Understanding Forklift Replacement Parts: What to Replace and When
Just like any other piece of equipment, forklift parts need to be replaced throughout the life of your machine. Over time, wear and tear are inevitable—but staying ahead of maintenance and knowing when to replace key components can make a big difference in your forklift’s performance, uptime, and long-term value.
At Norlift, our Parts Department is dedicated to helping you keep your equipment in top condition. Whether you operate Toyota, Bobcat, or Hangcha forklifts, or manage a mixed-brand fleet, our team will help you find the right part quickly so you can keep your operation running smoothly.
Electric vs. Internal Combustion: Why It Matters
Whether you’re buying a new forklift, asking a question to an expert, or explaining a problem to a technician, one of the first questions you’ll hear is often: “Electric or IC?”
That same question applies when you’re assessing replacement parts. While many components are similar between electric and internal combustion (IC) forklifts, there are key differences that affect maintenance.
For example, fuel hoses don’t exist on electric forklifts—but neglecting to check or replace them on IC models can lead to fuel leaks, downtime, and safety hazards. Understanding your forklift’s fuel type is an important first step in determining which parts need attention and how often.
Periodic, Consumable, and As-Needed Parts
Not all forklift parts follow the same maintenance schedule. Knowing the difference between periodic maintenance parts, consumable parts, and as-needed parts can help you plan more effectively and maximize your ROI.
1. Periodic Maintenance Parts These parts need to be replaced at scheduled intervals—often outlined in your forklift’s maintenance manual. Staying consistent with replacement intervals helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and ensures your forklift remains reliable over time. Examples include:
Oil filters
Air filters
Spark plugs
2. Consumable Parts These are parts that wear out naturally through everyday use and will need to be replaced more frequently. Keeping extras on hand can help you avoid downtime. Examples include:
Forklift chains
Pedal pads
Horns
3. As-Needed Parts Some parts don’t require a strict replacement schedule but should be inspected periodically and replaced if signs of wear appear. Examples include:
Oil fill elements
Cylinder end pins
Why Periodic Replacement Matters
Performing scheduled part replacements helps you maintain the long-term value of your forklift and maximize ROI. It also allows you to plan maintenance proactively, avoiding costly last-minute repairs and unexpected downtime.
By monitoring wear on consumables and scheduling replacements for periodic parts, you’ll be able to:
Extend the life of your equipment
Minimize operational interruptions
Reduce unplanned maintenance costs
The 8 Most Common Forklift Replacement Parts
Oil Filter
Forklift Chain
Air Filter
Spark Plugs
Pedal Pad
Oil Fill Element
Horn
Cylinder End Pins
These parts are among the most frequently ordered for Toyota, Bobcat, and Hangcha forklifts—but they’re also common across many other makes and models of equipment.
Keep Your Fleet Running Strong with Norlift
At Norlift, we’re here to help you find the right parts, right when you need them. We stock OEM parts for the manufacturers we carry—Toyota, Bobcat, and Hangcha—but we also have access to parts for all major makes and models of equipment.
Whether you’re replacing a simple filter or scheduling full-service maintenance, our Parts Department has the knowledge and resources to keep your fleet running safely and efficiently.
Contact Norlift today to speak with our parts experts and get the right replacement parts for your equipment.
