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Short service life of electric forklifts in cold storage? 5 maintenance tips to make your equipment last 3 more yearsElectric forklifts in cold storage are always labeled as "short-lived" — low temperatures cause batteries to "suffer from power los

Date: Jul 14, 2025

Electric forklifts in cold storage are always labeled as "short-lived" — low temperatures cause batteries to "suffer from power loss anxiety", high humidity makes motors "rusty", and deformed forks even lead to a sharp drop in efficiency. Users often ask: "How long can an electric forklift last on a single charge?" "How long is the lifespan of an electric forklift's lithium battery?" In fact, 90% of the shortened lifespan is due to improper maintenance! Today, we share 5 exclusive maintenance tips for "Electric forklift for cold storage" to make your equipment last 3 more years and avoid wasting money!

I. "Short-lived culprits" of Electric forklift for cold storage

Fast battery attenuation: In low-temperature environments, the capacity of lithium batteries shrinks by 30% (more obvious at -20℃), and deep discharge will accelerate battery "scrapping";

Prone to motor rust: High humidity in cold storage (>80%) leads to accumulation of condensed water in motor heat dissipation holes, resulting in reduced power after rusting;

Fork deformation: Frequent loading + low-temperature embrittlement make forks easy to bend, reducing loading efficiency by 20%.

II. 5 maintenance tips to extend lifespan by 30%

1.Battery maintenance: "Shallow charge and shallow discharge" every week, avoid deep discharge

Problem: Deep discharge of lithium batteries in low temperatures (power <20%) will damage the internal structure and shorten the lifespan of electric forklift lithium batteries.

Operations:

lCharge to 80%-90% after daily operation (avoid full charge);

lIf the power is lower than 30%, charge immediately (prohibit "overworking");

lUse a dedicated charger for 1 "balanced charge" every month (to balance the state of battery cells).

2.Motor protection: Clean heat dissipation holes monthly to eliminate condensed water

Problem: High humidity + large temperature difference in cold storage make motor heat dissipation holes easy to block, and condensed water seepage causes short circuits.

Operations:

lAfter shutting down, wait for the motor to cool down (about 30 minutes), and blow clean the heat dissipation holes with compressed air in reverse;

lFocus on cleaning the air inlet (easy to accumulate dust) and air outlet (easy to condense);

lApply waterproof grease once a quarter (to prevent rusting of hole openings).

3.Fork straightening: "Physical examination" every quarter to maintain loading efficiency

Problem: Fork deformation will cause load deviation, increase the burden on the hydraulic system, and shorten the overall lifespan.

Operations:

lMeasure the height difference between the two sides of the forks with a tape measure (standard ≤2mm);

lSlight deformation can be adjusted with a fork straightener (prohibit violent tapping);

lSeverely deformed (>5mm) should be replaced immediately (Hengwang original forks support quick replacement).

4.Gear oil replacement: "Oil change" every six months to prevent low-temperature solidification

Problem: Ordinary gear oil will thicken below -10℃, leading to insufficient lubrication and gear wear.

Operations:

lUse -40℃ low-temperature special gear oil;

lDrain old oil every six months, flush the gearbox with new oil, and then fill;

lCheck the oil level (needs to submerge 1/3 of the gear).

5.Circuit detection: "Mine clearance" every year to prevent aging and short circuits

Problem: Wires in cold storage are easily eroded by condensed water, with high risk of short circuit after aging.

Operations:

lUse a multimeter to detect line insulation (resistance ≥1MΩ);

lFocus on checking motor terminals (easy to oxidize) and battery connecting wires (easy to loosen);

lReplace aging wires in time

Conclusion

The short service life of Electric forklift for cold storage is not due to poor equipment, but improper maintenance! Hengwang not only provides "cold-resistant configurations" such as low-temperature resistant original batteries and rust-proof motors, but also helps you extend equipment life through this "5-step Maintenance Guide". Fill in your information now to get a free Hengwang Electric forklift for cold storage Exclusive Maintenance Manual + battery life calculation table!

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