8 Steps To Winterize A Forklift
Posted on: 3 June 2016
The winter months can take a toll on your construction equipment, including your forklift. By taking the time to winterize your equipment, you can extend its lifespan and ensure that it is safe to use throughout the cold weather months. Here are eight steps you need to take now to winterize your forklift.
- Swap out the tires. Bad weather conditions, such as snow and sleet, can make your forklift dangerous to operate. Pneumatic tires are a better option for the winter. The tire is reinforced rubber that is designed to withstand extreme temperatures.
- Add a weight block. The combination of a load and slippery road conditions can make the forklift easier to tip over. The addition of a weight block to the forklift helps to increase its stability and decrease the chances of tipping.
- Place gravel and grit on the ground. Just as a car can slide in icy conditions, so can the forklift. If you are working in the same outdoors area with the forklift, consider placing gravel and grit to provide more traction and reduce the chances of sliding.
- Inspect the battery. Cold weather can easily drain the battery on the forklift. By getting the battery and the charging system inspected before the cold weather arrives, you can ensure both are up to handling the upcoming conditions.
- Change the oil. Dirty oil in your forklift's engine can accelerate the amount of wear and tear on the part. Cold weather can make the situation worse because the engine has to work harder to compensate for the less than favorable conditions. To give your engine a good start, have the oil and filter replaced.
- Get a tune-up. If the forklift is experiencing problems, such as rough idling or hard starts, the cold weather can make those symptoms worse and eventually lead to a complete breakdown. The tune-up helps to ensure parts, such as the spark plugs, are ready for the winter.
- Store the forklift in a dry area. Moisture can be an enemy to the forklift. The moisture can lead to rust buildup and cause operational problems. At the end of the day, the forklift needs to be kept in a dry area that is protected from cold weather.
- Talk to your employees. Regardless of what steps you take to winterize your forklift, if your employees are not trained in winter safety handling practices, an accident can occur. Ensure that every employee is properly trained before use.