As the temperature rises, so does the strain on your equipment. For businesses relying on lithium-powered forklifts, summer presents unique challenges that can affect efficiency, safety, and longevity. Unlike their lead-acid counterparts, lithium-ion batteries are more resilient, but even they need some extra seasonal care. Here are EP Equipment’s top maintenance tips and best practices to keep your lithium forklifts in peak condition through the hottest months.
Keep Lithium Batteries Cool and Protected
Lithium-ion batteries operate best within a moderate temperature range. Prolonged exposure to high heat can impact battery life and performance.
- Shade and Ventilation: Always store forklifts in shaded, well-ventilated spaces when not in use. Avoid leaving equipment in direct sunlight for extended periods.
- Cool-Down Periods: After intense use, allow your forklift to cool down before initiating a charging cycle. This prevents excessive heat buildup during recharge.
- Temperature Monitoring: Equip your fleet with temperature sensors or use battery management systems (BMS) to actively monitor battery health and flag anomalies.
Optimize Charging Habits
Summer heat can exaggerate the effects of poor charging habits.
- Smart Charging: Schedule charging during cooler periods, early mornings or late evenings, to reduce thermal stress.
- Avoid Overcharging: Modern lithium batteries are less prone to overcharging, but it’s still wise to ensure charging systems are functioning correctly and monitored regularly.
- Partial Charging: When possible, use opportunity charging to top off batteries without fully draining or overloading them.
Inspect Cooling and Airflow Systems
A clean and functional cooling system can make a significant difference during summer.
- Check Air Vents and Fans: Dust buildup can block airflow and reduce cooling efficiency. Regularly inspect and clean vents, fans, and radiator areas.
- Ensure Airflow Around Components: Don’t stack items or park forklifts in ways that block cooling outlets. Good airflow around the forklift helps prevent heat accumulation.
Adjust Operational Routines
Operational practices often need seasonal tweaking.
- Take Regular Breaks: Encourage operators to give machines short breaks during continuous use in high heat. Even five-minute pauses can help.
- Avoid Excessive Loads: Overloading the forklift stresses the motor and battery, especially in hot weather. Stick to recommended capacity limits.
- Keep an Eye on Dash Indicators: Modern forklifts provide warning signals for overheating and other issues. Train staff to respond promptly to alerts.
Leverage Technology and Data
Modern lithium forklifts often come with software tools that offer real-time insights.
- Update Firmware: Ensure that all systems, especially BMS software, are up to date. Updates often include performance optimizations for different operating conditions.
- Utilize Fleet Management Tools: Use apps or dashboards to track usage patterns, battery temperatures, and potential issues across your fleet.
Train and Communicate
Your best asset is a well-informed operator.
- Seasonal Briefings: Conduct quick training refreshers before summer peaks, highlighting key do’s and don’ts for hot-weather operation.
- Share Visual Aids: Post maintenance checklists or quick guides in charging stations and warehouse entry points for easy reference.
Why Choose EP Equipment’s Lithium Forklifts
EP Equipment offers a versatile line up of lithium-powered forklifts engineered to thrive in demanding environments. With smart charging capabilities, innovative battery management systems, and robust build quality, our trucks are designed for performance and reliability, even in summer heat.
Looking for compact manoeuvrability? Explore our TVL Series. Need powerful lifting for larger loads? The EFL 3 Series might be your perfect fit.
Browse the full EP Equipment lithium forklift range to find solutions tailored to your operations.
Conclusion
Taking a proactive approach to summer maintenance ensures not only smoother operations but also extends the life of your investment. Lithium forklifts are built for efficiency, and with the right care, they’ll power through the summer just as strongly as any other season.
Want to make sure your fleet is summer-ready? Contact EP Equipment today to speak with our service experts. Your forklifts deserve the best, especially when the heat is on!