UNITED KINGDOM / AGILITYPR.NEWS / October 06, 2026 / As autumn sets in, businesses that rely on pallet trucks and other manual handling equipment should be taking a closer look at the condition of their equipment before colder, wetter and darker conditions become the norm.

The change in season can alter the environment in which handling equipment is being used. Outdoor loading and unloading areas can become wet, floors can become more slippery and reduced daylight can affect visibility, while colder conditions may create additional considerations for equipment that is used outside or moved between indoor and outdoor areas.

For businesses, that makes Autumn a sensible time to inspect equipment rather than waiting for a problem to appear during the winter months. Phil Chesworth, Managing Director of Midland Pallet Trucks, said that relatively simple checks could identify problems before they become disruptive.

“Handling equipment is one of those things that gets used all day without much thought, until something stops working properly. By then, the problem can be far more inconvenient to fix than it would have been a few weeks earlier.

“Autumn’s arrival, before winter sets in, is a good time to look at the basics. Wheels should be checked for damage and excessive wear, moving parts should operate as they should, and any signs of hydraulic problems should be investigated rather than ignored. Where electric equipment is used, batteries and charging arrangements also deserve attention.

“It is also worth looking at the environment around the equipment. A pallet truck that works perfectly well on a clean, level warehouse floor may be much harder to operate if it is regularly being taken across wet yards, uneven surfaces or thresholds.”

The Health and Safety Executive highlights wet, slippery or uneven floors, poor lighting and cold conditions among factors that can increase physical ill-health risks during manual handling. Its guidance also advises employers to consider the equipment available to help with handling tasks.

For operators, that means equipment checks should form part of a wider review of how loads are being moved as winter approaches. If conditions or workloads have changed, the equipment originally chosen for a task may no longer be the most appropriate option.

“Businesses don't need to wait for a breakdown before asking whether their equipment – be it a pallet truck, a stacker truck or a lift table – is still suitable,” added Chesworth. 

For more information, visit https://www.midlandpallettrucks.com.