Forklift Winterization Special

by Trey Barber, on October 28, 2022 at 11:42 AM

How and Why to Winterize Your Forklift
People who work in industries that use forklifts (agriculture, lumber, manufacturing, ports, etc.) are often rugged individuals. They're the kind of folks who dig in and work harder when people made of weaker stuff call it quits.

This can-do attitude is essential when you have a demanding job, but it shouldn’t be transferred to your equipment. Forklifts are tough machines, but winter weather can take a toll. 

2022-washington-state-winter-forecast-map

If you don’t already prepare your forklift for cold weather, here are few reasons why you should:

Would you send a little kid out to play in the snow wearing flip-flops and no coat? Of course not. The same logic applies to your equipment. Prepping your forklift for winter weather is the best way to avoid expensive downtime and repair bills.

How and Why to Winterize Your Forklift

The cost of neglecting your forklift can quickly snowball into thousands of dollars worth of unnecessary expenses. Below are five things you can do to prepare your forklift for winter weather.

Check the Cooling System and Fluids

A forklift’s coolant and antifreeze should both be replaced at least once a year. To ensure the forklift is ready for winter temperatures, a technician should also:

  • Verify the radiator is in good condition
  • Clean and flush the cooling system

Look for Leaks and Contamination in the Water Pump

Check for abrasive particles that prematurely wear the water pump seal. If contamination is found, flush the system and check for leaks. In addition to letting in contaminants, leaks allow air to enter, which leads to rust build-up.

Examine Belts

Changing weather conditions can amplify existing issues with a belt. Temperature swings are hard on rubber components, turning even a small crack or nick into a serious problem.

Before cold weather hits, it’s important to inspect your forklift’s serpentine belts for cracks, missing ribs, stretching or brittleness. If any of these issues are found, replace the belt right away.

Inspect Hydraulic Hoses

The hoses that deliver hydraulic fluid to various parts of the forklift will eventually break down. Cracked, bent or brittle hoses will eventually leak and spread debris throughout the forklift’s hydraulic system – a recipe for extensive, unplanned downtime.

Forklift_Parts_Tires_600px

Check Tire Tread

A good set of tires help keep your people, products and forklifts safe in slippery conditions. Before snow and ice set in, check the tire tread depth. Too much wear, and the tires won’t be able to grip. Learn more about when to replace forklift tires.

If your forklifts operate in an area that gets a lot of snow and ice, consider investing in a set of chains, snow tires or (at the very least) salt sand or some other form of grit to throw on the travel paths.

Cold temperatures can also affect tire pressure. Make sure to check it weekly.

Operating Forklifts in Winter: Best Practices

As mentioned above, it’s important to check your forklift’s tire pressure every week in winter. Here are a few additional winter weather do’s:

  • If the forklift has been parked for more than a few hours in the cold, let it idle for several minutes before lifting a load. The engine and hydraulic system need time to warm up.
  • Avoid operating the forklift for less than 30 minutes.
  • Ask your forklift technician if you need winterized fuel or additives.
  • If you run propane forklifts, consider keeping a little extra fuel around in case a bad storm hits and you can't get fuel for a few days.

Are your forklift operators prepared for slippery conditions?
Slip and fall incidents are the leading cause of workers’ compensation claims. The average cost of a slip, trip or fall injury is $36,000-$47,000, and 22% of incidents result in more than a month away from work.
Sources:
BLS, CDC, NSC, National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI)

Make sure forklift operators have the equipment and know-how to take care of your forklifts and themselves. A quick safety meeting about proper clothing and footwear for winter weather can help everyone stay safe (and on the job).

If operators spend a lot of time working outdoors, a hard plastic cab cover can improve comfort and visibility. Avoid the cheap vinyl options. They’re too flimsy for our weather up here in the northwest and aren’t designed to channel water away from the windshield.

Avoid Winter Breakdowns

Why risk downtime when most cold weather breakdowns are preventable? The cost to winterize your forklift is cheap insurance against engine repairs, radiator cracks, broken hydraulic pumps and a whole lotta other things you don’t have time for.

Questions?  We’re here to help. Our goal is to help you keep your fleet running smoothly, not sell you something you don’t need.

Contact us online or reach out directly to our dealerships by phone:

Auburn 253-854-5438
Pasco 509-547-7413
Wenatchee 509-663-9009
Yakima 509-457-5137

Related Reading
What Forklift Tires Do I Need, Cushion or Pneumatic?
Top Forklift Replacement Parts to Keep on Hand

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Topics:Forklift

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Material handling articles to help answer the questions you have about forklifts, aerial equipment, utility vehicles, warehouse optimization, and safety.

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