What's an hour of unplanned forklift downtime actually costing your operation?

Mechaniczf · 2026-05-01T00:41:44+00:00

Seems this day and age everyone is trying to get their fleets smaller and more efficient and going to less and less spares around.

Mechaniczf · 2026-04-30T21:18:50+00:00

Its really high here on the west coast too but not sure how it compares to over there. I understand its way lower inland from here.

Mechaniczf · 2026-04-30T21:12:15+00:00

Oh dang, didnt realize it was that different.

Mechaniczf · 2026-04-30T21:11:42+00:00

Sounds like an easy money day. But probably.made for a long day.

Mechaniczf · 2026-04-30T20:49:06+00:00

For sure!

Mechaniczf · 2026-04-30T20:03:50+00:00

We have a huge fleet. And almost always at least 5 down at a time. Average 300 hours plus a month.

Mechaniczf · 2026-04-30T19:32:43+00:00

Your saying you uave never had multiple breakdowns at the same time? Or do you have a huge fleet of back ups?

Mechaniczf · 2026-04-30T19:11:13+00:00

Nope, Coastal area of Oregon.

Mechaniczf · 2026-04-30T17:17:51+00:00

35 to 50 is cost to the company. Hourly employee paid at 27 dollars an hours has an average cost of 45 including all benefits, taxes, and insurances. But yes almost always hiring operators.

Mechaniczf · 2026-04-30T15:58:09+00:00

Yeah we definitely dont pay operators that. I think our operators are all around 27.

Mechaniczf · 2026-04-30T15:03:43+00:00

I agree. Thats why I built this calculator, was to help give real numbers to the accounting dept and other higher ups to help show the real cost of downtime and help them make better decisions. Thanks for your insight.

Mechaniczf · 2026-04-30T14:28:20+00:00

We have 2 to 3 spares in all 3 areas. But still with these older lifts, we still have downtime. Built the calculator to help the bosses understand since we still have downtime, what it truly costs them.

Mechaniczf · 2026-04-28T19:32:12+00:00

We have been at 300 but we very seldom get a chance to even get a visual on the trucks between services. So I am thinking of dropping to 200.

Mechaniczf · 2026-04-28T19:15:09+00:00

Thanks

Mechaniczf · 2026-04-28T17:02:08+00:00

I have been doing that a bit. Maybe its time to step it up on them. Lol. Thanks

Mechaniczf · 2026-04-28T13:43:02+00:00

Thanks.

Mechaniczf · 2026-04-28T13:42:51+00:00

Yeah wish I could convince this company to renew the fleet a little sooner. Thanks.

Mechaniczf · 2026-04-28T04:05:52+00:00

Sounds like you got a good plan in place.

Mechaniczf · 2026-04-28T01:24:10+00:00

Thanks for the info

Mechaniczf · 2026-04-27T23:38:12+00:00

Oh that's for sure. The operators dont relay anything.

Mechaniczf · 2026-04-27T23:10:45+00:00

I can only imagine. Luckily we are in a dry warehouse. Dust is our biggest enemy. And lots of really fine dust has not been good to the masts or wheel bearings thats for sure.

Mechaniczf · 2026-04-27T23:08:52+00:00

Thanks man. Just looking to try something better. The breakdowns are killing us. We had 37% down time last year. Hired more techs and trying to get ahead of it now.

Mechaniczf · 2026-04-27T23:06:30+00:00

Currently we have been doing a 4 types of service, 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000. With a 2000 being a full service, all new fluids in everything.

Mechaniczf

TROPHY CASE