Melbourne summers don't ease you in.
One week it's 22 degrees and pleasant. The next, a hot northerly is blowing grit across the yard, and by two o'clock the warehouse feels like the inside of a parked car.
Your forklifts cop that heat as well. Engines run hotter. Batteries work harder. And the little things you let slide over winter have a habit of failing right when you're flat out before Christmas.
So, let's go through the checks worth doing now, the forklift spare parts worth having on the shelf, and what to do if a truck goes down mid rush.
Why Heat Is Hard on Forklifts
Heat gets into almost everything.
On diesel and LPG trucks, the cooling system has to work overtime. A radiator packed with dust, or coolant that's a bit low, and you're not far off overheating.
Electric trucks struggle in their own way. Heat is hard on batteries, and lead acid ones can lose water faster when it's hot.
Then there's the hydraulic oil. It thins as it warms up, and you might notice the lift getting a little slower or less smooth.
Don't forget the driver, either. They're the one sitting on that seat for eight hours on a 38 degree day.
Checks to Do Before Summer
An hour or two now can save you a lot of grief in January.
Start with the cooling system on engine trucks. Blow out the radiator. Check the coolant. Run your hand along the hoses and feel for cracks, soft spots, or anything damp. If the fan belt looks shiny or worn, swap it before it snaps on a stinking hot afternoon.
Filters are next.
Summer brings dust, especially out in the yard or on building sites. A choked air filter makes the engine work harder, and that means more heat.
On electric trucks, pay attention to the battery. Check the water in lead acid batteries more often once it warms up, keep the terminals clean, and make sure the charging area isn't a stuffy corner with no airflow.
Have a look at the hydraulics too. Top up the oil if it's low, and check around the cylinders and hoses. A small weep in spring can turn into a proper leak by February.
Last, the tyres. Hot concrete and bitumen chew through them faster than you'd think. Pneumatic tyres also need the right pressure to carry loads safely.
Can't remember the last full service? Book one now, before everyone else does.
Forklift Spare Parts Worth Keeping on Hand
Here's the frustrating bit. The repair itself might take twenty minutes. Waiting for the part can take days.
That's why a small stock of forklift spare parts is worth having. It keeps a small job small.
For engine trucks, think air, oil, and fuel filters, a spare fan belt, coolant, and engine oil. On electric trucks, keep distilled water for lead acid batteries, plus whatever fuses and contactors your technician suggests. Every truck can use spare globes, some hydraulic oil, and the right grease.
Not sure what to stock? Ask whoever services your trucks. They'll know which parts wear out first on your make and model.
And buy genuine or good quality forklift spare parts from someone who knows your machines. That way they fit first time.
Looking After Operators in the Heat
Trucks aren't the only thing that overheat.
A long shift in the heat wears people down, and tired drivers make mistakes. Keep cold water handy. Build in proper breaks. Use the canopy or overhead guard for shade where you can, and get some air moving inside the warehouse.
Tell your drivers to speak up early, too. A temperature gauge creeping into the red, or a noise that wasn't there yesterday, is far easier to fix before it becomes a breakdown.
When a Forklift Goes Down
Sometimes it happens anyway. You've done the checks, and a truck still lets you down on the busiest day of the week.
Forklift hire can fill the gap. A short term hire truck keeps deliveries going out and containers getting unloaded while yours is in for repair.
Some businesses plan ahead and book forklift hire before the peak even starts, because they know they'll need an extra machine for a few weeks. It beats ringing around in mid December when every other business wants one too.
Getting Your Fleet Ready for Summer
What you need depends on your trucks, your loads, and how hard you run them.
For most sites, though, a pre summer check and a few spare parts on the shelf make the hot months a lot less stressful.
Melbourne based Heavy Lift Forklifts handles servicing and repairs and offers hire. You can get your trucks looked at before the heat sets in, and line up a backup if you need one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I service my forklift in summer? Stick to the manufacturer's schedule, but check fluids, filters, and batteries more often while it's hot.
Which forklift spare parts should I keep on site? Filters, a fan belt, coolant, oil, fuses, and globes are a good start. Your technician can suggest others for your models.
Is forklift hire worth it for summer? If a breakdown would hold up deliveries, or you're expecting a busy peak, forklift hire is a practical way to keep things moving.
