How Long Will Your Forklift Tires Last?

To date, no exact science or formula exists for determining how long a set of forklift tires will last. Rather, maintenance staff, mechanics and technicians must examine a number of factors to determine when it’s time to find a replacement set of tires. Several factors must be taken into consideration here, including the total number of operating hours and intensity of use, driving habits or operator style, application type (i.e., long runs without a load, excessive speed or rotation with a load), operating conditions, the tire type and compound, as well as the vehicle’s average load weight.

Note: these figures should be used as estimations only. Determining the exact amount of acceptable wear for a given tire depends upon the size of the tires and the conditions in which it is operated. To avoid accidents, injury or damage, regular tire inspections should be included as part of a vehicle`s monthly maintenance schedule.

Consider replacing pneumatic forklift tires after the outside diameter has worn approximately 2” to 3". With press on cushion tires, replacements should be considered after the outside diameter is worn by 1 1/2" or when 30-40% of the tire’s rubber is gone. Beyond tread wear, there are other signs to look for as an indication of overall tire wear including undercutting, chunking and chipping.

• Undercutting occurs as a result of overloading and sharp, aggressive steering. This causes the rubber to begin receding from the metal band at the center of the tire.
• Chunking, as the name suggests, is when large pieces or chunks of rubber detach from the surface of the tire. Common causes include collisions with objects, repetitive contact with debris or refuse, and driving over coarse/jagged terrain.
• Chipping refers to damage to the surface of the tire such as incisions, slashes, nicks, punctures, and divots. Like chunking, this is often caused when cushion tires are regularly operated on coarse or irregular surfaces. 

While your forklift tires can still be “operational” with significant wear, there are a number of benefits to replacing worn out or deteriorating forklift or lift truck tires. Beyond the immediate safety concerns, there are also financial, operational and productivity risks to take into consideration.  By avoiding the costs associated with replacing worn out forklift tires, owners can incur far greater maintenance fees down the road as the additional vibration, strain and shock placed on essential components can result in equipment failures, downtime and costly repairs. 

Worn tires also have an impact on your operation’s productivity and efficiency as the increased vibration, instability and stress can result in above average operator strain, thereby reducing the operator’s ability to control the vehicle. This, in turn, limits the vehicle’s fuel efficiency, speed, turning capacity, and stopping power.

For more information on forklift tires, pricing or availability, please contact your nearest Stärke Material Handling Dealer. Locations throughout Canada or the USA.

www.starkeforklift.com

Local: (905)-227-7554  |  Toll free: 1-877-435-4352

Stärke's New XVI Forklift

Here at Stärke Material Handling Group, we’ve built our reputation on our comprehensive product line, continuous innovation, and our dedicated parts and dealer support networks. As part of this commitment, we begun developing a series of informative videos highlighting our new products and design innovations. Among the first videos to be released is an informative video promoting Stärke’s new range of Professional Series forklifts – the XVI 40-50! 

Engineered to lift between 8,800 lbs. and 11,000 lbs., this range of XVI forklifts includes multiple upgrades when compared to similar, competing brand classes. “The XVI series of forklifts was designed to meet a growing need across multiple industries,” explains Jim Chesla, VP of Sales and Business Development at Stärke Material Handling Group. “We create equipment to meet and exceed the requirements of our customers, all backed with industry leading warranties.”

Stärke's new XVI 40-50 includes several cutting-edge design elements. These include a superior turning radius, a floating transmission that reduces vibration, an open view mast and tilt cylinder allowing for better visibility, and wet disc brakes, just to name a few. The ergonomics included in this design will offer additional comfort for the operator, ultimately improving moral while contributing to a more efficient workplace.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise to hear that Stärke Material Handling Group has also incorporated innovative design features across its entire line of forklifts, lift trucks and utility vehicles. And, with these innovations establishing a firm foundation for our brand, Stärke has developed a comprehensive product line that is second to none.

Features such as these will be featured in monthly video releases as Stärke works to provide a constant stream of educational – yet entertaining – content for dealers and end-users alike. Each video will feature our industry experts examining a new product or innovation to demonstrate how Stärke designs are capable of improving the efficiency and productivity of your warehouse, factory or greenhouse!

“Providing outstanding support to our dealers and customers has always been a part of who we are at Stärke. In today’s networked society, this means creating relevant content that provides entertainment and advice when and where people want to find it. That’s what these videos are all about for us,” comments Justin Engel, Stärke’s Marketing Specialist.

Visit Starke's Youtube page to learn about our new XVI series of forklifts, watch other videos on Stärke innovations and subscribe to the Stärke YouTube channel to see our entire lineup of videos and much more! Alternatively, follow this link to view or download the product brochure.

www.starkeforklift.com

Local: (905)-227-7554  |  Toll free: 1-877-435-4352

Light, Medium and Heavy Duty Pallet Trucks / Jacks

Find strength in numbers by adding Stärke’s versatile team of electric pallet trucks, the PT40 and PT45, to your business today. With the compact and maneuverable PT40 and the efficient lifting power of the PT45, you’ll be able to handle light, medium and heavy duty applications (up to 4,000 and 4,500 lbs. respectively) and everything in between! “We’re seeing an upsurge in requests for compact pallet trucks across all industries as space becomes more and more valued in warehouses, distribution facilities and manufacturing sectors.” Says Jim Chesla, VP of Stärke material Handling Group. “The PT40 was designed out of necessity for delivery trucks, retailers and production facilities, but works well in general shipping and receiving applications as well, where narrow aisles demand a more compact piece of equipment.” 

Why choose Stärke over the competition?

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As part of our commitment to providing our customers with high quality, innovative products, our new electric pallet trucks include several industry-leading design features. The Stärke Continuous Stability System, for example, reduces incidence of tipping while turning corners, or travelling on uneven surfaces. This system includes a fixed drive wheel supported by two spring loaded castors, which are in constant contact with the ground; supporting the stability of the lift truck. For ease of entry and release from pallets, all Stärke LiftMaxx electric pallet truck models incorporate skid entry wheels with bottom-boards while many of our competitors still favor solid entry plates. 

As you can see, Stärke has truly created one of the best electric pallet trucks on the market. With less than half the wearable parts of the competition, a Stärke electric pallet truck also requires fewer maintenance calls. An adjustable riser rod alters the height of your wheels with a simple nut adjustment, while offering ease of maintenance because of its simple, yet sturdy design. Stärke also uses metal components, rather than plastic, which means that there are fewer wearable parts, and less down-time.

Visit us online for more information, to download product brochures, or find a dealer near you

www.starkeforklift.com

Local: (905)-227-7554  |  Toll free: 1-877-435-4352

A Pallet Truck by Any Other Name

In our ever-changing society, it shouldn’t be surprising to hear that the tools and equipment of the material handling industry have acquired a variety of names and labels, often changing from one country to the next. Without this tendency, the world would be bereft the awkward cross-cultural mix ups that we all secretly enjoy (for example, think of the surprise and confusion that would result if an American mechanic asks for a spanner and a muffler in the U.K. and a nerdy-looking chap holding a scarf shows instead?).

To illustrate this point, let’s consider the simple pallet truck. Throughout the English-speaking world, it’s not uncommon to find such a basic piece of material handling equipment referred to by any number of unique names. These range from simple variations of ‘pallet truck’ such as pallet jack / lift / elevator / and pump, to widely adopted pseudonyms like jigger and lifter, as well as an almost infinite number of combinations (including pump truck or jack, hand or wheeled floor jack, fork pump, and manual forklift). While this is not an exhaustive list, by any means, it does illustrate how our cultural preferences and industry-based needs tend to help us interact with and define the world around us.

But in the end, the truth is that the equipment doesn’t care what you call it. Whether you refer to it as a jigger, pallet truck, hand jack, or even “that red metal thingy with the forks,” the basic purpose of the pallet truck remains the same: to lift and transport pallets and freight from one place to another. What you should not do, however, is think that all pallet trucks / jacks are created equal.

Over the years, pallet trucks have been modified and adapted for use in a wide variety of applications and operating conditions. In terms of size and load capacity, pallet trucks typically have a maximum rating between 1000 and 5500 lbs, with forks that are 7” or 9” in width, either 36”, 42” or 48” in length, and are placed 21” or 27” apart. The reasoning behind these different capacities, fork sizes and width are to accommodate variations in pallet sizes and a range of load weights.

To limit the hazards associated with different surfaces, a number of different wheel types have been introduced. For uneven surfaces, dual – also known as tandem – front wheel models were introduced to assist in going over dock plates and rougher floors. On the other hand, a four-way pallet truck offers a greater degree of maneuverability and enables the operator to pick up a pallet from any direction. And, since pallet trucks are utilized in warehouses and docking bays, as well for applications within the chemical, pharmaceutical, and food / beverage industries, pallet jacks can also be found with specialized coatings and finishes. With galvanized and stainless steel finishes, a pallet truck can be routinely cleaned and disinfected or operated in chemically hazardous or corrosive environment.

More recently, manual pallet trucks have even been outfitted with electronic scales and LCD displays, thereby combining all the functionality of a pallet truck with the precise measurement of a calibrate freight scale.

Brochures and information on the entire Stärke line of manual and electric pallet trucks can all be found here. Or, for more information, advice, or a quote, please contact your nearest Stärke Material Handling Dealer with locations throughout Canada or the USA.

www.starkeforklift.com

Local: (905)-227-7554  |  Toll free: 1-877-435-4352

The NEW 2600 - 3300 lb Electric Mini Forklift

Delivering once again on their promise - Because it makes sense to expect peace of mind for a fair price - Stärke introduces the new compact, flexible and durable forklift with German engineered drive axle and mast; available in 2600 – 3300 lb lifting capacities.

The FBT10 and FBT15 Mini forklift will revolutionize your factory, warehouse or indoor work site with the ability to go from one end of your facility to the other, and deliver materials right to the production line or workstation, without weight, height or width restrictions. 

The Stärke FBT10 & FBT15 3-wheel Mini Forklifts are your compact, light-duty, narrow aisle workhorses that loves tight spaces.

While the FBT 15 has a wider wheel base (to manage the higher lifting capacities) the FBT 10 features the same wheel base as the original Mini forklift.  Lifting motor power has also been increased in both the FBT 10 & 15, while travel speed has increased as well from the original Mini’s 4.0 to 4.3 MPH. The overall dimensions of the FBT10 & 15 extend beyond the original Mini’s spec’s, but the units are still much smaller and more maneuverable than other electric forklifts which offer a similar lifting capacity.

Perfect for indoor applications where size matters; the Mini Forklift has an impressive turning radius and is also suitable for construction projects where a light-weight portable lift is required.

The Stärke Mini will prove itself time and again through strength of product, cost, warranty, parts support and ease of use. When Stärke builds a product, they build it tough! 

Find a Dealer who Stocks the Forklift Parts you Need Most

Forklifts, regardless of the brand, all feature similar parts. Wear-and-tear issues, carelessness, and the lack of a preventative maintenance program can all contribute to the replacement of these components. Sometimes, forklift manufacturers will provide all the forklift spare parts you need. Every manufacturer will have a list of recommended spare parts for all of their products. These lists offer parts which receive the most wear over time, have historically been abused by the operator, or require occasional maintenance.

Having these additional spare parts in stock will assist in keeping your forklifts functional at all times. The less down-time in any facility, the more efficiently it will run.

Keep your clients and your forklift fleet prepared for the rigors of the industry - include a well-stocked recommended spare parts inventory. Your equipment manufacturer can offer you alist of suggested parts to purchase with each product.

Spare parts are also warrantied – ask your manufacturer about their parts warranty program when buying.

Stärke Dealers have access to a massive inventory of parts for virtually every forklift brand.

• Stärke Canada
• Stärke USA

Canadian Business Magazine & Stärke Material Handling Group

With the announcement that Stärke Material Handling Group had been awarded Profit 500's Fastest Growing Canadian company's in 2015, Canadian Business magazine  gave the accomplishment a nod in their most recent edition entitled: Hack Your Growth.

You know you're working with the right company when a materials handling manufacturer see's this kind of growth and recognition in the Canadian and North American market.

“Stärke is honoured to be on the PROFIT 500 ranking,” says Jim Chesla, VP of Sales and Business Development. “This achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of our team and dealer networks. It also shows the strength of our product in markets that appreciate peace of mind at a fair price.” 

To learn more about Stärke Material Handling Group visit their website

Save Space and Money with a Manual Scale Pallet Truck

Weigh and move your pallets with ease.

The 4400 lb Manual Pallet Truck with Scale combines the maneuverability of our Pallet Boss jacks with the precise functions of a digital freight scale. This pallet truck will increase efficiency in your facility by allowing you to weigh pallets and containers without needing to transfer them to a stationary freight scale, while the LCD screen offers a simple user experience and large display.

Perfect for small warehouses without the room or the budget to include a stationary freight scale, lift gate operations, shipping and receiving tasks, and trailer loading and unloading.

Options include double front wheels to improve stability when rolling over uneven ground and deck plates. Nylon wheels are also an option to assist in eliminating slipping on wet surfaces.

For more on this versatile pallet truck visit the Stärke website.

An Open Mast View on Your Forklift Can Make all the Difference

A common problem in the manufacturing of forklift masts has always been the challenge of improving the operator's visibility. Stärke has overcome this hurdle through years of industry and design experience. The Starke Professional XVI FG 40-50 forklift offers an impressive open view whether the operator is looking forward, up or down, with or without a load. This unit in particular also includes an improved rear view when the driver is backing up the forklift.

The open view forklift mast improves efficiency in the workplace as well as reducing the risks associated with poor visibility when carrying a load through a facility, loading and unloading trailers, navigating, stacking and unstacking shelving. Reduce the risks of accidents, injury and down-time with the Stärke improved view mast forklift.

A mast tilt cylinder has also been included in this design, which controls the amount by which the mast structure, forks and carriage may be tilted beyond the vertical position, forward, backward, with or without a load.  Available on the new XVI ProFG40-50 range forklifts

Forklift Ergonomics Play an Important Role in Operator Safety

Ergonomics consider the operator when in the design stages of conceptualizing a forklift or lift truck. Stärke understands the rigors of moving product through a facility and /or onto a trailer better than most manufacturer's and has created some of the most ergonomically friendly designs in the industry. 

From seat positioning to hand-control placement, a Stärkeforklift and electric lift truck is built ergonomically. There are many examples of ergonomics which accompany every Stärke vehicle, and each can be seen in the specified brochures, specifications and sell sheets.

Don't let your workforce succumb to unnecessary injury and your business experience unwanted down-time. Plan ahead: ask a Stärke dealer about the benefits of an ergonomically designed forklift and lift truck.

Stärke Material Handling Group - No. 441 on the 2015 PROFIT 500 List

PROFIT magazine unveils 27^th annual list of Canada’s Fastest-Growing Companies 

St. Catharines, Ontario (September 17, 2015) Canadian Business and PROFIT today ranked Stärke Material Handling Group No. 441 on the 27^th annual PROFIT 500, the definitive ranking of Canada’s Fastest-Growing Companies. Published in the October issue of Canadian Business and at PROFITguide.com, the PROFIT 500 ranks Canadian businesses by their five-year revenue growth. 

Stärke Material Handling Group made the 2015 PROFIT 500 list with a substantial five-year revenue growth.

“The PROFIT 500 represent the highest tier of entrepreneurialism in Canada,” says James Cowan, Editor-in-chief of PROFIT and Canadian Business. “They should be lauded for the positive economic contributions they’ve made to their communities—and the entire country.  They are examples of what can be accomplished with innovation, discipline and determination."

“Stärke is honoured to be on the PROFIT 500 ranking,” says Jim Chesla, VP of Sales and Business Development. “This achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of our team and dealer networks. It also shows the strength of our product in markets that appreciate peace of mind at a fair price.”

Stärke Material Handling Group is a Canadian owned and operated company manufacturing forklifts, lift trucks, electric utility vehicles and material handling equipment. Stärke’s moto says a lot about who they are and what they represent: Because it makes sense to expect peace of mind at a fair price.

www.starkeforklift.com

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About PROFIT and PROFITguide.com

PROFIT is Canada’s preeminent media brand dedicated to the management issues and opportunities facing small and mid-sized businesses. For 33 years, Canadian entrepreneurs across a vast array of economic sectors have remained loyal to PROFIT because it’s a timely and reliable source of actionable information that helps them achieve business success and get the recognition they deserve for generating positive economic and social change. Visit PROFIT at PROFITguide.com.

About Canadian Business
Founded in 1928, Canadian Business is the longest-serving, best-selling and most-trusted business publication in the country. With a total print readership of more than 600,000, it is the country's premier media brand for executives and senior business leaders. It fuels the success of Canada's business elite with a focus on the things that matter most: leadership, innovation, business strategy and management tactics. We provide concrete examples of business achievement, thought-provoking analysis and compelling storytelling, all in an elegant package with bold graphics and great photography. Canadian Business—what leadership looks like.

Stärke Material Handling Group - because it makes sense to expect peace of mind at a fair price

Media contact

Michael Poeltl, Marketing and Dealer Development Specialist, Stärke Material Handling Group, michael@starkeforklift.com, 877-435-4352. Ext 230

The Benefits of Regenerative Braking on Electric Forklifts

Regenerative braking is a braking system that can recapture much of the truck's kinetic energy and convert it into electricity, so that it can be used to recharge the batteries. This process prolongs the battery run-time in your forklift allowing for more up-time while the truck is in service. This system is available on all Stärke electric forklifts.

A significant reduction in brake wear is another reason to look for regenerative braking on your electric truck. This technology works in such a way where the electric motor of the forklift is used to slow down the truck when the operator backs off on the accelerator to slow down or during a direction change which minimizes the amount of time that the operator needs to use the brake pedal.

Does your Forklift include an anti-rollback feature?

The Stärke 3 & 4 wheel Energy (electric) forklifts all include this protective feature to assist in preventing accidents in the workplace. Including anti-rollback protection is a must when dealing with steep inclines and grades. For example; this system adds an added layer of protection against the forklift rolling back on a ramp when the brake pedal is not applied. This feature also offers increased ramp start-up abilities.

How does the anti-rollback system work? The machine must be turned on and in gear with throttle released. Then the mechanism will electrically stop the forklift from rolling back while the brake is released.

Note: the anti-rollback feature will not work unless the forklift is in operation. Never leave the seat of your forklift when on a ramp, regardless of the added protection an anti-rollback system offers. The operator is always responsible for their machine, and should remain in the unit when on a ramp, steep grade, or while the forklift is in operation.

For more on the impressive line of electric Stärke Energy Forklifts, visit the website

Ever wonder: How can a Walkie/Rider Electric Reach Stacker Truck improve my warehouse efficiency?

In a facility which includes storage racking up to three stories high and two pallets deep. Where forklifts can’t manage the depth and a straddle stacker can’t get under the racking and you also require a truck to place and remove product on die machines.

The Stärke Liftmaxx electric reach stackers can manage those height and reach concerns.  They come in two models, a walkie reach truck or rider reach truck. The rider can include a side-shift operation as well, making the process of stacking and unstacking pallets easier. Both options are ergonomically designed for operator comfort, and will offer the two pallet deep storage option.

Some of the electric reach stacker's strengths include:

Narrow aisles

Higher reach increase storage space

Double reach offers two pallet deep storing

Considering a reach stacker in the design stage of your facility will increase the efficiency of your operation’s square footage because of the reach truck’s versatile applications.

Side-shift is an available option to offer more maneuverability in narrow aisles.

Rider option allows for improved ergonomics on longer hauls and/or more cycles.

Unit comes with AC industrial batteries; which are excellent in applications where longer run times and/or more repetition is required.

Application Details When Choosing Your Materials Handling Equipment

It's not always enough to recommend a piece of materials handling equipment to a client based on sales experience alone. Often the client will want a detailed explanation as to why they would require one product over another. Why would they need a forklift when a stacker truck might suffice? Perhaps the reason is repetition, or weight restrictions. Maybe it's ergonomics to assist in lowering the company's injury claims. It could be that the batteries are meant for a short run time whereas others are meant for a full shift(s) between charges. Tire types also come into play i.e. pneumatic VS rubber VS poly. It might just come down to dollars and cents.

Regardless the specifics in your application, there are many factors that will be weighed when choosing the correct piece of equipment for the job.

Stärkehas recently included detailed dialogue to assist in making a more educateddecision on what truck makes the most sense in a specific application. These details are to be discussed with your sales person, but will offer a deeper understanding of when one machine should be utilized over another.

For example: you wouldn't prefer a manual pump truck to unload a full trailer several times a day and cart the skids through a large warehouse just because it is the most economical option. That would cost you time, employee moral, undue wear on a unit not built to sustain that kind of abuse, and potentially claims with WSIB. 

There are many factors to consider, and each industry and individual warehouse or factory has their own combination. To get started, look at what Stärke has put together and don't make any decisions until you've spoken to an authorized Stärke sales person. Because it makes sense to expect peace of mind at a fair price.

Avoid Accidents and Equipment Wear With Planned Maintenance For Your Material Handling Trucks

Remember, your materials handling equipment requires maintenance. It’s got moving parts, just like your car. Each part plays a role in safely operating your forklift or lift truck on a daily basis. Consider this: a forklift rumbles down your aisles or yard carrying 3 to 5 times as much weight as your car, and you have your car serviced regularly. When machines breakdown due to neglect, it effects your business, but more importantly, it becomes an unsafe piece of equipment and could injure an employee causing much more than downtime, it could be the precursor for a devastating accident and even a lawsuit.

Your business and those responsible for keeping your business running efficiently are your priorities. The equipment you use to assist employees in their efforts need to be well maintained. Training is also a must, but maintaining the equipment goes a long way in the prevention of injuries due to faulty equipment. Forklifts should be inspected daily by the operator and serviced by a licensed technician up to four times a year.

A Stärke brand product is an excellent example of superior engineering, but even the very best material handling equipment requires regular maintenance to ensure the vehicle is operating at peak efficiency. This service is recommended by the manufacturer of every brand of machinery and should be followed to safeguard your employees and your business from unexpected downtime and accidents.

The cost of an accident will far exceed the cost of a planned maintenance program. Stärke dealers are capable of servicing every make and model of forklift and lift truck, so if you have been on the fence about having a professional look at your material handling equipment, find a Stärke dealer near you and inquire about a planned maintenance program for your fleet of trucks.

Canadian Stärke Dealers

American Stärke Dealers

Stärke Material Handling Group - Because it makes sense to expect peace of mind at a fair price.

Do Your Lifting Devices Feature a Corrosion Inhibitor like Zinc Dichromate?

Over two and a half billion dollars a year - just in the United States - is spent to combat rust deterioration of fittings across multiple industries. Why expose your equipment to this kind of wear? Tube fittings are rarely replaced at the first sign of corrosion, and yet the longer they are left, adjacent parts like hoses and hydraulic components, can begin to corrode at accelerated rates. To some materials handling equipment manufacturers, the inclusion of Zinc Dichromate is cost-prohibitive, but companies like Stärke consider it a long-term investment rather than a short-term pricing decision.

Stärke forklifts and lift trucks come with Zinc Dichromate fittings as standard. This supports the Stärke Motto: Stärke is Strength. Regardless of the costly upgrades you will find on Stärke products, the price is always competitive.

For a List of the Devastating Effects Red Rust Deterioration of Fittings can cause, please see below:

• system contamination
• potential leaks
• fitting connection problems
• aesthetic quality concerns from end user
• maintenance difficulty
• improper function of adjacent components (valves, pumps, cylinders)
• accelerated corrosion of adjacent components

The cost implications of fitting corrosion with mobile equipment can become life-threatening if left ignored.

If you’re looking for strength in your materials handling equipment at a cost that will under-cut their competitors, find a Stärke dealer near you - American dealers and Canadian dealers

Propane forklift Operators in the United States are now Eligible for Fuel Tax Credit.

Congress has extended the 50-cents-per-gallon alternative fuel tax credit to forklift operators. This is under the Unemployment Insurance Re-authorization and Job Creation Act. Propane is a popular option for many materials handling businesses and made even more attractive with this new tax credit. The IRS has defined forklifts as off-highway business motor vehicles, and thus eligible for this cost-savings opportunity.

There are some steps each forklift operator will need to take in registering with the IRS before they can realize the tax benefits - such as filing Form 637 to become an Alternative Fueler. Once the forklift driver receives their registration number, they can claim for the credit at the end of the year by filing Form 4136.

Stärke Material Handling Group offers exceptional LPG forklifts with standardized options, excellent warranties and attractive pricing. Find your Stärke dealer in the United States or Canada

Local Stärke Forklift Dealer in Running for Best Industrial Enterprise in Montreal Region

One of Stärke’s top dealers in Quebec - Equipement Montérégie – has become a finalist for Best Industrial Enterprise in the Montérégie Region, located along the scenic and historic south shore of Montreal.

The local Chamber of Commerce for the Montérégie area organizes this celebration in recognition of the top-rated companies in the area. The awards are given annually to the best industrial enterprise who has met each criteria the chamber has set out.

A list of the criteria which Equipement Montérégie had to meet in order to become one of the finalists are as follows:

1) Company presentation
2) Development strategies
3) Recent achievements
4) Financial data
5) Social commitment
6) Meeting with jury members

Stärke wants to wish Equipement Montérégie our very best as they go up against other qualified companies for the title: Best Industrial Enterprise. Winners will be announced at a banquet held in June.

June 9th is Forklift Safety Day in the USA. How is Your Manufacturer Supporting it?

In acknowledgement of the second annual National Forklift Safety Day, June 9, 2015, sponsored by the Industrial Truck Association (ITA), Stärke Material Handling Group is showing their support for best practices in operator and pedestrian safety. Designated as a day of conversation and awareness concerning forklift safety, the purpose is to serve as an opportunity for manufacturers and dealers alike to educate customers on of the importance of forklift operator training, guidelines and safety practices.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) insists that all industrial lift truck operators be trained and certified in the use of their equipment.

In recent years more stringent regulations and safety requirements relating to forklift training and operation have been implemented, and many companies are recognizing the significance of safety programs and appropriate training for their forklift operators.

Forklift Operator Safety Awareness training courses are facilitated by certified trainers and available throughout North America through Stärke dealers and independents. These courses are an interactive experience for both new and experienced operators, drawing from experience to encourage open discussion.

Forklifts are heavy pieces of equipment with many particulars in operating them safely; they should be treated with respect by the operator, and all others coming in close proximity.  If driven by an untrained operator or in an unsafe manner a lift truck can cause extensive damage to buildings, racking, cargo, or worst of all - can cause injury or death to operators or other workers.

Safety isn’t negotiable. Companies who employ untrained lift truck operators are putting themselves, their employees, and pedestrians at risk. Be safe and respect the equipment and the people who come into contact with it.

For more information on Forklift Safety visit our Safety Tips section of the website.

Find important Forklift FAQ’s on our website here.

ColoradoLift gets a Website Facelift Supporting the Stärke Line of Products

Looking for the very best materials handling equipment in the state of Colorado? ColoradoLift has recently re-imagined their web presence by rebuilding their website with the assistance of their top manufacturer: Stärke Material Handling Group. This rebuild will make it exceptionally easier for the end-user to find Stärke product like Forklifts, Lift Trucks, Electric Utility Vehicles, Pallet Stackers, Stock Pickers and more in the Colorado region.

Employing some of the most up to date search engine optimization techniques, ColoradoLift is excited to launch their business into the competition-heavy online market. Though the company has had a web presence for many years, a website of ten years ago does not offer an efficient and user-friendly experience. Operating as one of the top forklift distributors in Colorado - ColoradoLift recognized that they needed an online presence which reflected their successful business model.

Future online initiatives are to build a dynamic industry blog, become an active member on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+, and begin adding articles to a LinkedIn profile. Recognizing the importance of a quality online presence is paramount in staying ahead of the competition; and the material handling industry is no exception.

ColoradoLift carries Cascade Attachments for your forklift, OEM and aftermarket parts for your forklifts, a forklift rental fleet,and offers expert forklift services in Colorado. If you`re in need of Forklift Training, Colorado Lift also offers the most comprehensive training in the state of Colorado.


Servicing Fort Collins, Boulder, Denver Metro Area, Colorado Springs,Pueblo, Fort Collins, Pueblo and more.
 
Contact them today for more information

Stärke Dealers Know What Greenhouses Need to Run Their Operation Efficiently, Ergonomically and Environmentally Responsibly.

Most product coming into or leaving a greenhouse are usually stacked on pallets. Save your business time and money by investing in the proper materials handling equipment to do the work. Forklifts, manual and electric pallet trucks, and electric utility vehicles can assist in making the loading and unloading process less of a chore and reduce employee injuries and product damage over the long and short term. Hand-bombing heavy bags of growing mix, boxed plants, nursery stock, plant carts, construction materials and containers off or onto a trailer is a difficult job, employing an ergonomic alternative is a greenhouse grower’s best choice.

Base your selection of the equipment required on the size of your operation, delivery occurrences, and distance materials have to be moved. Also consider the environment you’re working in. An interior workplace should focus on environmentally sustainable products like manual or battery operated forklifts, pallet trucks and utility vehicles. An electric materials handling fleet will keep your maintenance costs down as well as sustain a higher level of environmental standards in your greenhouse. With zero emissions from your equipment, your employees and product will thrive.

Pallet trucks are the most common solution for loading and unloading trailers and moving product from one end of the greenhouse to another. The decision whether to buy manual or electric is up to you. Electric offers a more ergonomic solution, while manual pallet trucks are the most affordable. Hydraulic pump pallet trucks raise the product a few inches from the ground and require a level of physical strength to push or pull and steer the pallet. An electric pallet truck will offer the same action with much less effort on the part of the operator, allowing anyone to move product through the facility.

If you have a dock which is at truck floor level, pallet trucks make the loading/unloading a simple task. The distance in which you will need to travel with your loaded pallet should also be considered, as an electric option works best if you’re moving materials over 300 feet. Spring-loaded casters should be a major consideration when purchasing an electric pallet truck, offering better control and limiting tipping when taking corners. The control handle is designed to provide steering, speed, lift, horn and brake controls. Consider also a built-in battery charger  when shopping for your electric pallet truck.

Is your dock not at truck floor level? Consider a lift truck in this scenario. Also available in manual or electric models. When a dock is not available, the lift - or straddle truck - will raise its forks to the truck floor level to load or unload pallets. These units are also recommended in applications where you require stacking of nursery stock supplies and bulbs. Adjustable fork spacing and weight requirements are an important feature to consider as well.

Another option is an electric forklift. Forklifts come in a wide variety of sizes and load capacities. They can be relatively inexpensive and do the work of a pallet truck and lift truck. Electric is your best choice for an indoor application, but propane is also a good option. An electric Mini forklift has a tight turning radius and lifting capacities of up to 2,000 lbs. It is compact, yet operates just like any other forklift. Perfect for tight aisles and small spaces. If you’re sending and receiving product on a daily basis, a forklift is your best choice.

For your interior applications; electric utility vehicles are a great option. An electric puller can tow your plant carts and revolutionize your greenhouse’s efficiency in moving materials throughout the facility. A personnel carrier is also an added bonus in that it can move people while towing carts through the greenhouse. It also has the ability to carry cargo like grower mix or containers up to 660 lbs. These options reduce employee fatigue and improve moral. Wherever you can make your employee’s work physically less taxing, the more benefits you will realize.

Once you've reviewed your needs with a sales person and made your equipment choices, a service plan should be put in place to keep your trucks working effectively. Down-time in any facility due to equipment malfunction is a difficult hurdle. Make sure your

provider offers rental equipment and on-site service options with repair parts in-stock.

Forklifts and pallet trucks are not exclusive to large greenhouses, even small growers benefit from having materials handling equipment included into their greenhouse operation. Research your options and discover which service provider near you is the expert in your industry. They will plan a site visit, and discuss your application requirements, offering the most beneficial solution for your business.

To contact a materials handling specialist in your region, call direct at 1-877-435-4352, or visit: US dealersor in Canada: http://www.starkeforklift.com/dealers_Canada.php 

Michael Poeltl, Marketing and Dealer Development Specialist at Stärke Material Handling Group. Michael has been marketing the equipment industry since 2008.