The forklift is an essential equipment for workers operating in large, cold warehouse facilities. With winter just around the corner, forklifts will have to drive through snow and ice, creating potential hazards such as slips or crashes if the tires aren’t properly winter-proofed. To avoid unneeded forklift repairs, our team at BCCM have a comprehensive service maintenance program to maximize your forklift usage and improve your facility’s daily operations. 

We provide Toyota forklift repairs and other great industrial moving equipment. We’ll go over how efficient maintenance can improve your forklift and the safety of the personnel using them. We’ll also detail how to keep your forklift tires running normally and how a BCCM technician can prepare them for the upcoming winter. 

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How Can Efficient Maintenance Improve Personnel Safety?

Efficient forklift maintenance issues can linger from working in the hot summer temperature – when the weather turns cold, ice and snow can ruin your forklift if it’s not properly maintained. Frigid temperatures and moisture can affect everything from the forklift’s battery, hydraulics, electrical system, and engine. It’s important to evaluate all the forklift’s primary operating systems such as its mast, tires, and wheels. For basic maintenance tips on a forklift, you should check three things: the oil and fluid levels, batteries, and brakes. 

For checking the forklift’s oil levels and lubricants, ensure the oil is changed every 150-200 run time hours and that all its parts are greased thoroughly. These fluids make sure your forklift runs properly and you should check their levels before driving it in winter. To avoid further damage from the cold, applying engine coolant or antifreeze to the forklift is also crucial. If not maintained properly, the forklift’s engine can freeze and damage itself. You should take the time to clean, flush out, and add more fluids to the forklift to protect it and let it perform to its peak before winter. 

Next, double-check if the battery of the forklift is charged properly. Cold weather can sap battery power away and shorten its overall lifespan. If your forklift battery power is running low, it will quickly die in the cold if it isn’t recharged. Before winter arrives, be sure to charge your battery and make sure the charging system works. You’ll also want to ensure the battery cables are clean and able to provide maximum charging. 

Lastly, inspect and handle the forklift’s brakes. They’re an important safety component to the forklift, especially if you’re thinking of using them in the winter. Through a thorough inspection and test, you can make sure the brakes are working properly and deal with repairs ahead of time. While working in chilly weather conditions, reliable braking on your forklift helps prevent harm and injury to your employees. 

If you’re unsure what to fix or provide maintenance on, schedule an appointment with a qualified technician. They can check your forklift for you and test out its battery strength before the cold hits. This takes only a few minutes and can save you from more repairs or delays in the future. 

One such issue that often arises is the forklift’s tires. Let’s get into why they are an integral part of the equipment during the winter.  

Why Are Proper Forklift Tires One Of The Most Important Parts Of Operating A Forklift?

Forklift tires are an essential part of the machine because it helps it move and go places. If you want to prevent weather damage to any forklift you use, make sure it’s designed for the condition you’ll be driving it around in. Forklifts made for indoor work should stay indoors. Meanwhile, forklifts made for outdoor work should be able to handle snow and ice on the ground. If your forklift tires are driving indoors at docks or on warehouse floors, keep the area safe by clearing any excess debris. 

Moreover, tires can easily lose air pressure when the temperature drops, so be prepared to check and replenish it when needed. You may also want to check the tire’s tread depth and attach chains to them to maintain their grip on slippery surfaces.

Why Is A BCCM Technician Imperative In Inspecting My Forklift For The Winter Season?

A BCCM technician will make sure your forklift is optimized for wintery working conditions. We will provide a consistent amount of safety inspections and reports to ensure it’s working as it should on ice and snow. If something is wrong, we’ll work hard to address it, make recommendations, and find a solution. Our team is very knowledgeable and experienced, demonstrated by our passion for working with different forklift brands. 

Winterize your forklift equipment with BCCM now before it gets too snowy or icy.