Tag: Forklift

Why do so many people trust Southeast Industrial Equipment for their material handling needs? Simple. With the nation’s most highly trained and recognized forklift and industrial equipment service, repair, and maintenance teams, we’ve earned a reputation for service excellence, and our ultimate goal is customer satisfaction. Come take advantage of our repair and maintenance programs designed to keep your equipment up and running with minimum hassle. Let us help you decide which program is right for you.

Make The Move.

Posted on by Juliet

Are you ready to Make The Move?
When choosing your career path as a technician…

  • Why choose material handling equipment?
  • Why further your education as a technician?
  • Why choose Southeast Industrial Equipment?

The material handling industry may not be the first industry that comes to mind when thinking of becoming a long-lasting, superior service technician. Here at Southeast Industrial Equipment, we ask why? SIE is a leading Toyota forklift dealership that is dedicated to quality of all lines of equipment that we offer. This leads to unparalleled opportunities for technicians interested in becoming part of an industry-leading company. Whether starting out as a PM Technician on all pieces of equipment or training to become a product specialist, we have a home for technicians seeking a dynamic driven career. The ever-growing material handling industry is one that is dedicated to excellence where you have the ability to play a part in the long lasting relationships we create with our customers. You, as a technician, carry on that relationship being the go-to person of contact to service our customer’s equipment. Through numerous training opportunities we ensure that you are continuously learning more and more about each line of equipment we offer at SIE.

At SIE our technicians have the opportunity to work in the shop or in the field making a career as a technician full-filling, exciting, and challenging. We are constantly on the search for service professionals with a wide variety of skills in mechanical repair to work on all lines of our material handling equipment.

We have earned our reputation for service excellence with one of the nation’s most highly trained and recognized forklift and industrial equipment service, repair, and maintenance teams. When our customers have a problem, we have an entire fleet of service vans and trucks ready to respond in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia. We provide our service technicians with all of the parts and training needed to make our customers’ repairs and maintenance on site – minimizing downtime and restoring production as quickly as possible. If circumstances dictate, we arrange for quick transport of their equipment to one of our nine forklift service facilities in Charlotte, Raleigh, Wilson, Columbia, Florence, Duncan, Charleston, Richmond, and Savannah for more extensive diagnostics and repairs. Our customers come first and you have the ability to ensure their needs are met on time and with pride with the many resources provided.

It’s not just a uniform it’s a career path that offers job security within a huge market, training programs with intensives, and the opportunity to work for family owned and oriented company.

Make The Move.

Job Openings

Toyota’s New 8 Series 3-Wheel Electric Forklift is Now Available!

Posted on by SIElift

Southeast Industrial Equipment is now offering the New 8 Series 3-Wheel Electric Forklift by Toyota. This forklift has a number of valuable features to help increase productivity and performance on the job and in the warehouse.

Contact any of our Nine Branches for more information.

During our Mid Year Sales Meeting our sales staff had the privilege of being trained by Toyota on this new product. We put this forklift up against a few competitor’s and let the superior features speak for themselves.

  • 20% Longer Run Time over Previous Model with Just One Charge
  • Turn Speed Control with Load and Height Sensing
  • Quick Turn Deceleration Control
  • AMC (Active Mast Control) Reduced Lift Speed with Forward Tilt
  • Large Assist Grips including the added Rear Assist Grip With Horn
  • Full Suspension Seat
  • Improved Head Space
  • Small Steering Wheel
  • Foot Activated Parking Brake
  • Seat Switch Hour Meter
  • Auto Power Off Option
  • Wet Disc Brakes
Sales Staff 2015

SIE Sales Staff with the New Toyota 3-Wheel Electric Forklift

Update your fleet with the New Toyota 3-Wheel Electric Forklift that most commonly applies, but is not limited to these industries:

  1. Food Preparations and Grocers
  2. General Warehousing and Storage
  3. Manufacturing Industries
  4. Medical and Hospital Facilities
  5. Motor Vehicle Facilities
  6. Plastics Products
  7. U.S. Federal Government
  8. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Wholesalers
  9. Short Term Rental
  10. Breweries

Visit Our Website for all of Southeast Industrial Equipment’s capabilities and let us be your Full Solutions Provider!

Check List to Check your Lift

Posted on by SIElift
Safety Checklist

Safety Checklist

A giant dent in your overhead guard is easy to spot at first sight, but what if there was a tiny leak from your propane valve? Would you be able to easily spot that? Chances are a busy operator could miss it. Planned maintenance isn’t the only thing that can be done to keep your equipment running in prime condition. In addition to planned maintenance, your operators should go through the daily operation checklist before each shift to ensure the piece of equipment is safe to operate.

Not only is it required by OHSHA, but a log will also help your operators be more aware and keep them accountable for how they treat the equipment, cutting down on misuse. If the lift needs a repair make sure you have the proper procedure in place.

  1. Tag the equipment inoperable (WARNING! DO NOT OPERATE!), make sure it is visible.
  2. Immediately notify the appropriate party.
  3. Keep the phone number of your repair service or person on the forklift.
  4. Log what needs repair, when the repair was made, and how much it cost to fix.

Tracking how often your forklift needs repair, as well as the cost, will keep you cognizant of your cost of ownership. If the machine is often out of service perhaps operators need further training operating the truck.

The greatest way a checklist will benefit your business and operators is safety. A truck should not be used when it is unsafe for operation. Forklifts are an investment in your company, and cost thousands of dollars; therefore a daily operator checklist is an easy way to prevent accidents and injury without spending money. Remember these machines literally weigh tons, with many moving parts, thus it is important to keep them in optimal condition.

The following is an example of a checklist OSHA suggests for your lift truck:

KEY OFF Procedures

  • The vehicle inspection
    • Overhead guard
    • Hydraulic cylinders
    • Mast assembly
    • Lift chains and rollers
    • Forks
    • Tires
    • LPG tank and locator pin
    • LPG tank hose
    • Gas gauge
  • Check the engine oil level
  • Examine the battery
  • Inspect the hydraulic fluid level
  • Check the engine coolant level

KEY ON Procedures

  • Test the standard equipment
    • Front, tail, and brake lights
    • Fuel gauge (if diesel)
    • Windshield wiper
    • Heater

ENGINE RUNNING Procedures

  • Check the gauges
    • Oil pressure indicator lamp
    • Ammeter indicator lamp
    • Ammeter
    • Hour Meter
    • Water Temperature Gauge
  • Test the standard equipment
    • Steering
    • Brakes
    • Horn
    • Safety seat (if equipped)
  • Check the operation of load-handling attachments
  • Check the transmission fluid level

Visit OSHA’s website for more information.

https://www.osha.gov/dte/library/pit/pit_checklist.html

What to Expect when Renting

Posted on by SIElift

Not sold on the idea of investing all your capital into one piece of equipment? Or maybe you have one specific task you need a forklift for. Don’t worry, you have options! As well as having material handling equipment for sale, we also have a rental fleet to meet your short or long term needs! We do daily, weekly and monthly rentals depending on your time frame.

Many companies prefer to rent long term instead of purchasing for budgeting reasons. Having a monthly rental payment is perfect for a new company with no credit, or a company that doesn’t want to pay a large upfront cost. Short term rentals are great to be able to get your projects completed without committing to purchasing equipment. To make sure we get you the equipment you need, we will need to make sure we have all the information. For example if you are renting a forklift we need to know:

  • Will the lift truck be used indoors or outdoors?
  • Do you need LPG (liquid propane gas), electric, or diesel?
  • What is the mast height requirement?
  • What capacity is needed?
  • What attachments will you need? (i.e. carton clamp, bale clamp, multiple load handler)
  • If you need forks, what size? We offer 36” forks to 96”.

To keep our units in prime condition they are all inspected, painted, labeled with OSHA compliant safety decals, and receive regular maintenance before being rental ready. The average age of our rental fleet is 3 years, with supplemental equipment being added each year to fit the needs of our customers.

Our rental fleet features Toyota forklifts, the number one lift truck in America since2002. With fuel efficiency and the System of Active Stability, you know your rental will be safe and reliable. If for any reason you do need maintenance, it is included for you.

We don’t only offer forklift rentals we have a wide variety of industrial equipment to fit your needs;  Genie scissor lifts, Capacity yard spotters, Advance Sweeper Scrubbers to name a few.

Call today to set up your rental, (866) 696-9125!

Toyota – Leader in being Green

Posted on by SIElift

greentoyota

“Toyota is committed to environmental responsibility, and it’s a role we take very seriously. Beyond pushing the bounds of product innovation, one of Toyota’s goals is to support environmentally appropriate and socially beneficial initiatives contributing to a cleaner environment.”

Brett Wood, Chairman of Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A., Inc.
https://www.toyotaforklift.com/pages/about-us/environmental-focus/reducing-our-carbon-footprint.aspx#sthash.FaOrtsFI.dpuf

Toyota Material Handling has always been a leader when it comes to protecting the environment. In 2009 Toyota introduced the first ever Hybrid forklift in Japan. It combines the best of electric and internal combustion technology, taking advantage of the strengths of each power source. The forklift combines an internal combustion engine, electric generator and battery in a design that allows the engine to operate with optimum fuel/emissions efficiency. The forklift shifts automatically between battery and engine modes, simultaneously recharging the battery during operation. The result is a forklift that cuts emissions in half and is twice as fuel efficient. They are always looking for innovative new ways to benefit the environment.

The 8-series LPG and Diesel lifts highlight Toyota’s leadership in being green. The 8-series exceeds federal EPA emission standards, and also complies with California’s emission standards. Emission standards in California are stricter than the federal EPA requirements. They’re more stringent on hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, which become smog, from vehicles. California also has requirements that older construction vehicles be retrofitted so that they operate cleaner, emitting fewer gases into the atmosphere.  The result for the LPG truck is 70% less smog forming emissions than Federal EPA standards. In addition, the 8-Series diesel models meet the more stringent EPA Interim Tier 4 emission standards, which means 26% less particulate matter than the Tier 3 standard. These machines increased the amount of recyclable parts used, as well as reduced the use of harmful substances during manufacturing.  Toyota didn’t stop there; for every new 8-series forklift that was sold in 2013 they partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation to have a tree planted in a national forest damaged by fire or other natural causes. Over 30,000 trees were planted throughout the US and Canada.

Toyota’s energy-saving measures have enabled the company’s manufacturing plant to reduce CO2 emissions by 120,000 tons over the past five years. They are also a zero-landfill facility. Toyota encourages everyone to adopt green initiatives into daily applications. Even simple things such as carpooling or an energy-efficient lighting system can reduce our carbon footprint, and benefit the environment.

https://www.toyotaforklift.com/pages/about-us/environmental-focus/what-you-can-do.aspx

https://www.toyotaforklift.com/pages/about-us/environmental-focus/redefining-environmental-responsibility.aspx

https://auto.howstuffworks.com/fuel-efficiency/fuel-economy/carb2.htm

 

https://www.toyotaforklift.com/pages/about-us/toyota-philosophy/environmental-focus/future-vehicles.aspx

Let us Help Lift your Business

Posted on by SIElift

If you’re in the material handling industry chances are you need a fleet of lift trucks. Deciding whether to use electric or fuel powered trucks can be difficult. The forklift’s application will determine what type you need for your business.

Electric forklifts have no harmful emissions, and are extremely quiet in use. The battery acts as a counterbalance, this combined with the counterweight makes them highly maneuverable, stable and compact in size. The center of gravity is very low providing stability even at greater lift heights. Electric forklifts have only an accelerator and brake pedal, no clutch or inching pedal, making them less complicated to drive. Though the initial cost may be higher than fuel powered forklifts, their maintenance and servicing cost are considerably less over the lifetime of the truck. They are mechanically simple having no transmission or torque converter. With Electric trucks you will need a charging station and it takes about eight hours to fully charge a battery. Their ideal use is inside away from moisture, and they are great in tighter spaces.

If your application is outside, on a rough terrain, and you need a large lifting capacity, diesel is the way to go. Diesel forklifts are also great if you require attachments, because have the extra power needed. These trucks are available anytime day or night, with no charging or battery charging station required. These trucks generally hold their value, and have a higher residual. The engine componentry is very sturdy and operates at low “revs” so the trucks have a long life span. Diesel trucks also have a fuel gage to let you know when it’s time to refill. These trucks are the goliath of lift trucks with capacities over 50,000lbs.

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) forklifts have always been popular with their competitive pricing and diverse indoor/outdoor usage. They are convenient and work around the clock. Parts are readily available due to the engines being derived from car engines. They are at the top list when it comes to travel speeds, rates of acceleration, and lift speeds, making them highly sought after. LPG powered forklifts also do not require charging or a charging station. Their versatility is great when you need a truck to perform inside and outside. Though it is an internal combustion engine they are still very quiet with low vibrations for driver comfort.

Let us come out to view your application and help you decide what the best lift truck is for your needs. We sell new and used lift trucks; view our inventory at www.sielift.com or call us (866)-696-9125.

https://www.bendigomitchell.com/kb/forklift-power

Be a Mast Master, a Capacity Connoisseur, and a Safety Specialist

Posted on by SIElift

Image

Teenagers are required to have a drivers permit prior to receiving a full license. He or she needs proper guidance, training, and practice. The same is true when becoming a licensed forklift operator. These machines are 9000lbs or more depending on their capacity; they also steer from the rear, and have the capability to lift thousands of pounds. OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration) requires forklift certification of employees operating these machines so it is important to make sure your company is in accordance with these government guidelines. In some instances It may help you receive better ratings on safety inspections; which could reduce insurance premiums.

A forklift operator who has been properly trained will know how to:

  •          Handle asymmetrical loads
  •          Understand the center of gravity
  •          Be able to stay within the stability triangle
  •          Know what traveling speed is safe for his or her task

Train your employees to always be aware of their surroundings, use the horn frequently, especially at intersections, and to ask for a spotter when visibility is limited. Doing these things could prevent damaging products, or colliding with a pedestrian. Tipping the lift truck is one of the most common operator errors. To help avoid this, the load must be within the capacity range of the forklift, and the operator must understand how a change in the center of gravity can affect the forklift’s ability to safely lift. Proper training is the first step in creating a safe and efficient work environment.

Image

Investing properly in employee training has a huge long term return. You will see an increase in productivity and the life of your lift truck, it will lower operating costs, and most importantly the risk of accidents or injury is greatly reduced. When maneuvered correctly, the numerous benefits of a forklift definitely outweigh the risks.

If you’re not sure how to begin proper operator training, don’t worry we can help! Call us (866) 696-9125 or go online www.sielift.com to make an appointment. We have training programs to certify your employees, and we can answer any questions you may have regarding safe practices and OSHA guidelines. If your company has a large facility with more than five forklift operators; the train-the-trainer program may be beneficial.  This program is designed to educate one of your operators to be able to instruct others. In doing this, you will always have a certified trainer on site. No matter which training program you choose; we will be there to teach, train, and instruct all of your operators.

“Powered Industrial Trucks.” Occupational Safety & Health Administration. United States Department of Labor. Web. 21 Mar 2014. <https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/poweredindustrialtrucks/index.html>.

Rent or Own We’re Southern Known

Posted on by SIElift

At Southeast Industrial Equipment we offer a variety of lift trucks, construction equipment, and other industrial equipment for your material handling operations. When considering your business needs, there are many choices you will have to make. One of the questions many companies find themselves asking is: should I purchase or rent? There are pros to renting and owning, but it’s important to consider what your application will be and how long your business needs the equipment. Making this decision can be tough, especially when your application may call for everyday or just sporadic use. Also consider how quickly a need can arise for a piece of equipment. For example, generators though rarely used, are needed in the case of an emergency and would be smart to purchase for those occasions when it is needed right away.

If your application requires continual use, or equipment is operated to its maximum ability, it would be more cost effective and convenient to own it. The hour meter reading would not be monitored. When you own the lift truck, it will always be there when you need it. Purchasing is also made easier with the financing options that are available. In addition to financing; purchased equipment is tax deductible for the year it was bought, this helps business owners fiscally.

On the other hand, if a machine is not versatile and is infrequently used; renting is a more cost effective option. For companies without a significant amount of capital or well established credit, renting may be best. If you are renting; the cost for maintenance is generally included and the machine provider will service your lift truck at regular intervals.

Keep in mind the needs of your company, and the amount of upfront costs you can handle. In weighing these options you can make an educated decision on what’s best in your situation.

Here is a chart to better view your options when it comes to renting or purchasing a lift truck.

Purchase Rent
  • Equipment is always available for use
  • No need to depend on a third party
  • Hour meter reading is not monitored
  • Tax deductible
  • Financing options available
  • Lower monthly costs
  • Most dealers will offer a trade-in price for lift trucks when you are ready to purchase a new machine
  •  Lower upfront cost
  • Do not need well established credit
  • Short term or long term rental options
  • Current models always available
  • Do not have to purchase equipment that is used sparingly
  • Rental company provides maintenance
  • No long term commitment
  • Do not have to find storage for equipment after the job is completed

Whether your company decides to own, rent, or a combination of both; Southeast Industrial Equipment has you covered. We have equipment available that will fit your needs. Please call (866) 696-9125 or go online www.sielift.com to make an appointment.

Work Place Safety Net

Posted on by SIElift

saftey net

When trapeze artists perform in a circus they are provided with a safety net. A “just in case” the routine doesn’t go the way it was planned. Banking institutions require a high credit score or collateral prior to lending money. Shareholders like security to reduce the risk of loss when investing their money in stocks.  Vehicles deploy airbags in the event of an accident. These are all safety measures. Being prepared for the worst case scenario is not a new idea; neither is preventing the worst from happening. As the saying goes “better safe than sorry,” when it comes to material handling there are several different factors when creating your safe work space.

Safety goes beyond wearing a hard hat and safety goggles. There are many ways employees can increase safety precautions to reduce the risk of accidents and injury. According to OSHA, lift truck accidents cause about 100 fatalities and 36,340 serious injuries every year in general industry and construction. Of these accidents approximately 20-25% are caused, at least in part, by inadequate training. Training is the most important factor in preventing accidents, and should be enforced from the top down. OSHA’s website provides videos, PowerPoint slides, and numerous resources to aid in preparing your employees for the equipment they will be using. Safety education and equipment certification should be thought of as an additional insurance policy to provide your employees with a safe environment.

Quick Safety Tips:

  • Operators should be trained to handle asymmetrical loads, and should never handle loads heavier than the weight capacity of the lift truck.
  • Designate walkways for pedestrians that are clearly marked and easy to follow. This will prevent forklifts and people traveling the same paths.
  • Narrow spaces make it hard to maneuver a forklift, make sure there is adequate space for your machine to move around.
  • Set speed limits and enforce them. The slower a forklift is traveling the easier it is to stop.

Accidents even with no injury to workers are costly to companies. Repair of facilities and replacing damaged goods is expensive and unproductive. A disabled machine means efficiency will be down and workers could be idle for hours or even days depending on the needed repair. Employees being trained and constantly aware of their surroundings will help minimize risk of accidents and injury. The best practice really is safety first. It saves time, money, and people’s lives. Keep employees safe and keep costs down by creating a safe work environment. If there is a question about a practice being safe, it probably isn’t.

At Southeast Industrial Equipment we provide employee training to assist your company. To request an appointment, please call (866) 696-9125 or visit us online at www.sielift.com.