Tag: #forks

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