It's official: 6 more weeks of Winter are coming according to expert Punxsutawney Phil. This projection for additional winter weather can cause increased wear on your lift equipment, as well as heavy equipment and heavy-duty trucks.
The cold temperatures and winter weather can put lift equipment under additional stress. Low temperatures, moisture, ice, and reduced daylight all combine to increase wear, reduce performance, and raise safety risks. Whether your fleet operates outdoors on construction sites or indoors in warehouses and distribution centers, winter maintenance requires adjustments beyond standard seasonal checks.
This guide outlines best practices for maintaining lift equipment in winter conditions, including forklifts, telehandlers, scissor lifts, aerial work platforms, and similar machines. With these recommendations, you can keep your lift equipment running efficiently all winter long.
Why Winter Maintenance Matters
Winter conditions affect nearly every system on lift equipment. Cold temperatures thicken fluids, reduce battery output, stiffen seals, and increase brittleness in hoses and wiring. Moisture introduces corrosion and freezing risks, while snow and ice compromise traction, stability, and braking.
Ignoring seasonal maintenance often leads to:
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Hard starts or no-start conditions
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Reduced lift capacity or sluggish hydraulics
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Increased component failures
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Higher safety risks for operators and pedestrians
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Costly downtime during peak winter workloads
Proactive maintenance is not just preventive; It is operationally critical.
Pre-Winter Inspection and Preparation
Before temperatures drop consistently, every piece of equipment should undergo a winter readiness inspection.
Fluids and Lubrication
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Engine oil: Verify viscosity is appropriate for cold temperatures. Many engines require a lower-viscosity oil in winter.
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Hydraulic fluid: Cold-rated hydraulic oil improves response time and protects pumps and valves.
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Coolant: Test freeze protection levels. Ensure coolant is rated for local minimum temperatures.
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Grease points: Use winter-grade grease to prevent stiff joints and accelerated wear.
Filters
Cold weather amplifies the impact of restricted airflow and fluid flow.
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Replace fuel, air, hydraulic, and oil filters before winter.
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Drain water separators regularly, especially on diesel equipment.
Belts, Hoses, and Seals
Cold temperatures make rubber components less flexible.
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Inspect for cracks, hardening, or leaks.
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Replace marginal hoses and belts before failure occurs.
Battery and Electrical System Care
Electrical systems are among the most winter-sensitive components.
Internal Combustion Equipment
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Cold cranking amperage drops significantly in winter.
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Load-test batteries and clean terminals.
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Inspect alternators and starter motors for proper output.
Electric and Warehouse Equipment
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Battery capacity can drop 20 to 40 percent in cold environments.
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Keep batteries fully charged and stored in temperature-controlled areas when possible.
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Avoid charging frozen batteries. Allow them to warm first.
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Inspect cables and connectors for stiffness or cracking.
For indoor equipment, even unheated warehouses can fall below optimal battery operating temperatures overnight.
Source: redway-tech.com
Tires, Traction, and Stability
Winter traction issues are a leading cause of incidents involving lift equipment.
Tire Considerations
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Inspect pneumatic tires for proper inflation. Pressure drops as temperatures fall.
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Consider winter-compound tires for outdoor equipment.
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Solid tires should be checked for cracking or chunking in extreme cold.
Surface Awareness
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Snow, ice, and condensation reduce braking and steering effectiveness.
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Train operators to adjust speeds and stopping distances.
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Keep loading docks, ramps, and travel paths clear and treated.
Telehandlers and rough-terrain forklifts may benefit from tire chains where permitted and safe.
Hydraulic System Performance in Cold Weather
Hydraulics respond slower in cold conditions, which can surprise operators.
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Allow machines to warm up before operation.
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Cycle lift and tilt functions slowly at startup.
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Avoid high-load lifting until hydraulic temperatures stabilize.
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Monitor for cavitation noises, which indicate fluid flow restrictions.
Cold-start abuse is a common cause of long-term hydraulic damage.
Operator Practices That Reduce Winter Wear
Maintenance does not stop in the shop. Operator behavior plays a major role.
Startup and Shutdown
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Use block heaters where equipped.
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Never rev cold engines aggressively.
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Park equipment in sheltered areas when possible.
Daily Inspections
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Ice buildup on masts, rails, platforms, and controls should be removed before use.
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Verify lights, heaters, defrosters, and warning alarms function properly.
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Check for overnight leaks caused by thermal contraction.
Visibility and Lighting
Shorter daylight hours increase reliance on lighting systems.
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Inspect work lights, strobes, and reflectors.
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Clean lenses regularly to remove salt and grime.
Indoor Equipment Still Needs Winter Attention
Indoor fleets often receive less seasonal focus, but winter still affects them.
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Cold concrete floors can reduce tire grip.
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Condensation forms when equipment moves between temperature zones.
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Dock areas experience cold air infiltration.
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Batteries may sit idle longer during holiday schedules, increasing sulfation risk.
Even fully indoor scissor lifts and pallet-handling equipment benefit from winter-specific checks.
Storage and Downtime Considerations
Equipment that sits unused in winter requires special handling.
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Store machines with full fuel tanks to reduce condensation.
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Disconnect or maintain batteries with smart chargers.
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Lubricate exposed metal components to prevent corrosion.
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Cycle equipment periodically to keep seals lubricated.
Unplanned winter downtime is often the result of neglected storage practices.
Parts, Planning, and Preventive Maintenance
Winter failures are more disruptive due to weather delays and staffing challenges.
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Stock critical wear items such as filters, hoses, belts, and batteries.
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Schedule preventive maintenance earlier and more frequently during winter.
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Track cold-weather-related issues to identify recurring problem areas.
A well-prepared parts inventory can mean the difference between a short service stop and days of lost productivity.
Lift Equipment Parts at Iron Wing
Need last-minute replacement parts for your Lift Equipment? Looking to stock up on wear parts to avoid downtime? We've got you covered! We carry a large inventory of over 20,000 lift truck parts that are in-stock and ready-to-ship. We also offer priority shipping for those urgent repairs! Our inventory includes top brands such as JLG, CLARK, Genie, Taylor, Marklift, Skyjack, and more. Shop with us today to minimize downtime this winter!