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Matthai Blog
Thursday, July 25 2024
The Effects of Heat on Your Forklift

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:

  1. Overheating: Excessive heat can cause the engine to overheat, leading to a breakdown or even permanent damage. Overheating can cause parts to expand and seize up, resulting in costly repairs.

  2. Reduced Efficiency: High temperatures can cause the engine to run less efficiently. This can result in decreased power output and increased fuel consumption.

  3. Oil Breakdown: Heat can cause the engine oil to break down more quickly, reducing its ability to lubricate the engine parts effectively. This can lead to increased wear and tear on the engine components.

  4. Cooling System Stress: The cooling system has to work harder in hot conditions to maintain the engine at an optimal temperature. This can lead to wear and potential failure of components such as the radiator, water pump, and hoses.

  5. Increased Wear and Tear: High temperatures can accelerate the wear and tear on engine components, such as gaskets, seals, and hoses. This can lead to leaks and mechanical failures.

  6. Battery Performance: Heat can negatively affect battery performance and lifespan. Overheating can cause the battery to lose charge more quickly and reduce its overall efficiency.

  7. Air Intake and Combustion: Hot air is less dense than cool air, which can affect the engine’s air-fuel mixture and combustion efficiency. This can result in reduced engine performance and increased emissions.

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.

Posted by: BarryL AT 03:10 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Monday, May 13 2024
Keeping Your Warehouse Cool This Summer

Ensuring that warehouse employees stay cool during the summer is of paramount importance for several reasons.

  • Firstly, maintaining a comfortable working environment contributes to employee well-being, morale, and productivity. Excessive heat can lead to discomfort, fatigue, and heat-related illnesses, affecting employees’ ability to perform tasks efficiently and safely.
  • Secondly, prioritizing employee health and safety by providing cooling measures reduces the risk of heat-related incidents such as heatstroke or dehydration, promoting a safer workplace overall.

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:

  • Insulation: Ensure that the warehouse is well insulated to prevent heat from entering. This includes insulating walls, ceilings, and doors.

  • Ventilation: Install proper ventilation systems such as fans, vents, or air conditioning units to circulate air and remove hot air from the warehouse.

  • Reflective Roofing: If possible, use reflective roofing materials that can reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption into the building.

  • Shade and Trees: Plant trees or install shades outside the warehouse to provide natural shade and reduce heat transfer through walls and roofs.

  • Heat-Emitting Equipment: Keep heat-emitting equipment away from sensitive areas or install heat shields to redirect heat away from the main workspace.

  • Cooling Zones: Create designated cooling zones within the warehouse where employees can take breaks and cool down.

  • Hydration Stations: Set up hydration stations with water coolers or dispensers throughout the warehouse so that workers can easily access cold water and stay hydrated.

  • Cool Break Areas: Create designated cool break areas with shade, fans, and seating where workers can take regular breaks to cool down and rest.

  • Use Reflective Clothing: Provide workers with light-colored, breathable, and moisture-wicking clothing that reflects sunlight and helps keep them cool.

  • Use Coolants: Use evaporative cooling systems or coolants like misting fans or wet mats to lower the ambient temperature in specific areas.

  • Schedule Work: Schedule heavy-duty tasks or work that generates a lot of heat during cooler parts of the day, such as early mornings or evenings.

  • Regular Maintenance: Maintain HVAC systems regularly to ensure they are functioning optimally and providing efficient cooling.

  • Monitor Indoor Temperatures: Install temperature monitoring systems to track indoor temperatures and take proactive measures when temperatures rise excessively.

  • Employee Awareness: Educate employees about heat-related illnesses, provide training on staying cool, and encourage them to stay hydrated and take breaks in cooler areas.

  • Encourage Communication: Encourage workers to communicate any discomfort or signs of heat-related stress promptly so that appropriate action can be taken.

Equipment you can install and items you can purchase to help minimize heat in your material handling and warehousing operation include:

  • Industrial Fans: High-volume, low-speed (HVLS) fans and industrial ceiling fans can help improve air circulation and create a cooling breeze throughout the warehouse.

  • Evaporative Coolers: Also known as swamp coolers, evaporative coolers use water evaporation to lower the ambient temperature. They are effective in dry climates and can be used as a cost-effective cooling solution.

  • Portable Air Conditioners: For specific areas or temporary cooling needs, portable air conditioners can be used to cool down workspaces quickly.

  • Heat-Reflective Roofing: Installing heat-reflective roofing materials can reduce heat absorption into the warehouse, keeping it cooler during hot weather.

  • Shade Structures: Outside the warehouse, shade structures such as awnings, canopies, or trees can provide natural shade and reduce heat transfer to the building.

  • Cooling Vests and Personal Cooling Devices: Providing employees with cooling vests, neckbands, or personal fans can help them stay cool while working in hot conditions.

  • Thermal Insulation: Proper insulation of walls, ceilings, and doors can prevent heat from entering the warehouse, reducing the workload on cooling equipment.

  • Misting Systems: Misting fans or misting systems can be installed to create a fine mist that evaporates quickly, lowering the surrounding air temperature.

  • Temperature Monitoring Systems: Installing temperature monitoring systems can help track indoor temperatures and optimize the use of cooling equipment for energy efficiency.

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.

Posted by: BarryL AT 10:26 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Tuesday, March 26 2024
3 Main Benefits of a Reach Truck

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.

  1. Maneuverability means narrower aisles - Reach trucks are designed for narrow aisles and tight spaces. They have a smaller turning radius, making them more maneuverable than standard forklifts. This allows for efficient navigation in crowded warehouse environments. Often times aisle width can be reduced by 30% or more by utilizing an reach truck. This allows for more aisles within your current space, and more storage.
  2. A reach truck has a higher lifting capacity than traditional forklifts - Reach trucks are built to handle taller racks and shelves. They can reach higher lift heights compared to standard forklifts, enabling better utilization of vertical space in the warehouse. LInde's 5195 Reach Truck has a maximum fork height of 240" allowing you to build your racking higher, thus more storage.
  3. The reach capability of a reach truck means narrow aisles within your warehouse - Reach trucks have extending forks that can reach into storage areas without the need for the truck to move closer. This feature is particularly useful for double-deep racking systems or when accessing items stored deep within racks. Double-reach means narrower aisles, and more pallet positions in your operation, resulting in increased storage capacity.

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.

Posted by: BarryL AT 03:56 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Tuesday, December 12 2023
Linde's 391 Forklift, Versatility and Agility Elevated

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 driveTwin 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.

Posted by: BarryL AT 01:34 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Tuesday, November 21 2023
When is Refresher Training Required?

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.

Posted by: BarryL AT 11:45 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Monday, October 30 2023
Warehouse Heat Retention Tips

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.

Posted by: BarryL AT 01:15 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Wednesday, October 18 2023
Improving Safety at Your Warehouse Dock

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.

Posted by: BarryL AT 12:57 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Monday, August 07 2023
Choosing the Right Forklift Tire

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!

Posted by: BarryL AT 02:24 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Wednesday, July 12 2023
Operating a Forklift in Wet Conditions

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

Posted by: Barry L AT 02:15 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Tuesday, June 13 2023
Forklift Safety Day 2024

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

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..

Posted by: Barry L. AT 10:36 am   |  Permalink   |  Email