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. 

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.