Tag: #toyotaforklift

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.