A Louisville, Kentucky-based forklift rental company has reported promising results after installing wear-resistant self-lubricating Vesconite side shift wear pads on a Toyota forklift in July 2024. The company conducted a maintenance review in March 2025 and found no reports of replacements or repairs.
The parts manager at the company was particularly eager to test Vesconite components, recognising the critical role of side shift pads in their fleet’s operation. The positive performance of the pads has sparked enthusiasm, with the manager noting that his mind is “working overtime” thinking about additional applications for Vesconite—not just in forklifts, but across their broader rental equipment inventory. His excitement was evident when he joked about wanting to “go break something” to install more Vesconite components and observe their performance.
The company’s persistent challenge is excessive wear on side shift pads caused by frequent customer overloading. These pads, located between the forklift attachment and carriage, enable precise lateral movement of the forks for efficient and accurate loading. The extreme wear conditions have historically led to frequent maintenance and replacements.
With Vesconite’s exceptional wear resistance and durability, the company remains optimistic about discovering a lasting solution to this persistent issue. The preliminary results suggest that Vesconite’s side shift pads decrease maintenance needs and enhance overall fleet reliability.
