Hot-Weather Lift Truck Tips

Working in the heat can be miserable for you and your machinery. Thankfully, if you’re struggling to beat the heat on your worksite, we’ve written up some tips to help you avoid some of the worst results of high temperatures. To learn more about protecting yourself and your lift truck from the heat, check out our article, below. 

Avoid Overheating 

Once a lift truck has overheated, it will usually take at least 4 hours to cool down and will need to rest for 24 hours before it’s safe to operate. This is why it’s better to avoid overheating when possible. Before you start, double-check that your lift truck’s fluid reservoirs—especially the coolant—are full and that the liquid inside is clean and clear. Double-check that vents on your machinery aren’t packed with dust or debris and try to avoid idling your lift truck for long periods of time when temperatures are high. 

Take It Easy

When temperatures soar to extremes it’s important not to push yourself to extremes in order to get the job done. Take breaks very frequently and be sure to have plenty of water on hand to keep yourself hydrated. You’ll also want to have some extra protective gear on hand such as sunglasses, a hat, and a small handkerchief or towel to keep sweat from dripping into your eyes. 

For more helpful lift truck tips and maintenance advice, stop by your go-to lift truck dealership, KMC Forklift. We offer a convenient location in Bryan, Texas to help you tackle all of your important lift trucking needs, and we look forward to serving those nearby in Caldwell, College Station, and Hearne, Texas.