Service • Updated Oct 18, 2025 • Southern Nevada

Preventative Maintenance in the Las Vegas Heat

Las Vegas heat, fine dust and long shifts are tough on forklifts. Overheating, clogged filters, foamy hydraulic oil and battery issues show up fast when temps push triple-digits. Use this desert-tuned PM plan to keep your fleet reliable and OSHA-ready.

Quick take: In summer, shorten cleaning and inspection intervals for cooling systems and filters, increase battery watering checks, and document issues before they become downtime.

Desert-Tuned PM Intervals

Interval	Focus Areas	Why it matters here
30 days / 200 hrs	Cooling, air filtration, battery/LP checks, leaks, safety	Dust loads filters quickly; heat pushes cooling to limits.
90 days / 600 hrs	Full PM: hydraulics, brakes, steer axle, grease points, tires & forks	High ambient temps thin fluids; wear accelerates outdoors.
180 days / 1,200 hrs	Coolant service as required, trans/drive fluid sampling, chain stretch	Prevents costly summer failures; validates fluid condition.
Seasonal (May–Sept)	Radiator blow-outs, screens, charger/battery checks 2–3×/week	Pre-empt overheating and loss of runtime.

Daily Operator Checklist (5–7 minutes)

Blow out radiator/side screens (engine side → out). Remove cardboard/plastic obstructions.
Check coolant overflow level; verify no warning lamps after warmup.
Inspect air filter restriction indicator; knock out pre-filter screens.
Hydraulic quick scan: puddles, hose rub points, cylinder rod nicks, mast lube.
Battery: cables tight/undamaged; water after charge to the proper level (flooded).
LP: look at hose cracking, secure tank bracket, no odor/frosting at regulator.
Safety: horn, strobe, backup alarm; seat belt and parking brake; forks locked/pins present.

Cooling Systems: How to Beat Overheating

Clean the right way

Use compressed air from the engine side out to push debris off the fins.
Don’t soak a hot radiator—fast temp changes can warp plastic tanks.
Inspect belts, fan blades/shroud, and radiator cap seal; replace if cracked or weak.

Coolant tips

Verify the correct coolant type and mix; top off at the overflow tank, not the cap.
If you’re adding water frequently, find the leak (hose ends, water pump weep, radiator seams).

Air Filtration & Dust Control

Install/clean a pre-filter screen in front of the radiator; blow it out weekly (more outdoors).
Replace primary air filters more often in dusty yards; keep spares on the shelf.
Watch for dust-triggered fault codes (MAF, MAP) on newer IC trucks.

Hydraulics & Mast

Heat thins hydraulic oil—watch for foamy oil or jerky lift/tilt.
Grease mast channels and chain sheaves; measure chain stretch and equalize left/right.
Inspect hose couplings at steer axle and carriage where flexing is highest.

Electric Trucks: Batteries & Chargers

Watering: in summer, check flooded batteries 2–3×/week; water after charge.
Charging: match charger settings to battery type; keep charger vents clean.
Connections: hot, dusty yards increase resistance—inspect SB connectors and cables for heat discoloration.

LP & Diesel: Fuel and Exhaust

Regulator icing or odor = service; replace LP filters as scheduled.
Shorten engine oil intervals in severe dust; check the intake tract for dust bypass.
Look for exhaust leaks into operator area; heat can shrink gaskets.

Early Warning Signs

Overheat or controller derate after short runs
New leaks or foamy oil following a hot day
Battery runtime suddenly drops or chargers fault intermittently
Uneven mast chain tension after fresh grease

Pro tip: Add a simple “Summer PM” tag in your maintenance log. When temps exceed 100°F, technicians auto-add cooling, filter and battery checks to each work order.

Build a Desert-Ready PM Plan

We’ll tune intervals to your environment and truck mix (electric, LP, diesel; reach, order picker, sit-down). Ask about monthly operator check sheets and OSHA documentation.

Request a PM schedule

FAQ

How often should we PM during summer?

A monthly safety/cooling check plus your regular 90-day PM works for many sites. Outdoor yards may need bi-weekly cleanouts.

Do you service mixed fleets?

Yes—electric (reach/order picker/pallet), LP/gas and diesel sit-downs across major brands.

Can you provide OSHA documentation?

Yes. We provide inspection forms, PM checklists, and operator daily check sheets.