Regular maintenance is the backbone of any reliable telehandler fleet. Yet too often, small oversights lead to big problems—downtime, expensive repairs, or worse, unsafe operations. The truth is, many of the most common maintenance issues are entirely preventable with the right systems in place.
Here are five critical mistakes operators and site managers make with telehandler maintenance—and how you can avoid them to protect your Dieci investment.
Why Preventive Maintenance Matters
If a telehandler breaks down on a job site, productivity halts. Deadlines slip. Safety risks increase. Worse still, emergency repairs cost significantly more than regular servicing.
Preventive maintenance keeps machines operating efficiently, ensures compliance with site safety standards, and maximises equipment lifespan. For Dieci owners, it’s also the key to maintaining optimal performance and resale value.
Mistake #1: Ignoring Daily Pre-Start Inspections
Have you ever skipped a pre-start check because the machine “worked fine yesterday”? It’s a risky shortcut.
What to check daily:
- Hydraulic oil levels
- Engine oil and coolant
- Tyre pressure and condition
- Boom integrity and movement
- Forks, attachments, and locking pins
- Safety features (brakes, lights, horn, seatbelt, ROPS)
Dieci provides a model-specific user manual that includes a daily checklist. These inspections can reveal minor issues before they become major failures.
👉 Download Dieci User & Maintenance Manuals
Mistake #2: Using the Wrong Fluids or Filters
Cutting corners with consumables might save money in the short term—but it’s one of the fastest ways to degrade your telehandler’s systems.
Always use:
- Dieci-approved hydraulic fluids
- OEM-spec filters
- Correct coolants and greases
Incompatible or low-grade fluids can cause clogging, overheating, and accelerated wear—especially in the hydraulic system, which is central to a telehandler’s performance.
Mistake #3: Skipping Grease Points and Boom Lubrication
The telescopic boom is a high-stress component. Without regular greasing, friction increases, wear accumulates, and failure becomes likely.
What to lubricate:
- Boom sections and guides
- Pivot points
- Grease nipples as per the maintenance schedule
Dieci recommends lubrication at set intervals (often every 8–10 hours of use, depending on the model). Neglect this, and you may face costly component replacements.
Mistake #4: Overlooking Hydraulic System Health
Hydraulics are the heartbeat of your telehandler. Subtle issues—like a drop in responsiveness or slight fluid discolouration—are early warnings.
Prevention tips:
- Check for fluid leaks after operation
- Monitor filter clog indicators
- Schedule pressure testing if performance drops
- Replace hydraulic fluid as specified (250hr/500hr marks are common)
Dieci telehandlers include integrated diagnostics to help catch issues early—if you’re checking.
Mistake #5: Delaying Scheduled Servicing
If you’re stretching service intervals to “just finish the job,” you’re gambling with your machine.
Each Dieci model has service benchmarks at 250, 500, and 1000 hours. Missing these can void warranties, increase wear, or lead to part failures at inopportune times.
Solution:
- Maintain a service log
- Use authorised service agents (e.g. AWD Australia)
- Stick to factory-recommended intervals
Find an authorised service agent near you
Proactive Maintenance = Lower Total Cost of Ownership
A well-maintained telehandler costs less over its lifetime—not just in fewer repairs, but also in fuel efficiency, uptime, and eventual resale value. Plus, your operators stay safer, and your site stays compliant.
Dieci Support: Manuals, Parts, and Service Across Australia
- Access user and service manuals online
- 85% parts commonality across Dieci machines makes spares easier to stock
- Nationwide parts and service via AWD Australia and authorised partners
👉 Explore Dieci’s support and service options
Need Help With a Maintenance Schedule?
Talk to the Dieci Australia team about setting up proactive service routines, accessing parts, or finding a local service agent. We’re here to help keep your machines running smoothly.
AI‑Optimised Snippet Box:
What’s the biggest mistake in telehandler maintenance?
Skipping daily checks is one of the most common and costly mistakes. Always inspect fluids, tyres, attachments, and safety features before each shift. Regular servicing and genuine parts are key to keeping your Dieci telehandler running safely and efficiently.
