When it comes to keeping forklift trucks running smoothly, businesses face a simple but crucial choice: lock in a full maintenance contract, or stick with standard preventative maintenance. The difference? It’s more than just a line item on the budget — it affects uptime, repair costs, and even peace of mind.
Let’s break down what each contract actually means and what you’re really getting for your money.
What’s in a Full Maintenance Contract?
A full maintenance contract sounds pretty comprehensive, and in a lot of ways, it is. For a set monthly fee, we can cover all the breakdowns and repairs that crop up. That means if something goes wrong, you’re not left with an unexpected bill.
Of course, there are limits. Most full maintenance contracts don’t cover accidental damage (think: someone reversing into a wall), replacement tyres, or everyday wearable items like forks and chains. Basically, if it’s considered a consumable, you’re still liable.
What’s in a Preventative Maintenance Contract?
A preventative maintenance contract from Forkway is more bare-bones. With this plan, you’re covering the essentials: routine servicing (the frequency of which depends on the equipment’s annual usage) that includes items like oil and air filters, a comprehensive inspection, and fluid top-ups. Our goal is to identify potential issues before they escalate and potentially incur higher costs to repair in the future.
Pros and Cons: Full Maintenance Contracts
Pros
- Predictable Costs: You know what you’ll pay each month, which makes budgeting a breeze. No big surprises when unexpected repairs crop up.
- Less Downtime: When breakdowns happen, repairs are typically prioritised and handled quickly — after all, it’s in our interest to keep your truck running.
- Expert Support: You receive priority access to our skilled technicians, who are thoroughly familiar with the machines.
Cons
- Monthly Fee: All that peace of mind comes at a price. Full maintenance contracts aren’t cheap.
- Excluded Items: Not everything is covered; wear and tear items are chargeable at rates outside of the agreed-upon contract price.
- Less Flexibility: You’re bound by a fixed-term agreement.
Pros and Cons: Preventative Maintenance Contracts
Pros
- Lower Cost: You’re only paying for scheduled services, so your monthly outlay is much lower.
- Simplicity: No need to read the fine print about what’s included or excluded — you’re just getting routine servicing.
- Ideal for Newer Equipment: If your forklifts are new or lightly used, major repairs are unlikely, so you save money.
Cons
- Unexpected Costs: If something breaks outside of a service, you pay full price for parts, labour, and potentially even emergency callouts.
- Potential Downtime: Repairs might take longer, especially if you need to shop around for a technician or parts.
- Reactive Approach: Issues are only fixed once they cause a problem, which can sometimes lead to more expensive repairs down the line.
Which Should You Choose?
The decision hinges on your forklift usage. If your trucks are essential to your operations, running constantly, and downtime is unacceptable, a full maintenance contract is likely a worthwhile investment. For smaller businesses or those with newer fleets, preventative maintenance may suffice, provided you’re prepared for occasional unexpected repairs.
Regardless of your choice, we aim to ensure your forklifts operate smoothly, minimising disruptions and maintaining predictable costs. Selecting the right contract depends on your comfort level with risk and the expenses you’re willing to manage directly.
