Matthai Blog Thursday, July 25 2024
We’ve written about what you can do to avoid overheating of your forklift’s engine. Now let’s discuss the damage that can occur if you allow it to happen. Heat can significantly affect the performance and longevity of a forklift engine. Here are some potential effects:
To mitigate these effects, it’s important to perform regular maintenance, ensure proper cooling, and monitor the engine’s temperature closely, especially during hot weather conditions. Learn more about Planned Maintenance by Matthai Material Handling. Monday, May 13 2024
Ensuring that warehouse employees stay cool during the summer is of paramount importance for several reasons.
Additionally, a cool working environment demonstrates care and consideration for employees’ welfare, fostering a positive work culture and improving employee retention. By investing in measures to keep warehouse employees cool, businesses can enhance productivity, reduce absenteeism, and create a more supportive and conducive work environment for their teams. Things you can do to help cool your warehouse and employees this summer include:
Equipment you can install and items you can purchase to help minimize heat in your material handling and warehousing operation include:
Choosing the right combination of equipment based on your warehouse’s size, layout, climate, and specific cooling needs can significantly improve working conditions during the summer months. Visit OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention website to learn more about heat awareness and what you can do to prevent heat illness in your workforce this summer. Having a happy, healthy workforce is key to long-term productivity and performance. Tuesday, March 26 2024
With warehouse and storage space at a premium, more companies are looking for alternatives to increasing their footprint by expanding current space or purchasing new space. Sometimes a reach truck can be the perfect solution to increasing space, and productivity in your material handling and storage operation. While a reach truck is not suited for all operations, where it can be used, provides three significant benefits.
For a consultation about the possibility of a reach truck for your operation, and how it might benefits, please Contact Us or give us a call at 410-344-1801. Tuesday, December 12 2023
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. Tuesday, November 21 2023
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:
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. Monday, October 30 2023
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. 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. 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. Wednesday, October 18 2023
Improving safety on a warehouse dock is crucial for preventing accidents and maintaining a secure work environment. Here are some recommendations to enhance safety:
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. Monday, August 07 2023
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! Wednesday, July 12 2023
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
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 Tuesday, June 13 2023
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
Forklift Inspections and Maintenance
Forklift Safety is No AccidentWe’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.. |