The Tip of the Iceberg on Winter Forklift Maintenance

If you live in Texas, you already know that our winters are anything but predictable. Despite the fact that we are in the southern part of the U.S., it can still get bitterly cold here overnight, and don’t rule out the chance of snow!

With less than perfect winter weather a possibility, your forklift is going to need some extra maintenance attention over the next couple months, especially if you use or store your forklift outdoors. At V-Bar Equipment Company, we know the challenges of winter forklift maintenance in Abilene, TX. That’s why our team has put together a few pointers based on over 20 years of experience that can help protect you, your team and your forklift this winter.

Operator safety

If your business is like ours, you make operator safety a priority. While safety should be a number one priority whenever operating a forklift, it is particularly important in the winter. Be sure that your team has all the appropriate winter gear, including gloves, masks, hats, ear protection, water-resistant boots with deep tread and high-visibility outerwear. Having the appropriate winter gear will help protect your operators from the cold temperatures, slips and falls and potential accidents caused by low visibility as the days get shorter.

Outfit your forklift

Just like your operators, your forklift requires the appropriate winter gear to work efficiently and safely in the cold and unpredictable weather. Investing in a canopy for your forklift will protect your operators, and also protect your forklift. However, be sure to avoid vinyl canopies, which can easily tear, particularly in the cold weather. Hard, plastic covers with gutters to dispel precipitation away from the operator cabin are the best investment.

The next item on your winter maintenance checklist should be your tires. Tire performance can easily be affected by freezing temperatures, especially if you store your forklift outdoors. You should be inspecting your tires daily for cracks, low tread and tire pressure. You should also consider investing in tires with greater traction that will allow your forklift to operate efficiently and safely, even in wet and slippery conditions. You can also consider using chains on your tires, which is another way to gain better traction.

Maintain your work environment

Besides your crew and forklift, you should also take steps to winterize your work environment. Be sure to have lots of salt and/or sand handy to help with safety and traction on slippery surfaces. If faced with a snowfall, it’s important to thoroughly clear the snow before beginning your work for the day.

Daily maintenance

Finally, be sure to stay on top of your daily maintenance checks. Items that you should check daily include the engine oil and other fluids, tires, engine components, lights and safety features.

By following these few simple tips, you can ensure that you and your team enjoy a safe and hassle-free winter. However, if you do find yourself in need of forklift maintenance in Abilene, TX this winter, be sure to reach out to the experts at V-Bar Equipment Company!

Categorised in: Forklift Maintenance

This post was written by Writer