Summer puts your operations to the test. High temperatures, rising humidity, and peak demand can all accelerate wear and tear on your equipment. Whether you manage a retail store, distribution center, manufacturing facility, or another high-traffic environment, preparing for the heat is essential. Equipment that’s not properly maintained is more likely to break down when it’s needed most.
By staying proactive, you can reduce downtime, extend the life of your equipment, and keep your operation running safely and efficiently all season long.
Focus First on High-Use Equipment
During the summer, your hardest-working equipment faces the highest risk of wear and breakdown.
It’s suggested to start your maintenance routine with items like warehouse carts, distribution carts, material handling equipment, and towable carts. These items experience the most wear, especially under the added strain of heat and high demand.
Start your equipment maintenance routine by focusing on key components that see the most use:
- Brake systems and locking mechanisms
- Latches, levers, and safety guards
- Heavy-duty or customized units under greater strain
Check for signs of fatigue, such as:
- Wheels, casters, and axles for buildup or wear
- Frames and welds for cracks, rust, or stress
- Tow bars, handles, and hinges for proper alignment
Regular inspections and timely repairs reduce downtime and help keep operations running smoothly, minimizing costly disruptions during peak seasons. Add these checks to your summer maintenance plan and rotate your equipment to extend its lifespan.
Why Is Summer Cleaning So Important for Warehouse Equipment?
Dirt, dust, and moisture build up faster during summer, especially around loading docks, entryways, and outdoor areas. Keeping your equipment clean isn’t just a best practice, it’s essential to extending its life and preventing costly damage.
Routine cleaning helps:
- Prevent rust and corrosion
- Keep moving parts functioning properly
- Support hygiene in food service and healthcare environments
Use cleaning products that are safe for the material (especially powder-coated or stainless-steel surfaces).
Evaluate Floors and Travel Paths Before Problems Arise
Heat, humidity, and expanded usage all impact your facility itself, not just the equipment inside it. Summer conditions can cause concrete floors to shift and introduce moisture hazards near entrances.
What to look for:
- Cracks or dips that create uneven surfaces
- Condensation or pooling that leads to wheel drag or slipping
- Debris accumulation that obstructs movement
Small fixes now can save on bigger repairs (or accidents) later. Taking the time to address minor issues early helps keep your operation running smoothly and protects both your equipment and your team.
Keep Critical Parts in Stock and Rotate Equipment Often
Avoid mid-season disruptions by maintaining an inventory of high-turn replacement parts. This helps minimize downtime and keeps your operations moving without delay.
Stock up on:
- Wheels and casters
- Handles, brackets, and bolts
- General-use fasteners and hardware
Summer is also a great time to rotate carts and equipment, balancing out usage and extending product lifespan.
Reinforce Safe Equipment Handling with Your Team
Even well-maintained equipment fails when misused. Take the time to reinforce proper loading, transport, and storage techniques with your team—especially during busy summer shifts or onboarding new employees.
A quick refresher on best practices helps reduce injury, protect equipment, and keep workflows smooth.
Build a Summer Equipment Maintenance Strategy That Prevents Downtime
A proactive summer equipment maintenance strategy is one of the smartest ways to reduce risk and increase efficiency during your busiest seasons. By regularly inspecting, cleaning, and testing your equipment, you’re investing in performance, safety, and long-term savings- laying the groundwork for effective asset lifecycle management.
At National Cart, our warehouse and manufacturing equipment is built to last, but a little summer maintenance goes a long way. Need help sourcing parts or planning upgrades? Contact our team to keep everything running at full capacity.
