Forklift attachments are highly underrated; many people think that attachments are only useful for certain industries handling unique loads, but that is not the case. In fact, forklift attachments can add ease to handling any load.

Utilizing the right attachment can reduce handling time, manpower, fuel consumption, and the chance of damaging the product. There are several types of forklift attachments, so how do you know which is the right one for you? When choosing an attachment for your forklift, here are 6 questions to ask:

1. What is the weight of the load?
2. What height does the load need to be lifted?
3. How do you want to handle the load?
4. How many hydraulic functions will be required?
5. Will the attachment be required full time or part time?
6. Will operators need training in order to operate the attachment? If so, how many operators will need training?

At Southeast Industrial Equipment we have a full staff of educated territory managers and support managers that can assist you with answering these questions, as well as, walk you through the most popular forklift attachments as seen in the infographic below. From paper roll handlers to bale clamps, the possibilities for forklift attachments are virtually endless.

Considering the purchase of an attachment? Contact one of our experienced territory managers to find out if purchasing an attachment makes sense for your application.

 

Your company needs a new forklift, but where do you begin? Whether you’re a seasoned vet or a beginner, choosing a new piece of equipment can be stressful.

The pressure is on to find the perfect forklift that will increase productivity without breaking the bank.  There are several factors that go into choosing the right piece of equipment; here’s what you need to know to make your mission a success.

Indoors vs. Outdoors

The environment you operate in answers the first major question, Electric or Internal Combustion (IC).

If you will be operating inside, electric is the way to go. Electric forklifts offer decreased fumes and noise, making them ideal for an indoor warehouse environment.

While Electric forklifts might cost more initially, they tend to have a lower operating cost per year than Internal Combustion (IC) Lifts. Electric forklifts don’t require fuel or oil changes but they aren’t totally maintenance free, requiring upkeep for batteries. If the water level inside the battery gets too low it can dry out, requiring a replacement or repair. You must also factor in the cost of a charging station and consider purchasing a backup battery.

If you need a forklift that can handle rough terrain and the wear and tear of being outdoors, then you’ll want an Internal Combustion Lift. Designed to handle larger loads than their electric counterparts, IC lifts can run on Diesel, Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG), or Gasoline. Diesel engines are designed for uneven surfaces and heavy loads and work well with attachments. LPG lift trucks are great if you need a versatile piece of equipment that can operate indoors and outdoors.

Selecting a model

Now that you’ve decided between Electric and IC, it’s time to get specific. Knowing your lifting capacity and height needs will guide you to the right model. Many buyers find it useful to purchase a lift that slightly exceeds their current requirements.

Overall Cost of Equipment

Once you’ve found the perfect model, it’s easy to get caught up in the initial cost and lowest price tag, but doing so can cost you more. When in the market for new equipment it’s important to think long-term and consider the lifetime cost of your forklift. Used equipment can be a bargain, but new equipment offers warranties and peace of mind that some used equipment may not afford.

Knowing what the dealer has to offer helps you tremendously. Ask about services and maintenance plans that support your new investment. Find out if your dealer provides OEM parts you may need, and ask about any warranty the lift may come with.

Most importantly, do your research before hitting the market. Take your time and don’t just jump at the cheapest option.

SIE was recently able to aid in the fight against America’s opioid epidemic by donating a pallet truck to Triangle Residential Options for Substance Abusers (TROSA).

Escaping the harsh reality of substance abuse is no easy task. Many addicts are not able to pay the high price for help that many treatment facilities charge. Many have lost their family, friends, and money to the drugs. Luckily for Durham citizens, there is hope.

For nearly 20 years Triangle Residential Options for Substance Abusers has been devoted to rehabilitating drug and substance abusers. TROSA is a non-profit program that devotes it’s time and resources to individuals who truly want to change their lives and leave the substance abuse in the past.  They do so by providing free treatment, vocational training, education, and aftercare over the course of two years.

Unfortunately the opioid epidemic, our country is facing, has stretched their resources. They are currently housing over 500 individuals. Making this a bad time for limited resources.

“Without the generosity of donors like SIE we would have to devote more and more capital to operations rather than the support and treatment that our residents desperately need to return to their families and become productive members of society again.” – Bill Butcher

SIE was honored to be of assistance to an organization that emphasizes structure, accountability, and integrity.

 

 

 

 

Southeast Industrial Equipment named one of the top 40 fastest-growing companies in South Carolina, for 2017, by SC Biz News.

The Roaring Twenties list recognizes the state’s best performing companies based on both dollar and percentage increases in revenue from 2015-2016.

SC Biz News honors 20 large and 20 small companies each year.

“Winning an award such as this one is special.  It shows the people outside of our organization the hard work that our associates in our South Carolina facilities put in to take care of our customers and grow our business.  It is really nice when people are recognized by their peers for their hard work.  We could not have achieved this without this hard work and dedication to the SIE vision our associates have had this past year.  I want to thank all of our associates for helping us earn this great award. ” – Cory Thorne, President and CEO

Company size was determined by gross revenue: a small company was considered as having $10 million and under in revenue. Large companies were classified as having over $10 million in revenue. Small  companies must have held revenues of at least $500,00 each year for 2014, 2015, and 2016.

To qualify for designation on the Roaring Twenties list, companies must have a presence in South Carolina and be a for-profit entity or non-profit organization (except for: government entities and charitable organizations, including 501(c)3 organizations).

SC Biz News will honor recipients and reveal the ranking of each company at an award ceremony and networking event on Oct. 19. The event will be held at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel in Columbia.

Winner Profiles will be published in the winter edition of SCBIZ Magazine.