Forklift cooling systems keep the engine at a constant temperature to prevent overheating. When the temperatures are hot, it’s easier for heavy equipment to overheat. Excess heat can cause numerous problems, from engine breakdowns to performance inefficiencies. Cooling system services from Medley Equipment Company help your forklifts and other heavy equipment overcome the heat and perform longer.
The Effects of Heat on Forklifts
Excessive heat in your forklift can cause:
- Reduced engine efficiency: High temperatures cause engines to use more fuel while putting out less power.
- Overheating: Overheating causes engine parts to expand and seize, leading to expensive repairs, permanent damage and breakdowns.
- Poor battery performance: Overheating causes batteries to lose their charge and perform inefficiently.
- Improper air intake: Too much hot air in an engine can impact combustion efficiency and air-fuel mixture in the engine. These problems increase emissions while reducing engine performance.
- Component wear and tear: Heat causes engine components like hoses, seals and gaskets to wear down faster, creating leaks and mechanical failures in your machine.
Ways to Keep Your Forklift Cool
Equipment managers need to monitor the engine temperature closely, especially when temperatures are high. Routine maintenance with inspections will identify issues caused by overheating so you can fix them right away. You can prepare for the heat by:
- Inspecting engine fans: Inspect the fan in your engine for damage or wear and replace it if necessary. This damage can make it more difficult to conduct heat away from the engine, leading to overheating.
- Pressure-testing the radiator cap: Perform a pressure test on the radiator cap to ensure it’s maintaining the correct coolant system pressure.
- Assessing the radiator: Examine the radiator for signs of damage, like leaks and cracks or debris. Repair these issues right away, and clean away dirt with a pressure washer or soft brush.
- Parking in the shade: When excavators are outside all day, hot temperatures and the sun can make the engine overheat faster. When not using your equipment, park it in the shade to help the engine stay cool.
- Avoiding excessive idling: Idling for a long time can cause the engine to overheat. If the equipment idles for over 15 seconds, turn the engine off to keep it cool, reduce emissions and save fuel.
- Replacing water with coolant in the engine: Water in the coolant system creates short-term benefits but long-term damage. Replace this water with coolant so the engine runs at a lower temperature.
About Cooling System Service From Medley Equipment Company
Cooling system services allow your equipment to handle the heat. We’ll ensure your forklift’s cooling system is working as expected to:
- Maximize engine performance.
- Improve productivity.
- Prevent engine failure and system problems.
- Reduce maintenance expenses.
- Extend the lifespan of your engine.
Our cooling system services include:
- Analyzing the condition of coolant.
- Replacing coolant when necessary.
- Examining the radiator for cleanliness and debris.
- Maintaining coolant and coolant conditioner levels.
Schedule Cooling System Service at Medley Equipment Company
Prevent overheating and expand the longevity of your forklifts with our cooling system services. Schedule a service with us today!
