Electric Forklifts in Rain

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Forklifts often rely on different electrical components to keep running. You should always do enough research before purchasing your lift on when and where you can operate your forklift.

Can you operate your electric forklift in rainy weather?

  • Most forklifts are designed to withstand various weather conditions, but to be entirely sure check the IP code of your forklift to make sure that your lift is safe to use outside.

How waterproof are electric forklifts?

  • By looking at your International Protection (IP) code, you can tell whether or not your forklift is able to operate in the rain. The IP rating system can tell you how well your lift withstands solid particulates and liquids. Any forklift that is rated IPX4 or higher is capable of operating outside during the rain.
  • There is a protection level listed on the IP code from 0 to 6. Zero indicates that the forklift has 0 protection against other objects, while 6 denotes that it is totally dust proof. The liquid protection level is similar yet the scale ranges from 0-8. Zero indicates that the machine has 0 protection against any water and 8 means the lift could be submerged over three meters of water without damage.

Safety Precautions in Rain

  • Set up procedures to keep your operators safe during inclement weather because it can be more difficult to operate your lift in the rain. Here are some examples:
    • Ensure Adequate Visibility (Lights and Horn in check)
    • Know Variances of Forklift Operation (Go Slow, Forklift Chains, Close Covers)

The Lilly Company is glad to help you discover whether or not your forklift can operate in rainy weather. Make sure to prepare in advance because you never know what the weather may bring!

Used vs. New Forklift

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When planning to purchase a forklift there are many questions that should be answered before deciding whether to buy new or used. Both types have advantages and disadvantages, but generally one will fit your situation better than the other.

When to Buy Used?

  • When the lift will only be in use for a few hours per day (Generally, no more than 5 days per week and 5 hours a day)
  • Single Shift Operation
  • Not part of a heavy duty, nonstop environment
  • When adding an additional unit for backup
  • When funds are limited (Can be up to 50% less than a new unit)
  • When you need a good unit now

Why Used?

  • Most can still be financed and/or leased, including FMV residual leases
  • Nearly immediate delivery vs. long lead time of new units
  • Parts can be a major concern among newer models
  • Some units still qualify for some or part of the original factory warranty
  • “Extended” or “certified” warranties are available from the manufacturer for many used units
  • In many cases, there is little difference between the “remaining life” of a used lift vs. a new lift
  • Customer receives fair market value for the material

Although there are many advantages of buying used, there are also a few disadvantages. Such as, just like a used vehicle, a used forklift will have visual wear and tear than a new lift will not have. You will need to receive a detailed report of any previous maintenance issues and take into consideration how long it has been used.

As for new units, they generally speak for themselves. A few advantages of buying a new unit is that new models are equipped to handle longer hours at an efficient pace, whereas the used model is better to be used on occasion. New lifts have a warranty that can be anywhere from 12 to 36 months. A disadvantage of buying a new forklift is that some push away from the higher price and the longer delivery, yet a new forklift can be a better investment.

When deciding to buy a forklift, consider all of these factors to make the best decision for your work environment! Used or new, you are sure to be in good hands with The Lilly Company!

Sit Down vs. Stand up Forklifts

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Sit-Down vs. Stand-Up Forklifts

There are many different options when choosing a forklift, yet all forklift’s have the main goal of moving product safely and effectively. When choosing your forklift it is best to determine which lift will benefit your operations to save you time, money and lead to your utmost safety.

Forklifts are offered in two main types – sit-down model and stand-up model, with a few main differences between the two.

Sit-down forklifts have the option of 3 or 4-wheel models. A 3-wheel model is best for those navigating smaller spaces because it has greater maneuverability.  A sit-down forklift gives the driver the opportunity to stay seated while moving product, which provides more comfort when operating a lift for extended periods of time.

Some situations do not allow the use of a sit-down rider because of workloads or space limitations. Stand-up forklifts save space and have an improved turning radius because of its compact nature. Stand-up models give better visibility, while a sit-down model allows for front facing visibility.

Here are some great questions when determining which forklift is best for you:

  1. Do you have tight areas or narrow aisles?
  2. Does the driver make extended runs or shorter runs with several stops and starts?
  3. How often is your driver moving on and off the lift?
  4. How can you increase productivity? Stand up model or sit-down model?

Consider all of these factors to choose a forklift that best suits you!

Fasten Your Seat belt!!!

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Fasten Your Forklift Seat belt!

Did you know that forklifts don’t have seat belts to protect drivers from collisions? Forklifts have seatbelts to prevent drivers from jumping off the lift if it tips over. If the driver decides to jump from the lift, he/she could be crushed between the ground and the forklift.

Although Occupational Safety and Health Administration does not have specific requirements for seat belts; it does require employers to protect employees from “serious and recognized hazards,” and recognition of the hazard of the powered industrial truck tip over and the need for a restraint system for certain trucks. The national consensus for forklifts manufactured after 1992 are required to have some form of restraint or seat belt to reduce the risk of a driver being crushed if the forklift overturns. Employers are required to ensure that every forklift operator is using the seat belt or restraint, and if not, the employer could be cited for failure to comply with OSHA, which will include a penalty fee to be paid to OSHA.

The most common type of accidents with forklifts is getting crushed in between the ground and the lift. Statistics show that there’s an average of 100 accidents a year of people working on forklifts – over half are overturned accidents; yet trying to convince operators to wear their seat belts is easier said than done! The safest place to be on the lift in the event of an accident is in the seat with the seat belt on.

Wearing a seat belt while operating a forklift can maximize safety and keep you from getting hurt!

How To Prepare Your Forklift for Summer!!!

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With the brutal summer heat, employers are responsible for keeping forklifts and forklift operators safe from the heat and its potential havoc. While employees may suffer from heat strokes and exhaustion, forklifts are at risk for overheating, coolant system failures, and so much more. Taking the pre-cautionary measures to protect both the forklift and its users can prevent productivity from slowing down.

Protecting the Forklift

One of the most common issues a forklift may see is overheating. With increased temperatures, internal issues may arise. First, coolant fluid levels should be up to the minimum level to stop potential engine damage. If the coolant liquids are regularly checked and replenished, the chemicals can’t cause any additional damage to the coolant system mechanisms. The radiator should also be inspected for damage because cracked and malfunctioning radiators can cause overheating and damage to the radiator. Radiator hoses that aren’t tight enough or have cracks can speed up deterioration of the rubber, so be prepared to check the radiator hoses consistently. All fluid levels, such as Internal Combustion truck oil and battery fluid on Electric trucks, should be maintained and checked continuously to assure the heat has not depleted it.

Rubber tires definitely feel the impact of the summer sun. The heat increases the effects of cracking and other forms of damage to tires. Because heat raises the pressure in tires, pneumatic tires should have the pressure checked. If tires are properly inflated, it can prevent a frustrating tire blowout.

While there are several areas of a forklift that may need extra attention during the summer months, precautionary maintenance and inspections prior to use can prevent downtime. Operators who perform these routine checks and maintenance should still be able to get the job down.

Forklift Operator Safety

While a forklift is a great investment, a forklift operator is just as valuable to an organization. Whether the operator is working indoors or outdoors, precautionary measures should also be taken to be safe in the summer heat. There are several steps to beat the heat when working a forklift:

  1. Get Plenty of Sleep to Avoid Heat Exhaustion
  2. Take Breaks to Get Out of the Heat
  3. Stay Hydrated and Eat for Energy
  4. Wear Sunscreen

We don’t want burnt out forklifts or operators, so don’t forget to prepare for the hot summers!

Warehouse Storage Solutions Using Pallet Racking

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Even in a spacious warehouse, you may still be searching for ways to optimize for more storage. Many businesses are searching for solutions to enlarge their storage potential, and choosing the correct pallet racking could be the secret to success. Making these changes could increase space utilization, accessibility, efficiency, and speed. The various types of pallet racking provides these solutions to a business to improve their warehouse’s functions.

 

 

 

Types of Pallet Racking

 

  1. Selective Pallet Racking

This type of racking is ideal for storing a variety of different sizes and shapes of packaged materials. It creates accessibility to every load, and labor costs and inventory control are reduced because pallets do not need to be moved to reach or see one. Selective pallet racking is made up of vertical frames and beams that are arranged in single or double rows. The height is adjustable, so wire-decking and shelving cam be added and adjusted.

 

  1. Pushback Pallet Racking

Pushback pallet racking offers 90% more product storage than selective pallet racking. When using First In Last Out (FILO) inventory control, this is a fantastic option. The pushback racks place pallet loads on nesting carts that are fed forward by gravity on rigid structural steel rails. Pallets are loaded from the front, and the pallet pushes the pallet behind it back one position. Pallets are unloaded by removing the front pallet, and the next pallet will come forward. The interlocking of carts can help prevent pallets from jamming or any product damage.

 

  1. Drive-in/Drive-thru Pallet Racking

With fewer racks required and 75% more storage than selective racking, drive-in/drive thru pallet racking is the highest density storage solution. These systems are ideal for large volume storage because it can be integrated with FILO inventory control. One will have to move pallets to reach the desired pallet, and these are inclined to face more damage than any other rack structure.

 

  1. Pallet Flow Pallet Racking

A high density storage option, like pallet flow pallet racking, is ideal for fast-moving product with First In First Out (FIFO) rotation. Product flows back to a picking position, and the product is loaded from the back and picked up from the front. It provides a solution to give more accessibility, and the warehouse floor space can be utilized with less aisles by loading pallets back to back.

 

  1. Cantilever Racking

Cantilever racking is best when storing long, bulky, or unusually-shaped loads. This style makes unloading and loading faster since there is no front column in the way. Loads are placed anywhere along the entire length of a row and handling clearance is more plentiful.

Warehouse Safety

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OSHA, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, requires all employers to provide and maintain a safe and healthful workplace for employees. OSHA completes regular inspections to insure all workplaces maintain their standard of health and safety. During these inspections, they identify any existing or potential hazards in the workplace, and they advise to eliminate or control them. Workplaces are inspected on a schedule based off of the industry. The fatal injury rate for warehousing employees is higher than other industry, so OSHA requires more frequent inspections of warehouses. To ensure the warehouse maintains and exceeds OSHA’s standards, it is recommend that employers use a safety checklist.

 

Because accidents cost money, employers should complete warehouse safety audits very often. Accidents cause higher insurance rates, reduce morale, medical costs for the injured, repairing any damaged equipment, and so much more. Being aware of the common OSHA violations in warehouses can prevent any of these incidents from occurring.

 

Top Warehouse Violations from OSHA

  1. Unsafe Forklift Use
  2. Hazard Communication
  3. Electrical Wiring
  4. Electrical System Design
  5. Fall Hazards
  6. Blocked or Unclear Emergency Exits
  7. Conveyors and Mechanical Power Transmission
  8. Failure to use PPE Equipment
  9. Failure to Follow Proper Tagout/Lockout Procedures
  10. Inadequate Fire Safety Provisions

 

They are also six areas that organizations in warehouses should pay special attention to. Having the correct procedures, pieces of equipment, and protections against hazardous materials can keep the environment accident free. When evaluating these, employers should be aware of any potential risks and always updating safety methods when change occurs.

 

6 Areas to Focus On

  1. Building Safety
  2. Storage & Material Handling Practices
  3. Fire Prevention & Protection
  4. Emergency Preparedness
  5. Electrical Installations
  6. Security System

Pallet Jack Use in Warehouses

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When a counter-balanced forklift isn’t right for your needs, a pallet jack may be what your warehouse needs. Warehouses and distribution settings often depend on pallet jacks when space is confining. Pallet jacks include walkies, end-controlled riders and center-controlled riders, walkie stackers, and walkie reach trucks. While warehouses are the most common destination for pallet jacks, they are also used in retail and manufacturing environments due to their flexibility and the increased productivity.

 

Finding the right because of equipment can be confusing, but choosing a pallet jack is commonly based of measurements. If it is going to run under fifty feet, hand pallet jacks and electric walkie pallet jacks are very effective. If it will be used for exactly fifty feet, an electric walkie pallet jack is suitable; they are manufactured in a variety of sizes and capacities. If it runs for more than fifty feet, an end-controlled rider pallet jack or center-controlled rider pallet jack will allow for higher travel speeds during horizontal transport.

 

Electric pallet jacks are often the premier choice for warehouse applications. They can be used in a variety of applications for whatever the warehouse’s need may be. They are often used because they are less expensive than traditional forklifts and fit in smaller spaces. They also have a smaller operating cost and more user friendly. While they have limited vertical height and less flexibility, they still serve many warehouses well.

Need More Warehouse Space?

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To have an efficient and safe work place, your warehouse has to be utilized well. Having the right amount of storage and space can create a more productive work flow. These three methods can help increase warehouse space to allow for more storage.

 

  1. Pallet Racking

Adjusting the pallet rack design can be your storage solution. Rows of racks can be moved up or down, and shelving can be added to create more room for pallets. Drive-In and drive-thru pallets are also alternative for spacing issues. The variety of styles and configurations of pallet racking maximize your warehouse space and help you operate more efficiently.

 

  1. Equipment Selection

While racking and shelving can be altered, selecting the right equipment for warehouse is also a great way to create more space. Since aisle width can be adjusted, one should consider the height and width of the aisles for the type of equipment they choose. A narrow aisle, 8.5 to 10.5 inches wide, are best for reach trucks, pallet jacks, and certain forklifts.  A few styles of standard forklifts and reach trucks can move materials up to 36 feet high.

 

  1. Height and Width

Expanding the height or decreasing aisle width are two solutions for providing that extra storage space. Upward expansion can meet safety and seismic concerns, and you’re only limited to the height of the ceiling. For those needing daily access to inventory, upward expansion may not be ideal. Mezzanines can also provide another level of space for storage, offices, or work stations. Also, you must be aware of spacing beneath light fixtures and sprinkler heads. Be sure to measure the width of aisles because majority of aisles are underutilized and can be decreased in size. Columns from racking can also affect the width of the aisle. Adjusting the pallet racking from vertical to horizontal can hide the columns within the racking.

4 Solutions to Protect Your Pallet Racking

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When working in a warehouse, we often to think about the safety of pedestrians and equipment. Hours are spent in training programs, while the protection of products on pallets are forgotten. Pallet rack uprights and beams are vulnerable to the impact of accidents, and without safety protocols, there could be damaged goods or even worse, injured employees. To prevent impact, warehouses should invest one of these four or more solutions. These pallet racking protectors will absorb the impact from any angle, so no object or individual has to!

 

  1. Steel Guard Rails

With a variety sizes, steel guard rails can create a barrier around pallet racks. They are bolted to ground to make a strong and visible blockade.

 

  1. End-of-Aisle Frame Guards

This option is only a few inches off the ground, but their bright yellow color warns people to be cautious. End-of-Aisle frame guards can be wrapped around the entire frame to protect the front column.

 

  1. Upright Frame Protectors

This cost-friendly and commonly used choice creates a barrier between moving equipment, the base plate, and lower leg. It is floor-mounted and free-standing.

 

  1. Strap and Snap-On Racking Guards

If upright frame protectors are not right for your warehouse, these are a great alternative. They attach on to the frame and absorb shock. They cause less damage to the floor and are easier to install than upright frame protectors, and they  have an unlimited height potential.