Is Your Forklift Mechanic A High Tech Modern-Day Cowboy?

Let them be doctors lawyers and such, if “such” equals forklift tech I’m all for it. From where I'm standing, it's always felt like there's a surplus of auto mechanics, which seems to limit opportunities in that area. Maybe it's just supply and demand? On the other hand, forklift dealerships always seem to always be on the lookout for techs, especially those with top-notch skills.

Cowboys are fine, but they wander too far They sleep under stars, and they live out of cars But forklift mechanics, they’re steady and strong Working nine to five, they’ll get along

A career as a forklift technician is a fulfilling and skilled profession that is in high demand. To determine if this path suits you, explore the necessary forklift mechanic training and salary expectations.

Before products reach consumers, they travel through the complex "distribution channel," with numerous stops along the way. At each stop, forklifts are actively moving around the warehouse. With the growth of e-commerce, more distribution centers have emerged, all relying on forklifts for handling tasks. This constant use leads to wear and tear, making the role of a forklift mechanic essential and highly sought after.

What Are The Tasks Forklift Mechanics Will Be Responsible For?

Forklift mechanics are heavy equipment technicians who service, maintain, and repair forklifts. Their responsibilities include:

• Conducting regular inspections to identify safety issues and flaws.
• Performing scheduled, preventive, and emergency maintenance.
• Restoring damaged forklifts to safe operational conditions.
• Conducting safety checks before forklifts return to service.
• Troubleshooting issues with brake, electric, and hydraulic systems.
• Working on various forklift types and fuel systems (electric, propane, gas, diesel).
• Diagnosing and repairing mast and attachment components.
• Understanding technical manuals from manufacturers.
• Replacing brakes and wheels.
• Maintaining a stock of replacement parts and ordering as needed.
• Cleaning equipment and battery chargers.
• Adhering to OSHA safety standards.
• Keeping the workspace and battery charging area clean and organized.
• Maintaining detailed logs of maintenance and service records.
• Staying updated on new technology, techniques, and technical information.

Let's Talk About Training for Forklift Mechanics

So, you would like to become a forklift mechanic? That's great! You'll typically need a high school diploma or GED, and a valid driver's license so you can test-drive the forklifts once you've repaired them, and operate a service van, which is usually parked right at your home. Convenient, isn't it?

Now, employers often have a soft spot for candidates who have prior experience in related fields. And in some places, you might even find vocational schools offering forklift maintenance as a part of a bigger heavy equipment course. They're not too common, but they're out there!

When you're choosing a training program, try to find one that gives you a nice mix of book learning and hands-on experience. These programs will teach you all the important things: safety procedures, preventive maintenance, diagnostics, and repair techniques. Some might even throw in training on other heavy equipment like cranes and construction vehicles.

From what I've seen, technicians from other fields often make the best candidates. As a guy that can only fumble with tools, I’m always snowed by those that repair things. If you are currently doing that you won’t find forklift’s to be much different than any other piece of equipment. Your onboarding will give you plenty of time to grow accustom to the task. Propane fuel and hydraulics [which are not perplexing parts] are probably the only thing that will be new to you.

Forklift Mechanic Salary

Forklift mechanic salaries are influenced by the same economic factors affecting other wages. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median hourly wage for heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians in 2021 was $25.85. The lowest earners made about $16.97 per hour, while the highest earners made up to $30.54 per hour. This translates to an annual salary range of $35,000 to $64,000, with an average yearly salary of $53,770.

Average Age of a Forklift Technician

We determined the average age of forklift technicians based on ethnicity and gender.

Forklift Technician Typical Job Paths

Not every technician wants to retire as one. These are typical career paths technicians move through.

A forklift technician's primary responsibilities involve repairing and maintaining various types of equipment. They must be skilled in using tools and manuals to diagnose and fix problems. Forklift technicians need to know how to complete routine maintenance, monitor safety inspections, and reorder components when necessary. They must also be able to repair and maintain electrical and hydraulic systems, as well as perform annual requirements for maintaining certifications.

Forklift technician vs shop technician salary

Forklift technicians and shop technicians have different pay scales, as shown below. These are national averages and seem a? ?l?i?t?t?l?e? a fair amount below what we see here in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area.

We would enjoy hearing from you; let’s start a dialog!

?For more information, insights, or conversations regarding your forklift or material handling needs. You can visit our online contact form, call us at 763-425-9066, or email [email protected]. We are also on Twitter, @ToyotaEquipment or @KyleThill on X or Twitter.

?We would welcome the opportunity to address your material handling questions or concerns. Toyota Lift of Minnesota works extremely hard to be your partner and material handling consultant. Remember this: "you have a guy" in the forklift and material handling businesses.

?Are you located outside of Minnesota or Wisconsin? Find your local authorized Toyota Forklift Dealer through their dealer locator.

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?Kyle Thill - Is Your Forklift Mechanic A High Tech Modern-Day Cowboy?