Fallsway Equipment’s experts are leaders in their field. Find more about Forklifts, forklift accessories, and trends in the industry from our experts on our blog.
Seemingly indestructible, forklift forks are often forgotten about when considering equipment maintenance and workplace safety. However, considering how much weight they lift, normal wear, and damage they endure every day, it is important to know how to inspect and when to replace your forklift forks.
If a damaged or worn-down fork is not noticed and replaced, it is in jeopardy of snapping and dropping the load, which would result in:
Damaged goods
Injure operator
Forklift downtime
Fork Inspection
Not only are regular inspections the best way to proactively
avoid costly factors associated with work failure, but they are also required
by OSHA and the Industrial Truck Standards Foundation (ITSDF).
Firstly, OSHA requires daily inspection of the condition of the forks as part of their Forklift Pre-Operational Inspection Checklist. ITSDF requires a yearly inspection, repair, and testing of forks done by a knowledgeable and trained individual (ANSI/ITSDF B-56.1).
When to Replace Forks
Damaged
Replace forklift forks when there is damage, including:
Surface cracks
Bent shank, blade, or hooks
Uneven blade height
Non-operational position lock
Wear
The constant loading/unloading of cargo and repositioning of forks will cause the metal on the blade, shank, and hooks to wear down over time. Harder to identify than damage, fork wear requires use of a caliper to determine if replacement is necessary.
How to Find the Wear of the Fork Blade: Step 1: Set caliper by measuring thickness of fork shank Step 2: Without adjusting caliper, position caliper over forklift arm blade (2” from inside of heel)
If back teeth of caliper pass freely over blade of fork, replace the fork. If back teeth of caliper hit the blade, the fork does not need replaced.
How to Find the Wear of the Fork Hooks:
With nearly 30% of forks failing to meet safety standards, inspecting
and knowing when to replace forklift forks can save your operation significant
time and money.
Before
diving into why your operation should consider adding a turret truck to your
fleet, the first order of business is answering the question, “What is a turret
truck?”. Turret trucks are very specialized machines for very-narrow-aisle (VNA)
applications. Immediately drawing attention due to its unique design, there are
traditionally two options available, man-up, the more common option where the
carriage and operator are lifted to retrieve and store pallets, and man-down,
where the operator stays down while picking orders.
Increase
Warehouse Capacity
Jungheinrich EKX516k
Is your
operation limited because you don’t have enough room to store inventory? Turret
trucks are designed to increase warehouse capacity by reducing aisle widths,
thus making room for more aisles. Since the
forks are mounted on a smaller front mast that can rotate 180 degrees, the
operator has access to both sides of the racking aisle without rotating the
unit. VNA turret trucks can reduce aisle width by 50%. Save space and increase
warehouse capacity with turret trucks!
Increase
Productivity
With a pallet throughput 3x as high as the standard counterbalance forklift, no equipment can handle more pallets and loads than turret trucks. However, not only are turret trucks implemented in operations that are looking to increase volume and productivity, but also for those looking to cut costs. When turret trucks are added to a fleet, fewer operators are needed to produce the same output. Whether looking to increase productivity or cut costs, turret trucks are designed to optimize your operation.
Turret
Trucks from Jungheinrich
Selling more
turret trucks worldwide than Crown, Raymond, or Yale, Jungheinrich is your
industry leader for quality and cost-savings. German designed, you will find
unmatched energy efficiency, productivity, ergonomics, and intelligence in each
Jungheinrich turret truck.
Energy
Efficiency
Jungheinrich EKX Turret Truck
A pioneer in AC forklift motors, Jungheinrich has unmatched technology and the most experience relating to energy efficiency. For example, they are the only turret truck manufacturer on the planet that can guarantee two shifts (16 run hours) on one battery charge. Regardless if your operation is one or two shifts, you will need to charge your battery less frequently, resulting in a significant increase in battery life and cost savings. In addition, exclusively Jungheinrich offers reluctance AC motors, reducing energy losses by up to 50% when driving, steering, and using hydraulics. Energy efficiency saves you money, and none do it better than Jungheinrich.
Productivity
For
Jungheinrich, performance is just as important as energy efficiency. Not only
do they manufacture turret trucks with the highest reach on the planet at an
impressive 708”, but put head-to-head against competitors, Jungheinrich is also
more productive and has a higher lift speed. They work smarter so you can work
harder. Enjoy unmatched productivity and performance with turret trucks from
Jungheinrich.
Ergonomics
Jungheinrich EKX 516k
Turret trucks from Jungheinrich increase efficiency and performance through operator comfort and optimized design. Your operators are guaranteed to love the spacious operator compartment with extensive legroom and a full suspension seat with adjustable armrests. In addition to a flexible concept for comfortable sitting or standing, Jungheinrich also implements intuitive and comfortable operator controls.
Intelligence
Jungheinrich Warehouse Navigation is a form of semi-automation that uses RF transponders to pinpoint and navigate to the next order in the quickest time and using the least amount of energy. Implementing this technology could increase productivity by up to 25%. Warehouse Navigation can be to be integrated with your warehouse management system, eliminating operator errors and make every operator a top performer!
When choosing a turret truck, Jungheinrich is a clear choice. Experience the difference for yourself and demo against the competition. Not only will your operators love it, but the increase in productivity and cost savings will take your operation to the next level. Contact Fallsway today to find the perfect fit for your operation!
Safe forklift operation is essential for any business. An important detail to know when operating a forklift is the capacity of your forklift limit. Below we will explain what forklift load capacity is, as well as what you need to know to safely operate your forklifts.
Safety is a top
priority for any business owner and operators should:
Forklift operator training
be trained
know safety devices and functions of the lift truck.
use the forklift as intended to be used.
not drive recklessly.
space out forks properly.
never exceed the rated capacity of the forklift.
What is Capacity and How to Determine the Weight You Can Carry?
OSHA requires that ALL
forklifts have an updated data plate that indicates information like capacity,
load center, and maximum lift height. Loads can come in various shapes and
sizes, not just symmetrical boxes. Forklift max capacity is determined by the load
center of the product you’re picking up.
Figuring out the
maximum weight your forklift can carry, you must consider several factors. The load size, position, weight distribution,
and the stability of the truck all affect lifting capacity. As an example, if
you have a 4,000-pound rectangular box standing up vertically, the forklifts
load capacity will be higher than if it was positioned horizontally with the
long end of the box overhanging the forks. That is why the center of your loads
plays a critical part in determining the maximum capacity.
Risks to Exceeding Forklift Capacities:
Several life-threating
hazards can occur if you go over the maximum capacity. Some included are:
Dropping the load.
Collision.
Loss of steering control.
Tipping over.
To avoid these
hazards, operators should:
know where the forklift’s load capacity plate located.
understand a load’s weight, shape, size, and position.
have the heaviest part of the load closer to the mast.
keep the distance from the front wheels to the load’s center of gravity minimum.
Note that having different
forklift attachments will change the characteristics of how each forklift will
operate, including the load capacity. It is crucial to keep each data tag
updated with each attachment and have operators understand the de-rated
capacity of the forklift so they can know their limitations.
How to Locate Load Capacity Data
All forklifts have a
load capacity data plate. They are usually within viewing distance when the
operator enters the forklift, but this varies depending on the make and model
of the forklift. The plate differs and may display some or all of the following
information:
General information like brand, model, serial number, and forklift type.
Information on components and parts: Tire type and sizes, mast type, and tire tread.
Forklift and battery weight.
Attachments in weight calculation.
Tilt degree.
Load capacity.
Load center distances.
Max lifting height.
Lift trucks with high
masts will have a different capacity rating for the various heights; as an
operator, you should refer to the manufacturer’s capacity plate for the mast
height ratings.
Avoiding Load Capacity Issues
These are some of the
basic rules you can follow to avoid running into forklift load capacity issues
and creating a safer work environment.
Train operators to check load capacity plates and never make assumptions.
Never go over the forklifts stated load capacity.
Purchase equipment with load capacities slightly greater than you need for the job.
Instruct operators to read and follow instructions in the operator’s manual.
Make sure each forklift has the correct information and is legible to read.
Travel at a safe speed that will maintain control of the forklift with and without a load.
Keep the load at a safe traveling height of 2-4 inches from the ground.
Increasing operator
awareness and proper training will prevent accidents in the workplace.
Founded in 1959, Snorkel started out as a firefighting
equipment company that developed an aerial work platform specifically designed
for aerial firefighting and rescue work. They quickly made a name for
themselves in the industry, setting the standard for aerial firefighting
equipment. About 20 years later, Snorkel entered the construction and
industrial markets with its first telescopic boom lifts. Premiering the first
aluminum upper booms and platforms in the industry, this new product line
utilized technology from their firefighting equipment, including
state-of-the-art hydraulic and electrical systems, to become an industry leader.
Since then, Snorkel has continued to grow and currently manufactures aerial
lifts of all types and sizes. Whether you are looking for a scissor lift or
boom lift, Snorkel has you covered. Also, if you have a unique need, they work
with you to provide a custom solution.
Snorkel Equipment
Snorkel has a wide range of equipment based on your specific
needs and application.
Scissor Lifts
Choose from a full line of scissor lifts suitable for indoor
and outdoor applications. Ranging from low-level, rough terrain, or electric,
the Snorkel line of scissor lifts spans maximum working heights from 12 ft. 6
in. to 45 ft. and maximum platform capacities from 500 lbs. to 1,500 lbs.
Boom Lifts
Whether you are looking for articulated, electric, telescopic,
or towable, the Snorkel family of boom lifts combines power and precision for
efficient working at height. Ranging from 41 ft. 9 in. to 132 ft. in maximum
working height, and maximum platform capacities ranging from 425 lbs. to 600
lbs., there is a Snorkel boom lift for almost any application.
Snorkel and Fallsway: A Perfect Pair
Snorkel and Fallsway are the perfect pair. For starters, we were both established in 1959, currently celebrating our 60th year in business! This is not simply a neat coincidence, but it also shows both Fallsway and Snorkel have the knowledge and experience to provide solutions to even the most difficult problems. If you have ever done business with Fallsway in the past, you know firsthand the pride and trust we have in the products we offer. Not only does Snorkel offer a product that is unmatched when it comes to quality and value, but they also provide first-class support for service and parts.
Jungheinrich EZS 7280NA: Electric Tow Tractor (Tugger)
With a compact durable design, the all-new 64,700 lb. capacity electric tow tractor from Jungheinrichis designed for towing heavy-duty loads in any industry. Enjoy a small turning radius, high performance when moving on ramps, an ergonomic workstation, corrosion protection, and energy efficiency while transporting heavy loads across the airport tarmac or industrial facility. Learn more about the Jungheinrich EZS 7280NA tugger and why it might be a great fit for your operation.
Productivity
The EZS 7280NA reaches speeds of 15.5 mph (unloaded) and 7.5 mph (loaded). This allows your operators to quickly and effectively get where they need to go.
Designed to make life easy on your operators and save time, the touch mode feature makes it easy to attach and detach trailers.
Have ramps or inclines? No worry, the EZS 7280NA tows up to
9.5 tons, 21,000 lbs., on 10% grade ramps.
All parts and components are easily accessible; therefore,
it is easier and faster to service.
Safety
The Jungheinrich EZS 7280NA provides maximum productivity
without sacrificing safety.
Driver Visibility – Enjoy a clear driving view with minimal blind spots. Also, cutouts on the rear panel provide an excellent view of the coupling.
Automatic Parking Brake – The tow tractor and trailer are
secured automatically when it stops.
Hill-Start Assist – While on a ramp or incline, start
without any roll-back. Paired with anti-skid control (ASC), you are ensured
smooth, reliable acceleration in the toughest situations.
curveControl – This option automatically reduces speed while
turning corners avoids tipping and ensures control over the load.
Energy Efficiency
The EZS 7280NA comes with proprietary 3-phase AC technology
from Jungheinrich, thus consumes less energy, extends the battery life, and
increases run times.
For 24/7 operations and high usage applications, the Jungheinrich EZS 7280NA has an XL option, which enables a larger battery size. As a result, there will be an increase in performance and energy efficiency.
Ergonomics
Ergonomic workstation features several designs implemented
with the operator in mind, such as:
Automotive-style interior and operation with foot-pedal and adjustable steering column
Spacious cabin with an optimum all-round view, including great visibility of the coupling from the operator’s seat
Low entry step with level foot-well
Outlet vents that prevent fogging
Total Cost of Ownership
Across its product line, Jungheinrich implements productivity features, energy and awareness designs, ergonomics, and uptime to minimize the total cost of ownership. The Jungheinrich EZS 7280NA is no different. Save time and money with 1,000-hour service intervals.
If you are looking to take the total cost of ownership even lower, consider getting it with the lithium-Ion package.
Fast charging with no need for battery exchanges
Maintenance-free and no odors from gases or acidification
Longer service life
Charging can be interrupted at any time without damage to the battery
5-year battery warranty
Specs:
Model
Basic Capacity (lbs)
Voltage
Length To Fork Face
Chassis Width (in)
Chassis Height (in) ¹
Gross Weight (lbs) ¹
EZS 7280NA
61,700
80
118.2
51.2
77.6
9,000
EZS 7280 NA XL
61,700
80
130
51.2
77.6
10,500
Contact us or learn more about the Jungheinrich EZS 7280NA tugger and why it might be a great fit for your operation.
Today, fleet owners are offered a large variety of types, sizes, and application-specific lift trucks that serve a specific purpose. Equipment choice ultimately factors into the overall throughput, efficiency, and safety of the operation. When it comes down to it, the choice of tires for the forklift can be one of the most influential factors in efficiency and operating costs for that machine at the application. Here are some of the key points when picking the right forklift tires:
Cushion or Pneumatic Forklift Tires?
The type of tires your forklift has been specifically designed for the surface that the machine will be operating most efficiently on, so choosing the right tire will impact your machine’s maximum performance.
Cushion Forklift Tires
These forklift tires should onlybe operated on smooth concrete surfaces, most commonly at indoor working facilities, and are typically smaller than comparable capacity pneumatic models.
Pneumatic Forklift Tires
Forklift with pneumatic tires can work indoors and on outdoor surfaces like blacktop, stone, or dirt, but not on rough terrains like fields or severely unsurfaced lots. These tires have a wider versatility of where they can be operated on, thus giving them higher resale value.
Tire Tread & Profile Style
Not only are there different types of forklift tires, but there are also different treads and profile styles you can get with your forklift. Depending on the application it is driven on, the terrain will affect the tread or profile style you may need. Available options include:
Smooth Tires – Typically for dry indoor applications and all steer axles.
Traction Tires – A general-purpose use in a wide variety of forklift applications.
Grooved Tires – Designed for larger-capacity trucks where loads and operating conditions are extreme.
Wide-Track Traction Tires – All-season indoor or outdoor use forklift tire.
The quality and consistency of material are also major factors when determining tire performance. If you want your tires to last longer and perform better, determine the correct tread and profile style for maximum efficiency.
For help with selecting the right forklift tires for your application, contact us at 330-633-6000.
It is important for every operation to know when to replace their forklift tires and what signs indicate the need for new tires. If they are replaced too soon, you are not getting your money’s worth and decreasing operational profitability. However, replacing forklift tires after the wear limit will result in any of the following:
Operators noticing lower speeds and reduced ride comfort
Increase in maintenance costs
A lower ground clearance and reduced lifting height on the forklift
Loss of load capacity, causing accelerated wear and overheating
The first reference to look at when looking to replace lift truck tires is the forklift tire operator’s manual, provided by your forklift tire manufacturer. This is a helpful tool that covers wear limits and the proper time to change your tires. Along with following the manual, there are additional signs that show when it is time to replace old forklift tires.
Wear Indicator Bar
There is a significant amount of forklift tires that come with a wear bar molded into the tire’s sidewall. This indicator becomes visible as the rubber tread wears out – a clear sign that your forklift tires need to be replaced.
Manufacturer Name
Looking for a quick eyeball test to determine if tire replacement is needed? Most tires have the name of the manufacturer molded into the sidewall. Generally speaking, when the tire wears to the top of the nameplate, it should be replaced.
Tire Deformities
A forklift tire needs to be replaced when there are unusual appearances on your tire. These appearances include:
Chunking & Tearing – When pieces of the forklift tire are falling off or there are parts tearing.
Splits or Cracks – When radial splits or cracks appear on the sidewall of the tire.
Non-Round Spots – When flat spots appear on the forklift tire.
Not 100% sure that your tires need replaced? Contact Fallsway today for a free forklift tire inspection by a forklift expert.
Designed to be an alternative to a traditional ladder, the new Jungheinrich EKM 202 small parts order picker is a must-have. This forklift is typically used in applications that require order picking without a pallet, light maintenance, or retail outlets. But what makes the EKM unique to other Jungheinrich order pickers?
Ergonomics:
This Jungheinrich EKM 202 is equipped with many features that benefit the operator’s comfort and safety. The EKM comes with a generous workstation that provides the operator comfort while driving and standing sideways to remove goods. The stand-on platform can be freely selected with the equipped sensor mat on the floor, providing maximum mobility in the workstation area. There is also an easy-to-use travel switch located on the right handles thumb position. While operating the EKM small order picker, the operator will feel safe and comfortable.
Productivity:
To make your job easier while operating, the EKM comes with a variety of options. The AC drive has a max speed of 5 mph to get you between jobs faster. It comes with two sorts of trays, a lower and upper tray for added storage and working space. Additionally, with the maintenance-free, 192-amp-hour battery, you’ll experience less downtime and more usage out of your machine. And when you run out of battery, connect the onboard charger to the closest wall outlet for an easy charge.
Awareness:
The Jungheinrich EKM has many factors that increase the operator’s awareness while on the job. The sturdy mast gives the order picker added stability even at max heights. The operator can feel safe in the compartment with automatic closing doors so the operator can only lift the platform when closed. Another great feature with this forklift is the adjustable storage tray that can add extra visibility and additional comfort while at elevated heights.
Forklift classes can get complicated, whether you have been
working in the material handling industry your entire life or as a novice
forklift operator. We created this guide to help you decide which forklift
class is most important for your business or application.
Class I forklifts have
electric motors and allow operators to operate them while standing or sitting.
They use a heavy battery as their primary power source, which also serves as
the counterbalance for the lift truck.
With options for
either cushion or pneumatic tires, these trucks are highly versatile for any
application. Pneumatic-tire models are intended for applications with uneven
surfaces, like gravel, while cushion-tired trucks are best suited for flat,
indoor surfaces like warehouses or large retail stores. Some benefits include
being quieter, reduced fuel costs, usage in strict air quality applications,
and lower maintenance costs.
Class II forklifts
have solid, cushion tires and are engineered specifically for smaller, indoor
work environments. Several of these forklifts perform a specific job, designed
with specific attachments.
Class III forklifts, such as Mitsubishi walkies and Jungheinrich stackers, effectively transport products in the warehouse or retail stores at low lifting heights, either out of trailers to low-level racking or out to the retail floor.
These electric hand trucks are commonly used in applications that don’t require long distances or high lifting heights such as stores, small warehouses, or loading/unloading small trailers. Class III forklifts are controlled by a handle located in the back of the truck, hence being called an electric motor hand truck. The handle controls the speed, steering, and lifting.
Class IV forklifts are commonly used to move goods from loading docks to elevated storage areas. They can be used outdoors but are favored in indoor warehouses due to their adverse traction on wet or uneven surfaces. Also, they are lower to the ground than most forklifts, providing a lower clearance.
Class IV forklifts operate on diesel, gasoline, LP gas or compressed natural gas. This class of forklifts is specific for equipment with cushion tires, which are designed to be driven on dry, smooth surfaces. Class IV forklifts include internal combustion, cushion tire CAT forklifts and Mitsubishi forklifts.
Just like the forklifts
in Class IV, these lift trucks use the same type of fuel but they utilize
pneumatic tires and have a wider range usage. Class V forklifts include
internal combustion, pneumatic tire CAT
forklifts and Mitsubishi
forklifts.
Pneumatic tires are designed for rugged applications, thus allowing it to be used on uneven surfaces like gravel, but they can also be used in indoor applications as well. They can be outfitted with special solid tires that reduce the chance of punctures. Class V forklifts are commonly used in outdoor applications like lumber yards, metal fabrication, stone yards, and industrial machinery.
Particularly designed for pulling rather than lifting, Class VI forklifts are normally called “Tuggers.” Commonly used at airports, lugging baggage carts between terminals and planes, these lift trucks come in both internal combustion and electric choices.
Class VII forklift trucks
are heavy-duty and typically have large tractor-like tires. These trucks are
commonly used on applications that require additional power on rough terrains,
like lumber yards or construction sites. This class of forklifts exclusively
run on diesel and come in two and four-wheel drive options.
Also, they can have different types of masts, including a telescoping mast to give more reach. Other options for this class can be mounted on the back of large trucks and hauled between job sites.
Class VII rough-terrain forklifts examples include:
From a single forklift to a whole fleet, a pre-operational inspection of your equipment is necessary on a daily basis. This OSHA Forklift Pre-Operational Inspection Checklist will help keep your equipment, workers, and company safe from any potential harms. Continue reading »
