Can Electric Pallet Trucks Be Used in Cold Storage?

From “Functional” to “Optimized” – Equipment Selection and Usage Guide for Low-Temperature Environments

In cold chain warehousing, electric pallet trucks face not only handling tasks but also the continuous challenge of extreme low temperatures. When temperatures drop to -25°C or even lower, standard electric pallet trucks encounter a range of issues including battery performance degradation, thickening hydraulic oil, hardening tires, and condensation/icing in electrical systems.

So, can electric pallet trucks be used in cold storage? The answer is: Yes, but with specialized cold storage configurations. This article provides a systematic analysis of cold storage electric pallet truck selection and usage considerations across five dimensions: battery system, hydraulic system, tires and materials, electrical protection, and operator interface.

1. Core Challenges of Cold Storage Environments for Electric Pallet Trucks

Cold storage environments impose completely different requirements on electric pallet trucks compared to ambient conditions:

Core Conclusion: Standard electric pallet trucks are not suitable for long-term use in cold storage; specialized cold storage configurations are required.

2. Core Configurations for Cold Storage Electric Pallet Trucks

2.1 Battery System: The Core Challenge in Low Temperatures

Selection Criteria:

• Prioritize lithium batteries with self-heating function that automatically preheat to optimal operating temperature in cold conditions

• Confirm the battery‘s actual discharge capacity in -25°C environments, not the room-temperature rated value

• Check for charging temperature compensation to prevent battery damage from charging at low temperatures

Take Diding Lift’s 2T Stand On Pallet Truck Off Road CBDE as an example. Its optional lithium battery upgrade is equipped with an intelligent BMS featuring low-temperature protection and preheating functions, maintaining stable discharge performance in -25°C cold storage environments.

2.2 Hydraulic System: Low-Temperature Hydraulic Oil Selection

Selection Criteria:

• Confirm the equipment is filled with low-temperature hydraulic oil (HV series) , not standard oil

• Check the seal material in the hydraulic system – standard rubber seals become brittle and crack at low temperatures

• Understand the equipment‘s cold-start performance – whether pre-running is required inside the cold storage before normal operation

2.3 Tires and Materials: Slip Resistance and Low-Temperature Durability

Selection Criteria:

• Choose low-temperature polyurethane or special cold storage tires to avoid hardening and cracking

• Confirm tire tread design is suitable for wet/slippery/icy floors with good water and ice drainage

• The CBDE supports optional low-temperature cold storage tires, which, combined with its solid structural design with high stability, ensures stable operation on wet cold storage floors.

2.4 Electrical Protection: Condensation Prevention and Waterproofing

Selection Criteria:

• Confirm the equipment‘s IP protection rating – IP54 or higher is recommended for cold storage environments

• Check that the electrical box has sealing design to prevent moisture ingress

• Verify whether a heating/dehumidifying device is included to prevent condensation on electrical components

2.5 Operator Interface: Ergonomics in Low Temperatures

Selection Criteria:

• Test handle operability while wearing gloves

• Check display clarity in low-temperature high-humidity conditions

• Confirm that safety devices like the emergency reverse button remain reliably triggerable while wearing gloves

The CBDE‘s emergency reverse button is designed with glove use in mind, with optimized trigger area and pressure to ensure reliable safety operation in cold storage applications.

3. Cold Storage Usage Precautions

In addition to equipment configuration, the following operational practices should be observed in cold storage:

4. Summary: Cold Storage Electric Pallet Truck Configuration Checklist

Selecting an electric pallet truck for cold storage is not simply choosing a “cold storage version“ configuration – it requires comprehensive evaluation across five dimensions: battery, hydraulic, tires, electrical, and operation.

For more details on cold storage equipment configuration or customized solutions, please contact Diding Lift. This professional manufacturer has over 12 years of industry experience and a 65,000 m² factory . All products comply with European EN standards and ISO, CE, and EU certifications , and can provide professional cold storage condition assessment and customized solutions.

Need cold storage condition assessment, product selection, or equipment pricing? Send an email to sales@didinglift.com – our professional team will provide one-on-one support within 24 hours.

References

1. Toyota Material Handling. (2025). Cold Storage Forklift Guide: Battery and Component Selection for Sub-Zero Operations. Toyota Material Handling.

2. Jungheinrich. (2025). Cold Storage Warehouse Equipment: Selection and Maintenance Guide. Jungheinrich.

3. EP Equipment. (2025). Cold Storage Solutions for Electric Pallet Trucks. EP Equipment.

4. UL. (2025). Battery Performance at Low Temperatures: Testing and Certification Standards. UL.