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A forklift is an essential piece of equipment in any warehouse, distribution center or factory. Without it, it would be nearly impossible to efficiently move heavy objects in these environments. The strength and versatility of lift trucks certainly make life easier for the people who work in most industrial settings. However, the power that forklifts provide must be used with a great deal of responsibility.

We often receive questions about operating an electric forklift in various weather conditions. Because these forklifts rely on complex electrical components, it is important to know when and where you can run your electric forklift.

Three frequently asked questions we receive about using electric forklifts in the rain are:

1. Are electric forklifts able to operate in the rain?
2. How waterproof are electric forklifts?
3. What safety precautions should I take in the rain?

Electric forklifts are a great option if you are looking to lower your total cost of ownership, increase productivity and reduce emissions. However, you have to make sure the battery is maintained properly so you can extend its life and maximize your investment.

IP Codes, sometimes referred to as Ingress Protection Markings, are an international standard for classifying the degree of protection a machine has against liquid and solid objects. Every forklift should have a code that will tell you what the forklift can withstand. The Ingress Protection Markings will be located on the rating plate, and once you have located that, you will be able to ascertain in what environments you can safely operate your forklift. 

Safe + Sound Week, August 13-19, 2018, is a national event sponsored by OSHA to raise awareness and understanding about the importance of safety in the workplace. Successful safety programs help identify hazards before they become dangerous and reduce injury or illness within the company. Whether you do not have a safety program or have had one for years, Safe + Sound has resources and activities for you!

Manual pallet jacks, used to lift and move pallets and other loads, are a great alternative to forklifts. They are smaller, require less upkeep plus operators are not required to be OSHA certified to use one. Although you may not need an official certification, it is important that everyone who uses a pallet jack is familiar with the safest ways to operate the equipment.

An aerial lift maintenance checklist is critical for safe operation of your equipment. Regular inspections are the best way to keep your equipment running efficiently, extend the life of your fleet, and keep your team safe. Furthermore, OSHA requires that a pre-start inspection be performed before each work shift.

According to OSHA, businesses spend approximately $170 billion dollars on workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses every year. This is further compounded by the cost of repairing or replacing broken equipment, downtime and reduced productivity. However, with a few simple steps, you will be able to reduce the time and money spent on dealing with the aftermath of workplace accidents.

Promoting a culture of safety is one of the best ways to reduce workplace accidents. This can help prevent accidents before they happen. If everyone is committed to safety, you could see a vast reduction in violations and an increase in morale.

Is it better to buy new or used forklifts? It depends on your priorities. New forklifts are better if you have very specific needs and anticipate a high utilization rate. Used forklifts are a perfect choice if your requirements are flexible and you have a lower utilization rate.

Forklifts have many unique parts that enable the equipment to function properly. Whether you are new to the material handling industry or in need of a refresher on forklifts, keep this blog as a handy guide to forklift features.

Renting a forklift is a cost-effective way to keep your operation running. With so many factors to consider, however, renting a forklift can get confusing.

We spend a lot of time interacting with our customers during sales and service calls. What we have learned consistently is that customers value a quality business relationship. They want a material handling partner that is reliable, trustworthy, professional, knowledgeable and able to meet all their needs—from service and parts to rentals and training. 

Here are the five most important attributes of a great material handling partner:

Jungheinrich is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of warehouse products. The brand, supported by the Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas Inc. network, is known for reliability, superior comfort and energy-efficiency. Jungheinrich continues this tradition of high standards with its latest release, the EFG 220.

Forklift maintenance is critical to the safe operation of your equipment. A regular forklift maintenance schedule is one of the best ways to preserve the life of your fleet, maximize uptime, and ensure the safety of your team.

Follow this forklift maintenance checklist to ensure your lift trucks are operating at peak efficiency.

The material handling industry is undergoing rapid growth. The industry was valued at $35.3 billion in 2014. According to a Persistence Market Research report, it is expected to reach $55.9 billion by the end of 2021. One of the best ways to take advantage of this growth is by adapting to market trends. 

Here are some material handling trends to watch in 2018:

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), forklift-related injuries affect almost 100,000 people every year. There are many hazards that can potentially come with managing heavy equipment. As a result, OSHA requires the certification and training of drivers who use these machines. A forklift safety checklist can help keep you and your team on track, but accidents can still occur.

 Here are some of the most common safety issues and how to avoid them: 

Is it better to buy or rent? The answer depends on your priorities. Renting a forklift gives you the flexibility of a trial run with no upfront purchase cost. Buying a forklift requires some upfront investment, but it is usually cheaper in the end.

Consider the following factors to determine the best choice for your operation.