The summertime has finally rolled around, but with the summer season comes the summer heat and it can become intense as we get into full swing. But the sun can have a detrimental effect on a number of things, from mobile phone batteries to forklifts. So with that in mind, here’s what could happen to your forklift if it becomes exposed to extreme temperatures, together with some tips for safe forklift operation during the summer.
What can happen to my forklift if it’s exposed to summer heat?
You might not have considered how the summer heat can affect your forklift’s performance, especially if you’re needing to use it outdoors. There are a number of different ways in which the heat can negatively affect your forklift and it’s important that you’re aware of what those effects could be to protect your machinery and your employees.
The forklift could leak oil
The warm weather can lead to a reduction in how effective the seals are. Believe it or not, but electric and diesel forklifts can have this issue, so make sure you store your machine in a cool and dry place when not in use. If you notice, however, that the forklift is leaking oils as a result of the summer heat, then these seals can be replaced for something with a tighter fit and any lost oil can be replaced also.
You could have an issue with the forklift battery
Not only can the heat reduce how long your battery works for, it also affects how well the battery charges up in the first place. Not to mention it could also have long-term effects on the battery itself, deteriorating its lifespan considerably. This then means that more maintenance needs to be done on it, but you might also be required to replace it far more often than initially thought.
Tyres could deteriorate
Rubber tyres can become affected by intense summer heat. It can cause defects and cracking in the rubber itself, so make sure you check the tyres before and after every use. During a heatwave, you should also double-check the tyre pressure because it could be that it’s way too high, which can subsequently lead to blow-outs, which can be dangerous.
The belt could crack
Depending on the forklift model you have, there are belts within the forklift that aid in moving the fans to push coolant through the system. When exposed to heat, these belts can become dry which leads to cracking overtime. This is something you need to keep an eye on, because the belt will need to be replaced as soon as any defects are realised.
The engine would overheat
Just like with cars and other vehicles, the summer heat can cause the engine to overheat, which is dangerous. Where this is difficult to prevent whilst in use and exposed to the sun, when it’s not in use, you should store it somewhere cool and dry. Once the engine has cooled completely, take steps to clean the fan, removing any dust you might see. Dirt can form a film which only enhances the overheating issue even further.
7 tips for operating a forklift safely during the summer
Just as your
forklift and other pieces of
warehouse equipment need to be looked after during the summertime, so do you and your employees. You should make sure that they’re fully-trained in forklift operation and that they regularly check the machine before and after every use.
This can help to pick up on any issues that might have occurred as a result of the summer heat. Moreover, your workers need to remain healthy, especially when working outdoors. With that in mind, here are a few tips for operating a forklift safely during the summertime:
- Take regular breaks – summer heat can cause exhaustion and dehydration. Take breaks regularly to ensure you rest throughout the day
- Stay hydrated – the heat can cause dehydration, so make sure you drink little and often to prevent becoming dehydrated
- Eat a hearty breakfast before your shift – before you go to work, make sure you have eaten a decent meal beforehand to keep your energy levels up
- Wear sun cream – UV rays are powerful and can even penetrate through clothing. If you’re going to be working outdoors, make sure you apply sun cream generously to legs, arms, your neck, your back and your face, to name a few areas where sun cream should be applied
- Know & understand the signs of an overheating machine – as soon as you spot the signs of a machine that’s overheating, turn everything off and move away from the area. You should then notify a competent person of the problem so they can aid in cooling the equipment back down again
- Inspect forklift tyres before operating – if you notice the tyres are damaged or cracked, do not operate the machine. Notify the right person so tyres can be replaced as soon as possible
- Recognise the signs of heat-related illnesses – if you notice that your colleague is confused, nauseous, dizzy, sweating heavily ot losing focus, to name a few symptoms, notify a first aid officer immediately
Multy Lift have over three decades of experience in the material handling industry, providing customers across the country with first-class, high-quality warehouse equipment that will stand the test of time. In addition to new and used forklifts, we can also provide reach trucks, order pickers, stackers and more. For further information about how we can help you today, get in touch with a member of our expert team – we’re always pleased to hear from you. 
