The Importance of a Proper Site Survey

Whether you’re looking to purchase your first forklift or simply replacing old, worn out equipment, it is critical to conduct a proper site survey.  Even if you think you’re certain of your options and only want to replace the equipment you already have, a proper site survey and assessment by a reputable dealer is well worth the time prior to purchase.  This is because a site survey offers a chance to double-check your measurements, review your application, and consider the possibilities offered by new technologies with potential to increase efficiency and capacity while minimizing safety risks and costs.

Double-checking Measurements:

To determine the optimal equipment selection for your business and facility, the inspector will pay close attention to the physical characteristics of the space itself.  Among the primary objectives of a site survey is to verify that all of the listed load and height requirements are accurate and consistent with expectations.  Known as the “four by three” rule, a reputable dealer will closely measure the three dimensions (length, width and height) of four key areas: doors, aisles, pallets and racking/storage space.  Since it is unlikely you’ll find consistent measurements throughout the facility, it’s important to measure all aisles and doors individually as a difference as little as 1-inch (2.2 cm) can present a serious safety issue down the line. 

Next, the inspector should determine what kind and size of pallets in use, any overhanging loads, the distance travelled between loads, and the total weight and height requires of the loads.  Since lifting capacity is based on a 24-inch load center and is exponentially down rated as height increases, inaccurate measurements may result in insufficient lift capacity at a given load centre or lift height. 

Reviewing Your Application

After establishing the physical requirements, the next step is a careful consideration of your application and usage environment.  Here, the site surveyor will assess a number of factors that combine to determine the type of equipment that’s best suited for your application.  Depending on the load frequency and distance travelled, for example, a reputable dealer will recommend either a walk behind or ride-on model to optimize between production and costs.  Engine type and power source is another key consideration that largely depends on the characteristics of your application.  For indoor or combined indoor-outdoor applications, emission-free electric models are used.  For applications that take place outdoors or in facilities with adequate ventilation, internal combustion models are generally preferred. 

New Technologies

Finally, a proper site assessment may present you with the opportunity to improve your productivity and efficiency with the addition of new technologies or equipment approaches.  Here, you may be able to reduce the number of lift trucks you require by purchasing a new type of unit, reduce your reliance on additional batteries with opportunity charging or eliminate some manual labor with the addition of a specialized attachment. 

As you can see, a proper site survey from a reputable dealer offers a number of benefits including improved efficiency, reduced costs and removing potential safety hazards.  So, if you’re in the market for a new piece of material handling equipment, reach out to your local Stärke dealer today! 

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www.starkeforklift.com

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

A Different Breed of Forklift Manufacturer

For small to medium-sized dealerships, the prevailing market conditions in the material handling industry threaten to fundamentally change their day-to-day operations. The prospect of territorial restructuring looms as corporate mergers redefine the industry and areas of prime responsibility. Coupled with this uncertainty are inflexible dealership contracts, which provide little relief against economic instability or declining demand. For forklift dealerships caught up in the margins of such changes, it’s becoming clear that they will no longer receive the support they need to thrive moving forward.

At this point, some readers may think the circumstances described above are far closer to dystopian fiction than they are to day-to-day reality. But, the unfortunate fact of the matter is, such circumstances are far too familiar for many dealerships. For those who have grown tired of the status quo and agree “that it makes sense to expect peace of mind at a fair price,” perhaps it’s time to consider a different breed of manufacturer – Stärke Material Handling Group. Our pitch to dealers begins with our full line of forklifts and material handling equipment including ICE and electric forklifts, pallet trucks, straddle stackers, reach trucks, order pickers and electric utility vehicles but we offer much more to our dealers than quality equipment. 

At Stärke, our entire business model is built upon the quality of our equipment and the support we provide to our integrated network of small to medium-sized dealerships. We prefer a cooperative approach to dealership development and recognize that our success is predicated upon the success of our dealers. Rather than a legally binding contract filled with unrealistic quotas or stock commitments, Stärke dealers enter an agreement, where we acknowledge the importance of our commitments and how those commitments should shape our goals moving forward.

To further our shared objectives, Stärke is committed to providing fast and responsive support for all of our dealers, whether it is related technical issues, sales inquiries or marketing. Our streamlined technical support network helps to minimize response times on warranty claims and parts requests, while our dedicated marketing department works directly with our dealers to bolster their local marketing efforts. And, unlike many other off-shore manufacturers, Stärke advertises to both dealers and end-users alike.

Our plan for growth and development continues to impress industry experts as we continue to receive recognition within the industry. Our rapid growth earned us a place on Profit 500's list of the fastest growing companies in Canada in both 2015 and 2016. Meanwhile, our innovative electric equipment earned us a spot on Food Logistics Top Green Providers list in 2016. 

As our motto says: Stärke is Strength. This isn't just a tagline, it perfectly describes how the Stärke brand performs in product design, customer service and value. It demonstrates our commitment to our dealers, customers, and our products. Stärke offers one of the largest selections of material handling equipment in the industry including class I through VI products making our dealers instantly competitive on every deal that they are in. Because, it makes sense to expect peace of mind at a fair price!

For further information about the dealership opportunities in Canada, the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean, please visit our website or contact Rodney Barron, our dealer development specialist, at 1-877-435-4352, ext. 236.

www.starkeforklift.com

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

Geting Employees to Buy-in to Periodic Maintenance Schedules

Despite countless warnings from manufacturers and service technicians, preventative maintenance schedules are rarely followed as many prefer to follow the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” school of thought. Such individuals see little point in following a schedule of regular inspections, maintenance, adjustments on a machine that exhibits few visible problems or issues, especially when the added work only serves to prolong the inevitable.

In an effort to discourage the use of such flawed logic, many manufacturers have eschewed the term preventative maintenance in favor of an alternative that more accurately reflects its intended purpose. Now widely known as periodic maintenance, the intent behind these recommendations is to minimize the inherent risks involved with operating the equipment by limiting excessive downtime and costly repairs to central components, not prevent them altogether.

Implementing a successful periodic maintenance schedule hinges upon a consistent approach and dedication, which, in theory, should be easy enough to implement. When properly trained and instructed, for example, forklift operators should be able to perform pre-shift maintenance tasks such as checking fluid levels, cleaning dirt and debris from moving parts, tightening loose connections and hardware and maintaining tire pressure.

The difficulty lies in securing accountability and commitment from a workforce without a direct stake in the costs of ownership. Remember, periodic maintenance plans benefit owners and managers the most since they reduce the cost of maintenance costs and improve productivity. In most situations, individual operators see few tangible benefits from the added workload, however small it may be. And, since it is nearly impossible to determine which operator was directly responsible for premature wear and tear on a given forklift, few realistic deterrents exist to help enforce such a policy.

To address these issues, foremen and managers must utilize a system that encourages individual operators to take accountability for the periodic maintenance of a given piece of machinery. Begin by assigning operators to specific forklifts for each and every shift. This encourages operators to take ownership of a given forklift and gives them a direct stake in its day-to-day effectiveness and productivity. Constantly dealing with unnecessary breakdowns or malfunctioning equipment provides the additional motivation some need to stick to a strict periodic maintenance plan.

Taking this a step further, operators should also be required to keep detailed daily inspections records. This not only ensures that the proper procedures are followed before every shift by providing direction, but also helps maintenance staff predict potential repairs and efficiently diagnosis issues as they arise.

Finally, in addition to implementing an effective periodic maintenance strategy and providing adequate training for their operators, ownership and management should also consider ease of maintenance when purchasing a forklift. It is essential that regularly serviced components and fluids are easy to access, inspect and address. If it is overly complicated, tedious or time consuming to perform regular maintenance procedures, it becomes far more likely that these tasks will be neglected or outright ignored.

For more for information on period maintenance or resources such as inspection checklists, visit our website or contact your local Stärke dealer. 

www.starkeforklift.com   

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

Selecting the Right Type of Forklift Tire - Cushions vs. Pneumatics

Overall, there are three basic types of forklift tires: cushion, pneumatic air and solid pneumatic. Since each type of forklift tire is designed for specific usages and applications, there is a direct correlation between tire type and the overall design and dimensions of a forklift. The by-product of this relationship is a categorization system that identifies forklifts by tire type above other – seemingly more important – considerations. In accordance with this correlation, it is essential that potential buyers consider both their operating conditions and work environment during the purchasing process.

Designed for indoor applications, cushion tires are constructed of solid rubber attached to a round metal rim and have the smallest diameter of the three options. This corresponds to a smaller forklift chassis, lower ground clearance and a superior turning radius when compared to other models. In turn, this results in a more maneuverable forklift capable of operating in the narrow aisles and restrictive spacing typically found in indoor applications including manufacturing and distribution facilities, receiving docks and/or greenhouses.

Pneumatic forklift tires are larger and wider than solid cushion tires and are constructed of a treaded rubber exterior with an internal cavity filled with air or polyurethane foam. When combined with the added durability and ground clearance that result from these components, pneumatic forklift tires are the preferred option for heavy-duty and/or outdoor applications with rough, uneven terrain. Since forklifts are built without a suspension system, pneumatic tires also provide the operator with superior comfort by suppressing bumps and vibration, thereby decreasing operator fatigue and improving productivity.

Similar to pneumatic air tires, solid pneumatic tires are constructed of aggressively layered rubber with one distinct difference - the absence of a hollow internal cavity. Solid pneumatic tires are best viewed as a mix between the solid construction of a cushion tire and the durability of a pneumatic tire. The net effect of this combination is a forklift tire that is less susceptible to punctures or damage from sharp, irregular objects or debris typically found in storage facilities, lumber mills and scrap metal yards. This dynamic construction also ensures that solid pneumatic tires are more versatile than the other two tire types, enabling owners to utilize them in small to mid-sized operations with both indoor and outdoor applications.

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

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

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