Preparing Your Forklift for Seasonal Weather Changes

Mother Nature can adversely affect all types of equipment, including forklifts, no matter the time of year. Cold weather in the winter can freeze vital engine components and attachments, and warm weather in the summer can lead to overheating. 

Preventative maintenance is the best defense against weather conditions, preventing costly repairs and ensuring safety and efficiency. Still, to ensure equipment’s peak performance and longevity, operators should add processes to their approach to counteract weather-related stress on vulnerable components and attachments.

We’ll explore essential seasonal maintenance practices to ensure your equipment remains safe, efficient, and reliable year-round. 

Preparing Material Handling Equipment for the Cold

Cold temperatures, snow, and icy conditions can seriously affect forklift performance by reducing battery life, altering tire pressure, and challenging hydraulic systems. In addition to proper equipment storage and removing necessary attachments nightly, operators should consider implementing these winter maintenance tasks and processes for essential components and parts to keep equipment running.

Battery Performance

If you have ever had trouble starting your car on a cold winter morning, you understand how cold weather can affect electrical components. The freezing temperatures can quickly reduce battery efficiency and cause rapid discharge, impacting productivity and potentially increasing equipment downtime if left unchecked. 

Storing forklifts indoors will help offset some of Mother Nature’s wrath in these winter conditions. Other practical tips for this time of year include:

• Keeping the battery fully charged to offset extra strain.
• Inspecting the battery connections for corrosion from moisture. 
• Tightening the battery cables if they appear loose. 
• Warming up the equipment before operating.

Coolant System 

The coolant system regulates temperature and prevents the engine from freezing and seizing when temperatures are harsh. According to manufacturer recommendations, operators should check fluids regularly but pay special attention to coolant and antifreeze levels. Antifreeze is essential in winter because it lowers the freezing point of water, so it doesn’t freeze in the coolant system when temperatures go below 32℉. Additionally, operators should inspect the coolant system throughout the season to ensure no leaks or blockages that could cause engine damage. 

Tire Pressure 

Another common winter weather challenge for operators concerns forklift tires. Tire pressure fluctuations from reduced PSI and cracking from icy road conditions are expected in winter conditions, and they can affect how well forklifts run. Operators should check tire pressure often to ensure their PSI is acceptable and inspect tires for cracks or signs of wear. 

Cold weather can wreak havoc on particular materials like rubber, so it’s essential for operators to pay close attention to tire integrity. Winter-replacement tires may be a practical option for certain conditions, as they are engineered to withstand grueling winter conditions and prevent slippages for safety and performance. Chains may also be a simple solution for icy conditions.

Other Cold Weather Maintenance Tips for Forklifts

1. Hydraulic Systems: Operators should test hydraulic systems regularly for lift functionality, especially by switching to a manufacturer-recommended winter-grade hydraulic fluid and inspecting hoses for leaks or damage. Freezing temperatures can also impact the hydraulic functionality of arm attachments, so it’s important to monitor their condition and keep them clean from corrosive salt and debris, too.
2. Cab Interiors: Cab insulation can help operators feel comfortable and safe while handling equipment controls. Installing cab covers and enclosures can also help protect operators from the elements. Operators should also ensure the equipment heater, defrosters, and wipers work correctly to prevent visibility and operational issues while running the equipment. 
3. Work Surfaces: When ice and snow are present, team members should take precautions to keep driving surfaces clear and dry to avoid accidents. Salting any driveways, ramps, and loading docks will help. Operators should also regularly check and wipe any excess salt and road debris that could affect the equipment’s performance. Training operators to drive safely on icy surfaces will also prevent accidents and damage to the equipment. 

Preparing Material Handling Equipment for the Heat

Hot weather, like cold, presents operators with unique challenges. The primary issue during the summer season is overheating, but fluid evaporation and increased equipment wear are also common at this time of year. Preparing forklift components with the following practices should limit the heat’s impact on the equipment. 

Engine Overheating

Any equipment engine is more prone to overheating in the summer, especially for high-load conditions and applications. Overheating can cause equipment failure or even fires in some cases. The equipment’s cooling systems are designed to maintain the engine’s efficiency in these conditions, but maintenance and monitoring will help avoid issues that impact their effectiveness. 

For example, operators should check coolant levels, as heat can cause fluid evaporation. Coolant quality also matters for overheating, so operators should consider opting for high-temperature-rated fluids. Additionally, cleaning components from dust, replacing worn hoses or seals, and inspecting fan functionality will ensure these systems run properly. 

Tire Cracking 

Rubber components are also impacted by heat and direct sunlight, which could lead to cracking. Tires are susceptible to cracking in the warmer months, especially if worn or underinflated. The environment in which they operate will also affect tire performance. 

By inspecting tires frequently, operators can get a head-start on preventing cracks and ensuring tires don’t affect the equipment's operability. Inflating and rotating the tires as necessary will help increase their longevity and performance. Also, operators should remember that asphalt and direct sunlight may cause additional wear and require frequent tire replacements. 

Seasonal Demand

Depending on the industry and region, spring and summer may be the busiest times of year, so forklifts will be in heavy demand. This is coupled with the effects of heat, which we’ve already explained can lead to more wear and the risk of overheating. Operators are also susceptible to the unique heat risks of operating a forklift in warmer weather.

Safety training can help operators recognize the warning signs of overheating—both for the equipment and for themselves and other team members. Any operator working in extreme heat should take frequent breaks and maintain hydration for their safety. They should also learn how to mitigate some risks by avoiding hot surfaces, adjusting payloads, using proper forklift attachments for safe loading, and understanding potential fire hazards. 

Other Hot Weather Maintenance Tips for Forklifts 

1. Regular Oil Changes: Like coolant, hot weather can impact oil, causing it to break down faster and affecting engine performance. Clean oil lubricates the engine, reducing friction and wear while preventing engine overheating. Operators should change the engine’s oil according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and check filters to ensure they aren’t clogged or dirty. 
2. Inspect Heat-Related Damage: Heat can impact attachments, especially when handling heavy loads. A good start to prevent issues from the heat is to inspect attachment bolts and joints regularly, as heat can cause expansion that will loosen connections. Operators should lubricate moving parts often to reduce friction and wear. Hoses are also susceptible to cracking from the heat and should be inspected and replaced as needed. 

Seasonal Forklift Maintenance for Year-Round Success

Forklift maintenance isn’t just about preventing mechanical breakdowns—it’s about preparing for each season's challenges. Companies can protect their forklift components by following these tips and regularly maintaining their material handling equipment while keeping operators and other team members safe. Prioritizing weather-appropriate maintenance will extend equipment lifetime, prevent downtime, and create a safer working environment any time of year.

If you are looking for a replacement fork or an upgrade to your material handling capabilities, explore our advanced fork arm attachment solutions. For special applications or to request a quote, contact the experts at ICHINEN USA today for the right fit.