Introduction to Basic Features of an Electric Forklift
December 12, 2018Buy Used Electric Forklifts for Sale or Rent Them: Which Saves You Money?
December 21, 2018
You do not need to have studied rocket Science to know that winter is coming. The falling of leaves and the nip in the air should be enough signs that you should be preparing your electric forklifts for the winter operations.
It is important to winterize your Forklifts to ensure that they are in a position to thaw the ice breeze. The information on forklifts preparation is essential even to those planning to purchase new forklifts and also to those planning to buy used forklift for sale. To ensure maximum nonstop operations in this winter, then it is your responsibility to provide the following services on your forklifts.
Keep your forklift clean in the Winter
Make sure your forklifts are free from dirt and mud. Mud and dirt can clog parts, and that can cause significant trouble to your forklift hence stalling operations. Cleaning of forklift is recommended at regular short intervals especially on sensitive components that can quickly destroy.
Outfitting Your Forklifts
Considering the amount of time your forklifts will be in operation, it is essential to install a protective windscreen, canopy or cover to ensure the comfort of your forklift to the operators. It is also appropriate to install corrugated plastic hardcovers with gutters and ribs to eliminate accumulated precipitation away from the cabin where the operator operates.
Winterized Fluids
The freezing temperatures during winter cause some issues to the fluids used in your forklifts. In most of the cases, the extremely low temperatures can result in the formation of ice, clouding or gelling in lubricants and non-winterized fluids.
You will need to purchase special fuel for winter or place special additives for winter into the fuel system to prevent the fuel from condensing. With your engine oil, you will need a W oil weight for winter with a few consistent to the lowest temperature you expect to experience.
Maintenance Needs
Extremely low temperature and additional moisture are expected during winter. These conditions create quite some maintenance issues. To reduce these issues, start by performing routine maintenance tasks and regularly conduct serious inspections, paying particular attention to critical systems such as the mast, fuel, and electrical systems.
Consider special tires
During winter, the formation of ice on driveways and working areas means that your forklifts need special tires to improve their grip when using in snow areas. Tire pressure should also be an essential factor to consider as well as ensuring proper tread depth of the tires so that to avoid slip-ups of forklifts when in operation on snow areas.
Check batteries and charging systems
Cold winter weather is dangerous on your equipment's batteries. Proper checks on batteries are necessary on a regular basis; a certified battery technician should do the checking for optimum performance of the forklift.
The Takeaway
Winter weather can and will cause serious trouble on your forklift fleet if necessary preparations are ignored. Winter weather is harsh to forklifts, but when the developments mentioned above are followed, forklift failure becomes a thing of the past.
