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It may sound obvious that you’d know when your Forklift requires replacing but if you’re unsure what you should be looking for, this guide may help.
Tyres: Forklift Trucks do not have a standard suspension systems and therefore means that the entire weight of a forklift is put onto the Forklift’s tyres. For this reason, it’s really important to ensure that these are regularly checked and are replaced as soon is necessary.
The biggest indicator that the tyres require replacing are when they are worn below the wear line. Other factors include any tears or flat spots which could make the machine unbalanced.
Forks: Firstly, any damage should you acknowledged as this can cause weakness of the forks or to the good that are being moved. It is important to regularly measure the forks to ensure that they don’t exceed 10% of their normal thickness as this can impact on lifting capacity. The angle of the forks should also be checked to ensure that these are correct.
Oil Leaks: As with any other vehicle, it is important to check the oil levels and for any leaks as this can be a common problem with forklifts. A regular service can keep on top of this and any repairs required are usually taken care of quickly.
The Chain and Mast: With the chain it’s important to ensure that it is not worn, rusty and is free of any kinks. A damaged chain can also cause damage to the goods. The mast should move smoothly so ensure there is no jerking or catching, again a regular service can keep this is check.
So now you know how to maintain your forklift, it’s just as important to have members of staff regularly trained and up to date with operating the machines.
Forklift Agency can assist with the training with their highly experienced and professional trainers. We don’t charge travelling costs and we’ll provide the training at a time and place to suit you.
Want to find out more? Give the team a call on 0330 330 9495 or complete the form below and we’ll be in touch as soon as we can.
It’s an industry wide problem when standards aren’t what they should be for all of those using and employing staff to use a forklift.
Training Standards are currently under the spotlight as BITA and RTITB turn their attention to the delivery of training within the Forklift training.
The two boards hope to achieve some common goals in the training standards across the country such as promoting the forklift industry as an attractive career path for younger people by raising awareness.
There will also be focus on the level of standards and the delivery of training. The RTITB and BITA aim to minimise the risk with workers and operators in the workplace thus reducing the amount of workplace incidents, making a safer working environment for all.
Finally, there is to be a focus on new technology and how this can be used by prospective operators to be able to access training in a modern and ‘technology-friendly’ manner.
A younger, highly trained workforce will bring new life into the sector and attract more people into the industry. Bringing a wealth of fresh energy into the industry, and hopefully bring a workforce able to complete at a global level.
The RTITB want to bring together global brands that work together to encourage good practice, efficiency and high training standards.
If you or your staff are looking for Forklift training, then Forklift Agency can help. We offer novice or refresher courses and we offer the training at a time and place to suit you. The training is delivered by highly experienced trainers and we offer the training nationwide, and we don’t charge for traveling costs. If you think that we can assist your staff then please don’t hesitate to get in touch, give us a call on 0330 330 9495 or complete the form below and we’ll be in touch as soon as we can.
We’re all used to the advances in technology, from computers and smartphones to the cars that we drive, but what does the future hold for the forklift?
Well, here we give an insight as to what you could expect…
Up and coming innovative manufacturers are taking on the industry giants when it comes to design and performance. These new manufacturers will encourage the market leaders to also keep up with new technology and will hopefully change the face of the industry.
Firstly fuel…
Increased range and good for the planet, hydrogen fuel cell technology produces electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen. These two chemicals create a reaction which is in turn converted into electricity cells. This process releases no CO2 into the atmosphere and the only byproduct is water.
Safety…
We all know that safety is paramount and there are still a high number of casualties and fatalities every year involving forklifts. The use of safety sensors to monitor a forklift’s movements along with Toyota’s new swing lock cylinder which temporarily stops the swinging of the rear axle prevents the chance of tipping over the truck during normal use.
Rear Cameras…
Along with sensors, rear cameras could help prevent accidents whilst operating the forklifts. A head up display will automatically be activated when an operator puts the forklift into reverse saving the operator having to swivel around to manoeuvre.
Driverless Forklifts…
This technology is already being used in cars today but in the not too distant future, this is expected to be extended to forklifts as well.
The future certainly looks bright for the forklift industry so you want to ensure you’re up to date with your training, and this is where Forklift Agency can help. Give us a call to discuss your requirements – 0330 330 9425 or complete the form below and we’ll be in touch shortly.
On the 24th February at the International Centre in Telford, many of the industry’s leading individuals were under one roof to await the results of the Forklift Truck Association Award for Excellence.
Recognised as a great honour, the awards are highly anticipated and a list of winners can be found below;
Environment Category – HIAB’s E-MOFFETT. They we’re awarded this prize due to their reduction on fuel cost and its carbon footprint as well as overcoming residential noise complaints and all without any changes being made to their distribution model.
Egronomica – Linde. Their T20 S electric rider stand-on pallet truck which has a 38% reduction in body vibration was what cinched them this award.
Safety – Elokon. Their fantastic ELOprotect system stole this award due to the system’s collision prevention technology and system to reduce pedestrian/truck collisions in risky narrow aisle workplaces and environments.
Innovation – Philidelphia Scientific. Their time-saving and affordable solution to the problem of flooded batteries was simple but effective and ensured they were worthy winners of the award.
The Outstanding Team award went to MIDAC and was decided by nothing other than the FLTA member votes.
Dealer of the Year award went to the commitment of MSM DRH and their involvements in the wider community and their highly praised customer service.
Scottish Railway Preservation Society took the award for Safe Site due to their commitment to stop negative attitudes towards training.
There were more awards of the evening, all highly deserving and you can read about these of the FLTA website.
Here at Forklift Agency, was can provide you with professional and high quality forklift training and we don’t charge travelling costs either. We’ll provide the training at a time and place to suit you and we can train both individuals or your employees. If you’d like to learn more, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on 0330 330 9495 or complete the form below and we’ll be in touch as soon as we can.
It’s no secret that STILL hit the bullseye when it came to the RX20 Electric Forklift.
The distinctive silver-orange design was a major hit with companies and forklift operators back in 2005 and since that time, more than 80,000 units have been produced.
Although you wouldn’t have thought there was much room for improvement, STILL have gone back to the drawing room and made a few tweaks to the bestseller.
You’ll find that the new model is more compact, there are smart assistance systems installed as well as the performance and precision having been significantly improved.
The new RX20 range is made up of a total of 13 different styles of truck and are designed to manage loads from 1.4 to 2 ton and a load centre of gravity of 500mm.
The trucks are best suited to a combination of both indoor and outdoor use and can reach maximum driving speeds of 20km/h. If you’re wondering about stacking pallets, you’ll find that these can be stacked up to 7,900mm too! Impressive eh?
The new compact design means that these lend themselves to small working aisle widths and small warehouse operations.
The great performance has been sealed with a new generation of converters alongside the three-phase traction motors which maintenance free.
The trucks will handle slopes and inclines up to as much as 20% even at maximum load and the operator can choose whether to operate the truck in energy performance mode or alternatively high handling performance. The best yet? It’s all done at the touch of a button.
There’s so much more to the new RX20 range, you’ll want to check it out for yourself! In the meantime, if it’s forklift training that you’re after then Forklift Agency can help.
We offer health and safety approved training and we’re happy to train at a time and place to suit you. We don’t even charge you travelling costs. We offer both novice and refresher course and we can train employers or individuals. Sound good? Give us a call 0330 330 9495 or complete the form below and we’ll be in touch as soon as we can.
If you like to keep ahead of the Forklift News and in the know about the industries success stories then the FLTA Awards is an evening you won’t want to miss!
Held of Saturday 24th February, the Forklift Truck Association Awards has a reputation for being the most prestigious annual event in the industry of Materials Handling.
If you’re fearing you’ve missed out then you’ll be relieved, tickets are still available* for the evening which is held at Telford International Centre.
It’s a great opportunity to network with all the UK’s major forklift truck companies as well as enjoying fine food, live music as well as the opportunity to dance the night away. There will also be a Guest Speaker which is yet to be confirmed but previous years have seen TV personalities, sports stars and radio presenters.
If that wasn’t enough, you’ll also get the opportunity to find out which individuals and which companies will walk away with the awards.
If you’d like to attend, then you can book your tickets through the Forklift Truck Association website, tickets are just £170 which is more than reasonable for what the night hold in store.
If in the meantime, you’re looking for health and safety approved training courses for Forklift Training, both novice and refresher, then Forklift Agency can help. Give the team a call today on 0330 330 9495 or complete the form below and we’ll be in touch as soon as we can.
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering about the classes of forklift, then wonder no more because we have the 7 classes of Forklift listed right here!
Class 1: Electric Motor Rider Trucks
Class 2: Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Truck
Class 3: Electric Motor Hand Truck
Class 4: Internal Combustion Engine Trucks (cushion tyres: indoor use)
Class 5: Internal Combustion Engine Trucks (pneumatic tyres: outdoor use)
Class 6: Electric and Internal combustion engine tractors
Class 7: Rough Terrain Forklift Trucks
It’s also worth a mention that no matter which class of forklift you may be using daily safety checks should also be carried out, for your own sake, your staff and other operators and pedestrians around you. There are also other safety procedures that should be followed in order to ensure a safe working environment, such as;
- Always use safe speeds
- Avoid abrupt stops
- Remember that pedestrians always have the right of way
- Don’t pick up other riders
- Always be aware of the fork position
- Always keep in lane
- Watch out for blind spots
- Always be aware of conditions of the floor
- Slow down and sound the horn at corners
- Keep the load level stationary when in motion
The benefits of keeping up to date of forklift safety and safe operation are immeasurable. It is an employers’ duty under Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to provide information, instruction, supervision and training to employees. It is also a requirement that all persons who use work equipment have received adequate training for health and safety reasons as is stated under the Use of Work Equipment Work Regulations 1998.
With this in mind, it’s highly important to ensure that you and your staff are up to date with your refresher training and this is where Forklift Agency can help. We provide both novice and refresher training and we can provide the training at a time and place to suit you. The training is health and safety approved and we don’t charge travelling costs.
Give us a call today to discuss your requirements and find out more, 0330 330 9495 or complete the form below and we’ll be in touch as soon as we can.
It can be a minefield when making a decision about the type of forklift to invest in and it’s important to consider the benefits of each type before making a final choice.
Pre-forklift days, many factories and warehouses would use cables, ropes and pulleys to move boxes, crates and other heavy objects. Since the invention of forklifts, carrying out such tasks have become easier and more efficient, requiring less manpower and reducing the time required to move goods.
There are three main types of forklift truck, each generally used for a different purpose. These are powered either by gas, diesel, compressed gas or propane.
Gas forklifts have become popular due to the number of workplaces requiring them. Buying a second-hand forklift may be an option of the budget is tight, as purchasing a brand-new forklift can be expensive.
A diesel forklift is a great addition to any warehouse. This type of forklift tends to stay in good condition when used with diesel. They’re easy to operate and are a smooth drive, they’re also fuel efficient too!
Electric forklifts run off a battery that has to be charged, usually overnight. When fully charged, this type of forklift can run for approximately 6 consecutive hours and so if a warehouse is in operation for 8 hours, keeping the battery fully charged should enable a forklift operator to carry out a whole work shift on one battery charge. Electric forklifts are a notably greener option with regards to the environment too!
Whichever forklift you choose, they’re the perfect drivable, small vehicle for carrying out heavy lifting and moving tasks. They are compact enough to fit into relatively small areas and are easily manoeuvrable.
Once you have your forklift then you’ll need to ensure that you’re up to speed with your training, this is where Forklift Agency can help. We offer training for both the novice and experienced forklift operator, we also offer the training at a time and place to suit you. We don’t charge travelling fees and all the training is health and safety approved. If you think we can help you or your staff, get in touch. Give us a call on 0330 330 9495 or complete the form below and we’ll be in touch as soon as we can.
If you’re all set for Christmas and looking ahead to the New Year what better way to begin 2018 that with a personal challenge? Whilst most people are wrapped up in trying to lose those extra pounds, giving up smoking or alcohol or the other New Year’s Resolutions destined to fail, why not challenge yourself with Forklift Instructor of the Year 2018?
At the Talent Logistics Conference of 2018, which is set to be held on 21st June, all the best Forklift Instructors will be gathered to compete for the title Forklift Instructor of the Year 2018.
Instructors in the UK and Ireland are invited to attend and compete for the award, they’ll be tested through a series of practical, pre-use as well as theory.
The awards will be held at Telford International Centre and the winner will be announced that evening. If you think you have what it takes, you can enter the competition, free of charge, from 3rd January 2018.
If in the meantime you’d like to brush up on your Forklift operating or you’d like to put members of staff through a refresher or novice course, then we at Forklift Agency can help. We’ve more than 10 years of experience providing forklift training nationwide, with a great team of friendly and knowledgeable instructors, we don’t charge travelling costs and we’ll provide the training at a time and place to suit you.
So with 2018 just around the corner, why not start the year as you mean to go on? Staff that are fully trained and up to date on their forklift operating make for a safer work environment for everyone. Give the team a call today on 0330 330 9495 or complete the form below and we’ll be in touch as soon as we can.
Many of you may have already heard about Derbyshire based firm Vinyl Compound’s recent fine. If you aren’t already in the know, the firm have been fined £450,000 after a young employee was crushed to death by the forklift that he had been operating.
Anyone involved in the industry is likely to already be aware of the number of incidents, even deaths, that occur in workplaces all over the country each year. Many of these incidents could have been prevented if the right training had been provided and equipment is subject to the correct and regular checks being carried out.
It really is imperative that all employers and employees are aware of all the requirements by law when it comes to forklifts and their operation.
Here at Forklift Agency, we can provide both novice and refresher training which is Health and Safety approved and delivered to the highest standards. We can provide training all over the country and we don’t charge travelling costs to deliver the training. We’re also happy to train your employees at a time and place that is convenient to you.
We not only provide the more common forklift training courses but we have specially qualified instructors that can also deliver training on the lesser known equipment such as the telehandler.
As an employer or an employee, if you don’t ensure that all staff are thoroughly trained and also put through refresher training then you run the risk of both death and serious injury happening in the workplace as well as major fines.
There really is no need to put off sorting forklift training so why not get in touch today and let us assist you in making your workplace a safer place. Call 0330 330 9495 or complete the form below and we’ll be in touch as soon as we can.
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