Discussion:
Looking at switching to a forklift technician and have some ?????

Hi everyone I am new here and have a few questions. If this is in the wrong forum it can be moved. I am looking at taking a position at a local dealer as a forklift technician. I currently work as a auto tech with 20+ years in. I am looking for change and got a solid offer to switch. Can anyone tell me the good and bad of this job? What are the untold problems/concerns with this position? From what I was told was the hours are good and flexible and pay seems good. Is this position mostly heavy type work or mostly maintenance? Thanks
  • Posted 21 Apr 2018 09:16
  • By Mod381
  • joined 21 Apr'18 - 1 message
  • Wisconsin, United States
Showing items 1 - 5 of 5 results.
Great responses! Thanks for sharing!
  • Posted 2 May 2018 03:29
  • By tanner_
  • joined 2 May'18 - 1 message
  • Utah, United States
Agree with the above posts.If you do field service and have some regular customers that don't lay awake at night trying to figure out how to get one over on you then you will be fine. Just be care ful around the masts and ALLWAYS use jackstands no matter what.This is my 35 year in the business and I have never looked back
  • Posted 24 Apr 2018 20:17
  • By triumphrider
  • joined 31 Jan'11 - 304 messages
  • Texas, United States
Both responses are on the money. Your Auto background will help you with the newer ICE trucks and with the electric trucks. The hydraulics will be something new. A lot more work near the ground. No car lifts in the field. We have techs that came from automotive, some do very well some do not. The only flat rates you worry about are the warranty repairs.
  • Posted 23 Apr 2018 22:25
  • By BREWSKI
  • joined 10 Jan'12 - 1,699 messages
  • Nebraska, United States
and cars don't have masts !!!! so many ways to hurt yourself IF your not ultra careful. repair timetables mean nothing in this trade. a job takes as long as it takes !!! some trucks work in nice clean sites these are a minority a lot more work in complete *** holes !!! LOL them nice factories you drive past all have hidden secrets round the back... everybody on here will agree I think...
  • Posted 22 Apr 2018 17:51
  • By stackerhacker
  • joined 2 Mar'18 - 87 messages
  • glasgow, United Kingdom
I was never a auto tech but the good would be you aren't working or getting paid at flat rate. If you will be a field tech you are on your own, all by yourself, no help. You must learn how to do hydraulic repairs. Electric forklifts will be something you will have to learn about. Forklifts can be much greasier than cars. More safety stuff to know about. It is probably half and half with doing maintenance and doing break down repairs. I think most companies will have you work in the shop for a while if the plans are to become a field tech.
  • Posted 22 Apr 2018 04:05
  • By mrfixit
  • joined 11 Dec'08 - 1,434 messages
  • New York, United States

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