Category: Equipment

When your employees operate a forklift you want them to practice good forklift safety. Have all of your operators completed forklift safety training?

Read on to learn more from these forklift safety tips and keep your workforce working well.

Why Forklift Safety Is So Important

The work done on a daily basis by your forklift could never be accomplished by humans. Yet, it’s important to remember that a forklift is a powerful machine and if used incorrectly it has the potential to be quite dangerous.

In 2019, 8,140 workers suffered nonfatal injuries. 79 workers had fatal injuries from a forklift accident. The average injury from a forklift caused the worker to miss 16 days of work.

While a good many operators use a forklift on a daily basis with no issue, it’s significant to remember the average forklift weighs more than three times an average-sized car. If used unsafely, there could be a real potential for danger.

Forklift Hazards

It’s worth noting the half of all forklift accidents are completely preventable. With the right training and safety precautions, forklift accidents can be avoided. Let’s take a look at the most common types of accidents as a way to avoid them happening to you.

Overturning Forklifts

Overturning forklifts account for a significant number of the fatalities that happen with forklift accidents. The most common reasons for a forklift overturning include:

• Uneven weight distribution
• Excess loads
• Unusual loads
• High heights for heavy loads
• Obstructed operator view

The instinct of a driver might be to want to try to jump off if it feels like the forklift is overturning. In fact, the operator is safer remaining on the forklift and leaning away from the direction the forklift is turning.

Pinning and Crushing Accidents

Another unfortunate type of accident is when workers get crushed or pinned by a forklift. This most commonly happens when a worker is in the blindspot of a forklift operator or they get caught under a forklift that is overturned.

One of the best ways to prevent this type of accident is to have carefully laid out workspaces so that pedestrian workers and machinery don’t cross paths.

Loads Falling From a Forklift

Another potential for injury comes when the load being carried falls from the forklift. If the pallet is not properly on the forklift or the load is not even distributed this can cause a load to fall.

Blind Spots

One of the many things a forklift operator needs to learn when participating in forklift safety training is about the blind spots that are created from carrying a load. The load can create blind spots for the operator.

Further, the forklift’s back-end tends to swing wide when making a turn. This can create a danger for those not on the forklift and in the path of the moving machinery.

Speed of the Forklift

Forklifts carrying heavy loads create a real danger when not driving at safe speeds. They take time to stop and if the stop happens too quickly there is the risk of the load falling off the machine overturning.

Forklift Safety Protocols

A trained forklift driver will follow many steps and procedures to maintain safety standards while operating a forklift. Let’s take a look at the things a safe driver will do.

Pre-Operation Inspections

While forklifts are sturdy machines, they need to be inspected before use. An operator should have a regular checklist to inspect the machine. Here are somethings that should be inspected daily:

• Controls
• Fuel, engine oil, and radiator water levels
• Wheels and tires
• Electrolyte levels and cells
• Chain anchor pins
• Hydraulic hose reels
• Control levers
• Forks
• Horn
• Brakes
• Clutch and gear shifts
• All lights and gauges
• Steering
• Lift and tilt mechanisms
• Seat belt
• Reverse beeper and warning lights

Because forklifts do heavy work, inspections are important to note any unusual wear and tear that might create a safety risk.

Pallet Handling and Loading

One thing an operator must do is make certain the forks on the machine are level and the pallet is sitting on them level. If this doesn’t happen there is the risk the load could tip.

An operator needs to know the maximum amount a forklift can lift and how high it can lift that load. Exceeding those specifications creates a safety risk.

Raising the Load

Once the load is in place and moved, it’s important to know when and how to lift the load and place it in its new location. When lifting a load to a new height the driver should bring the load straight up, and then tilt it back slightly. The slight tilt back helps to accommodate the instability created with the height of the load.

Drivers should not raise a load until they are completely stopped and the machine has the brakes locked. Loads should never be lifted and then have a human go under the lifted load.

Steering

Remember, that forklifts can’t make fast stops. Their turns can be wide when taking corners.

When loading and unloading trailers it’s important that the operator know how to approach a trailer safely with the machine.

Safety Equipment

OSHA requires that employers provide workers with the appropriate safety gear. Reflective clothing, hard hats, and safety goggles are just some of the personal protective gear needed.

Practice Good Forklift Safety

While forklifts are an important member of your warehouse or worksite team, they require some real skill to handle. It’s important your workers know the necessary forklift safety protocols to operate and be around forklift machinery. If everyone uses good safety measures, workers remain safe.

To learn more about our fleet of used forklifts available or to get information on forklift operator training, contact us today.

Adding a forklift to your machinery inventory can help you move more materials and increase business capabilities. However, with a new forklift, you also need a certified driver and the right equipment to load and unload materials from tractor-trailers.

A Moffett forklift could be the ideal solution for the convenience you need to handle various loading and unloading tasks. A used Moffett lift means you get a 2-way or 4-way workhorse without the costs of a new machine.

What should you look for in used forklifts for sale? Follow this guide to select the best pre-owned Moffett for your needs!

Make Sure It Fits Your Needs

Not every forklift works well for every use. Saving money on a used forklift that isn’t what you need can be a waste of your budget dollars. Depending on the products or materials you haul for your business, choose a lift made to handle the work you need it to do.

Before buying a lift, ask yourself a few questions, including:

• How often do you need to use it?
• What will it unload, move, and load?
• Will you use it indoors or outside?
• How much load weight will it carry?
• Do you have the space to store and maneuver the machine?
• Can it pass through doorways and fit a building’s ceiling height?
• Are their local ordinances for fumes or noise?

The answers to these types of questions can help you find the best used Moffett forklift for your needs!

Check for Damage

Expect a used machine to come with at least some damage. Small scrapes and minor dents shouldn’t affect the performance of a reconditioned machine added to your business inventory.

However, significant damage can be a warning of operational defects. Problems like bent parts, cracks, large dents, worn forks, and rust can require additional repairs or part replacements—before a forklift is safe to operate. Look for leaks and gaps between links on the lift chain.

Saving money on a machine shouldn’t require sacrificing quality or safety. If you find too much damage on a used forklift, keep looking for a lift in better condition.

Inspect the Tires

Worn tires on a used forklift can indicate that the resellers neglected critical issues before selling the lift. While used tired will show some signs of wear, look for more significant problems like low tread or chunking.

Tires with too much wear make a forklift unsafe without replacing them. Missing chunks of the tire can lead to a blowout. Unless your budget allows for a new set of tires on a used forklift, don’t get stuck with a machine that has significant tire issues.

Review the Safety Features

A quality used forklift should be in excellent condition, including all safety features. Before operating these machines, owners must ensure the lifts pass safety inspections and function appropriately if something goes wrong.

The safety of your forklift operators is paramount! When considering a used forklift, check the proper functionality of the:

• Horn
• Seatbelt
• Lights
• Seat adjustments
• Levers
• Brakes

Be sure to inspect the overhead guards, too. OSHA won’t allow damage on these guards of more than 3/4″ deflection.

If you find safety problems that violate OSHA regulations, you risk purchasing a forklift that isn’t safe to operate without repairs.

Confirm the Age

How old is the forklift? Does it have plenty of use left before it’s too old to operate safely? Is it too new to deliver enough savings through the used forklift price?

When choosing a pre-owned forklift, avoid anything too old or too new. An aging lift won’t be useful for very long without significant used forklift maintenance to keep it running. A lift less than five years old won’t have a price much lower than a new machine.

Settle for an age that’s “just right!” Balance the savings you need by choosing a used lift with many years of good service left before it shows significant age.

Ask About Usage Hours

In addition to the machine’s age, ask a used forklift company about the usage hours for a forklift. A five-year-old machine with high usage hours might not be a better purchase than an older machine with less usage.

A forklift tracks operating hours every time an operator turns the machine on with the key. However, checking usage logs can be a more accurate measure of a forklift’s time in operation.

Usage puts wear and tear on the parts of a forklift. A machine with excessive usage hours can lead to significant repairs after purchasing the lift.

Look at Battery Life

You don’t want to replace the battery as soon as you buy a new-to-you forklift. With standard operations, a forklift battery can last about five years. When evaluating usage hours and the age of a lift, talk with the seller about the battery’s age, too.

Inspect the battery for acid corrosion or other signs that it’s almost time for a replacement. Needing a new battery might not a make-or-break issue to walk away from a used forklift in excellent condition. However, a quality used forklift company won’t try to sell a machine with a battery near the end of its life.

Check the Engine

Conduct a visual inspection of the engine. Look for hose cracks, loose belts, and check the oil and transmission fluid.

Start the forklift and take it for a test drive. The engine should start right away, and the machine’s operation should present no issues during a test run.

Choose the Best Used Moffett Forklift!

Don’t settle for savings without choosing the best used Moffett forklift! Pre-owned machines are only worth the savings if they operate well and don’t require expensive maintenance immediately after purchase.

When shopping for your next used forklift, let Equipment Remarketing help you find the best machine for your needs! We’re a nationwide leader in reselling used Moffet forklifts, with shipping available to anywhere in the country. Contact us to learn more about our pre-owned inventory!

Cleaning a forklift keeps it running effectively and will make the machine last longer. And it could save you money down the road. But if not done properly, you could risk damaging your machine.

Fortunately, washing your forklift doesn’t require any special expertise. Follow the information below to ensure that your machine is performing as it should and is safe for your crew to operate.

Why Clean a Forklift?

Outdoor forklifts get exposed to dirt and mud. And indoor forklifts accumulate dust and debris. And all forklifts will have the occasional buildup of oil or grease.

Cleaning your forklift on a regular basis is a great way to prolong its life. It helps prevent rust and corrosion.

It also helps the machine operate more reliably and efficiently. This saves money and increases safety for operators.

Like other equipment, the more often you clean your forklift, the easier it will be to do so. Built-up mud or grime can be much more of a hassle to eliminate.

How to Clean a Forklift

Start by removing visible dirt and grime using a broom and hand brush. Work from the top to bottom, so that loose debris doesn’t fall onto surfaces you’ve already cleaned. Smaller brushes can help you get into crevices and cracks.

Note that mud and dirt can accumulate around the chassis. Pay particular attention to this area. Buildup can affect the stability and maneuverability of the forklift, and even make it unsafe to operate.

Next, use a pressure washer on the surfaces of the forklift. This allows you to remove any dirt or mud that has become caked onto the machine. Hot water is especially effective at breaking up oil, grease, and other substances.

Be sure to let the machine dry before using it again. While forklifts are sturdy, and most external parts resistant to moisture, water could damage the motor or other parts of the machine. Making sure it is completely dry will eliminate this risk.

You can use compressed air to dry the equipment, but a large cloth may suffice as well. Leaving the forklift out in the sun for a few hours is an easy way to dry it. And this will ensure that every surface is completely free of moisture.

Final Considerations

It is alright to use soap during these processes, but be mindful of any chemicals that your forklift may have come into contact with. Liquid soap can react with certain chemicals and cause damage to the forklift and be dangerous for workers.

For this reason, you may want to go with an environmentally friendly soap. These have fewer or no chemicals and are less likely to react with any synthetic materials on your forklift.

If you are operating an electric forklift or are otherwise concerned about the potential damage water could cause, you might opt for compressed air for forklift cleaning. Be sure to purchase a device that is strong enough for your needs. Doing so will be comparable to pressure washing, without the risk of water damage.  

Whenever you’re cleaning your forklift, always be sure to wear protective gear. This can include, at the minimum, goggles, boots, and gloves. 

It’s also a good idea to keep your forklift on a maintenance schedule. Just like changing the oil, inspecting brake pads, or checking fluid levels, adding cleaning to the regimen can ensure the equipment is working properly and safe to use.

Get to Cleaning!

Now that you have a sense of the very simple steps it takes to keep your forklift clean, you can gather the supplies and get your equipment back into shape. Some simple maintenance on these machines can help them operate more efficiently and keep them running for years longer.

Be sure to check out our site for more forklift maintenance tips. Our service team also can answer any questions about forklift functionality and provide you with guidance on the best machines for your business.

Truck mounted forklifts revolutionized the supply chain in the billion-dollar building industry. 

Forklifts are the workhorse of the lumberyard as well as pretty much everywhere else. Truck mounted forklifts attach to the back of a transport truck and are shipped to the destination, ready to unload the product as soon as it arrives. This saves time and money by eliminating the need to coordinate with another machine upon arrival. Best of all, it doesn’t take up precious cargo space. 

Lumberyards need machines that work at high efficiency keep productivity high – making truck mounted forklifts a great choice. Which models stand up to the lumber industry’s tough demands?

The best truck mounted forklifts for lumberyards are light enough for convenient transport, but still sturdy and durable. 

Truck Mounted Forklifts for the Lumber Industry

Truck mounted forklifts save cargo capacity. This is especially important in the lumber industry. Because lumber is often packed in irregular shapes, packing space is a premium.  

Plus, lumber makes many stops along the production chain, from the harvest site, to the lumber mill, to the supply yard. Each of those stops takes time to unload and reload the product. Truck mounted forklifts save time at each stop. 

However, truck mounted forklifts have to be lighter than traditional forklifts in order to be stored and carried on the back of compatible trucks.  

And the lumber industry is tough on its machines. Lumber yard equipment has to be durable enough to last under heavy loads, harsh conditions, long hours, and grueling work. Flimsy machines won’t last long.

That’s why it’s important to find a forklift that does both. Here are our top picks for the best truck mounted forklifts that will maximize your transport efficiency while staying tough in the face of rough lumberyard conditions.

Moffett M8: Best on Rough Terrain

Moffett is known as one of the best forklift brands in the industry. With models that range from indoor to heavy duty, Moffett’s M8 series are among its toughest machines. 

The M8 stands out with a lift capacity of up to 8,000 lbs. It’s an outdoor machine through and through, designed for heavy loads and the roughest terrain, making them popular in the fire and rescue industry. 

In the lumberyard, the Moffett M8 has a carrying capacity that rivals that of trucks, with a terrain capability that can carry loads to and from places that trucks can’t reach. It’s can handle the logging site, the lumber yard, and everything in between. 

It also boasts 4-way steering and 3 drive wheels. This is not an indoor-outdoor machine – it’s the reliable, high capacity transport that the toughest lumberyards need.

Manitou TMT 55: Best Compact Option

The Manitou TMT 55 line is small but mighty. At 4 ft 8 in, it boasts the shortest overhang in the forklift industry. This means it maintains its stability while extending at its full reach of 58 inches. 

A short overhang also means that it losing less load capacity even while at full boom extension, so its lift capacity will stay closer to its optimal lifting power of 5500 lbs even at full reach, for heavy lifting over longer distances. Plus, its overall height is just 96.5 inches, making it a compact option for navigating through low doorways and narrow lumberyards.  

For rougher terrain, the Manitou TMT 55 series offers High Traction (HT) and Extra Traction (XT) models as well. The HT model adds a 400 cc front driver motor and a 560 cc rear, while the XT boasts a 750 cc motor in both front and rear. These models give the Manitou TMT 55’s small frame extra power for the roughest jobs in the tightest spaces.

Moffett M4: Best All-Purpose Workhorse

While its big brother the Moffett M8 rolls over the roughest terrain, the Moffett M4 series is versatile enough for industrial use in urban settings as well. 

With a lift capacity that goes up to 5511 lbs and a lift height of up to 160 in, these road-worthy forklifts are just as capable at the delivery site as in the lumberyard.

The strength of the M4 is precision combined with power. Its lift capacity puts it in the league with the big boys, while some models come with 4-way drive to navigate precise turns. This is a great machine to transition from heavy warehouse loads to paved settings and lumber delivery. 

With the quality of the industry’s most popular brand, the Moffett M4 is a good choice for a machine that needs to do it all, from standing up to heavyweight loads to getting the front-end deliveries done. 

Honorable Mention: Princeton PB70

Princeton competes with Moffett as one of the best forklift brands in the industry. However, Princeton has the broadest range of products and enjoys a good reputation with over 30 years’ experience. 

While Princeton offers models from the 3,300 lb to 8,000 lb lifting capacity range, the PB70 is on the more heavy-duty end with a 7,000 lb lifting capacity. It’s rated well for rough terrain and boasts a 56 horsepower diesel engine, as well as a lift height of 144 in. 

All in all, Princeton’s engineering is very similar to Moffett’s. They even promise the same ultra-quick dismount time of less than a minute. 

Even though Princeton doesn’t stand out when compared to Moffett’s machines, the PB 70 still belongs on this list because it is a durable forklift with a great reputation. It won’t let you down in the tough jobs of the lumberyard or the warehouse. 

Finding the Best Truck Mounted Forklifts for Lumberyards

The lumber industry has steadily increased production over the past decade in the USA. It’s a fast-paced industry that can’t stop for unnecessary machinery problems and transport time. 

Lumberyards need reliable machines that make every job as efficient as possible. With the best truck mounted forklifts for lumberyards, you’ll save space, save time, and keep productivity high.

Find the right machines for your lumberyard at the right price. Equipment Remarketing is home to a large selection of pre-owned truck mounted forklifts, professionally refurbished at a competitive price.