Ask the Expert

Forklift battery care and maintenance takes dedication, planning and time.  However, proper handling and a regular charging plan will greatly increase the battery’s lifespan, saving you money and time!

Just like other battery-operated equipment, your forklift battery should not be connected to the charger until it’s at 25% capacity or below.  If you charge the battery too soon you run the risk of shortening the lifespan of the unit.  The charger should be set on “weekend” or “equalize” on approximately every 5^th charge cycle, depending on the exact model of your charger.  Be sure to review and closely follow the operation manual provided with your specific charger.  Avoid interrupting the charge cycle or using the battery for several hours after the cycle has ended.  Follow these rules and you’ll help make sure you get the most out of your battery!

One thing to always avoid is accidentally connecting the charger to the forklift rather than the battery.  This is a common mistake and can damage both the charger and the forklift.  Also, make sure the amperage of the battery matches that of the charger.  Forklift batteries shouldn’t be allowed to discharge completely as this shortens the lifespan of the battery and can also prevent the charger from activating when first connected to the battery.  If the charger can’t read any activity in the battery it won’t begin the charge cycle and a technician will likely have to re-set the charger parameters before the charge cycle can begin.

One thing that’s certain is that forklift batteries are very big, expensive and heavy.  In some cases the battery may be removed from the forklift and a second battery installed in order to prevent down time.  Great care should always be used in handling forklift batteries and there are a variety of tools and special equipment which can be used to safely remove or install a battery.  The battery handling equipment may vary greatly from one machine to another.  However, the use of proper battery handling equipment is important as it helps to avoid the potential of dropping or mishandling the battery and prevents costly battery replacement.

Follow these guidelines and you’ll be sure to extend the lifespan of your forklift battery!

May 26, 2010

By Doug Westlake
Manager – Rentals & Operator Training

During these trying economic times certain cost cutting measures need to be evaluated to ensure a positive bottom line. One measure that seems to come up is whether or not to train forklift operators. Although training can be time consuming and costly, there are many benefits that help not only individual employees, but also the company as a whole.

When trying to decide whether to train, forget the fact that it is the law in British Columbia. If there is an injury or, even worse a fatality, and the operator is not properly trained, WorkSafeBC can hold the company to full liability with costs so high it would devastate many businesses. 70% of all compensable injury claims are directly or indirectly related to the absence of training or improper training. The cost to train your operators today is very small compared to the possible hidden costs that come with not training them.

A good training program produces knowledgeable, confident operators, reduces workplace accidents and leads to more productivity on the job. In addition, more efficient operators can lower your operating costs. That’s because skilled operators are less prone to accidents that cause injuries and damage property. Without proper instruction your assets can be depreciated from untrained operators.

Properly trained, safe and productive forklift operators can lift a company’s credibility and good name. Training shows your operators that their safety and longevity is extremely important which increases employee morale.

So, to train or not to train? It’s easy to see! The small upfront cost of proper training far outweighs the highly variable cost that is associated with not training.

May 19, 2010

By Larry Helfrich
Vicepresident

When buying compact construction equipment, there are many factors that a buyer needs to take into account.

Although equipment may be a common purchase for many companies, the amount of thought and research behind the purchase doesn’t always correspond to the amount spent on the equipment. Since equipment is usually a large purchase with maintenance and repair costs down the road, you should take an adequate amount of time to make a buying decision:

Manufacturer

• Is the manufacturer well known and financially sound?
• Is the equipment I am buying the main focus of this manufacturer or is it something else (cars, trucks, larger equipment, buses, other)? No one is tops at everything.
• Is the manufacturer known for producing higher-end, more expensive products? (They probably are expensive if that’s the reputation)
• What is the manufacturer’s market share for the equipment I am buying?
• Is the manufacturer easy to deal with on warranty issues? Will they consider policy adjustments for an out-of-warranty situation?

Dealer

• Is the dealer financially sound?
• How long has the dealer been in business?
• How easy is it to talk to the manager?
• Are the sales staff and other employees friendly and knowledgeable?
• Is the product I am buying the main focus of the dealer?
• Will other customers who bought larger or more expensive equipment be the dealer’s priority?
• Does the dealer employee factory trained technicians?
• Does the dealer have mobile technicians?
• What is the labour rate for repairs compared to competitors? This can easily be a $30.00 to $50.00 per hour difference.
• How large is the inventory of equipment and parts for the equipment I am considering?
• Does the dealer have rentals available? Are rental rates reduced for a replacement machine while mine is being repaired?

 If you can answer positively about most of these points, you are very likely going to have greater confidence in your purchase decision and a positive ownership experience.