Electric forklifts can be used outdoors, but they must meet specific conditions, and not all types of electric forklifts are suitable for outdoor scenarios. The feasibility of their outdoor use mainly depends on the forklift's design type, protection level, battery performance, and outdoor environmental factors, which require a comprehensive judgment based on actual scenarios.

I. Types of Electric Forklifts Suitable for Outdoor Use

II. Core Restrictions for Outdoor Use of Electric Forklifts

1. Adverse Weather Restrictions

• Use in heavy rain, heavy snow, or heavy fog is prohibited: Rainwater can easily penetrate core components such as motors and controllers, causing short circuits; snow-covered/icy roads will significantly reduce tire grip, leading to skidding and rollovers; heavy fog impairs visibility and increases the risk of collisions.
• High/low temperatures affect battery performance:
  • High temperatures (>35°C): Battery charging and discharging efficiency decreases, and battery aging may accelerate. Direct sunlight should be avoided (a sunshade can be used if necessary).
  • Low temperatures (<-5°C): The capacity of lithium batteries will decrease significantly (by 20%-40% possibly), and lead-acid batteries may even crack due to freezing. It is necessary to preheat the battery in advance or ｓｅｌｅｃｔ a low-temperature-adapted battery.

2. Road Condition Restrictions

• Operations on rough, gravel-strewn, or pothole-ridden roads are prohibited: Such roads can easily cause damage to the forklift chassis and tires, and even lead to cargo tipping.
• Outdoor roads must be "basically flat" (slope ≤15%) and free of sharp obstacles (such as steel bars and broken glass) to prevent tire punctures or body scratches.

3. Protection Level and Battery Life Restrictions

• Protection level must meet standards: For electric forklifts used outdoors, the protection level of core components (motor, controller, battery interface) must be ≥ IP54 (dustproof + protection against splashing water). For humid environments (such as outdoor use during rainy seasons), the level should be upgraded to IP65 (fully dustproof + protection against jetting water).
• Battery life must match operational needs: Outdoor operations usually involve long distances and no fixed charging points. It is necessary to calculate the battery life in advance (generally, outdoor-specific forklifts have a battery life of about 4-8 hours, depending on the load and road conditions) to avoid sudden power failure during operation.

III. Precautions for Outdoor Use of Electric Forklifts

1. Pre-Operation Inspection

• Focus on checking the tires (inflation pressure, presence of damage), braking system (outdoor roads have low friction, so brakes must be sensitive), battery power, and the tightness of the protective cover.
• In cold weather, start the forklift in advance to preheat it for 10-15 minutes, and begin operation only after the battery and hydraulic system enter the working state.

2. Operational Standards

• Control driving speed: Although outdoor visibility is good, road conditions are complex. The speed should be ≤10 km/h (reduce to below 5 km/h when turning), and sudden braking or sharp turns should be avoided.
• Comply with load regulations: The load capacity of outdoor forklifts is usually 10%-20% lower than that for indoor use (e.g., if the rated load is 3 tons, the recommended outdoor load is ≤2.7 tons). Additionally, cargo must be securely fixed to prevent falling due to jolts.

3. Post-Operation Maintenance

• Clean the forklift body: After outdoor operations, rinse the body in a timely manner (use low-pressure water; avoid direct high-pressure water spraying on motor interfaces), and wipe dry the battery and electrical components to prevent corrosion caused by dust and mud accumulation.
• Recharge the battery: Charge the battery immediately after the day's operations (even if there is still a lot of remaining power) to avoid battery undercharging and extend its service life.

Conclusion