Forklift Service

Reliable Forklift Service & Repairs in Chicago, Memphis & Little Rock - Since 1956

National Lift Truck began as a forklift service company in Chicago, Illinois over 60 years ago, built on a foundation of providing honest, reliable lift truck service for other forklift and material handling companies. With decades of experience providing exceptional service and quality fork truck repairs, NLT became a trusted partner in the material handling industry, and the company grew to include more services, including rentals, sales, parts, training, and hauling, and additional locations in Tennessee, Arkansas, and New York.

Today, National Lift Truck has field service technicians stationed throughout the US, ready to provide expert forklift service and repairs for any make and model of forklift or heavy duty lift truck. With decades of experience in the industry, our expertise encompasses the full spectrum of forklift service needs. From preventative maintenance programs that keep your equipment in top condition and prevent breakdowns to executing intricate repairs to get your equipment back up and running, our team possesses the knowledge and skills to keep your forklift fleet operating at peak performance.

Our comprehensive services extend to forklift rentals and sales, providing a “one-stop-shop” to address the diverse needs of our customers and dealer partners. By choosing our forklift preventative maintenance or repair services, our customers gain a reliable partner committed to ensuring the longevity and efficiency of their material-handling equipment.

Forklift Field Service

we service all makes & models of forklifts

From emergency repairs to preventative maintenance, our expert mechanics service all makes and models of lift trucks – even speciality and heavy capacity models.

Forklift preventative maintenance plans

forklift pm Services:

Our Comprehensive Forklift Service Solutions

Preventative Maintenance (PM) Programs

PM programs form the cornerstone of our service offerings. These programs involve regularly scheduled inspections and planned maintenance tasks aimed at preventing breakdowns before they occur. Our PM services include thorough inspections of all critical components, lubrication of moving parts, checking and replenishing fluid levels, replacing filters at recommended intervals, and making proactive minor repairs to address potential issues early on.

We understand that each customer’s needs are unique, and therefore, we offer tailored maintenance plans based on the specific usage of your forklifts and the manufacturers’ recommendations.

Emergency Forklift Repair

Recognizing that unexpected breakdowns can happen, we provide emergency repair services to get our customers’ forklifts back in operation as quickly as possible. We offer both on-site repair services, bringing our expertise directly to the customer’s location, and in-house repair services for more complex issues.

Our commitment to minimizing downtime is reflected in our rapid response times and 24/7 availability for urgent forklift repair needs.

Routine Maintenance

We offer routine maintenance services performed according to the specific guidelines provided by the forklift manufacturers. These services ensure that all essential maintenance tasks are completed at the recommended intervals, helping to maintain the forklift’s performance and warranty.

Forklift Parts Replacement

We maintain access to a wide range of genuine OEM parts and high-quality aftermarket parts for all makes and models of forklifts. This ensures that any necessary replacements are made with reliable components, contributing to the longevity and safety of the repaired equipment.

Battery Service and Repair

For customers operating electric forklifts, NLT offers specialized battery service and repair, including comprehensive inspections and testing of batteries, repairs to charging systems, and efficient battery replacements when necessary.

Forklift Hydraulic System Service & Repair

Our expertise extends to the forklift hydraulic systems, providing thorough service and repair. This includes addressing hydraulic leaks through hose replacements and seal repairs, as well as performing rebuilds of hydraulic pumps and cylinders when needed.

Brake System Service & Repair

Forklift brake systems are paramount for safety. We replace worn brake pads or shoes, brake fluid flushes, and precise brake adjustments to ensure optimal stopping performance.

Forklift Tire Service and Replacement

NLT provides services for repairing punctured tires and replacing worn or damaged tires to maintain proper traction and stability. For added convenience, we offer mobile tire press services, bringing the necessary equipment directly to our customers’ sites.

Safety Inspections and Compliance Checks

Ensuring compliance with safety regulations is a top priority. Our certified technicians is knowledgeable about OSHA standards and can help our customers ensure their forklifts meet all regulatory requirements.

Fleet Management Services

Our fleet management services include fleet evaluations, tracking maintenance schedules, monitoring forklift performance, and providing detailed cost analysis to help optimize fleet operations and reduce overall expenses.

Need a forklift rental while your equipment is down?

We are a full-service solutions provider with an extensive line of rental equipment to keep your operations running smoothly while your equipment is being repaired. Need to replace broken forklifts? We have forklifts and more from top manufacturers in stock and ready for delivery.

Understanding Essential Forklift Maintenance

Maintaining the reliability of your forklift fleet begins with regular maintenance schedules. We provide detailed maintenance plans, typically every 200-250 hours or six weeks, adhering to OEM guidelines. Daily pre-operation checks by operators, monthly maintenance, and quarterly/annual deep dives are essential. We handle all forklift types, including electric, IC (propane, gas, diesel), with tailored maintenance tasks.

Common Forklift Maintenance Needs by Frequency and Type

Forklift Maintenance Task	Frequency	Applicable Forklift Type(s)
Check for Leaks	Daily	All
Inspect Tire Condition & Pressure	Daily	All
Check Fluid Levels	Daily	All
Lubricate Chassis & Mast	Monthly	All
Change Engine Oil & Filter	Monthly	IC
Check Battery Electrolyte Levels	Daily/Weekly	Electric
Inspect Hydraulic System	Quarterly/Annual	All
Replace All Fluids & Filters	Annual	All
Check Battery Connections	Weekly/Monthly	Electric
Inspect Propane Tank & Connections	Daily	Propane

Common Forklift Repair Issues, Causes & Solutions

At National Lift Truck, our expert forklift service addresses common issues: starting problems, steering difficulties, mast and lifting system failures, tire problems, brake failure, hydraulic leaks, electrical issues, engine problems, transmission and drivetrain issues, and accessory failures.

Our approach goes beyond simple repairs; we focus on preventative measures to minimize downtime and prevent costly future repairs. By leveraging advanced diagnostics and a comprehensive understanding of various forklift systems, we pinpoint issues accurately and provide lasting solutions. Our commitment is to maximize your operational efficiency, ensuring your forklifts are reliable, safe, and productive, thereby preventing costly repairs, reducing downtime, and keeping your business moving.

Repair Issue	Potential Causes
Forklift Not Starting	Dead battery, low/old fuel, fuel leaks, faulty starter, engaged safety features
Steering Problems	Low steering fluid, misaligned tires, worn gears, damaged steering components
Mast Not Lifting	Low hydraulic fluid, hydraulic leaks, damaged hoses/cylinders, overloaded forklift
Excessive Tire Wear	Improper inflation, aggressive driving, poor floor conditions, misalignment
Brakes Not Working	Worn brake pads/shoes, low brake fluid, leaks in brake lines, damaged brake components
Hydraulic Leaks	Damaged hoses, loose fittings, worn seals, cracks in components
Warning Lights On	Engine temperature, oil pressure, low battery, check engine, load limit, service reminder, specific system warnings (e.g., hydraulics)
Engine Stuttering/Stalling	Fuel supply issues, spark plug problems, air filter blockage, old fuel

The Advantage of Multi-Manufacturer Forklift Service Experts

At NLT, we service different types of forklifts, new and old models, with expertise across electric, propane, diesel, and gasoline forklifts from all brands. Unlike manufacturer-specific service providers, our technicians possess the knowledge and expertise to accurately diagnose and effectively repair equipment from numerous manufacturers.

Our local service offers cost savings and personalized solutions. We adhere to OSHA requirements, provide detailed service records, and offer safety inspections and compliance checks.

National Lift Truck Forklift Field Service Areas

In addition to our in-house service facilities in Illinois, Tennessee, Arkansas, and New York, we have certified field service technicians available throughout the US. Using GPS fleet tracking technology, we can ensure timely and efficient equipment service when and where you need it.

Our technicians are factory trained, certified and follow all OSHA and ANSI standards, ensuring that all maintenance and repairs are performed to the highest safety standards.

Your Trusted, Local Partner for Forklift Service and Repair

For reliable, expert, local forklift service and repair that you can depend on, contact us today. Whether you require a customized maintenance plan, immediate repairs, or want to learn more about how we can support your forklift operations, our experienced team is ready to assist you. Call us at 888-848-4290 or schedule a service today. Let us be your trusted partner in ensuring the longevity and reliability of your vital material handling equipment.

Call us at (888) 848-4290 to request emergency service – we’re here to help 24/7!