Winter Maintenance Tips for Scissor Lift and Boom Lift Batteries

Cold weather can significantly affect your scissor lift batteries and boom lift batteries. In winter, motive power batteries may lose capacity, charge slower, or even fail to start, which can affect the performance of your aerial work platforms (AWPs). Poor battery maintenance can also increase downtime and repair costs.

This guide provides practical winter maintenance tips to help you keep your lift batteries safe, efficient, and long-lasting. Whether you are using scissor lifts or boom lifts, these tips will help your equipment perform reliably even in the coldest months.

Understand How Cold Affects Scissor Lift Batteries and Bboom Lift Batteries

● Low temperatures reduce chemical activity in batteries, lowering capacity and voltage. This can make scissor lifts and boom lifts slower.

● Cold increases internal resistance, making batteries harder to charge and discharge.

● Repeated use in cold conditions can strain battery cells and shorten lifespan.

Tip: Use a battery monitor system or a temperature-adaptive charger to protect battery life. Some chargers adjust charging speed based on temperature, helping protect your batteries.

Charge Your Batteries Carefully in Winter

● Avoid charging batteries in freezing areas; move them to a warmer place first.

● Use slow charging instead of fast charging to protect battery cells.

● Inspect cables and connectors regularly for corrosion or loose contacts.

● Maintain electrolyte levels for liquid lead-acid batteries before charging.

Tip: Charge batteries regularly, even if the lift is not used daily. A partially discharged battery in cold weather can fail completely.

Inspect and Clean Your Lift Batteries Regularly

● Check for cracks, leaks, swelling, or corrosion on battery cases.

● Clean terminals and connectors to maintain efficient power delivery.

● Check electrolyte levels for liquid batteries; refill with distilled water if needed.

● Maintain a log of inspections to track changes and detect issues early.

Tip: Inspect batteries at least once a week in winter, especially during periods of heavy use.

Store AWPs Batteries Properly When Not in Use

● Store scissor lift batteries and boom lift batteries in dry, temperature-controlled areas.

● Maintain a charge level of 50–80% to prevent over-discharge.

● Avoid placing batteries directly on cold floors or near drafts; use insulating mats if necessary.

● Check stored batteries regularly and recharge if voltage drops too low.

Monitor Battery Performance and Plan Replacements

● Test voltage and capacity regularly.

● Replace batteries showing low voltage, reduced capacity, or physical damage.

● Keep spare batteries ready for critical lifts during winter.

Tip: Plan replacements in advance to avoid unexpected downtime during peak winter operations.

Extra Tips for Safe Winter Operation

● Pre-warm batteries using battery warmers or insulated boxes before use.

● Avoid deep discharges; shallow, regular discharges are safer in cold conditions.

● Monitor lift performance daily; slower lifting or unusual sounds may indicate battery stress.

● Educate operators about cold-weather precautions.

● Keep lifts clean from snow, ice, and moisture to avoid electrical hazards.

Common Winter Battery Problems and Solutions

● Battery won't start: Check voltage, connections, and electrolyte levels. Pre-warm if necessary.

● Slow charging: Use chargers rated for cold conditions and inspect cables.

● Reduced lift speed: Allow batteries to warm up before heavy lifting.

● Corrosion on terminals: Clean with baking soda solution and apply terminal protectant.

Tip: Preventive maintenance reduces the chance of these problems and keeps your AWPs operational.

Conclusion

Following these winter maintenance tips will help your scissor lift batteries and boom lift batteries perform reliably throughout the cold season. Proper inspections, careful charging, correct storage, and timely replacements ensure your aerial work platforms (AWPs) stay safe, efficient, and ready for work—even in the coldest months.

For reliable performance in winter and year-round, consider using Vision Battery's scissor lift batteries and boom lift batteries. Designed for durability and high efficiency, Vision Battery products help your AWPs maintain power, even in challenging conditions.

Winter doesn't have to slow down your operations—good battery care combined with Vision Battery motive power solutions will keep your lifts performing at their best all season long.