Cleaning Fork Lifts

Markgkda

New member
I am bidding a job today at a local big box lumber company. Cleaning sidewalks etc. Also they have three fork lifts that they want cleaned. Have never cleaned one of these but it can't be to complicated. Cover and wrap any electrical components, engine ing wires etc. Light degreaser and lower pressure high water volume rinse. Have no clue how long it will take and even less of a clue on what might be an aprox going rate. Any help would be appreciated.
 
I have Hot water, our core biz is concrete cleaning and we all know that cleaning concrete needs hot. Just have no idea on what to charge. My first instinct was $75 per unit but I really not sure. Anyone?
 
Cant say I've ever bid forklifts. Sounds like you have the main concerns covered. ( electric covered etc). Best advice I can offer is figure out roughly how long you think it will take to wash the forklifts and how much your goal per hour is. For example you charge roughly $150 per hour when its all said and done, and you figure 30 mins per forklift then $75 each sounds right on.

There is a guy on here who washes a lot of equipment from what I understand. Believe his name is Benjamin. (could be wrong). I will look and see if I can find his profile and link you. I would try to reach out to him and shoot him a pm for some advice.
 
What do they want washed on the forklift, and or why do they think they are dirty?

Forklifts generally are not very hard depending on the size, but this can also depend on what they want cleaned.

If the forklifts are gas/propane go easy around the plugs/cap as they will have a hard time starting it if soak them too good. Alternator, just don't stick the gun into the cooler and spray, gentle water or spraying over it should be fine, never had an issue with one.

Low pressure (1500-2000 PSI) , lots of heat to get the heavy grease/oil off. Degrease front lift pivots, engine, rear tie rods, radiator, and any grease you got on the cab and just rinse off with the same low pressure pressure heat. Avoid the chain at the front unless they want to grease the entire chain again, and make sure you take a good look in the engine bay and understand how clean they want them. Also when you wash the front lift points try to push the grease away from the cab unless you want to remove it twice.

If you are just taking off mud, pressure + water volume is your best friend. Don't go too crazy on the pressure, volume is your friend.

These can take 30 mins, they can take 2 hours, all depends on how detailed they want things. Throwing a number out I would say 45 mins to an hour first time, less after depending on how often you are cleaning them. Also depends on how muddy they get in between cleanings, how much they grease, and how bad the engines leak.

Take a good look when you are quoting and understand what they want, and what you can do. Maybe ask to try and clean one or all of them at a trail price and see how things go from there. Just say upfront that this is not your main field and you are willing to give it a shot and make sure both you and the customer are happy with the results.

If you have any more questions don't hesitate to ask.
 
Thanks Ben

These are at a local lumber company and they stay on clean concrete, no mud etc. They mainly want to degrease eng compartment and give the outside a light cleaning. They look clean to me but they want them done. Twice a month , every time I clean the front walks
 
Your price is reasonable. Grease build up will blow off but a degreaser will be needed. A strong mix will lighten the paint if left on to long. Biggest problem is if you clean the engine and water gets where it shouldnt and it wont crank.
 
My local lumber company just wanted the dust washed off, not degreased. I figured them at 5-10 minutes a piece. Your stores GM's expectations are the most important thing. That's great that they are getting the concrete cleaned twice a month!
 
Mike

They have three lifts, standard size nothing huge. Want them cleaned every time we clean front walk which will be twice per month. I usually do figure most jobs by what amount of time it will take, labor ins fixed exp etc and how much per hour i need. Just have never was he these before and had no clue on how long they can take. Thanks for the feedback
 
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