Australia’s summers aren’t for the faint-hearted — scorching temperatures, relentless UV exposure, and dusty worksites all create harsh conditions that push both people and machinery to their limits. For operators working with cranes, telehandlers, mini cranes, and other lifting equipment, summer heat doesn’t just make the job uncomfortable — it can lead to accelerated wear, overheating, breakdowns, and costly downtime.
At MCT Equipment, we understand how tough Aussie conditions can be on your machinery. Your lifting equipment is a major investment, and proper summer preparation is the key to ensuring reliability, performance, and safety through the hottest months of the year. Below, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you protect your lifting equipment from the summer heat and keep your operations running smoothly.
-
Check and Maintain Fluid Levels
Heat has a direct impact on the performance and lifespan of essential fluids in your machinery. Hydraulic oil, coolant, and lubricants naturally break down faster in high temperatures, which can lead to overheating or damage to vital components.
To reduce the risk of heat-related breakdowns:
- Check fluid levels frequently, especially during extended periods of heavy use.
- Use manufacturer-approved, high-temperature-rated oils and coolants to ensure performance in extreme conditions.
- Inspect fluid quality, not just quantity. If fluids look dark, thin, burnt, or dirty, replace them immediately.
Staying on top of fluid maintenance is one of the most effective ways to protect your cranes, telehandlers, and mini cranes during intense summer work.
-
Inspect Hoses, Seals, and Hydraulic Connections
Heat exposure accelerates the deterioration of rubber and plastic components. Hoses, seals, and gaskets can become brittle, crack, or swell — all of which can lead to leaks or sudden component failure.
Before each shift:
- Inspect hoses for soft spots, cracking, or bubbling.
- Check seals and fittings for visible leaks, moisture, or residue.
- Replace compromised components early to prevent catastrophic hydraulic failure.
This routine is especially crucial for high-pressure systems found in cranes, telehandlers, and other hydraulic lifting equipment.
-
Protect Electrical and Battery Components
Electrical components and batteries are highly susceptible to heat damage. For electric lifting equipment like JMG electric cranes, Hoeflon mini cranes and Magni electric telehandlers, poor battery management in summer can significantly reduce lifespan or cause unexpected shutdowns.
Best practices include:
- Avoid charging batteries in direct sunlight or on surfaces that radiate heat.
- Store equipment under shade or in well-ventilated areas, especially when not in use.
- Check electrical terminals, insulation, and wiring for heat damage or corrosion.
Keeping electrical systems cool and clean helps maintain optimal performance and prevents battery degradation.
-
Keep Tyres and Tracks in Check
When temperatures rise, so does tyre pressure. Over-inflated tyres can lead to rapid wear, instability, or even blowouts. Tracks can also loosen or degrade more quickly under intense heat.
Make it standard practice to:
- Check tyre pressure before every shift, adjusting based on manufacturer requirements.
- Inspect tracks for tension, wear, and debris build-up.
- Limit long-term operation on extremely hot surfaces, especially bitumen or steel.
Proper tyre and track maintenance increases safety and prolongs component life throughout the summer.
-
Stick to Preventative Maintenance (Don’t Delay!)
Summer is peak season across construction, mining, and infrastructure — which means it’s the worst time for unexpected downtime. Preventative maintenance becomes even more critical when your machines are working in intense heat.
Your summer maintenance plan should include:
- Cooling system inspections and coolant replacement
- Filter replacements for air, fuel, and hydraulic systems
- Hydraulic pressure checks and leak inspections
- Lubrication replenishment on all moving parts
And don’t forget your machine’s air-conditioning system.
In extreme heat, a well-functioning A/C isn’t a luxury — it’s a safety essential. Operators rely on it to stay alert and avoid heat stress, and machines rely on clean, efficient climate control systems to prevent electrical and HVAC failures.
Need to get your air-conditioning serviced? MCT Equipment is fully ARC Certified and can take care of all your air-conditioning service requirements, keeping your operators cool and your equipment running at its best.
The MCT Equipment service team provides tailored maintenance plans to help keep your fleet running reliably through Australia’s harshest months. Proactive servicing now prevents expensive breakdowns later.
-
Train and Protect Your Operators Too
Heat impacts people just as much as it impacts machinery. Well-trained, heat-aware operators are essential to machine longevity and site safety.
Encourage your operators to:
- Hydrate regularly and take breaks during high-heat periods
- Monitor for machine overheating, warning lights, or unusual smells
- Report performance changes early, such as slow response, unusual noise, or power loss
Operators who stay alert help catch heat-related issues before they become damaging or dangerous.
-
Store and Shade Your Machines When Possible
Exposure to constant UV and heat doesn’t just damage paint — it stresses hydraulic, electrical, and structural components over time.
To reduce heat impact:
- Park machines in shaded areas, undercover storage, or temporary shelters
- Use protective covers when equipment is stationary
- Avoid leaving machines idling in the sun for extended periods
These simple steps reduce wear and extend the lifespan of your lifting equipment.
Get Summer-Ready with MCT Equipment
Preparing your lifting equipment for the Australian summer isn’t just about avoiding breakdowns — it’s about protecting your investment, minimising downtime, and keeping your worksite productive and safe all season long.
At MCT Equipment, we specialise in keeping your cranes, telehandlers, mini cranes, and lifting machinery in peak condition. As an ARC Certified provider, we also offer full air-conditioning servicing to keep your operators safe, comfortable, and heat-ready.
With expert technicians, access to quality parts, and service packages tailored to the Australian climate, we’re here to make sure your fleet stays cool, reliable, and ready for anything.
Book your summer service today or contact our team to discuss how we can help you prepare your lifting equipment — and your air-conditioning — for the heat.