Lift Truck Tips: Don’t let your equipment get cold fleet

Lift trucks are built to be sturdy and to reliably withstand the harsh conditions in most materials handling applications. But standard models have an Achilles heel; they perform differently and degrade quicker in cold storage environments. Although it is common for a pool of lift trucks to be used alternatively in cold and ambient areas, this practice can compromise safety, equipment and productivity.

There are some steps fleet owners can take to minimize these risks, and they begin with ensuring the equipment that will be used in cold places features optional protection packages. “It is a common mistake to neglect this step,” says Jeff Bowles, product line manager for Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America (MCFA). Bowles says today’s manufacturers of electric lift trucks typically incorporate a high degree of protection for electrical components in the standard chassis. “However, not every standard chassis is designed to withstand cold storage applications. Optional protection packages are available and should be purchased.”

In addition, some electrical components and attachments that might work well in ambient environments are not compatible with cold storage, Bowles says. It is important to be sure that costly lift truck-mounted equipment is not subjected to conditions that will impair its usefulness or shorten its life.

With the chassis—the most expensive portion of the lift truck—protected, then it’s time to focus on the nuts and bolts. Other components that will improve productivity in cold storage applications include softer tire compositions, lighter weight hydraulic oil, an operator cabin, or anti-skid/anti-slip technology to assist with traction and reduce wear on drive tires.

Additionally, the use of narrow aisles in cold storage is common for maximizing the storage capacity. But as the fleet grows in a limited space, traffic and maneuverability can become an issue in the absence of forethought.

If lift truck movement between freezers and ambient environments can’t be avoided, it is best to transition first from a freezer to a cooler before using a cold lift truck in an ambient environment. This will greatly reduce the potential for condensation and corrosion on the lift truck’s components.