We know it’s still early in the year but in some parts of the country the mercury is creeping up, and frankly it’s never too early to start thinking about preparing your forklift for Summer. Some of these suggestions aren’t necessarily Summer-specific. Check these things out all year long.
Start with your batteries. Extreme heat and cold are rough on a battery of any kind, and forklifts are no exception. Battery fluids evaporate, make sure you have the correct amount of water, etc.
Check your fans and belts. Fans can crack and are susceptible to wear and tear like any other part. Fans, of course, circulate air and help keep your engine cool. Belts move the fans but also help move coolant through your system. Belts dry out and crack and need to be replaced periodically. You’ll know a cracked belt if you see it, and if you see it- change it.
Cold, dry weather plays heck with wires and cables as well. Wires can crack and break and the increase in temperatures can cause damaged or corroded wires to break and this can bring your forklift to a full stop. Make sure all your wires are whole, and not brittle. Replace them if necessary before the temperature rises.
Coolant levels will be more important now that at any other time of the year. Check your levels and remember that if your coolant is really low you may have sprung a leak. Hoses, like belts and wires, can get brittle and crack during cold weather so pay special attention to them as well.
Let’s take care of our forklift operators as well. Fans or other accessories may help make his/her time in the cockpit more comfortable in the heat.
If you have any questions about preparing your forklift for any season, give us a shout. Our experts are fully-versed on the change of seasons and can guide you through the process, and even check out your forklift for you.