Lifts in winter: working at height in frost, wind and snow

Building sites do not stop for winter, and installations, façades and roofs have to be fitted in December too. Cherry pickers (aerial work platforms, MEWPs) then work normally, provided you choose the right machine and allow for a few things that frost, wind and snow change in work at height. Here is what we check ourselves before a winter delivery and what is worth knowing on site.

Electric or diesel: what works better in winter

Traction batteries deliver less energy at low temperature: in a few degrees of frost the real working time of an electric platform on one charge can fall by as much as a third, and charging takes longer. That is why for outdoor work in winter we recommend diesel machines: rough terrain scissor lifts, articulating and telescopic boom lifts with 4×4 drive, which have no problem with frost and cope on frozen, uneven ground. We leave electric platforms for halls, preferably heated ones, where they charge at a normal temperature. More on the differences between drive types in the article electric or diesel lift.

Daily preparation of the machine in frost

• Warming up: a few minutes of engine running at idle and a few boom movements without load, so that the hydraulic oil reaches temperature; cold oil means slower, jerky movements.
• Fluids: winter-grade fuel in diesels, coolant with the right freezing point, the hydraulic oil level. Machines from our fleet go out in winter prepared in this respect.
• Ice and snow: remove ice and snow from the platform, access steps, guardrails and sensors (overload, tilt) before stepping in; an iced-up platform is a risk of slipping and of false sensor readings.
• Tyres and outriggers: check the pressure (pneumatic tyres) and that the feet of the outriggers are not standing on ice; put plates under the feet.
• Starter battery: in diesels frost weakens starting; after a longer standstill the machine should be connected to a charger or started every day.

Ground, wind and visibility

• Frozen ground bears load, but after a thaw it softens quickly: plan the set-up position with a change of weather in mind and keep load-spreading mats to hand.
• Cleared, ice-free ground is a condition of work: the tilt sensor will block lifting when the permitted slope is exceeded, but wheel slip on ice is more dangerous than the slope itself.
• Wind up to the manufacturer’s limit speed (usually 12.5 m/s): in winter gusts are more frequent, and frozen clothing and gloves make operation harder. In stronger wind, a blizzard or fog, work is stopped.
• Short days: provide lighting for the place of work; work lights on the platform are an option you can ask for when ordering.

The operator in winter

The harness and lanyard are mandatory as always, but in winter there is clothing to consider: warm, not restricting movement, with reflective strips, gloves that allow the joystick to be operated. Plan more frequent, shorter shifts on the platform: a chilled operator makes more mistakes. We have collected the rules of work at height that apply whatever the weather in the article safe work at height.

Delivery and service in the winter season

We arrange deliveries all year round; in snow we ask for a cleared access route and unloading place, because a lorry with a lift must be able to drive up and off the ramps safely. If there is a problem in frost (difficult starting, slow hydraulics, a sensor fault), our mobile service comes, and when a repair on site is not possible, we supply a replacement machine. We also offer winter preparation of your own machines (fluids, batteries, a pre-season inspection) under our service packages.

Frequently asked questions