Summer forklift maintenance
Get your forklifts & material handling equipment summer ready.
Summer in New Zealand is set to be a scorcher with average temperatures increasing every year. Great news for summer holiday BBQs and beersies on the water at the next weekend fishing trip. But what does it mean for you warehouse machinery?
As temperatures rise, so do your forklift's maintenance requirements. Having a regular maintenance and service schedule for your fleet is essential all year round, but especially during the hotter months when heat can cause internal problems and damage to your equipment.
Planning for unforeseen repairs and costs is a must but knowing what to look for is even more important and could save you money and unnecessary down time. These ideas can help you prepare your forklift and keep it running smoothly through the coming months:
Make sure your air flow is clear.
Dirt and dust can build up in your air filters, making it difficult for your forklift to release any trapped heat. To ensure proper forklift airflow, clean your equipment frequently and blow out or replace any blocked filters.
Examine Your Batteries.
Overheating can be caused by a damaged or malfunctioning radiator. Check that your radiator is free of blockages, fan belts are adjusted, and your radiator hoses are free of cracks or leaks.
Keep your fluids topped up.
Regularly check that all of your oils and fluids, including coolant, are at the proper levels.
Examine the tyres, hoses, and belts.
Summer heat can cause forklift rubber components to crack and wear out quickly. It's critical to inspect your tyres and forklift hoses on a regular basis, and to replace them if they are showing signs of cracking.
Work in a safe manner
In the summer, be sure you're driving your forklift safely. Overloading your forklift can cause it to overheat, resulting in workplace damage or safety issues that could result in injury to the operator as well as those nearby. Check your forklift dashboard for any signs of stress and, always allow the unit to cool down in a shaded area when not in use. As an operator, stay hydrated and avoid working in direct sunlight for lengthy periods of time. Your forklift's health is just as vital as your own.
In the summer, be sure you're driving your forklift safely. Overloading your forklift can cause it to overheat, resulting in workplace damage or safety issues that could result in injury to the operator as well as those nearby. Check your forklift dashboard for any signs of stress and, always allow the unit to cool down in a shaded area when not in use. As an operator, stay hydrated and avoid working in direct sunlight for lengthy periods of time. Your forklift's health is just as vital as your own.
The key things to remember to keep your machinery from overheating are that your forklift gets enough time in between shifts to cool down and keep fluids topped up.
With locations across the south island, our service technicians are here to help you keep your fleet and your business running smoothly through the summer months.
Need to know more? Head over to our forklift service page or give our team a call
Christchurch
33H Foremans Road
Timaru
30 Washdyke Flat Road
Nelson
128 Main Road
Dunedin
Unit 14 / 4 Strathallan Street