8.1 Long-Term Out-of-Service Preparation and Protection

If a Telescro telehandler will be taken out of service for an extended period, such as seasonal parking, inventory storage, preservation before transport, or long-term idling, appropriate cleaning, inspection, and protection measures must be carried out to prevent the following during storage:

• corrosion;
• fluid deterioration;
• battery damage;
• seal aging;
• tire deformation;
• internal corrosion in the engine and hydraulic system;
• difficulty in restarting or subsequent malfunctions.

Basic Principle

Before long-term storage, the machine must be cleaned, repaired, depressurized, protected, disconnected from power, and isolated.

8.2 Basic Requirements Before Long-Term Storage

Before the machine is placed into long-term storage, the following basic preparations must first be completed.

Operating Requirements

• thoroughly clean the entire machine;
• remove mud, dust, oil contamination, and residual debris;
• inspect and repair all known faults;
• inspect and correct all fuel, engine oil, hydraulic oil, coolant, or air-system leaks;
• replace damaged, aged, or obviously worn parts;
• clean the cab, radiator area, and external machine surfaces;
• repair damaged paintwork where necessary to reduce the risk of corrosion.

Purpose

The purpose of these actions is to prevent:

• corrosion caused by contaminants remaining on the machine over time;
• continued expansion of leakage;
• worsening of faults during storage;
• additional damage when the machine is returned to service.

8.3 Machine Parking Condition for Long-Term Storage

Before storage, the machine must be placed in a safe condition suitable for long-term parking.

Requirements

• shut down the machine in accordance with the normal shutdown procedure;
• park the machine in a firm, level, and safe location;
• fully retract the telescopic boom;
• lower the forks or attachment to a safe position;
• ensure that the telescopic boom cylinder and other retractable cylinders are kept in the retracted position as far as possible;
• release residual pressure in the hydraulic system;
• remove the ignition key;
• lock the machine and prevent unauthorized use.

Principle

During long-term storage, exposed cylinder rods, residual system pressure, and structural loading should be minimized as much as possible.

8.4 Engine and Fluid System Protection

Before long-term storage, the engine and related fluid systems must be kept in a condition suitable for storage.

Recommended Actions

• fill fuel to a reasonable level;
• check the engine oil level and condition;
• check the coolant level and its antifreeze and anti-corrosion condition;
• if the service interval is approaching, replace the engine oil and filter before storage;
• if the coolant is close to its replacement interval, replace it before storage;
• start the engine and let it idle for several minutes so that oil and coolant can circulate;
• shut down the machine only after confirming that there are no abnormal warnings, leaks, or unusual noises.

Principle

If the machine is to be stored for a long period, it is best to place it into storage immediately after completing a maintenance service.

This can significantly reduce:

• corrosion from acidic fluids;
• internal deposits;
• startup wear;
• degradation of fluid performance during storage.

8.5 Battery Protection

During long-term storage, the battery is one of the components most likely to be damaged and must be managed separately.

Requirements

• make sure the battery is fully charged before storage;
• disconnect the battery during long-term storage;
• if the storage period is long, it is recommended to remove the battery and store it in a dry, ventilated location with a suitable temperature;
• periodically check the battery charge level and condition during storage;
• prevent corrosion, looseness, or moisture at the battery terminals.

Prohibited Actions

• storing the battery for a long period in a discharged condition;
• exposing the battery to high heat, freezing conditions, or moisture;
• neglecting battery maintenance after long-term storage.

8.6 Tire and Chassis Protection

During long-term storage, the condition of tire loading and chassis support directly affects the machine’s condition when it is returned to service.

Recommended Actions

• where conditions permit, reduce the long-term load carried by the tires;
• for long-term storage, use support devices where appropriate to reduce continuous tire loading;
• release the parking brake, provided that reliable anti-roll measures have been taken;
• inspect the tires for cracks, aging, abnormal wear, or low pressure;
• avoid leaving the tires for long periods on wet, oily, or high-temperature surfaces.

For Longer Storage Periods, It Is Recommended To

• move the machine periodically to avoid long-term point loading on one area of the tires;
• or use tire protection measures to reduce deformation and aging.

8.7 Protection of Exposed Components

During long-term storage, exposed metal parts, cylinder rods, interfaces, and open points on the machine must be protected.

Requirements

• protect any cylinder rods that are not fully retracted to prevent corrosion and contamination;
• where necessary, apply anti-corrosion protection materials to exposed metal parts;
• seal openings and interfaces that may allow water or dust ingress;
• keep the cab, instruments, and electrical areas dry;
• prevent insects, dust, moisture, and debris from entering critical parts of the machine.

8.8 Indoor and Outdoor Long-Term Storage Requirements

Best Practice

Whenever possible, the machine should be stored indoors in a dry, ventilated environment with stable temperature conditions.

If Outdoor Storage Is Unavoidable

Additional protective measures must be taken:

• use breathable and waterproof machine covers;
• avoid leaving the machine exposed for long periods to heavy rain, snow, intense sunlight, or high-humidity conditions;
• prevent long-term accumulation of moisture in the cab, engine compartment, connection points, and electrical areas;
• regularly inspect the cover for damage, water accumulation, or loosening.

Note

Completely airtight full-machine covering is not recommended for long-term storage, because it may cause internal condensation and corrosion.

8.9 Requirements for Returning the Machine to Service After Long-Term Storage

A machine that has been stored for a long period must undergo a complete inspection before being put back into operation. It must not be returned directly to work without inspection.

The Following Must Be Checked Before Return to Service

• battery condition and connections;
• the level and condition of all fluids;
• fuel quality;
• coolant condition;
• tire pressure and condition;
• whether the hydraulic system has any leakage;
• the condition of belts, hoses, and seals;
• the function of the brakes, steering, and alarm systems;
• the function of lights, horn, instruments, and controllers;
• whether there is any corrosion, sticking, or abnormal wear.

Recommendation

The first startup and return to service after long-term storage should be carried out or confirmed by trained technical personnel.