I have my machines PM serviced every three months reguardless of how much or how little use unless the hours on the guage show sooner attention being needed.

Years ago we shifted PM service down to four month intervals instead of the three month plan. Big mistake!
It wasn't long before extra attention was needed. Perhaps it was just the way things worked out? Who knows. Once we went back to the three month intervals, things seemed much better.

During regular PM service you can catch things before they become a bigger problem. There's nothing worse than a machine breaking down during use. Plus, it always seems to be during a time when things are busier than the norm.

At least that's how it's always worked for me.

Jake

Simple answer. - "Oil is always cheaper than metal." There a 3 dirties that kill any machine - lift trucks, automobile, farm tractor, etc.

1. Dirty air
2. Dirty oil
3. The Dirty B@#t^*d that didn't change 'em.

Personally, I change my oil in my automobile every 3 to 4000 miles & transmission every year - I pull a bass boat on weekends. Have a 1998 Explore w/ V-6 - and have 211,000+ miles the engine runns fine - uses less than 1/8 of a quart of oil between cahgnes, transmission works fine - I haven't had a payment for many years - I now have a good ROI. I drive it a lot in stop & go traffic in Atlanta now. I

PM is for planned maintenance. Use the idea of down time if a problem is not caught before it causes the machine to quit. Gives time to plan for an expense if you point out a repair is needed soon. Just the knowledge that your lift is in good order and not on the verge of a major failure should give the owner a better feeling. Also a safety inspection is done during PM's.

Pardon the sarcasm, as I am a forklift trainer but PM=preventitve maintenance
and I am sure that the cost of a new forklift, say $35,000.00 would be the return of investment on a PM plan.

Again, sorry for the sarcasm. Others will be better qualified to assist you than I.