Make sure your fleet is ready for the storm.
As Storm Goretti battered the UK last week with record-breaking winds, heavy snow and widespread disruption, many businesses felt the impact across multiple industries — including material handling and logistics. The violent gusts, icy conditions and power outages served as a stark reminder of how extreme weather can challenge operations and equipment reliability. With winter conditions still ongoing and further snow and ice warnings in place, preparing your forklift fleet for colder, harsher weather has never been more important.
Carrying out forklift winter checks is essential to keep your fleet operating safely and efficiently throughout the colder months. From fluids and batteries to visibility and operator comfort, here’s what to focus on to ensure your forklifts are winter-ready.
Fluids and servicing
▢ Schedule a full service: Replace oils, filters, and lubricants with grades suitable for lower temperatures to ensure smooth operation and reliable starting.
▢ Check coolant and antifreeze levels: Make sure coolant systems are correctly topped up and protected against freezing, particularly on diesel and LPG trucks.
▢ Use winter-grade screen wash: Prevent freezing and maintain clear visibility by using a suitable low-temperature screen wash.
Battery and electrical systems
▢ Check battery condition: Cold weather reduces battery efficiency, especially on electric forklifts. Ensure batteries are fully charged, well maintained, and operating correctly
▢ Inspect connections: Clean and secure battery terminals and electrical connections to reduce resistance and prevent corrosion-related faults.
Equipment, safety, and visibility
▢ Prepare for winter conditions: Ensure tyres are suitable for wet or icy surfaces and check tread depth to maintain traction.
▢ Cab and operator comfort: Confirm heaters, demisters, and cab seals are working correctly to keep operators comfortable and focused.
▢ Maintain visibility: Clean windows, mirrors, lights, and cameras regularly to ensure clear vision during darker winter days.
General maintenance
Book a seasonal inspection: If you don’t maintain your trucks in-house, arrange a multi-point winter check with Hannaman Material Handling to make sure all key systems are in good working order.
Keep essential spares available: Stock common service items such as filters, fluids, and wear parts to minimise downtime if an issue arises.
Winter presents unique challenges for forklift operations, but with the right preparation, your equipment can continue to perform reliably. Proactive winter maintenance helps protect your investment, improve safety, and avoid unexpected disruptions to your operation. You can buy products that can help during times of adverse weather over on Pick4Me.
