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. 

When selecting a forklift for your operation, there are many options to consider before finally deciding on the right equipment for the job. While ensuring the truck you choose matches your environment and can handle the proper capacity limits, choosing the right tires for your forklift is also essential. Different applications require different forklift tires, and it is imperative to select the right kind of tires because it will affect the overall handling and welfare of the forklift.

Pneumatic Forklift Tires  
Pneumatic tires are similar to car and truck tires because of their deep tread, enabling use in outdoor operations due to their ability to grip uneven and rough terrain.   

Pneumatic tires are more commonly used on:   

• Construction sites 
• Railyards  
• Ports  
• Construction sites  
• Railyards  
• Ports  

Types of Pneumatic Tires
Beyond knowing where these tires perform best, what are pneumatic tires, and what are the different types of pneumatic tires.

There are two different types of pneumatic tires, solid pneumatics, and air pneumatics. Depending on the environment that your truck will work, knowing the difference between the two tire options will help you make the best decision for your operation.

• Solid Pneumatic Tires: Solid pneumatic forklift tires are made out of solid rubber and are more resistant to puncture. They are ideal for operations with a great deal of debris since you can puncture or gouge the tire. 
• Air Pneumatic Tires: Air pneumatics are air-filled and not as durable as solid-filled tires.  And although air-filled tires are cheaper to purchase, you will likely need to replace them sooner.

Pneumatic tires provide a smoother ride for operators as the air-filled tire can provide a bit of bounce when navigating over rough terrain.

Cushion Forklift Tires  
Cushion forklift tires are built of smooth, solid rubber and are fitted around a metal rim. Compared to pneumatic tires this type of tire is easier to maintain and cheaper to manufacture, lowering costs for operations. However, these tires do not get a similar level of traction as pneumatic tires do. Therefore, cushion tires are generally best for flat and smooth surfaces and are ideal for indoor applications than outdoor settings.

• Loading docks 
• Indoor warehouses   

Cushion forklift tires can’t withstand as much weight as pneumatic tires can but can function in smaller capacities. This ability makes them an attractive option for facilities with less space as their smaller turning radius provides an advantage compared to pneumatic tires.   

How to Decide Between Pneumatic and Cushion Tires  
There are benefits of pneumatic tires and cushion tires, depending on the application, Pneumatic tires have deep tread that gives operators a smoother ride with fewer bumps and less noticeable terrain transitions. While cushion tires work well on smoother indoor surfaces. When deciding which tires are best for your business keep the following considerations in mind:

• How will your forklift be used? 
• How much room do you have to maneuver in?  
• Where will your forklift be used?  

Consider that the work environment will play a heavy role in making the ultimate decision on tire options. Both cushion and pneumatic tire forklifts can be acquired in any load capacity, ranging from less than 2,000 pounds to more than 200,000 pounds.

If you are still having trouble deciding, we are more than happy to offer solutions for your specific situation. At Matthai Material Handling, we understand the importance of choosing the best tire for your forklift to enhance the capabilities of your operation. We know what matters to your operation and how the smallest detail can enhance or detract from your organization. Just give us a call at 410-344-1801 for a consultation and quote.

Orginal post at KION North America

With so many truck options out there, choosing the correct truck for the application can seem like a daunting task.  From enhancing productivity to promoting safety, selecting the appropriate truck for your operation can affect multiple layers of your supply chain. 

What is Forklift Capacity?

Forklift capacity is the amount of weight a forklift can safely lift at a specific load center.  Lift truck capacity can range anywhere from 3,000 to 70,000 lbs. and offer a multitude of designs to aid in lift efficiency.  Each forklift has its own data plate where you can find the rated capacity. 

Knowing a trucks lift capacity does not necessarily equate to matching product in pounds. For instance, if a forklift’s data plate specifies a lift capacity of 5,000 lbs. that does not necessarily mean the truck can carry any load of 5,000 lbs. The amount of weight a forklift can safely carry will change depending on the way the load is carried and the weight is distributed.

What is The Forklift Load Center?

The forklift load center is the distance from the front of the truck forks to the center of gravity of the load. Most forklifts use a 24-inch load center, so your load’s center of gravity should not be more than 24 inches from the face of the forks. This measurement is important for operators and operation managers to consider for the safety of their ongoing operations.

How Do I Determine What Forklift Capacity I Need?

When considering forklift capacity options for your operation ask yourself the following questions:

• Where will my forklift be used (indoors or outdoors)?
• How heavy is my typical load?
• What is the shape of my typical load?
• What aisle clearance do I have in the warehouse?
• How high do my loads need to be lifted?
• How often will my forklift be used?

Factors that Impact Lift Capacity

Tires

Choosing a forklift, based on lift capacities, involves many more factors than what the data plate states.  Each part of the truck offers its own lift capacities and can directly affect the load you intend to carry.  For example, the type of tires on the truck will help determine lift abilities.  If the truck has small or larger tires, those details will come into play on calculating load size and may require a recalculation of the center of gravity. 

Attachments

Warehouse operations will often add forklift attachments to aid the needs of their operation.  However, before adding any attachment, operators must consider the effect adding an attachment will have on the truck’s center of gravity.  The additional weight is not the only concern, as the horizontal and vertical center of gravities can also affect the overall lifting.  To ensure trucks are transporting loads safely, locating the forklift attachment’s data plate will assist in determining proper lift capacity.

Center of Gravity Shifts

Most counterbalanced trucks have what is called a stability triangle.  The stability triangle is a three-point suspension system that incorporates two front wheels and the center of the steer axle that supports the truck.  When the truck is at rest, the center of gravity is within the stability triangle, however, when the truck is in motion (braking, accelerating, and making turns) the center of gravity shifts. Issues that can affect the center of gravity are damaged products, loads un-securely mounted, loads that are off-center, and loads that are exceeding capacity.

Get the Right Equipment for Your Operation

There are plenty of other areas to consider when determining the appropriate truck options for your supply chain. Calculating lift capacities and considering additional attachments can be overwhelming for the operator to navigate. That’s why our network of dealers throughout North America are ready to help you find the right truck for the job. Contact us today for your consultation to find the best forklift to meet your operational needs. 

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See original at KION North America blog.