How to Protect an Auxiliary Scissor Lift from Cold Weather Damage
Cold weather can affect the performance and condition of an auxiliary scissor lift. Low temperatures may reduce battery efficiency, slow hydraulic response, increase lubricant resistance, and place additional stress on hoses, seals, cables, and moving components.
Proper storage, inspection, charging, and operating procedures can help reduce winter damage. The exact cold-weather requirements vary by model, so always follow the applicable operator's manual and maintenance manual.
Why Cold Weather Protection Matters
Low temperatures may affect:
- Battery capacity and charging performance
- Hydraulic-oil flow
- Lubricant performance
- Hoses, seals, and electrical cables
- Wheels, brakes, and moving joints
- Control response
- Structural surfaces exposed to moisture and road salt
A machine that operates normally in warm conditions may respond more slowly in winter. Operators should allow for these changes and avoid forcing the equipment to operate when components are frozen or damaged.
Store the Lift Properly
Indoor storage is recommended whenever possible.
The storage area should be:
- Dry and well ventilated
- Protected from snow, ice, and rain
- Away from corrosive materials
- On a firm and level surface
- Secure against unauthorized use
When outdoor storage cannot be avoided, use a suitable protective cover without blocking necessary ventilation.
Before storage:
- Lower the platform completely
- Switch off the machine
- Remove the key
- Clean away mud, snow, and moisture
- Check for hydraulic leaks
- Follow the manufacturer's battery-storage instructions
Do not allow water or snow to remain around control boxes, electrical connectors, the platform floor, or moving joints.
Protect the Battery
Cold temperatures can reduce available battery capacity and increase charging time.
To protect the battery:
- Keep it correctly charged
- Inspect terminals and cables
- Clean corrosion from connections
- Keep the battery dry
- Use the specified charger
- Confirm the local power supply and plug configuration
- Avoid unnecessary deep discharge
Do not charge a battery that is frozen, damaged, leaking, or visibly deformed.
Battery type and charging requirements vary between models. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for lead-acid, AGM, lithium, or other battery systems.
Inspect the Hydraulic System
Hydraulic oil may become more resistant to flow at low temperatures, resulting in slower lifting and lowering.
Before operation:
- Check the hydraulic-oil level
- Inspect hoses and fittings
- Look for leaks
- Check seals and cylinders
- Confirm that the specified hydraulic oil is being used
- Inspect hoses for cracking or stiffness
Do not substitute another hydraulic fluid without approval. An unsuitable product may affect system performance or damage components.
If the platform moves slowly, unevenly, or abnormally, stop operation and arrange an inspection.
Check Lubrication Points
Cold weather can affect the performance of grease and other lubricants.
Inspect the lubrication points specified in the maintenance manual, which may include:
- Scissor-arm pivots
- Pins and bushings
- Platform-extension rollers
- Gate hinges
- Wheel or steering joints
- Outrigger pivots, if equipped
Clean away dirt, ice, and old grease before applying lubricant.
Use only the specified lubricant and avoid excessive greasing. Too much grease may attract dust and conceal damaged components.
Complete a Pre-Use Inspection
Before using the lift in cold weather, inspect:
- Platform and guardrails
- Entry gate
- Scissor structure
- Wheels and brakes
- Outriggers, if equipped
- Control panels
- Emergency-stop buttons
- Emergency lowering system
- Warning alarms
- Electrical cables
- Hydraulic hoses
- Safety labels
- Battery and charger
Remove all snow and ice from the platform, steps, controls, wheels, and surrounding work area.
Do not operate the machine when:
- Controls are frozen
- The platform floor is slippery
- Ice prevents normal movement
- A hose, cable, or seal is damaged
- A warning system does not function
- The machine cannot be positioned on a suitable surface
Warm Up the Machine Carefully
The machine may require a short warm-up period before normal use.
After startup:
- Allow the systems to stabilize
- Operate the controls slowly
- Test lifting and lowering without unnecessary load
- Check for abnormal noise or vibration
- Confirm that the brakes and controls respond correctly
- Complete the required function tests
Do not immediately operate the lift at maximum load or speed when hydraulic and mechanical components are still extremely cold.
Prevent Snow and Ice Accumulation
Snow and ice may interfere with:
- Platform controls
- Guardrails and gates
- Scissor mechanisms
- Limit switches and sensors
- Outriggers
- Wheels and brakes
- Warning labels
Never use sharp tools, open flames, or uncontrolled heat sources to remove ice from the machine.
Use a safe cleaning or thawing method approved for the equipment. Components should be dry before the lift returns to service.
Operate Only in Suitable Conditions
Before outdoor operation, confirm:
- The model is approved for outdoor use
- Wind speed is within the permitted limit
- The surface is firm and level
- Snow does not hide holes or edges
- The ground can support the machine
- Visibility is sufficient
- Weather conditions are expected to remain suitable
Gradeability should not be interpreted as permission to elevate the platform on an icy or sloped surface.
Do not operate the lift during severe snow, freezing rain, strong wind, or other conditions outside the limits stated in the operator's manual.
Clean the Machine After Use
After winter operation:
- Remove snow, ice, mud, and road salt
- Dry exposed surfaces
- Inspect the chassis and scissor structure
- Check electrical connectors
- Inspect hoses and seals
- Recharge the battery as required
- Check for corrosion
- Store the machine in a protected area
Salt and chemical de-icing products can accelerate corrosion. They should be removed as soon as practical.
Common Winter Maintenance Mistakes
Avoid:
- Using an unspecified hydraulic oil
- Operating with frozen controls
- Charging a damaged or frozen battery
- Leaving snow on the platform
- Ignoring slow hydraulic response
- Starting full-load operation immediately
- Storing the machine while wet
- Using open flames to remove ice
- Operating on hidden holes or icy slopes
- Bypassing alarms or safety systems
Questions to Ask Before Winter Operation
Confirm:
- What is the permitted operating-temperature range?
- Which hydraulic oil is specified?
- Which lubricant should be used?
- How should the battery be stored and charged?
- Is the machine approved for outdoor winter use?
- What wind and surface limits apply?
- Are additional inspections required?
- Which replacement parts should be kept available?
Conclusion
Protecting an auxiliary scissor lift in cold weather requires proper storage, battery care, hydraulic-system inspection, lubrication, cleaning, and careful operation.
Before winter use:
- Follow the model-specific manual
- Remove snow and ice
- Inspect batteries and hydraulics
- Test all controls and safety systems
- Allow the machine to warm up gradually
- Operate only within approved weather and surface limits
- Clean and dry the equipment after use
Contact Mantall for model-specific maintenance information, technical documentation, spare parts, and auxiliary scissor lift support.
