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.