Friday 12 August 2016

Top Preventive Measures for Keeping Your Forklifts in Good Condition

Forklift trucks are mandatory in every industry. These power trucks are used to transport all kind of materials from place to place. These trucks were developed in 1920 by the joint venture of many companies, such as, transmission parts manufacturing company Clerk, Hoist Company Yale and Towne Manufacturing.

Forklifts Scotland has large scale application in manufacturing and warehousing operations. All kind of raw materials, heavy equipments and finished goods are transported with the help of these trucks. As these trucks work in live work zone where people are working, operating these power trucks need excellent skill and experience. Even a single accident can cause great disaster and extensive loss to the industry.

Preventive Maintenance
Whether you or someone else perform the forklift maintenance, here are some good preventive measures that you can take to increase the life of your forklifts – • The first thing you need to do is start the forklift and allow it to run for a few minutes to listen to the engine performance. Look for knocks or misses, any squealing sound and exhaust leaks.

• Check all the horn, gauges, safety warning devices, outside lights, back-up lights, overhead guard to ensure that they are working properly.

• The next thing you need to do is check the battery compartment. Make sure that you clean the battery terminal, connectors and the cables. You may also apply protectant to prevent any corrosion.

• Also, check the drive axle underneath the machine. Ensure that you grease the drive axle.

• The belts of the forklift engine should be check for any cracks or frays.

• Look at the tyres and replace them if there are signs of excessive wear and tear.

It is important for a forklift operator to have proper knowledge and skills about using the forklift. This makes their job much easier and allows them to perform their duties in a proper manner. The duties of the forklift operator depend on the warehouse or factory that he is working in. But still, some of the basic training allows the operator to perform well and avoid any accidents during the course of the work.

An Overview on the Types of Forklifts in the Market

A forklift is a powered industrial mini truck used to lift and move materials short distances. Forklifts are used since the time of world war II.They can not only be used in warehouses, but also in moving furniture while shifting to new house. They are also known as ‘Lift Trucks’.

The fuel sources used in Forklift trucks may be propane, CNG, Gasoline, Diesel or Lead acid batteries. Types of forklift available in market are as follows-

Electric Motor Driven Trucks
As the name suggests, these trucks are powered by electricity. These may use pneumatic or cushioned tyres.Pneumatic lift tyre trucks are good for unpaved yards and rough terrain surfaces whereas cushion lift tyre trucks are used on compact model forklifts in warehouse applications.

Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Trucks
If one wants to maximize warehouse space, then these trucks are of great utility. They require less space and at the same time no compromise to speed and efficiency. They are mostly used to rack pallets on smooth surfaces.

Solid cushion and Electric solid cushion Trucks
Solid cushion forklift trucks use solid rubber or polyurethane for their tires. They are used in tight workspaces. Additionally, they offer large economic saving over traditional forklifts. There capability to absorb shocks is less. The only difference between solid cushion and electric cushion trucks is that electric cushion trucks use battery with different voltages.

Internal Combustion Trucks
These are most commonly used forklift normally outdoors. These are typically cheaper to purchase and lifts heavier loads. They can work in all types of weather and are robust. These lifts use CNG, Gasoline, LPG and diesel as fuel options.

Electric and Internal Combustion Forklifts
The forklift trucks that run on batteries come under the name of electric forklifts. For proper functioning, the batteries need to be charged periodically. The advantage of using these is that they do not emit pollutants and are environment friendly. They have lower maintenance and less operational cost compared to combustion forklift trucks. Moffett truck mounted forklifts are highly efficient and cost effective.

Special attachments can be used additionally to lift irregular loads in forklifts. There are wide varieties of forklifts available in market according to the Cost, fuel consumption, structure, usage and tyre types. One can choose according to the warehouse requirements.

Tips on Renting the Right Forklift for Different Purposes

Forklifts on rent can be a total mess if not planned properly. Planning can save money, time as well as make you free from headaches. Forklifts can be rented for any length of time it may be hours to years for simple indoor uses or craggy outdoor works. One must first judge the use of forklifts as sometimes additional forklifts may be required because of the workload. Renting forklifts can be ideal solution for short term goals of companies. Points that should be considered for renting right lifts are as follows –

Consider the requirements
One must consider the requirements as how heavy loads need to be handled. The size of the load will also play a major role, if forklifts are not wide enough extra attachments or accessories may be required. If the selection of wrong forklift is done, may lead to safety hazards. Budget will also be crucial factor.

Types of Forklifts available
According to the fuel consumption, the forklifts that run on Gas or Diesel emit pollutants king and other toxic fumes but are more powerful, making them work successfully in rough conditions. On the other hand, electric powered forklifts use lead acid chargeable batteries which have comparatively less power and less noise. These are good for indoor applications. Used forklifts Glasgow forklifts have different working capacities.

Working style preference
Comfort is the most basic need of human. The forklifts available should match your working style whether you want to walk behind the forklift or ride it. Sometimes style determines the working capabilities of forklifts. In long period usage, walk behind forklifts can be tiresome.

Rental assessment
Once the machine is decided to be taken on rent, one should discuss the charges. There may be daily, monthly or weekly charges. Assessment of rental agreement is necessary. Sometimes, daily charges are more than weekly charges. Also consider the overtime charges if any.

Insurance coverage
When the rental deal for forklift is done, it is up to the company to give insurance coverage to the customer and the people associated with the job for injury or machine damage. Before renting forklift, Please check insurance coverage.

Check if the forklift you have rented needs any extra attachments. The attachments should match the forklift. Try to get them from the same place this will avoid state of confusion. Like if moving barrels, barrel handlers are necessary.

Friday 15 July 2016

Top Safety Tips to Use When Working with Forklifts

Like any other equipment, forklifts too can be risky to the lives of the workers. Negligence and violation of safety rules can often prove fatal. Since any business, using forklift Glasgow would like to establish a healthy and safe working environment for its workers, implementing the following safety tips would reduce the risks while using forklifts.


  • Operators must be qualified and well trained. This ensures that they know the machines well along with its operation. They are also well educated about the dangers, which may arise and how to deal with them.
  • While working with the equipment, all workers must be appropriately dressed with safety gear like safety hats/helmets, shoes, hi-visibility jackets etc. They should not be too tight. Neither should they be so loose that they could get caught in the machinery. Their hands must always be grease free so as not to slide off and trigger an accident.
  • Before each operation, the unit must be thoroughly checked for faults in brakes, steering controls, devices, mast, tires etc. Any problem should be immediately paid attention to and the unit should not be operated till it is rectified.
  • During operation, the final destination must always be considered before picking the load. It may not be convenient for stacking.
  • Most forklift accidents occur because of not adhering to the load capacity. Overloading causes the forklift to lose its balance and tip over which can prove fatal both to the operator and the people surrounding the unit. The load capacity of the forklift must always be respected and its weight limit must not be challenged because of our greed or any other factors.
  • Forklifts have a number of safety devices to be used appropriately. For instance, additional boosts are present to extend the functionality of the unit. Before you get into any job, it’s vital to confirm and check that the unit is equipped with the right accessory for an efficient and safe execution of the job.
During each operation, it must be ensured that the load is properly tied to the forklift and there is no danger of it tipping and falling down.

Top Benefits of Using Forklifts Over Other Material Handing Equipment

A quality forklift is imperative for many businesses and may prove to be the hardest working equipment in many operations. A must for warehouses or storage facilities, forklifts Scotland are used to transport heavy goods from one place to another with less effort. It offers many advantages to its owners like –



Terrific lifting, maneuverability and loading capacity
With technological and engineering advancements, the modern forklifts can be the smallest drivable machinery. They can easily fit in compact areas and maneuver seamlessly in varied directions. Today, they can easily handle and shift loads as high as 35,000 pounds. This makes them an ideal machine to be used in varied placed for smoother and easier operations.

Varied types
Forklifts today are available in varied types as well as with different capacities. They are powered by propane, diesel or electric power. Depending on your budges, utility, space requirements, heights to which the loads must be lifted etc., you can select the most appropriate unit catering to all or almost all of your requirements.

Safe to use
Before forklifts became available, most factories and warehouses used rudimentary and customized systems for moving heavy objects like ropes, cables, pulleys, etc. These systems were inherently dangerous and workers’ life was always at risk. The situation has reversed with the introduction of forklifts. The systems are extremely safe to be used by any operator. Moreover, there are varied trainings and certifications available for the workers before actually operating the machine. This ensures that the safety measures are almost drilled in their minds and risk of life is greatly minimized.

Ease of Maintenance
Maintaining the forklift has never been easier. Most forklift vendors offer both full as well as preventative maintenance plans for the forklifts. Even though there is no apparent problem, a regular checkup and servicing of the unit ensures that it remains in top working condition for a long period of time. The full maintenance plans encompass breakdown and repairs as well along with servicing.

Affordability
Forklifts are available today with terrific leasing and financing options which makes them highly affordable. Their durability and the profits that it brings to any business, make them highly cost effective in the long run, even though their initial cost can be considered high.

A Guide to Various Types of Forklifts

A forklift is the most important equipment required on a construction site, storage facility or even a warehouse to move heavy loads from one place to another. However, forklifts are of various types. Each forklift Edinburgh is used for different purposes. Let’s understand some of its most common types:-



Counterbalance Forklift Trucks
It is the most widely used and most common forklift truck. This machine has forks protruding in the front and have no out rigging legs or arms. Thus, it requires no reach facility and can easily be driven directly to the load. This makes its operation fairly simple and easy. These are mainly available as propane, diesel or electric powered.

Reach Forklift Truck
Designed predominantly for warehouse operations, these units are widely used for indoor operations and exhibit maximum lift height with excellent maneuverability. Befitting its name, it can ‘reach’ beyond the stabilizing legs, right into racking. This capability along with stabilizing legs to provide proper balance makes the unit capable of lifting to great heights and operating seamlessly in tight working conditions. Sometimes double reach machines are used as well, which have extended pallets and can reach twice as deep as the normal ones with double capacity of grabbing pallets from the same rack. Electric powered, these are best tom rack pallets from smooth surfaces.

Walkie Forklift Truck
Also known as Electric Pallet Truck, these truck designs facilitate the operator walk behind the unit. He slides the forks into the pallets to allow load bearing. As it is electrically powered and motorized, it lifts heavier pallets with ease, maneuvers deftly in small places and is highly efficient in moving all pallets. Here the operator has access to a ‘paddle’ control to move the unit in forward and reverse direction with ease along with the ability to stop easily and quickly. These are available in varied types and require its batteries to be charged frequently. Though most have an internal charger to which the battery can be plugged straight into the mains, eliminating need of a stand-alone charger. These trucks best operate on flat and smooth surfaces.
There are many other types which one can choose from according to their needs.

Tuesday 14 June 2016

Planning To Buy Used Forklifts - Do Not Forget To Ask These Questions

When your capital doesn’t allow you to invest in a brand new forklift truck, you can simply consider the option of purchasing a used forklift truck. Buying used forklift will benefit you in many ways such as cost effective, productivity for a longer period, etc.
However, you pick the machine, you need few answers to the questions from the vendor selling the used machine. It is highly advisable that you give full attention to the purchase of used machine to avoid any unnecessary technical issues in future.
Why are you selling the forklift? 
This is one of the most important questions and you need to give it a priority. The answer shared by the seller will give you an insight of why the truck is being sold off. This question will also bring more clarity for questions depending on the seller’s answer.
If the answer of the seller gives you a hint that the machine is being sold due to a malfunction, then do not continue with the purchase even if you really need the machines. Discussion with the seller can be very healthy, and you will get to learn a lot.
How long was the machine used? 
Another important question to be asked is the duration of the forklift used. You can easily evaluate the years and the condition of the machine and accordingly you can negotiate with the price. This can land you with an affordable value.
What will be the maintenance cost? 
Ask for the previous records of machine maintenance, which your seller should have. This will help you understand clearly whether you need to buy the machine or not. You need to find out the availability and popularity of the forklift in your area as the technicians for the repair and maintenance will be easily available for most commonly used forklift machines. For the small business owners in Edinburgh, the information on used forklift edinburgh will be available online or with the local dailies advertisements.
Is it OSHA certified or not? 
The OSHA certificate is an important certificate and you must inquire the seller about it. The certificate is like driving license, you may run into problems if this OSHA certificate is not available to you. All the legal documents should be completed before making the purchase.