23. COLD WEATHER OPERATION
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23. COLD WEATHER OPERATION
23.1 PREPARATIONS FOR LOW TEMPERATURE
If the temperature drops to colder levels, it becomes difficult to start the engine and the coolant may freeze, so do
as follows:
23.1.1 FUEL AND LUBRICANTS
Change to fuel and oil with low viscosity for all components.
See “LUBRICANT LIST” on page 4-2 for details.
23.1.2 HYDRAULIC OIL
Always use genuine Komatsu oil. This gives better protection against rust than normal hydraulic oil.
23.1.3 COOLANT
When the truck is shipped from the factory, it is filled with low-emission type (non-amine type) glycol-
based coolant. It may be used in ambient temperatures as low as -4°F (-20°C), unless otherwise instructed.
On LPG lift trucks, coolant mixture should test safely down to -35°F (-37°C).
Precautions when handling coolant.
• Coolants are commonly used after being diluted. When diluting coolants, use distilled water or tap water.
• Check that there is no leakage of water from the radiator, water pump, or water hoses.
• Drain all coolant and flush the inside of the system to remove any scale before adding new coolant.
• Do not mix the low-emission type coolant with other conventional coolants for use in the truck.
Glycol-based- Dilution
Use dilution commensurate with the lift truck’s operating environment. Note that the lowest allowable dilution is
30%. Be sure to use dilution percentages higher than 30%.
Table values allow for approximately 2% safety margin as against the standard values.
If coolant percentage exceeds 65%, freezing temperature rises conversely. DO NOT add too much
coolant.
23.1.4 BATTERY
When the ambient temperature drops, the capacity of the battery will also drop. If the battery charge is low, the
battery electrolyte may freeze.
• Maintain the battery charge above 75%, and insulate the battery against cold temperature so that the lift truck
can be started easily in the morning.
• If water is to be added, to prevent freezing, wait until before starting operations the next morning before adding
distilled water.
Proportions of water and antifreeze (or coolant)
Min. temperature °F (°C)
14 (-10) 5 (-15) -4 (-20) -13 (-25) -22 (-30) (-35) (-40) (-45) (-50)
Percentage (%) of Coolant
30 36 41 46 50 54 58 61 64
Coolant is flammable, so keep it away from open flame. Never smoke when handling coolant.
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