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We all know how essential forklifts are to any warehouse; it’s also incredibly important to pick the right one for your needs. Diesel forklifts are one option available to organisations – but what are the pros and cons of diesel forklifts?

Diesel forklifts are incredibly reliable. They are generally more cost effective than gas or electric run forklifts; there’s no downtime for recharging and they are well designed to work in harsh conditions. They have a simpler engine design and therefore are more low maintenance than other models, and are well known for their long operating life.

However, diesel forklifts do have a problem with emissions – this can be a concern for warehouses using diesel forklifts indoors for team members. They can be incredibly noisy which can be a problem for safety and communication, and whilst they are low cost maintenance the initial cost to buy one is much higher than other gas or electric run forklifts.

What’s right for your business?

For more information about our forklift training or to book your place, contact 01582 383388 or [email protected].

For even the most experienced forklift operator it’s easy to make a mistake and risk your forklift tipping over. Not only can accidents like this cause damage and cost money you can put yourself at risk of an injury too. Here’s what to remember when operating your forklift to make sure you stay safe.

Stop your forklift before you lift. Yes it’s a busy working environment but make sure you fully stop and apply brakes before you start lifting your load to ensure your forklift is well secured.

Consider your speed. If you’re carrying a heavier load make sure you adjust your speed accordingly to ensure you don’t make your forklift unstable. Going too fast could cause your forklift to tip.

Make sure everyone in the warehouse is aware of safety measures, including pedestrians. Pedestrians should keep away from forklifts at all times; consider your forklift driving routes carefully too.

Invest in training. Make sure your forklift operators are well trained and provide refresher training to make sure everyone is kept up to date with best practise at all times.

For more information about our forklift training or to book your place, contact 01582 383388 or [email protected].

What’s a forklift without its battery? Useless! As such, it’s really important you look after your forklift battery properly to ensure your equipment can serve its purpose properly. Here’s how.

Charge it the right way! Always follow the manufacturers instructions on charging your battery to ensure it doesn’t get damaged – overcharging a battery can greatly reduce its lifespan and performance.

Avoid exposing your battery to extreme temperatures.  Not always easy depending on the environment you’re working in, but if you have a forklift working in extreme temperatures make sure you have a battery fit for the job.

Keep it clean! Dirty batteries suffer from performance issues and can make it more difficult to identify when there are problems with the battery – so make sure you keep your battery clean as part of your routine maintenance!

Regular maintenance is a must. For the most part when it comes to forklift performance, regular maintenance is an absolute must. The battery is no different – plan your forklift maintenance in advance and include the battery in your checks.

For more information about our forklift training or to book your place, contact 01582 383388 or [email protected].

Given the warehouse is a diverse place, it’s not hugely surprising that we often find different types of forklift in operation. So what are the different types of forklifts and what is their purpose?

Counterbalance

The most common type of forklift, the forks are fitted at the front of the truck and are fairly straightforward to operate. They can be petrol, diesel or electrically operated. Some designs are 3 wheel, meaning that the truck has maximum manoeuvrability.

Reach Truck

Reach truck forklifts are designed to reach into racking and as such can lift significant weights to great heights whilst working in a small warehouse environment if necessary. They work best inside on even surfaces, due to their low under-carriage.

Pump Truck

Hand and power pallet trucks are used to move products fitted to pallets in the warehouse. They work best on smooth surfaces and are an easy way to move products quickly.

Sideloader

Sideloaders, as the name suggests, pick up loads from the side, and are particularly effective at handling long or wide products.

For more information about our forklift training or to book your place, contact 01582 383388 or [email protected].

Maintenance of your forklift is vital to keep it up and running as long as possible. Regular service and maintenance should be part of your schedule, but despite that it’s good to know the signs of your forklift needing a service. So what should you be looking out for when it comes to your forklift needing a service?

Reduced power or slower response. Does the forklift seem sluggish and slower than usual? It might be worth checking the engine or the transmission to check if a service is required. If the steering seems off it’s worth investigating if the steering system needs some attention.

Watch for warning lights. Warning lights are built into forklifts for a reason – to warn us! It might seem easier to ignore them, but don’t – it might cost you more in the longer term if you ignore warning lights on your forklift dashboard.

Hearing strange noises? Again, another thing you might be tempted to ignore, but if your forklift doesn’t sound normal it’s likely there’s a problem that needs your attention. Get it serviced!

For more information about our forklift training or to book your place, contact 01582 383388 or [email protected].