found in the operators manual.

Inquire what brand name parts will be used in servicing your equipment. Clarify what warranties, written or implied, are offered by the supplier of those products and the service provider that will insure against the installation of parts that the original equipment manufacturer deems substandard, unsafe or unapproved. As additional protection, it is always prudent to have a copy of their workman's compensation and liability insurance certificates on file.

If your equipment is EPA emission compliant, ask if they will be performing all of the tests, adjustments and services according to the manufacture of record. OSHA can assess large fines if they become involved and find that your EPA compliant unit was not serviced by an authorized and trained service technician for the product they are maintaining.

Oram Planned Maintenance Service not only changes the oil, but also includes inspection of all the safety items, lubricate and adjust according to the OEM recommendations. This is a very important step to keep your lift truck up and saves your company valuable down time and costly repairs. We also leave with you a copy of the inspection report and any recommendations on what repairs need to be done, communicating regulatory and safety related needs.

If you have questions about any aspect of industrial truck service or fleet management, contact Tom Holdorf via email tholdorf@oram.net or cell 913 208-4881

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