We’re elbows deep in Summer weather and even if you did everything we suggested in the Spring to prep for Summer, you still need to follow up because hot weather is very, very tough on mechanical engines and forklifts are no different.
Start with the battery. Sure, you check it at the start of every shift but take a minute or two and really check it out. Hot Summer weather can result in excess corrosion and severely reduce your fluid levels. Check your battery cells and make sure the fluid hasn’t evaporated away. It happens before you know it. Refill if necessary (checking for the proper pH).
While you’re checking under the proverbial hood, check your oil. Low oil levels or even oil that is past its change date can lead to a catastrophic engine failure.
For combustion engine-driven forklifts, check that engine. Keep the radiator in tip-top shape by looking for cracks (heat causes all kinds of different trouble) and check your coolant. Refill if you need to. Hoses and belts can crack and snap in extreme heat as well, so check these regularly, too. You’ll know a cracked belt if you see it, and if you see it- change it.
Also, take a look inside the mast and check your chains, connectors and cables. Extreme fluctuations in temperature can damage wires and cables so give them a thorough check more than once or twice over the Summer.
Let’s take care of our forklift operators as well. As we discussed a couple entries ago, fans or other accessories may help make his/her time in the cockpit more comfortable in the heat.
If you have any questions about 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.