If you want to avoid those costly breakdowns that can result in interruptions to your productivity then it is essential to have a regular, scheduled maintenance plan in place for your dock lifts. Even if your dock lifts appear to be working properly, it is worth checking them. Catching issues before they become a real problem means that you are more likely to avoid those costly bigger repairs that may mean your dock lift will be out of action for a longer period of time.  Time is money in any business, and when an essential piece of machinery is out of action it can have serious repercussions  for your ability to fulfil orders and keep your customers happy. Regular maintenance is the best way that you can assure, and potentially extend, the lifetime of your dock lifts. What are dock lifts? Dock lifts are usually used to unload and load trucks from the bed of the truck to ground level. They can service a range of different types of trucks and trailers which makes them incredibly versatile. Some dock lifts are installed in a recessed pit. However, some are surface-installed dock lifts that are installed on top of a poured concrete pad. Both perform a similar function but in slightly different ways The benefits of having a regular maintenance plan There are a number of benefits that will be gained by having a regular maintenance plan in place for your dock lift. These include: What does a regular maintenance inspection entail? When you have a regular maintenance program in place for your dock lifts, this means that a deep visual inspection will be carried out as part of the program. This will involve checking that everything is working as it should be. Any parts in the machinery that are not functioning properly or are showing signs of wear and tear that might result in a break in the near future will be repaired or replaced. This means that things like cylinders, bushings, hydraulic hoses and electrical connections amongst others will be checked thoroughly. It is important that your regular maintenance program is carried out by a professional who is fully qualified and well acquainted with the model of dock lift that you have. They should follow the appropriate manual for the dock lift and any maintenance guidelines it contains. Regular maintenance also includes lubricating the machinery to keep it working smoothly and help to extend the lifetime of the dock lift. The professional undertaking the regular maintenance will also be able to make a note of any parts that they need to keep an eye on. These will be things that are not yet ready to be replaced but may benefit from being replaced during the next scheduled maintenance. This will allow them to make a list of parts they will need and ensure that they have them to hand which will reduce your downtime. Conclusion Regular maintenance for your dock lifts is essential. As an employer you have a duty of care under health and safety to ensure that your machinery is regularly serviced to avoid the possibility of accidents that could result in injury to your employees. This should always be carried out by a qualified professional.