Choosing Pallet Trucks and Stackers for Cold Storage: 5 Key Considerations

For companies operating cold storage facilities, selecting material handling equipment comes with additional specific requirements. This article briefly outlines the five key factors cold storage businesses should consider when choosing stackers and pallet trucks, helping companies procure equipment that is safer, more efficient, and durable.

1.Low-Temperature Adaptability

Cold storage temperatures typically range from -30°C to 0°C. Standard electric pallet trucks may experience reduced power and shorter battery life under such conditions. Therefore, batteries for electric stackers and pallet trucks must meet higher standards. Using batteries designed for low temperatures or those with heating functionality, along with low-temperature hydraulic oil, ensures maximum stability and reliability during lifting and transporting operations.

2.Frost and Moisture Protection

Cold storage environments generally have high humidity, which can cause metal parts to rust and electrical components to experience condensation or short circuits. To prevent this, equipment must have robust anti-corrosion treatment, moisture-proof sealing, frost-protection design for critical components, and low-temperature resistant tires.

3.Operational Safety

Cold storage floors are prone to being slippery or frosted, which increases the risk of accidents during material handling. Therefore, pallet trucks and stackers should have anti-slip tires, a braking system suitable for low temperatures, and control handles designed for operators wearing thick gloves.

4.Maintenance and Serviceability

Equipment used in cold storage must be easy to clean and allow for quick inspections. To prevent ice or frost from affecting key components, heating or insulation attachments can be added to enhance reliability.

5.Functional Optimization

In cold storage, pallet trucks and stackers must not only transport goods but also operate continuously and reliably. This requires that the electric pallet trucks deliver stable power, the stacker’s hydraulic lift operates smoothly in low temperatures, and the equipment is capable of long-duration low-temperature operations.

These are the key points QSLIFT recommends cold storage companies focus on when purchasing stackers, pallet trucks, or forklifts. They also summarize the most common questions we receive from cold storage clients.

If your company operates a cold storage facility and you have additional insights or strategies regarding material handling equipment selection, we welcome you to share your thoughts with us.