In the cold winter days, forklifts, as an indispensable tool in the logistics and warehousing industry, play a key role in the transportation of goods. With the decrease of temperature and the instability of weather, the safe operation and effective maintenance of forklifts have become particularly important.

In this chilly season, not only internal combustion forklifts will be affected, but all aspects of the battery of electric forklifts will also be seriously affected, especially like heavy duty forklifts, after a winter, the loss will be particularly serious. Therefore, we urgently need to pay attention to the winter precautions and maintenance of forklifts to ensure the steady operation of equipment, so as to ensure the smooth operation of the workplace.

In order to cope with the cold and challenges of winter, NEOlift will address four key aspects, which are proper management when the forklift is not in use, comprehensive inspection before using the forklift, safe operation guidelines during the operation of the forklift, and the necessary maintenance procedures after using the forklift. By exploring these aspects in depth, we will present you with a comprehensive guide to winter care and maintenance of forklift trucks to help you complete your tasks safely and efficiently during the cold season.

When not in use

Proper protection when storing forklifts is just as important as taking precautions when operating them, ensuring that the integrity of the vehicle is maintained while also ensuring a smooth start to work.

A general rule for forklifts at any time of the year is to ensure that each forklift has been serviced annually and is subject to regular inspections. Especially in winter, inspections should be strengthened, as freezing temperatures may cause more problems, which should be detected and resolved quickly.

If your facility has sufficient space, all forklifts should be stored in a dry area when not in use, as excess moisture can seriously damage moving parts of the vehicle.

If you are using a diesel forklift, make sure the diesel you are using can withstand freezing temperatures, when standard diesel is exposed to cold weather conditions, it can freeze or condense, a process that involves the wax in the fuel crystallizing to form a solid form. Additives can be purchased to prevent this from happening, but the preferred solution is always ahead of schedule. In addition to proper fuel, high quality hydraulic oil should always be used to ensure that each forklift operates safely and efficiently.

Before use

When operating a forklift, the integrity of the vehicle as well as the safety of the operator must be considered.

Before the operator starts the forklift, first check that the area has been properly sanded, before any snow or ice is predicted, and maintain a continuous spreading of any area during inclement weather. This will not only reduce the risk of the vehicle skidding on the ice, it will also improve operator safety when moving around the facility and when entering and exiting the forklift.

One of the important factors in the operation of the forklift is the tire, and it is recommended to use the airbag tire instead of the standard model. Air bag tires are designed to absorb the impact of uneven surfaces, and their thicker tread provides better traction in slippery conditions.

If this type of tire doesn't work for the type of forklift you use, there are alternatives - you can attach to any existing forklift tire, such as tire chains and screws, to achieve a similar effect.

Even in warmer climates, it is still vital to monitor and replenish oil and fuel levels when needed.

In the winter environment, we also need to pay special attention to the level of deicing agent to ensure that it is in the proper state.

The key factor for the operator to consider after completing all the pre-preparation is to allow the vehicle to fully warm up, which will ensure the excellent performance of the engine and hydraulic system.

In use

When operating a forklift in cold weather, the operator needs to take extra care in a number of ways. This includes slowing down and being extra vigilant about your surroundings. Keep an eye out not only for whether the surface is particularly slippery or uneven, but also for the presence of pedestrians and co-workers, as snow, wind and rain can cause visibility problems for both sides.

After use

After the operator has finished using the forklift, in addition to the proper storage procedures mentioned earlier, it is also important to thoroughly clean the vehicle, as the accumulation of dirt and even frosted salt in the tires of any mechanism can affect its function and even the safety of future use of the vehicle.

Although the operator may not be a physical part of the device, their role is crucial. To ensure the smooth operation of the entire forklift system, we need to provide clear guidance to operators and provide them with the right protection and support in the cold working environment. For example, if your forklift operator is responsible for both indoor and outdoor tasks, you can tell them to bundle up - wear gloves to prevent numbness in their fingers, and wear layers of clothing. Caring for the forklift operator is an integral part of ensuring that the entire forklift safety system continues to operate efficiently in adverse weather conditions.