020 8880 3322Winter can be harsh on your forklifts and operators, but proper preparation and maintenance can position your business for a profitable season. Follow these 9 forklift winterization tips to help ensure longer uptime during the months ahead.
- Cold weather is hard on batteries. Have the battery and charging system checked for optimum performance.
- Clean, flush and put new antifreeze in the cooling system. As a general rule of thumb, this should be done every year.
- Check the tire tread depth and tire pressure. If snow and ice are a problem in your area, consider special tires designed to grip slick roads. During winter, tire pressure should be checked weekly.
- Be diligent about changing the oil and filter at recommended intervals. Dirty oil can spell trouble in winter.
- Have your technician check the fuel, air, hydraulic and transmission filters at the same time.
- If you’re due for a service, have it done before winter sets in. Winter magnifies existing problems such as pings, hard starts, sluggish performance or rough idling.
- Have the ‘breaks’ checked to confirm that the lift truck’s braking system is working properly.
- Have the exhaust system checked for carbon monoxide leaks, which can be especially dangerous during cold weather while stored inside buildings.
- Check all warning lights, work lights and tail lights to ensure they are operating properly.
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