Winterizing Your Piggyback Forklift for Peak Cold Weather Performance

When the temperature drops, you can feel it in your equipment right away. Batteries drain faster, hydraulics slow down, and tires lose their grip. For truck-mounted forklifts, the challenge is even bigger. Unlike warehouse units that stay indoors, Princeton PiggyBack® forklifts work outside in freezing wind, on icy roads, and in tough loading environments. That kind of exposure makes winter preparation a must. 

At Beamer’s Piggyback Sales & Services, winter prep is nothing new to us. We’ve helped operators and fleet managers through plenty of cold seasons, and we know how much easier the job gets when forklifts are ready before the freeze hits. In this blog, we’ll talk through what cold weather really does to Piggybacks, the checks that keep them reliable, and why a little extra attention now can save you headaches and expenses all winter long. 

Why Cold Weather Strains Piggyback Forklifts  

Cold weather has a way of exposing the weak points in heavy equipment. Batteries are the first to show it. A unit that fired up without hesitation a month ago may suddenly be struggling, since freezing temperatures can cut 20 to 50 percent of its power. That drop makes every start more uncertain. 

Once the engine is running, other systems begin to show the same strain. Hydraulic fluid thickens and slows the mast, which forces pumps, seals, and hoses to work harder than they should. At the same time, the cold pulls air from the tires, lowering pressure day by day. The result is less traction on icy ground and less stability when carrying heavy loads. 

Operators feel these changes in longer warmups, sluggish response, and a machine that doesn’t handle the way it did before the freeze. Managers notice the ripple effect in late deliveries, unscheduled service calls, and downtime that costs more in lost hours than in replacement parts. 

The safety risks are just as serious. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has tied forklifts to more than 600 deaths and over 7,000 injuries each year. When equipment is already stressed by cold weather, the chance of accidents rises. 

Getting ahead of these issues with winter prep keeps Piggybacks steady and supports forklift safety. A little attention now helps crews stay productive and keeps machines dependable through the hardest months of the year.

Pre-Season Checks that Keep Piggybacks Reliable 

Getting ahead of winter makes a real difference in how well your Piggybacks perform. A preseason inspection builds operator confidence and helps managers avoid unexpected repair bills. Think of it as a tune-up before the weather turns harsh. The following safety tips and checks prevent small issues from turning into bigger breakdowns when you can least afford them.  

Fluid Levels and Condition 

Fluids often show the first signs of cold weather trouble. A quick seasonal check should cover three areas: 

• Hydraulic oil: Thickens in freezing temperatures, which slows mast response and strains the pump. 

• Engine oil: If it does not circulate easily, bearings go without proper lubrication and starts feel rough. 

• Coolant: Summer levels may not protect the block once deep freezes arrive. 

Switching to low-temperature formulas keeps response quick, protects seals and bearings, and makes starts smoother all season long. 

Batteries and Block Heaters 

Cold weather cuts battery power quickly. A unit that feels strong in the fall may fail entirely once temperatures dip. Smart winter prep includes: 

• Load testing: Finds weak batteries before they fail on the job. 

• Block heaters: Help engines start on the first try, even in subzero conditions. 

• OEM replacements: Princeton PiggyBack® batteries and parts provide consistency and long service life. 

These small steps keep fleets reliable and reflect the kind of fleet maintenance practices that keep trucks and forklifts moving in tough conditions. 

Tires and Brakes 

Winter conditions make traction and stopping power less predictable. Both systems should be checked together: 

• Tires: Air pressure drops in the cold, reducing grip. Worn tread increases risk on slick ground. 

• Brakes: Stopping distance is already longer on ice, and thin pads add to the danger. 

Regular checks of these systems help operators trust their machines and keep schedules on track.

How to Protect Piggybacks During Winter Downtime 

When forklifts sit for weeks at a time, cold weather can still take its toll. A machine parked outdoors can collect ice in its hoses, and once the lines freeze, cracks often follow. Storing equipment indoors or at least under cover shields it from moisture and keeps the hydraulic system from stiffening. 

Electronics also need attention. Condensation that builds up on control panels can corrode contacts and lead to failures that only appear once you try to start the machine again. Protective covers and treatments help keep these systems reliable until work resumes. 

Batteries are another point of failure during long idle periods. Disconnecting them or keeping them on a maintenance charger prevents slow drain and protects against costly spring replacements. Treat downtime as active maintenance time, and your Piggybacks will be ready the moment work picks up. 

Preventive Maintenance Keeps Costs Down and Fleets Moving 

Preventive maintenance is more than a seasonal checklist. For managers, it becomes a tool for controlling costs and planning with confidence. When service is built into the schedule, repair budgets stop swinging wildly from one month to the next, and downtime becomes easier to anticipate instead of something that blindsides the operation. 

The financial benefits are proven. Companies with structured programs save up to 25 percent in equipment-related costs each year, and fleets that stay on service schedules often see forklifts last 50 percent longer. In the winter, those savings mean even more, because unplanned repairs are harder to coordinate and lost time hits the bottom line faster. 

This approach also strengthens accountability. A documented program shows crews that equipment care is a priority, and it demonstrates to regulators that the company is serious about OSHA compliance. The result is a fleet that performs more reliably, operators who feel supported, and managers who know the numbers will hold through the coldest months. 

Beamer’s Piggyback Sales & Services is Ready to Support Your Fleet 

Winter always puts equipment to the test, but preparation keeps operators and managers in control. With the right steps, batteries stay strong, hydraulics respond smoothly, and crews keep moving without interruption. 

At Beamer’s Piggyback Sales & Services, we focus on Princeton PiggyBack® forklifts and understand how cold weather affects them in the field. Our team provides OEM parts, seasonal inspections, and structured service programs designed to keep downtime low and performance steady. 

Now is the time to prepare your fleet before the harshest conditions arrive. Keep your Princeton PiggyBack® reliable through every season. Contact us today to schedule service or order OEM parts.