UNITED KINGDOM / AGILITYPR.NEWS / May 12, 2026 / With summer at the horizon, winter is fading into memory - and so are the challenges brought by cold weather. But Pallet Truck Shop, the UK’s largest supplier of pallet and sack trucks, is warning warehouses and logistics operators not to assume the risks of cold weather are over.

Damage caused by winter conditions to equipment often only becomes visible months later - frequently during busy spring and summer trading periods when equipment is under renewed pressure.

Cold temperatures, damp conditions and condensation can accelerate wear on manual handling equipment throughout winter. Wheels harden and crack more easily, hydraulic systems are placed under greater strain, and seals can deteriorate due to repeated exposure to fluctuating temperatures. Yet because many of these issues develop gradually, businesses may not notice a problem until workloads increase again later in the year.

Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at Pallet Truck Shop, said the delayed nature of winter-related wear catches many operators off guard.

“A lot of businesses think that once the cold weather passes, the risk disappears with it,” he explained.

“In reality, winter damage often shows up weeks or even months later. Equipment may continue functioning well enough at first, but the wear caused by cold conditions can suddenly lead to breakdowns during spring and summer peaks - just about the worst possible time.”

Chesworth added that pallet trucks, stackers and table trucks often endure harsher treatment in winter than operators realise.

“One of the most common mistakes businesses make is postponing inspections once winter ends. After surviving the colder months, equipment is often assumed to be in good condition, despite having accumulated unseen wear that compromises long-term reliability,” he said.

Pallet Truck Shop is encouraging operators to carry out thorough spring maintenance checks on all manual handling equipment, paying close attention to wheel condition, hydraulic performance and any signs of fluid leakage or stiffness in operation. Addressing smaller issues early can prevent costly downtime later in the year.

“There’s a tendency to focus maintenance efforts before winter, and that’s always good, but the post-winter check is just as important,” Chesworth continued. “If a pallet truck fails during a busy period, the disruption can be severe.”

To find out more about Pallet Truck Shop, visit: www.pallettruckshop.co.uk.