Why Servicing Your Manual Handling Equipment Matters – And How We Can Help

Keeping your manual handling equipment in top condition isn’t just good practice – it’s a vital part of ensuring safety, productivity, and legal compliance in your workplace. At Nationwide Handling, we offer expert service and maintenance across a wide range of equipment, backed by decades of industry experience.

Whether you're running a single pallet truck or a fleet of powered stackers, here’s everything you need to know about servicing – and how we make it easy for you.

Why Servicing Matters

Manual handling equipment – from pallet trucks and sack trucks to scissor lifts and stackers – works hard day in and day out. But without regular servicing, you’re risking:

• Breakdowns that slow down your operation

• Costly repairs from minor issues left untreated

• Non-compliance with workplace safety regulations

• Injury risks from faulty or worn-out components

In short, regular servicing isn't just a good idea – it’s vital for productivity, safety, and compliance.

How Often Should You Service Your Equipment?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but as a general rule:

• Pallet trucks and sack trucks: every 6–12 months, depending on usage

• Lifting equipment (including high-lift trucks and stackers): at least annually – more frequently for high-use or critical equipment

• Before breakdowns occur: preventative maintenance is always better (and cheaper) than reactive repairs

Regular servicing not only prolongs the life of your equipment but also supports your compliance with PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations) and, where relevant, LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations).

What’s Included in a Service?

We provide 6-monthly or 12-monthly service plans, depending on your application. Our servicing goes far beyond a quick once-over. Our qualified engineers will:

• Remove debris from wheels and bearings

• Check and replace contaminated hydraulic oil

• Inspect fork frames for cracks and wear

• Fit any replacement parts needed

• Test equipment under load to ensure safe operation

• Provide a full inspection report, asset tag, and safety certificate

Servicing covers manual and electric pallet trucks, stackers, sack trucks, lift tables, and more.

Thorough Examination – What It Means

All lifting equipment raising over 300mm must undergo a Thorough Examination. This is a legal requirement under LOLER and complements your obligations under PUWER.

Our examination includes checks on:

• Forks and lifting components

• Brakes, steering, and traction systems

• Safety systems and overall structural integrity

On successful inspection, we issue an official LOLER certificate for your records.

Our Repair, Callout & Calibration Services

Need a quick fix? Our engineers aim for a first-fix repair where possible to save you downtime and costs. Every repair ends with a safety check to ensure your equipment is in full working order.

We also offer scale calibration services using certified weights. Each calibration results in a traceable certificate for compliance and accuracy assurance.

Why Choose Nationwide Handling?

• On-site servicing across the UK

• Qualified, experienced engineers

• Spare parts for all leading brands

• LOLER & PUWER compliance support

• Full inspection documentation for peace of mind

We work with businesses across warehousing, retail, healthcare, manufacturing, and more – offering not only servicing, but also training, hire, and equipment sales.

Book a Service Today

Don’t wait for a breakdown to take your team offline. Preventative maintenance keeps your business moving and your staff safe.

Call us on 01462 659 180 or email us at sales@nationwidehandling.co.uk to arrange a service.

Or visit our Service & Maintenance page to learn more.