Checklist for Winter
By Kyle Firkins - January 17, 2025
CHECKLIST FOR COLD WEATHER OPERATION
Safety, Battery, Fuel, Etc.
Safety First
Three points of contact when you mount and dismount your forklift. Be mindful that you’re interacting with snow and ice, and accidents due to slips and falls are all too common. Always wear a seatbelt when operating machinery and be cautious.
Internal Combustion engines
Diesel, LPG, Gasoline
Keep your fuel in top condition, especially with diesel in winter: Assure the glow plugs are working properly and allow the forklift to warm up for a few minutes before starting work. Keep a spare water separator and fuel filter.
Use Proper LP Fuel: Propane with a higher propane-to-butane ratio (often referred to as “winter blend” or “cold-weather propane”) is designed to perform better in lower temperatures.
Keep LP Tanks Warm: Cold temperatures can cause the pressure inside the propane tank to drop, which could lead to poor engine performance. Ensure the antifreeze levels/concentration are appropriate for sub-zero temperatures. Change Oil. Use winter-grade engine oil for better viscosity in cold conditions. Always allow the forklift to warm up for a few minutes before starting work. This will help the engine and fuel system reach optimal operating temperature, improving overall performance.
Electric Battery operated
Keep the battery charged at least monthly and store the unit in a warm place. This will help keep the battery from freezing and prevent damage. Never store forklift batteries outside during the winter months. It’s also important to check the water level in your battery regularly at the end of a charge cycle. Avoid overfilling the water in the battery as this can cause it to leak and damage your equipment and consider using deionized distilled water based upon your water source.
Benefits of Using Lithium-Ion Batteries for Forklifts
Lithium-ion batteries are becoming increasingly popular in a variety of industries, including forklifts. There are many benefits to using lithium-ion batteries for forklifts, including:
If you’re looking for a forklift that can provide increased runtime, faster charging, and increased efficiency, lithium-ion batteries are the way to go. You’ll also enjoy the benefits of lower maintenance and a more environmentally friendly option.
Check starting devices
Check to make sure block heaters and cold weather starting devices are working properly.
Check ice buildup.
Check for Ice or snow build up in exhaust or intake if applicable. Inspect and clear Ice or snow build up from throttle, and brake area.
Warm up to improve steering response: Steering response on equipment with hydraulic steering may become very slow at low temperatures, even when the correct oils are used. Once the engine is started, let the machine idle until the engine reaches operating temperature.
For Idle Machines:
Start once a month, when the temperature is above freezing.
Avoid starting a machine in extreme cold weather.
Operate hydraulics for a brief time.
Do not try to break crawler type machines from a badly frozen situation. It can result in power train damage.
Test batteries and use proper procedures if a unit needs to be started with an assist device or jumper cables.
To have your forklift inspected or serviced for the winter, give us a call today!
Go Back Safety, Battery, Fuel, Etc.
Safety First
Three points of contact when you mount and dismount your forklift. Be mindful that you’re interacting with snow and ice, and accidents due to slips and falls are all too common. Always wear a seatbelt when operating machinery and be cautious.
Internal Combustion engines
Diesel, LPG, Gasoline
Keep your fuel in top condition, especially with diesel in winter: Assure the glow plugs are working properly and allow the forklift to warm up for a few minutes before starting work. Keep a spare water separator and fuel filter.
Use Proper LP Fuel: Propane with a higher propane-to-butane ratio (often referred to as “winter blend” or “cold-weather propane”) is designed to perform better in lower temperatures.
Keep LP Tanks Warm: Cold temperatures can cause the pressure inside the propane tank to drop, which could lead to poor engine performance. Ensure the antifreeze levels/concentration are appropriate for sub-zero temperatures. Change Oil. Use winter-grade engine oil for better viscosity in cold conditions. Always allow the forklift to warm up for a few minutes before starting work. This will help the engine and fuel system reach optimal operating temperature, improving overall performance.
Electric Battery operated
Keep the battery charged at least monthly and store the unit in a warm place. This will help keep the battery from freezing and prevent damage. Never store forklift batteries outside during the winter months. It’s also important to check the water level in your battery regularly at the end of a charge cycle. Avoid overfilling the water in the battery as this can cause it to leak and damage your equipment and consider using deionized distilled water based upon your water source.
Benefits of Using Lithium-Ion Batteries for Forklifts
Lithium-ion batteries are becoming increasingly popular in a variety of industries, including forklifts. There are many benefits to using lithium-ion batteries for forklifts, including:
- Increased Runtime: Lithium-ion batteries can provide up to twice the runtime of traditional lead-acid batteries, which means your forklift can run for longer periods without needing to be recharged.
- Faster Charging: Lithium-ion batteries can be charged in as little as 2 hours, which is much faster than lead-acid batteries.
- Increased Efficiency: Lithium-ion batteries are more efficient than lead-acid batteries, meaning they lose less power during operation.
- Lower Maintenance: Lithium-ion batteries require no maintenance, unlike lead-acid batteries that must be regularly checked and serviced.
- Environmentally Friendly: Lithium-ion batteries are more environmentally friendly than lead-acid batteries, as they don’t contain harmful chemicals.
If you’re looking for a forklift that can provide increased runtime, faster charging, and increased efficiency, lithium-ion batteries are the way to go. You’ll also enjoy the benefits of lower maintenance and a more environmentally friendly option.
Check starting devices
Check to make sure block heaters and cold weather starting devices are working properly.
Check ice buildup.
Check for Ice or snow build up in exhaust or intake if applicable. Inspect and clear Ice or snow build up from throttle, and brake area.
Warm up to improve steering response: Steering response on equipment with hydraulic steering may become very slow at low temperatures, even when the correct oils are used. Once the engine is started, let the machine idle until the engine reaches operating temperature.
For Idle Machines:
Start once a month, when the temperature is above freezing.
Avoid starting a machine in extreme cold weather.
Operate hydraulics for a brief time.
Do not try to break crawler type machines from a badly frozen situation. It can result in power train damage.
Test batteries and use proper procedures if a unit needs to be started with an assist device or jumper cables.
To have your forklift inspected or serviced for the winter, give us a call today!