Cutting corners on truck repairs could cost you thousands…

The Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA) is warning fork lift truck users that unauthorised modifications or repairs could invalidate rental contracts and manufacturer warranties, leaving them to foot any repair bills.

While this includes fairly obvious “cowboy” modifications, such as adding additional weight to the counterbalance to increase lifting capacity, users might be surprised to learn that even changing tyres could constitute a breach of their contractual agreements.

FLTA Chief Executive, Peter Harvey MBE, said: “If you were to make unauthorised modifications to a rental car, you can be fairly certain the company would charge you. Why should it be any different for rental fork trucks?

“It’s important that end-users understand what they can and cannot do under rental contract. Failure to do so could land them in hot water.”

Dangerous Changes Whether your truck is under a short-term rental agreement or hire purchase, if you have not bought the truck outright, changes to the equipment should be approved, in writing, by the supplier.

Owners of purchased trucks should be similarly conscious of what they can and cannot do. Making unauthorised changes can invalidate a manufacturer’s warranty, giving the supplier every right to decline repairs, and leaving the purchaser to foot the bill… and, indeed, every subsequent bill.

Paying the price

Reported cases of unauthorised modification include a business that tried to avoid paying the truck hire company to replace worn out tyres, by fitting their own – the cheapest they could find. Since this was a breach of their contractual agreement, the company ended up paying for the dealer-authorised replacements in addition to the cheaper ones.

However, as Peter Harvey explains, this is about more than money: “Unauthorised repairs or modifications can have dangerous knock-on effects for safety. Cheap tyres can effect stability and cause an accident.

“One FLTA member even reported that a customer had tried to cover up significant damage to an overhead guard – going so far as to weld and paint it to avoid paying for a replacement.

This is grievously irresponsible and, if someone had been injured as a result, they would have been in serious trouble – possibly even facing a prison sentence.”

What’s fair?

Of course, it’s important that renters know what costs they are and are not liable for. The FLTA’s Fair Wear and Tear Guide, available to Members through the online store, clearly illustrates what is and isn’t acceptable damage in a returned truck.

For example, a worn seat is acceptable degradation in a wellused truck. A torn seat, however, is a result of neglect and must be paid for.

In providing customers with guidance when they take delivery of a truck, unnecessary end-ofcontract disputes -including associated time and financial costs – can be avoided.

Conclusion

Making unauthorised changes – big or small – to a fork lift truck could cost businesses dearly. As such, it’s crucial that everyone checks manufacturer guidelines or rental agreement before making any alterations to equipment. And, if you’re in any doubt at all, contact the supplier. If they refuse, there’s probably a good reason for it!

Tel: 01635 277579

www.fork-truck.org.uk