Linde Material Handling knows that every warehouse and distribution center is different, from the layout of the building to the movement within the walls.  That’s why we are continually designing and enhancing trucks that exceed expectations so your operation can focus on meeting customer demand and deadlines.  By building on that heritage of quality and excellence, Linde Material Handling offers the reimagined Linde Series 391 Internal Combustion Engine Counterbalance Truck with the newly designed Deutz LPG engine.  Welcome to versatility on a whole new level with the exceptional driving experience you’ve come to expect from this updated truck.

Versatility and Agility on an Elevated Level

Your operation may need specific equipment to store goods and move products out the door.  You may even need a robust piece of equipment that can handle sizable jobs within a smaller footprint.  In the past, the solution for many businesses would include ordering multiple pieces of equipment.  That’s where the Linde Series 391-02 offers the optimal solution – packing a punch in capabilities within a compact design for your rigorous industrial demands, including navigating narrow aisles, retrieving and storing products on shelves, and maneuvering tight corners while transporting goods. 

Versatility is also critical when your operation requires the transportation of goods and materials in and outside your warehouse.  The Linde Series 391-02 thrives in any environment and situation, including the most demanding applications, dusty environments, and multi-shift operations due to being designed with resilient components to withstand environmental impacts.  In addition, the Linde Hydrostatic direct drive, Twin Pedal control, and Linde Load Control ensure a powerful, fast, and precise power delivery.

The Linde Series 391-02 rises to the occasion for your most complicated challenges and is available in a wide variety of models, with a comprehensive range of standard equipment, additional options, and customer-specific solutions for maximum versatility. 

Dependable Confidence

The Linde Series 391-02 is a master of confined spaces but also provides an extra layer of protection while navigating demanding tasks with the Linde Driver Assist.  This technology automatically reduces travel speed proportionally when cornering, safeguarding the operator and those around him.  This extra layer of defense keeps the operator collected and confident while concentrating on tedious maneuvers.  The standard Linde Driver Assist also works harmoniously with the Linde Curve Assist, decreasing the speed around covers and reducing the risk of the forklift truck tipping over. 

Concentration and awareness are critical when moving products from one location to another, and having enhanced visibility while maneuvering a truck is imperative.  The Linde Series 391-02 is designed with a remarkably slim lift mast profile, creating optimal visibility.    

Comfort at Your Fingertips

The crucial elements that enhance the driving experience rely on exceptional ergonomics.  Although the Linde Series 391-02 has a rugged design, the cab offers a workspace that keeps operators alert and comfortable. 

The Linde Series 391-02 begins with a low entry anti-slip step for easy access and exit, continuing with a spacious cabin with plenty of legroom, comfortable seats, adjustable controls for customized seating, and adjustable armrests for relaxed posture and excellent arm positioning.  For instance, the operator can efficiently operate and control all mast and lifting movements from the adjustable armrest while avoiding strained maneuvering.  Low fatigue working also includes shock, vibration, and noise insulation since the mast and drive axle are isolated from the chassis via neoprene bearings.  

Reliability You Can Count On

Having a successful business means having the right equipment you can count on to support your operational goals.  Reliability includes knowing the availability of your equipment and planned downtime.  The Linde Series 391-02 continues the Linde IC heritage of 1,000 operating hours and maintenance-free mounting of axles and tilt cylinders for minimal downtime and operating costs.  Rapid diagnostics are immediately available via laptop for on-demand truck diagnostics, and the exterior design includes easy access to maintenance components for fast servicing so your truck can quickly return to work. 

The Linde hydrostatic transmission also reduces service costs, ensuring excellent availability and increasing handling performance.  No differential, no torque converter, no mechanical transmission gears, and the wear-free hydrostatic service brake system always brings the truck to a controlled stop.  And the best part is no brake service ever.

Original content posted at Linde Material Handling Blog.

Forklift operators are typically required to undergo refresher training at specific intervals to ensure they continue to operate forklifts safely and effectively. The specific requirements for refresher training can vary by country, region, and organization, but some common guidelines and triggers for refresher training include:

1. Time Intervals: Forklift operators may be required to undergo refresher training at regular time intervals, such as every three years. This helps ensure that their skills and knowledge remain up to date.
2. Changes in Equipment or Workplace: If there are significant changes in the type of forklift being used or in the layout of the workplace, refresher training may be necessary to familiarize operators with these changes.
3. Incidents or Near-Misses: After accidents, near-miss incidents, or safety violations related to forklift operation, refresher training may be mandated to address the issues and prevent future incidents.
4. Poor Performance: If an operator demonstrates poor performance or unsafe behavior while operating a forklift, additional training may be required to address these issues.
5. Regulatory Requirements: Local regulations and safety standards can dictate the specific requirements for forklift operator training and refresher training. Employers should ensure compliance with these regulations.
6. Employer Policies: Employers may establish their own policies and guidelines for forklift operator refresher training. These policies should align with safety best practices and local regulations.

It’s essential for employers to maintain records of forklift operator training and refresher training, as well as to have a clear training and retraining program in place. The goal is to ensure that forklift operators remain competent and safe in their duties. The specific requirements and intervals for refresher training may vary, so it’s important to consult local regulations and industry standards to determine the appropriate schedule for your organization.

While our local markets are not near as cold as other parts of the country, keeping your warehouse warm during the winter can be a challenging task, but there are several strategies you can employ to maintain a comfortable temperature while also being energy-efficient. Here are some tips to help you keep heat in your warehouse during the winter:

Insulate the Building: Proper insulation is crucial to reduce heat loss. Make sure your warehouse is well-insulated in the walls, roof, and floor. If your warehouse is poorly insulated, consider adding insulation materials like fiberglass, foam board, or spray foam.

Seal Gaps and Leaks: Identify and seal any gaps or leaks in doors, windows, walls, and the roof. Weatherstripping and caulking can be used to seal gaps and prevent cold air infiltration.

Inspect, Repair or Replace Dock Seals or Shelters; A lot of heat and energy can go out the door everytime a trailer loads or unloads. Be sure the seal between your dock seal and trailers is tight and if needed consider replacement.

Upgrade Doors and Windows: Install energy-efficient doors and windows that have good insulation properties. Double-paned windows and insulated doors can significantly reduce heat loss.

Use High-Performance HVAC Systems: Invest in energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Consider options like radiant heating or high-efficiency gas heaters to provide even and consistent heating.

Zoning and Programmable Thermostats: Implement zoning systems to heat only the areas that are in use. Additionally, use programmable thermostats to set lower temperatures during non-working hours and weekends.

Use Ceiling Fans: Ceiling fans can help distribute warm air throughout the warehouse. Set them to run in reverse during the winter to push warm air down.

Consider Space Heaters: Use energy-efficient space heaters in areas where employees work to provide localized warmth without heating the entire warehouse.

Install Insulated Curtains or Partitions: Create insulated partitions within the warehouse to segregate colder and warmer areas. This can be especially helpful if only a portion of the warehouse requires heating.

Proper Maintenance: Regularly maintain your heating system, including cleaning and changing filters, to ensure it operates at peak efficiency.

Air Sealing: Ensure that your warehouse is airtight by addressing any gaps or openings in the building envelope.

Employee Awareness: Educate your employees about energy conservation and encourage them to dress warmly during the winter.

Monitor and Adjust: Continuously monitor the temperature and energy usage in your warehouse. Adjust heating settings and insulation as needed to optimize comfort and efficiency.

Consider Renewable Energy: If feasible, consider incorporating renewable energy sources like solar panels or a geothermal heat pump system to reduce your energy costs.

Maintain Adequate Ventilation: While sealing your warehouse is important, ensure that you maintain proper ventilation to prevent indoor air quality issues. Install energy-recovery ventilation systems if necessary.

Consider Industrial Thermal Curtains: Industrial thermal curtains are designed to separate different temperature zones within a warehouse. They can help contain heat in specific areas and improve energy efficiency.

We are your Warehouse Products professionals and we can recommend products to help you retain heat, improve ergonomics and employee productivity. For more information or pricing on any of our products please Contact Us or give us a call at 410-344-1801.

Remember that the specific strategies you choose will depend on the size of your warehouse, your budget, and the climate in your region. It’s often a good idea to consult with an HVAC professional or energy expert to help design and implement an effective heating strategy for your warehouse.

Improving safety on a warehouse dock is crucial for preventing accidents and maintaining a secure work environment. Here are some recommendations to enhance safety:

1. Conduct regular safety training: Train all dock workers on proper safety protocols, including equipment operation, handling hazardous materials, and emergency procedures. Offer refresher courses periodically and ensure everyone understands safety regulations.
2. Provide personal protective equipment (PPE): Supply all workers with appropriate PPE, such as hard hats, safety glasses, high-visibility vests, steel-toed boots, and gloves. Encourage their consistent use and enforce PPE policies.
3. Maintain clear communication: Establish effective communication systems, such as two-way radios or intercoms, to allow clear communication between dock workers, truck drivers, and supervisors. Ensure everyone can effectively relay information, warnings, and instructions.
4. Implement traffic management: Develop a comprehensive traffic management plan for the dock area to prevent collisions and improve pedestrian safety. Clearly mark pedestrian walkways and separate them from vehicle lanes. Install signage and mirrors to enhance visibility, and consider using barriers or guardrails where necessary.
5. Ensure proper lighting: Adequate lighting is essential for a safe dock environment. Install sufficient lighting fixtures to eliminate dark areas and shadows that could obscure visibility. Regularly inspect and maintain lighting systems to address any issues promptly.
6. Regular maintenance of equipment: Establish a preventive maintenance program for all dock equipment, including forklifts, loading ramps, and conveyor systems. Regular inspections and maintenance help identify potential hazards, preventing equipment malfunctions that could lead to accidents.
7. Promote good housekeeping: Encourage a clean and organized work environment. Ensure that walkways, ramps, and loading areas are free of clutter, debris, spills, and obstacles that can cause slips, trips, or falls. Provide adequate waste management systems to prevent accumulation of waste materials.
8. Implement safety barriers and guards: Install safety barriers, guardrails, and bollards to protect pedestrians and prevent unauthorized access to restricted areas. Implement dock edge protection systems to prevent accidental falls from the dock.
9. Use warning signs and labels: Clearly display warning signs and labels to communicate potential hazards, such as restricted areas, low clearance, slippery surfaces, or areas with moving equipment. Ensure signage is prominently visible and easily understood.
10. Regular safety inspections: Conduct routine safety inspections to identify potential hazards, non-compliance with safety protocols, or equipment issues. Encourage reporting of safety concerns by workers and promptly address any identified problems.
11. Emergency preparedness: Develop and communicate emergency procedures specific to the dock area. Clearly mark emergency exits, fire extinguishers, and other safety equipment. Conduct drills periodically to ensure workers are familiar with emergency protocols.
12. Encourage employee involvement: Involve employees in safety initiatives by establishing a safety committee or encouraging their participation in safety discussions. Encourage workers to report safety concerns, near-miss incidents, or potential hazards, and reward proactive safety behavior.

Partnering with a professional material handling company gives you insight from industry professionals whose goal is to help you create a safe working environment for anyone that operates in or around your docks. 

Matthai has safety and training programs designed to improve safety, productivity and your bottom line. Visit our Comprehensive Facility Safety Page and our Operator Training page to learn more. For a consultation or more information, please contact us at 410-344-1801.

It’s easy to overlook the humble tire when it comes to maintaining a forklift. Choose the wrong tire, however, and you could end up with a dramatic increase in fleet operating costs or, worse yet, increased safety risks. Choose the right one, and you can realize significant cost-savings, improved safety, and a more efficient operation. For example, a properly chosen tire can last 40 percent longer and decrease downtime for replacement.

Making those right decisions can be difficult, because contrary to conventional wisdom, tires are very complex components. There are many brands, types, compounds and treads, which means you must be fully armed with data before making a purchase. Here are some questions we typically ask our customers:

1. What type of fuel (IC or electric) does your forklift use?

2. How heavy is your typical load?

3. How long is your typical run?

4. What kind of problems are you having?

5. Does your forklift operate over dock plates?

6. On what kinds of surfaces do your operate it?

7. How many shifts is the forklift used?

8. What percent of time is your forklift loaded?

9. What is your average and top speed of your forklift?

If you are evaluating tires for multiple types of forklifts, be prepared to answer those questions for each of them. In addition to knowing the specifics about your tire needs, it will be helpful for you to understand the unique set of terms that relate to tire attributes. Some commonly used ones include:

Durometer is used to describe the hardness of forklift tires. The higher the durometer number, the harder the tire. Most load tires range in durometer from 83 to 95. Our industry uses a couple of standard classifications that cover 80 percent of the tires purchased today.

Softer tires provide better traction for facilities where frequent maneuvering is required. They also are more forgiving of floor debris and offer the operator a more comfortable ride. Be aware, however, tires made of softer compounds create heat and wear faster, making them a less desirable choice for applications where maximum speed and long runs are the norm.

Harder tires are excellent for maximum loads, multiple shifts, long runs and high speed applications. They will wear better and last longer than tires made of softer compounds. But the ride will be harder and the tire more vulnerable to floor debris. Because they offer less resistance, they are well suited to operators especially concerned with energy efficiency.

Universal Compound tires are excellent all-around tires for the average user.

Electric Compound are softer-rolling and provide good traction while at the same time providing lower resistance, making them a good choice for both electric and LP trucks.

The actual tread of the tire is important to consider, too. Pay special attention to whether you want a smooth tire, such as for indoor applications, or a treaded one, for forklifts operated outdoors or over uneven terrain.

We recommend operators track by application how well their tires perform. Create a spreadsheet with rows for each of your forklifts. Track the date tires were purchased, the type of tire, the reason for the replacement and the hour meter reading. Over time, you will see trends emerge that will help you adjust purchasing decisions for the type of performance you need, such as correlations between harder tires and damage, or softer tires and premature wearing

In the end, there is no one tire that can optimize tread life, traction, durability and fuel efficiency. The key is finding the best fit for each of your forklift material-handling applications. Working with a company that is knowledgeable about forklift tires and can work with you to select the right tire for each of your material handling applications is important in optimizing your fleet for performance. Give us a call today at 410-344-1801 to discuss your tire performance and let us help you improve your bottom line!

We have entered that time of the year where many are experiencing the unpredictability of mother nature.  Whether it be extreme spikes in temperature or the sudden torrential downpour, the weather can often catch us off guard.  When operating machinery, like a forklift, it is imperative to be alert on any given day, but especially when the weather takes a turn.  Below we highlight several tips and considerations for operating a forklift in the rain.

Prepare

• Clear visibility: Ensure your forklift’s lights, wipers, and mirrors are functional and properly adjusted. Optimal visibility is vital in rainy conditions.

• Secure your load: Rain can make surfaces slippery, increasing the risk of load shifts. Double-check and secure your load to prevent accidents.

Stay in constant contact with co-workers and alert them when you’re approaching or operating in a specific area. Ensure everyone is aware of the forklift’s presence.

Eliminate Distractions

Keeping focused on your equipment and your surroundings should always be a priority while operating a forklift.  That means limiting the amount of outside distractions is crucial to maneuver the truck effectively and safely.  Make sure you are wearing proper attire while working in outside conditions so that you are protected inside your workspace.  For instance, not keeping your head covered can cause a decrease in visibility and focus, creating a potential hazard. Also, strong winds can be associated with heavy rains, so wearing water and windproof jackets and pants will also aide in protection and less distractions. 

To decrease the likelihood of taking your eyes off the road, it is a good idea to leave cell phones and audio devices off the truck.  Eliminating those appliances will help keep you focused on the job at hand.  In addition, keeping food and drinks out of the workspace will prevent the urge to take your hands away from the control deck, thus keeping you in control of your forklift.

Watch your Speed

Just as we slow our speed in our car during rainy weather, the same applies for maneuvering a forklift.  Even with the latest improved features on Linde trucks, of automatic acceleration and deceleration that deliver smoother transitions with speed, wet weather can still greatly affect the driving experience.  Operating the forklift cautiously, during compromised weather, will ultimately make you, the operator, more effective and efficient over the course of the day as well as decreasing the probability of an accident.

Be Alert to Driving on Multiple Surfaces

If you are operating between multiple terrains (indoor and outdoor applications) it is extremely important to be aware of the surfaces you are driving on.  When transporting loads back and forth from the yard to the warehouse, the inclination may be to increase speed since the surface you are driving on is now dry.  However, the wheels on the forklift will still be very wet and will make abrupt stops difficult.  Maintaining consistent, slower speeds, while transitioning from outdoors to indoors, will create a more secure logistical operation.

Watch for hazards: Be extra vigilant for puddles, wet floors, or slippery slopes and adjust your route if necessary.

With the Linde internal combustion trucks, you can automatically rely on the ability of being prepared to deliver solid production in any weather condition. But with the Linde outdoor electric trucks, you’re also assured a precise and agile operating experience with Linde’s robust drive technology, backed by attentive traction control and precise navigation.

Author: Kimberly Sawyer, KION North America

Link to original article at KION blog

Forklift Safety Day is a great opportunity to review your forklift safety program and/or plan. And if you don’t have a program or plan, this would be a great opportunity to create one! Today marks the 10th anniversary of Forklift Safety Day, instituted by the Industrial Truck Association, with the goal of increasing awareness of, and improving forklift safety in the material handling and storage industries. Following are a few things you can do:

Forklift Operator Training

• Are all of your forklift operators up-to-date on their training. Remember, forklift operators must receive refresher training every three years, and be evaluated on the equipment that they operate. 
• How well do you know your operators? Download our Forklift Operator Questionnaire to get to know their experience operating lift equipment.
• Learn more about Operator Training and our classes at our Training Page.

Forklift Inspections and Maintenance

• We know that pre-shift inspections of all equipment are required by OSHA. But did you know that by taking a few minutes to inspect equipment not only improves safety, it helps you identify small issues before they blossom into giant repair or injury and damage headaches. 
  • Download our Electric Forklift Inspection Form
  • Download our IC Forklift Inspection Form
• Planned Maintenance – This is a great opportunity to review your current PM program. Is it being executed properly according to intervals  you require? Is the Planned Maintenance complete and thorough? A thorough and robust Planned Maintenance program is key to maintaining safety and productivity of your forklifts.
• Learn more about our Planned Maintenance Program.
• Learn the Five Main Benefits of Planned Maintenance.
• CLICK HERE to get a quote on a Planned Maintenance Program tailored to your fleet’s requirements.

Forklift Safety is No Accident

We’re here to help you maintain safety in your forklift operations by ensuring all your employees that might operate a forklift, know the limitations and dangers of forklifts AND to ensure they are all operating a peak efficiency and safety. To speak to one of our professional about any aspects of your forklift fleet’s safety or performance, just give us a call at 410-344-1801..

During the hot months of Summer, heat is your forklift’s number one enemy. Heat results in increased engine wear, part failure and lift truck maintenance expenses. Like most other facets of your operation, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and keeping your engine operating at recommended manufacturer temperatures will improve your productivity and bottom line.

If your lift trucks are inspected as part of a regular planned maintenance program with inspections being performed by trained lift truck professionals, it is likely that these elements of your cooling system are being inspected and abnormal wear is being brought to your attention. However, one oversight and the end result could be a repair bill mounting into the thousands. 

Keeping your cool includes:

1. Replacing engine coolant with coolant, not water – Water in your coolant system can be a very short-term patch, but can result in long-term damage to your engine and early failure. Water has a lower boiling temperature than coolant and will cause your engine to run at a higher temperature, resulting in oil viscosity breakdown and undue engine wear.
2. Check the condition of the radiator – Check for leaks, cracks or any other signs of damage. If you see any, get it fixed as soon as possible.
3. Clean the radiator – The radiator can get clogged with dirt, debris, and bugs. Use a soft brush or a pressure washer to clean the radiator fins.
4. Replacing hoses before you see damage – Hoses wear over time, often from the inside out. Inspect for leaks on a regular basis and replace hoses at manufacturers recommended intervals. Leaks can result in loss of coolant over time, increase engine temperature and lower performance. Hose failure and the resulting spill can produce a hazardous situation for everyone in the vicinity.
5. Check the condition of the water pump – Look for any signs of leaks or damage. If you see any, get it fixed as soon as possible.
6. Check the condition of the thermostat – If the thermostat is not functioning properly, it can cause the engine to overheat. Replace it if it’s not working correctly.
7. Keeping the pressure on – The coolant system is pressurized to raise the boiling point of the coolant. Radiator caps maintain the pressure in the system. When the cap is not functioning properly, coolant can boil out onto the floor at near normal operating temperatures, causing operators or technicians to incorrectly believe that the engine is overheating.  Pressure testing the radiator cap is the only sure way to maintain proper coolant system pressure.
8. Keeping Your Engine Properly Belted – An engine’s fan belt creates air flow over the engine, removing external surface heat.  It also drives the circulation of the engine’s coolant through the engine, keeping the internal temperature at normal operating limits. Worn belts can reduce the flow of coolant, increasing the temperature and creating a long-term problem for your engine. Belt failure can result in immediate overheating, engine damage and an expensive repair. Have your belts inspected for wear and replace them at factory suggested intervals to ensure proper coolant flow inside and out.
9. Inspecting your engine’s greatest fan – Driven by the fan belt to perform, a properly operating engine fan allows for the normal conduction of heat from the inside of the engine to the surface where the fan whisks away the excess heat. A cracked or damaged fan can reduce the effectiveness of the fan and increase engine temperature. Be sure to inspect the fan for wear and damage and replace it with a manufacturer’s suggested replacement. Heavy steel fans can produce undue wear on the engine and reduce the fan’s capacity to remove heat, or even create its own heat by increased demand for energy by a heavier fan.
10. Regular Coolant Fluid Replacement – Like oil, cooling system fluid has a recommended maximum useful life, and that can vary widely depending upon how your system was serviced and the type of coolant used to replace your current fluid.  Every engine and application is different so don’t solely rely on factory recommended intervals for a flush and refill. Consult with us about an application survey and we can assist you in setting a schedule for regular coolant replacement that makes sense for YOUR operation.
11. Avoid idling for extended periods – Idling for long periods of time can cause the engine to overheat. If your operator is pausing operation for more than 15 seconds, consider having them turn the forklift off. This also saves some fuel and reduces emissions.
12. Park in the shade – Whenever possible, park in the shade to keep the engine cool.

Having your forklift’s cooling system regularly serviced ensures maximum engine performance and useful life. It reduces your maintenance expenses and improves your productivity. Forklifts on the floor, operating are far more essential to your bottom line than they are when they’re sitting in our shop.

If your lift trucks are not on a regularly scheduled Planned Maintenance program, they should be. Let us take the worry out of what and when to inspect, letting you tend to the business of what you do best. 

We conduct a lot of forklift operator training and our customers have relayed the benefits they've found, and detriments they've avoided by thoroughly training their operators. Forklift operator training is important for several reasons, including:

1. Safety: Forklifts can be dangerous machines, and accidents involving them can result in serious injuries or even fatalities. Proper training helps operators understand how to operate the forklift safely and avoid accidents.

2. Compliance: OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) requires that forklift operators be trained and certified before they are allowed to operate the equipment. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines and legal liability.

3. Productivity: A well-trained forklift operator can work more efficiently and effectively, leading to increased productivity in the workplace.

4. Cost savings: Accidents involving forklifts can be costly in terms of damage to equipment, lost productivity, and workers' compensation claims. Proper training can help reduce the risk of accidents, which can result in cost savings for the employer.

Learn more about our Forklift Operator Training and Comprehensive Facility Safety Program. In summary, forklift operator training is crucial for ensuring the safety of workers and compliance with regulations, as well as improving productivity and reducing costs in the workplace.

As the business climate improves, you are likely to find yourself in need of material handling equipment. There are several options for fleet augmentation, and the decision you make today could make a dramatic impact on your cash flow and bottom line.  Long-term renting has been the choice for many companies, both large and small, for some time.  This option is becoming even more popular for many reasons, particularly given the current economic uncertainty in the market place.  We would like to take a moment to point out the benefits to your company of increasing your forklift fleet by choosing Long-Term Renting.

1. Cash conservation – There is no cash outlay to obtain equipment under a Long-Term Rental agreement.  Save your cash for alternatives that raise your bottom line.
2. Pay for what you use – Long-Term Rental agreements are based upon the hours and operating conditions under which you expect to use the equipment. Unlike purchasing equipment, where you are paying for 100% of an asset (which depreciates), you pay based upon the expected usage rate of the equipment.
3. Rental payments are 100% tax deductible – Rental payments are an operating expense and are therefore 100% deductible as a business expense.  There are no confusing depreciation schedules or damaging tax ramifications at year-end.
4. Fixed payments, no maintenance surprises – Long-Term Rental agreements typically include normal maintenance.  We own the equipment, so we are responsible for maintaining it. Leave the unpleasant surprises to us and keep your material handling costs consistent and predictable.
5. Eliminate your parts and service departments – If you own and maintain your own fleet, you also need mechanics, tools and parts.  Conserve your limited warehouse and plant space by eliminating the need for stocking parts and service equipment.
6. Eliminate obsolescence – Long-Term Rental agreements can provide for upgrades as your business changes.  Don’t get stuck with equipment you no longer need or use.  We will find a home for that equipment, and replace it with the equipment that you do need.
7. Keep your credit line clear – Unlike financing equipment, Long-Term Rentals have little impact on your ability to borrow money to grow your business.  In today’s business climate, this is essential!
8. Flexible terms and equipment – Whether you need new or used equipment, we can provide you with what you need on the terms that you want.  We can design a Long-Term rental agreement (from one to eight years) that meets your business needs.
9. Preferred rates on supplemental equipment – Long-Term customers receive preferred rates to fill their seasonal demands. 
10. Eliminate stand-by equipment – Do you purchase more than you need to allow for breakdowns and cyclical needs?  Our rental fleet stands ready to supply you with immediate equipment as soon as a need arises.
11. Renting hedges against inflation – Reduce the risk of rising labor and parts prices by fixing your monthly payment now for the term of your agreement.
12. Generate cash now – Trading in your current fleet can generate immediate cash for operations. 

Flexibility, reliability and consistency are what you get when you rent Long-Term with Matthai Material Handling.  In addition, you will have the comfort of knowing that you have a team of professionals with a proven track record as a true partner in your material handling operations.  We take all the hassle out of acquiring and maintaining a fleet of forklifts, leaving you with more time to manage your business.

Matthai Material Handling would appreciate the opportunity to discuss Long-Term rentals options for your company.  To schedule an appointment, contact us at 410-344-1801 or visit us on the web at www.matthaimaterialhandling.com.