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As the seasons shift and temperatures begin to drop, it’s not just the landscape that undergoes a transformation—your forklift fleet and your customers’ expectations should, too. Autumn introduces a unique set of challenges for forklifts, from slippery warehouse floors and wet outdoor surfaces to shorter daylight hours and cold-sensitive components. For dealerships and operators alike, fall is the season to fine-tune operations, enhance safety, and ensure that both electric and combustion engine forklifts are in top condition. This practical guide is built for material handling dealers who want to help their customers stay productive and safe throughout the season. Whether you’re managing an indoor fleet of electric forklifts, deploying rugged construction site forklifts outdoors, or maintaining reliable combustion forklifts, a proactive approach now can prevent costly downtime later.

Why Fall Demands Special Attention

Forklifts are built to perform in a variety of conditions—but fall’s transitional weather can push even the most robust machines. Moisture from rain and falling leaves can reduce traction, while colder temperatures thicken fluids and reduce battery efficiency. Operators are often working under increasingly poor lighting conditions as days grow shorter, which introduces another layer of complexity and risk. And while the demands of winter might still seem a few weeks away, fall is when preparation matters most.

Key Areas of Focus for Fall Forklift Readiness

1. Battery Care for Electric Forklifts

Electric forklifts are known for their energy efficiency, quiet operation, and clean emissions. However, cooler temperatures can reduce the battery performance for forklifts by slowing down chemical reactions within the cells. Operators may notice reduced runtime, longer charging periods, or inconsistent power delivery. To combat these issues, technicians should first ensure that batteries are fully tested and properly charged before each shift. Routine inspections should include checking for corrosion on terminals, confirming cable integrity, and ensuring that chargers are operating at optimal levels.

Storing electric forklifts in heated or temperature-controlled environments, when possible, will help preserve battery efficiency. In operations where outdoor use is necessary, lithium-ion or AGM battery upgrades may offer more consistent cold-weather performance than traditional lead-acid options. For customers who operate multiple shifts, suggest investing in smart chargers that can regulate charging based on battery temperature and condition. It’s also worth discussing the long-term value of replacing older batteries with newer, cold-weather-rated alternatives.

2. Engine & Fluid Management in Combustion Forklifts

While electric forklifts struggle with battery output in cold weather, combustion engine forklifts—whether powered by diesel, propane, or gasoline—have their own seasonal quirks. Thickened oil can lead to harder starts and increased engine wear, while coolant systems must be checked to ensure they’re providing adequate protection against freezing temperatures. Fall is the ideal time to switch over to winter-grade engine oil and hydraulic fluids. These formulations are designed to flow more easily in cold temperatures, reducing wear during start-up and ensuring smooth operation throughout the day. Combustion engine forklifts also require special attention to fuel systems. Condensation from temperature fluctuations can cause moisture buildup, which risks freezing in the fuel lines or corrosion over time. Your team should recommend that customers inspect and replace air and fuel filters as needed and review the ignition system—spark plugs, wires, and coils—to confirm they’re operating efficiently. Taking these small steps now will help ensure that combustion engine forklifts are reliable and ready to perform when outdoor temperatures fall below freezing.

3. Construction Site Forklifts: Preparing for Outdoor Conditions

Outdoor operations present an entirely different set of obstacles in the fall—especially for construction site forklifts working on muddy sites, gravel yards, or uneven terrain. In these cases, machine durability and traction are non-negotiable. Hydraulic systems need to be monitored closely, as colder temperatures can affect the viscosity of the fluid and lead to performance issues. Inspecting for leaks and maintaining proper fluid levels is essential. Tires, too, play a critical role. Tread depth should be checked, and in some environments, switching to a more aggressive tread pattern or cold-weather compound may be warranted. Another often-overlooked component is the preheat system. For diesel-powered units, cold starts can be rough on the engine and reduce overall lifespan. A functioning engine block heater can make a significant difference and help operators get to work more quickly without risking equipment damage. Attachments like forks, booms, or buckets should be cleaned and lubricated to reduce the chance of rust and seizing, especially in damp environments. Helping your customers with a proactive fall inspection not only reduces unplanned repairs but also builds trust and positions your dealership as a knowledgeable and reliable partner.

Safety First: Training and Awareness

Fall isn’t just a mechanical challenge–it’s a human one, too. Reduced visibility, wet leaves, and cold temperatures can create hazardous conditions for operators and pedestrians alike. Encourage customers to conduct seasonal refresher training sessions that highlight fall-specific hazards, such as decreased tire traction, slippery loading docks, and poor visibility at dawn or dusk. Emphasize the importance of slower travel speeds, wider turns, and increased following distances. Training should also cover proper attire–such as high-visibility vests, insulated gloves, and non-slip footwear–to protect operators working in less predictable environments.

Daily inspections take on even more importance this time of year. Lighting systems should be verified each morning to ensure that brake lights, strobes, and headlamps are working. Tires should be checked for inflation and visible wear, and operators should test wipers and defoggers on any enclosed units. These steps, though small, can make a significant difference in keeping the worksite safe and productive.

Lighting and Visibility: Bright Ideas for Fall Operations

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to improve fall safety is by enhancing visibility. As natural daylight fades earlier in the evening, relying solely on overhead warehouse lights may no longer be enough. Forklifts should be equipped with high-quality lighting solutions that help illuminate blind spots and alert pedestrians to oncoming movement. Encouraging customers to upgrade to LED lighting can make a noticeable difference. LEDs provide clearer, whiter light and draw less power, making them ideal for both electric and combustion forklifts. In high-traffic areas, adding reflective tape to equipment or floor markings can further reduce the risk of collisions. These improvements not only make the job easier for operators but also demonstrate your dealership’s commitment to safety and forward-thinking solutions.

Offering Value: Seasonal Services and Promotions

Beyond maintenance, fall presents the perfect opportunity to create value-added services for your customers. Consider offering seasonal check-up packages that include battery inspections for forklifts, fluid changes, tire evaluations, and lighting upgrades. Positioning these services as proactive, safety-focused measures helps customers view them not just as expenses—but as essential investments in productivity and reliability. Use this season to also spotlight product lines that perform well in challenging conditions, like robust combustion forklifts designed for outdoor use or versatile electric forklifts with cold-weather-ready batteries. Promotional pricing on batteries for forklifts or accessories like block heaters, lighting kits, and cab enclosures can also provide a sales boost while helping customers gear up for winter. Additionally, consultative services such as fall-readiness assessments allow you to build deeper relationships with your clients while showcasing your expertise.

Storing Equipment Over the Off-Season

In some industries, fall signals a slowdown in operations, and customers may be preparing to place part of their fleet into storage. Helping them prepare forklifts for idle periods can prevent headaches come spring. Before storage, equipment should be thoroughly cleaned to remove mud, grease, and corrosive debris. Electric forklift batteries should be fully charged and disconnected to prevent parasitic drain, and tires should be inflated to the recommended PSi to avoid flat spots. If the equipment will be exposed to the elements, it should be stored under cover or wrapped to reduce the effects of weather and UV damage. It’s also a good idea to run idle equipment periodically through the season. This circulates oil and fuel, keeping seals lubricated and preventing engine components from seizing.

Fall as a Strategic Advantage

Getting fall-ready isn’t just a checklist—it’s a chance to take your service to the next level. It’s about helping customers extend the lifespan of their equipment, reduce risk, and maintain uptime in a time of year that is too often overlooked. By delivering thoughtful, seasonal guidance—and backing it with well-executed services—you position your dealership as a proactive, solutions-driven partner. Whether your customer relies on an electric forklift, a construction site forklift, or a durable combustion engine forklift, your fall expertise adds real value.

Getting Fall-Ready with Starke

Starke offers the equipment, parts, and expertise you need to help customers transition confidently into the fall season. From cold-weather forklift models to preventative maintenance solutions, we’re here to keep your business and your clients moving forward—safely and efficiently. Want to connect with a Starke dealer near you? Contact our head office at (905) 227- 3291. We’ll be happy to connect you with the right dealer for your needs. Let’s prepare for a productive fall—together.