As temperatures drop in the Southeast, preparing farm warehouses and agricultural worksites for colder weather is critical to keep operations safe, efficient and productive.
Forklifts provide the power, maneuverability and versatility needed to move heavy loads, reorganize storage areas and support seasonal maintenance tasks in potentially challenging winter conditions. But these machines must also be winter-ready.
Heavy workloads, harsh environmental conditions and temperamental weather can accelerate maintenance needs for engines and hydraulics, making it even more important to service forklifts and other equipment before winter sets in.
Key Forklift Needs for Cold Weather Prep
Even after the busy fall harvest season has passed in the Southeast, plenty of work remains as the weather cools. Forklifts help facilitate this winter prep, ensuring operations remain productive and safe.
Moving and Organizing Stored Crops and Supplies
Cold weather often requires shifting crops, feed, fertilizer and equipment into protected areas. Forklifts efficiently move pallets, totes and bins into warehouses, sheds or covered storage to prevent spoilage and damage from freezing conditions.
Forklifts with pneumatic tires and strong traction safely operate on frozen ground or icy surfaces, while reach trucks and narrow-aisle forklifts are ideal for maximizing space in tight storage areas.
Supporting Facility Maintenance and Upgrades
Cold weather preparation often involves moving and setting up heaters, insulation, temporary walls or additional storage racks. Forklifts with high lift capacities and specialized attachments help transport these materials safely and efficiently.
Handling Equipment and Fuel Supplies
From generators to fuel tanks, forklifts assist in moving heavy, bulky items that are essential for powering and heating farm sites and warehouses through winter. All-terrain forklifts are well-suited for moving across uneven ground and icy outdoor areas.
Clearing and Cleanup for Safety
Winter prep also means maintaining safe, organized work areas. Forklifts and skid steers can remove debris, snow-cleared pallets and unused equipment to keep aisles, storage zones and loading docks clear for efficient workflow.
Getting Forklifts Ready for the Cold Season
Cold weather doesn’t just affect your crops and facilities. It also takes a toll on your equipment. Preparing your forklifts before freezing temperatures set in helps avoid costly downtime and supports overall warehouse cold-weather safety. Regular tune-ups ensure your equipment is in good, working order for a productive and efficient cold-weather season.
Service Engines and Hydraulics
Heavy workloads combined with cold weather start to put extra stress on engines and hydraulic systems. Schedule seasonal inspections to check lubricant and antifreeze levels, filters, seals and hoses to keep machines running smoothly.
Battery and Electrical Checks
Cold weather reduces battery performance, especially for electric forklifts. Inspect batteries for corrosion, ensure connections are tight and fully charge batteries before shifts. For internal combustion models, check starters, alternators and glow plugs to avoid hard starts in freezing conditions.
Tires and Traction
Icy or frozen surfaces make traction essential. Inspect tire tread depth and consider pneumatic or specialty tires designed for better grip in slick conditions. Proper inflation is critical, as cold air can lower tire pressure quickly.
Warm-Up and Storage Practices
Forklifts should be given a few minutes to warm up before heavy use in freezing conditions. If possible, store equipment indoors or under cover to reduce exposure to ice and moisture.
Routine Cold-Weather Inspections
Implement daily walk-around checks during the winter months. Look for leaks, monitor fluid levels, test brakes and ensure lights and heaters (if equipped) are working properly.
Winter Forklift Prep Checklist
- Service engines and hydraulics: check fluids, filters and seals
- Inspect batteries and electrical systems for performance in cold starts
- Check tires and traction, including tread depth and inflation
- Allow equipment warm-up time before heavy use
- Store forklifts indoors or under cover when possible
- Perform daily walk-around inspections during cold months
G&W Equipment: Your Winter Prep Partner
With dependable equipment and expert support, G&W Equipment helps farms and warehouses across North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia prepare for the challenges of winter. From providing the right equipment for moving heavy crops and supplies to servicing your existing forklifts and trucks for reliable cold-weather performance, G&W has the solutions to keep your operations running smoothly through the season.
Get ahead of the cold! Contact G&W Equipment to learn more about our forklift selection or to schedule forklift service in North Carolina, South Carolina or Georgia.