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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Forklift Mechanic

💰 $28 - $42 per hour

Skilled TradesMaintenanceLogisticsIndustrial Mechanic

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a skilled and proactive Forklift Mechanic (also known as a Forklift Technician or Material Handling Equipment Technician) to join our dynamic operations team. In this critical role, you will be the backbone of our supply chain, ensuring our fleet of forklifts and other material handling equipment operates at peak performance and safety. You will be responsible for everything from routine preventive maintenance to complex diagnostics and emergency repairs on a variety of electric, propane, and diesel-powered equipment. If you are a hands-on problem-solver with a passion for keeping machinery running smoothly and safely, we want to talk to you!

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Automotive Mechanic / Technician
  • Diesel Mechanic
  • Industrial Maintenance Technician
  • Apprentice Mechanic

Advancement To:

  • Lead Forklift Mechanic / Shop Foreman
  • Field Service Manager
  • Maintenance Supervisor / Manager
  • Technical Trainer

Lateral Moves:

  • Heavy Equipment Mechanic
  • Field Service Technician
  • Fleet Maintenance Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform comprehensive preventive maintenance (PMs) on a diverse fleet of electric, propane, and diesel-powered forklifts, including oil changes, lubrication, and filter replacements according to manufacturer specifications.
  • Diagnose complex mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical system failures using advanced diagnostic tools, schematics, multimeters, and technical manuals.
  • Execute major and minor repairs on lift trucks, reach trucks, pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment, including engine overhauls, transmission replacements, and mast repairs.
  • Troubleshoot and repair sophisticated electrical systems, including wiring harnesses, controllers, sensors, switches, and battery charging systems on electric-powered units.
  • Conduct thorough safety and operational inspections on all equipment before and after repairs to ensure full compliance with OSHA, ANSI, and internal company safety standards.
  • Respond promptly to emergency breakdown calls within the facility to minimize equipment downtime and prevent disruptions to warehouse or production schedules.
  • Perform complete rebuilds on critical components such as engines, transmissions, hydraulic pumps, cylinders, and drive motors.
  • Read and interpret complex electrical and hydraulic schematics to effectively isolate faults and guide repair processes.
  • Utilize laptop-based diagnostic software to interface with modern, computer-controlled forklift systems for troubleshooting and parameter adjustments.
  • Perform tire replacements and repairs, including pressing on solid industrial tires and mounting/balancing pneumatic tires.
  • Manage and maintain an organized inventory of spare parts, tools, and supplies, and process orders for new parts to ensure availability for scheduled and unscheduled repairs.
  • Fabricate or weld components using MIG and stick welding techniques as necessary to complete repairs when replacement parts are not immediately available.
  • Calibrate and adjust equipment settings, such as lift speeds, hydraulic pressures, and controller parameters, to optimize performance and safety.
  • Maintain a meticulously detailed and accurate record of all maintenance activities, service histories, parts usage, and labor time using a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).

Secondary Functions

  • Prepare detailed service reports and documentation required for accurate job costing, warranty claims, and historical trend analysis.
  • Communicate effectively with supervisors, operations managers, and equipment operators regarding equipment status, estimated repair timelines, and potential operational impacts.
  • Provide technical guidance and informal training to equipment operators on proper forklift operation, daily pre-use inspection procedures, and identifying early warning signs of mechanical issues.
  • Ensure the workshop and all work areas are kept clean, safe, and organized in accordance with 5S principles and company safety policies.
  • Participate in ongoing factory and in-house technical training to stay current with new equipment models and evolving technologies in the material handling industry.
  • Adhere to all environmental regulations for the proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials such as oils, fluids, and batteries.
  • Assist in the installation, commissioning, and decommissioning of new and retired material handling equipment.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Deep proficiency in diagnosing and repairing complex hydraulic systems, including pumps, valves, cylinders, and hoses.
  • Strong, demonstrated knowledge of AC/DC electrical systems, electronic controllers (e.g., ZAPI, Curtis), and CAN-bus communication.
  • Extensive experience with internal combustion engines (LPG, diesel, gasoline) and their fuel and emission systems.
  • Advanced ability to read and interpret technical manuals, complex electrical wiring diagrams, and hydraulic schematics.
  • Competency in using specialized diagnostic tools, including multimeters, hydraulic flow meters, and proprietary diagnostic software.
  • Practical welding and metal fabrication skills (MIG and Stick preferred) for component repair.
  • Thorough knowledge of preventative maintenance schedules and procedures for a variety of MHE brands (e.g., Crown, Raymond, Hyster-Yale, Toyota, Clark).
  • Experience with battery maintenance, testing, and repair for electric forklift fleets.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to efficiently diagnose and resolve difficult, non-routine issues.
  • Excellent time management and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills for clearly explaining technical issues to non-technical personnel.
  • A high degree of attention to detail and a steadfast commitment to safety protocols and quality workmanship.
  • Self-motivated with a strong work ethic and the ability to prioritize a dynamic workload of scheduled and unscheduled tasks.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

  • Technical school certificate or Associate's degree in a relevant technical field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Diesel Technology
  • Automotive Technology
  • Industrial Maintenance Technology
  • Heavy Equipment Mechanics

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of direct, hands-on experience as a forklift mechanic, heavy equipment mechanic, or diesel technician.

Preferred:

  • Factory-certified training from major material handling equipment manufacturers (e.g., Crown, Raymond, Toyota).
  • Prior experience working in a large-scale distribution, manufacturing, or rental fleet environment.
  • Experience maintaining a diverse fleet of equipment, including both internal combustion and electric-powered units.
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