In the Vancouver BC marketplace, there is an endless number of forklift dealers and lift truck manufacturers to choose from and each one of them will claim they have the best forklift, with the best parts availability, the best service technicians, the best response time and so on.

With so many possible options, and limited forklift knowledge at best, many companies often have a hard time trying to make all the right choices that will help them achieve the best combination of cost control, efficiency, productivity and safety gains.

Each forklift dealer is obviously biased toward their own products and services which is completely natural. It’s what they do for a living.

Each forklift dealer has salespeople with various degrees of experience, not only with the equipment but also with how the equipment should be matched to a particular application. It’s no secret that with experience, you can expect better forklift solutions. At the same time, a lack of experience can lead to solutions that simply don’t work.

In addition, every forklift brand or dealership has its’ own strengths and weaknesses and unless forklift users know what to look for or which questions to ask, rarely will they uncover everything they need to know to make the best overall choice for their company.

Ask yourself this question; is it in the salesperson’s best interest to tell you all about their dealership’s weaknesses? The answer is no, and therein lies the conflict that exists between the dealership and their customer. In a way, both parties aren’t on the same team.

Up until four years ago, forklift users had no other option but to give it their best shot and go it alone. Back then, companies had only so much time and knowledge with which to investigate the option that was right for them. More often than many companies would care to admit, bad choices ended up costing them thousands of dollars in excess cost, wasted efficiency, productivity and more.

Today, there is another option and that option is Fleetman Consulting.

In 2008, Scott McLeod, President and Founder of Fleetman Consulting launched a new business to represent the interests of all forklift users. His goal was to make sure all forklift users that dealt with Fleetman would receive the highest return possible on their forklift equipment regardless of the size of their company, the size of their fleet, the brands they operate and so on.

Although Fleetman primarily focuses on strategic forklift fleet management including proactive forklift fleet planning, on-site forklift fleet audits and forklift procurement, they are also available to help clients with whatever forklift issues arise such as forklift maintenance cost tracking and much more.

By contacting Fleetman before contacting the dealer, Fleetman is better able to help their clients formulate a plan that will be 100% in their best interest because they know exactly how to approach each and every situation that involves forklift equipment and, they operate without bias.

Why?

It’s because Fleetman is not affiliated with any of the dealers of manufacturers that supply a variety of products and services.

In addition, Fleetman doesn’t accept commissions or kick-backs for recommending these same items.

The bottom line is that Fleetman is free to do what is best for their clients because they have the ability to source whatever their clients need from dealers all over North America.

With over 23 years of forklift industry experience, you’ll be in good hands dealing with Fleetman Consulting. They’re on your team.

For more information or to schedule a complimentary initial consultation, please contact Scott McLeod by calling (604)614-3530 or by email, help@fleetmanconsulting.com.

Forklift sales trends, derived from forklift sales statistics, can be a leading economic indicator for many businesses because the forklift industry touches so many different types of market segments throughout North America and other parts of the world.

If you think about it, forklifts are operating in almost every type of business that exists today, with few exceptions.

For example, forklifts are used in all types of warehousing, distribution, logistics, manufacturing, building supply and stevedoring businesses, to name a few.

Under this list of only six categories you will find a long list of sub-categories such as brick and block suppliers, lumber or pulp and paper manufacturers, food manufacturers and distributors and the list goes on.

If the forklift industry is booming or collapsing, it is likely that the economy is also doing the same thing because of how many different types of businesses the forklift industry is connected to.

With the help of ITA ( The Industrial Truck Association ), I was able to acquire the United States factory shipment sales statistics from 1988 to 2010.

To view the complete chart and graph that display these statistics in their entirety, please view the following links….. Forklift Sales Statistics Chart   |   Forklift Sales Statistics Graph

To view a breakdown of the various forklift classifications to help you better understand these statistics, please follow this link…… Forklift Classifications

Unfortunately, similar statistics are not available for Canada as of yet but I would suspect the trends in the US would be similar to what we are experiencing in Canada.

Forklift Sales Trends From 1988 To 2010

• The grand total of US factory shipments in 1988 is almost exactly the same as shipments in 2010, 23 years later. Although the average shipments over this period have been higher than in 1988 and 2010, the overall trend has been very similar to that of a roller coaster, up and down with an average gradual trend toward growth up until 2008 when the market declined significantly.
• The grand total of shipments in 2009 fell just over 43% when compared to 2008. This is the largest single percentage decline in one year in over 23 years. The breakdown is as follows; Motorized Hand dropped 34.5%, Internal Combustion Engine dropped 53.7% and Electric Rider dropped 37.4%. Although the numbers bounced back the following year in 2010, they are still down significantly when compared to 2008 results. It will be interesting to see if there has been further recovery in 2011.
• Electric riders have grown from 37.6% of the rider market in 1988 to 46.3% in 2010. In contrast, the internal combustion forklift has gone from a dominating position of 62.4% in 1988 to a much less dominating position of 53.7% in 2010. Although it has taken electric rider forklifts over 23 years to gain ground, it is also interesting to note that much of this gain has happened over the last 5 years. I suspect the trend will continue as technology continues to improve ( ie fuel cells, lithium batteries etc. ), if government incentives materialize to assist companies transition to green technology and as more companies become aware of the long list of benefits associated with operating electric forklift trucks.

For more information on this and many other forklift topics, please contact Scott McLeod, President of Fleetman Consulting Inc., by calling (604)614-3530 or by email, help@fleetmanconsulting.com.

Forklift capacity ratings are often misunderstood by forklift owners, operators and surprisingly, many forklift salespeople.

There are basically two types of capacity ratings.

The first rating is the gross chassis capacity rating that typically states the highest possible capacity that a particular forklift could achieve if conditions were ideal. For example, attachments such as a side shift would not be installed, the load would not be elevated but instead would be kept close to the ground, typically a (2) stage mast would be used instead of the more common (3) stage mast, solid rubber tires are chosen instead of air filled tires and so on. The gross capacity rating is set by the manufacturer based on either a 24” load center ( most common ) or a 48” load center ( less common ). The gross capacity rating should only be used to compare one brand of forklift to the next. It should never be used to determine the forklift’s lifting capability because in the real world, no one ever configures the forklift this way.

The second rating is the net chassis capacity rating ( or payload capacity rating ) and it is the most important rating to be aware of. The net chassis capacity rating takes into account all of the options and specifications chosen on a particular lift truck to arrive at the forklift’s ability to lift weight, given these specifications. As well, this rating will reflect the payload capacity of the forklift at the highest possible lifting height given the style of mast chosen.

So what does all of this mean?

When asking a forklift dealership for a quotation on a new or used forklift truck, don’t ask them, for example, to quote on a 5,000 lb. capacity forklift. When you phrase it this way to a forklift salesperson, they think you want a 5,000 lb. gross chassis capacity forklift.

Instead, take the time to tell them about the types of loads you carry, how much they weigh, whether the loads are spread evenly across the blade of the forks, how high you need to lift these loads and whether you are planning to carry different types of products with different weights and sizes sometime in the future. From this information, let the dealer select the gross chassis capacity forklift that will provide you with safe net chassis capacity ratings at various load centers and lifting heights in your facility. This way, you’ll have a greater chance of finding the right lift truck to do the job safely.

Separately, please be aware that a 5,000 lb. gross chassis capacity forklift manufactured today will likely handle less payload weight than a 5,000 lb. gross chassis capacity forklift manufactured 25 years ago. Even if the capacity data plates from these two different trucks are stamped with the same ratings, the safety margins designed into the forklift from 30 years ago were likely greater than they are today and therefore the older forklift will actually lift more weight. If the operator is familiar with the older truck, he could find himself in a precarious position soon after climbing on the newer truck. I hear this all the time in the field from forklift operators where they notice a big difference between two trucks that have equal gross chassis capacity ratings.

Unless you spend the time to better understand the weights and sizes of the loads you are handling, you can expect a degree of risk that an operator will have an accident with his forklift because he made too many assumptions, either about the weights he was handling or the forklift’s ability to handle the weight.

What is the solution?

The installation of forklift scales should be mandatory on all forklifts.

As well, discussions centered around topics such as these should be on the agenda at regular safety meetings to help educate forklift operators about the limitations of the lift truck. These discussions will also help operators properly assess whether the load they are handling can be handled safely with the lift truck they are driving.

Of course, forklift operator training, to meet the requirements of the safety organization in your area, should be completed before any operator is allowed to drive a forklift truck at your company.

Need more information?

Feel free to contact Scott McLeod, President of Fleetman Consulting Inc., by calling (604) 614-3530.

Forklift snow plows, also called forklift snow blades, will help increase the utility of any forklift, particularly when an unexpected snow storm leaves you stranded.

Check out what I believe is the best forklift snow plow on the market.

Canadian engineered, manufactured and tested by one of North America’s leading forklift attachment manufacturers, this lift truck snow plow is a cut above the rest.

Here’s why.

Features

• Heavy duty, reinforced & curved steel blade ( 1′ high by 90″ wide ). Custom sizes are available.
• Heavy duty spring loaded plow blade minimizes the chance of blade, forklift and facility damage because the blade is allowed to give and flex during impact.
• Vertical blade movement and blade flex allows for better contact between the plow blade and the ground when travelling over uneven ground surfaces. Bottom line… less snow is left behind.
• Heavy duty frame design with low center of gravity provides better traction, stability and durability when compared with other snow plow brands.
• Engineered to minimize stress & potential damage to the front end of the forklift.
• ITA Class 3 & 4 hook mounting is standard.
• Quick disconnect ITA hook mounting is also standard.
• Fork pocket mounting is available.
• Manual 30 degree pivot angle ( left & right ) with mechanical stops.
• Wear parts are available. Parts diagram with part numbers will be included with every plow.
• (1) Year Limited Warranty.

Interested? Call Fleetman Consulting Inc. today for more details, pricing and availability. Contact Scott McLeod, President of Fleetman Consulting Inc. by calling (604) 614-3530.

The forklift industry can be confusing to many people that aren’t familiar with the terminology or the different slang names often used to mean the same thing.

Below is a list of the most common forklift models and some of the names that have been associated with these different models over the years.

Sit Down Rider Counterbalanced Internal Combustion Forklifts

• Propane Forklift
• Diesel Forklift
• Gasoline Forklift
• Jeep
• Towmotor

Sit Down Rider Electric Forklifts

• Electric Forklift
• Three Wheel Electric
• Three Wheel
• Four Wheel Electric
• Four Wheel
• Jeep

Stand Up Counterbalanced Forklifts

• Electric Stand Up
• Stand Up Electric

Narrow Aisle Reach Forklifts

• Reach Forklifts
• Reach Trucks
• Pantograph Forklifts
• Pantograph Truck
• Narrow Aisle Forklifts
• Narrow Aisle Truck

Narrow Aisle Straddle Forklifts

• Straddle Forklifts
• Straddle Trucks

Walk Behind Electric Pallet Jacks

• Electric Pallet Jacks
• Pallet Jacks
• Jacks
• Walkie

Ride On Electric Pallet Jacks

• Ride On Jacks
• Electric Pallet Jacks
• Pallet Jacks
• Jacks
• Walkie Rider
• Streaker
• Streak

Man Up Order Picker

• Order Picker
• Cherry Picker

Man Up Turret Truck

• Turret Truck
• Narrow Aisle Turret Truck
• Swing Reach
• Narrow Aisle Swing Reach
• Cherry Picker

Man Down Turret Truck

• Turret Truck
• Narrow Aisle Turret Truck
• Swing Reach
• Narrow Aisle Swing Reach

It’s possible that I’ve missed a few names that I’ve heard over the years. If you know of any, please send me an email and I’ll be glad to update this list shortly after I hear from you.

Figuring out exactly what you need can be a daunting task, especially if you have little or no experience with forklift equipment. It’s always best to contact a forklift professional that has years of experience so they can help you make all the right choices.

For more information or assistance with your next forklift acquisition, contact Scott McLeod, President of Fleetman Consulting Inc., by calling (604) 614-3530.

Forklift operator training, to maximize forklift safety in the workplace, is very important because it exposes forklift operators to some of the potential risks and unsafe situations they could be faced with as they go about their normal day to day activities.

However, with many operators, managers, supervisors and owners of forklift trucks, there is a false sense of security that comes with successfully completing a lift truck operator training program, and if left unaddressed, may lead to a serious injury or worse, a fatality.

For example, let’s say that a particular operator has been trained to read a capacity data plate and when operating a forklift, he or she operates the forklift within the constraints listed on the plate.

Everything should be fine, right? Not necessarily.

It is very possible that the capacity data plate is incorrect as so many are. There are thousands of forklifts operating in the workplace that are more than 10 years old. During their life, these lift trucks may have been modified in various ways resulting in a change to their performance characteristics. Often, the capacity data plate wasn’t changed to reflect the new capacity rating of the truck because the person making the modification either didn’t bother or wasn’t aware that the change would have any impact on the lift truck’s lifting capacity. When this happens, the operator is left with a false sense of security believing that the forklift will handle a certain weight when in fact it will only safely handle something less. A very short list of some examples will include changing tires, forks, attachments, counterweights and so on.

In addition, lift truck capacity ratings are generally calculated on the basis that the forklift is operating on flat ground with the mast perfectly vertical. Often, this is not the case in real life and so every lift truck manufacturer builds in an added safety factor that they use to rate their lift truck for capacity. The problem is that this safety factor is decided separately by each and every manufacturer based on what they feel is appropriate given their own design philosophy and past experience. It’s not easy for them to decide what this should be because although each manufacturer would like to make sure everyone purchasing their products remains safe, they also have to deal with market pressures that demand a lower price for their products. Steel costs money and the rising price of steel in past years has put added pressure on every manufacturer to find creative ways of using less steel.

There’s more to it than that but in general terms, that’s how it works.

For example, it’s well known in the industry that a 5,000 lb. gross capacity forklift built today will likely carry less weight than a 5,000 lb. gross capacity lift truck that was manufactured 20 years ago even though their capacity plates are stamped with exactly the same capacity rating. Let’s say that a lift truck operator at company “x” is required to drive both of these forklifts during his normal work day. It would be very confusing to any operator to not only sort out the placement of the different controls between the two lift trucks, but it would also be very difficult for him to get used to the different driving characteristics of both units because each forklift has a very different tipping point even though each forklift has exactly the same gross and possibly net carrying capacity ratings.

Confusing? You’re not alone.

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the issues that plague the forklift industry relating to forklift safety. Although part of the solution is to continue training operators by exposing them to all of these and many other issues, a missed opportunity lies with the manufacturers. For example, every lift truck should be equipped with a forklift scale that accurately tells the operator the weight of the load. As it stands today, this feature is an option on some lift trucks but it should be standard equipment and offered by every forklift manufacturer. As well, every lift truck should have a design feature that won’t allow the forklift to pick up the load if it’s too heavy or at an unsafe extended load center. In addition, every forklift should be designed to limit the height that a lift truck can lift with a particular load depending on the weight and size of the load and the forklift’s capability. Generally, the higher you lift, the less capacity the forklift has. Separately, if the forklift is being driven too fast, it should automatically over-ride the operator and slow the truck down.

You get the picture. These are just a few examples and there are many more.

Bottom line, it’s our belief that the lift truck should play a greater role in the protection of each and every operator and if this was the case, there would be less injuries and less fatalities in the workplace today.

But let’s not forget about the operator who will drive irresponsibly regardless of how safely engineered the lift truck might be. Let’s also not forget about the influence alcohol or drugs might have on an operator’s judgement. Controlling these issues lie with the company’s managers and supervisors and the approach must work within the limits of the law, which is different in every Province and State within North America. Having said that, there are ways to minimize the risk and related liability for each and every company operating forklifts today.

For more information on this topic and other issues pertaining to forklift fleet management, contact Scott McLeod, President of Fleetman Consulting Inc. by calling (604)614-3530.

Vancouver, BC, Canada

Gathering forklift quotes from various forklift dealers when looking for a great forklift deal on a new or used forklift truck is easy, right?

Well, not exactly.

First off, do you really know enough about forklifts to choose the right make and model that will do the job in the most cost effective, safe and productive manner possible?

As well, do you really have the time to call (3) or more forklift dealers, meet with their forklift salespeople ( who may or may not have enough experience and desire to recommend the right solutions ) multiple times as they assess your application, assemble the quote, present it to you and then make repeated calls to follow up as they attempt to close the sale? After all, every salesperson thinks their forklift is the greatest so why wouldn’t you buy theirs, right? Good grief.

Now, here comes the hard part. You have (3) forklift quotes, likely all different because each lift truck dealer has their own angle on what you need and of course, each dealership salesperson has been instructed to be as different as possible to avoid having to sell their products for the lowest price.

By the time you finish sorting through their quotes to figure out what you really need ( an educational process at best ), you’ll find yourself in the unenviable position of having to go back to all those dealers to tell them to change their quotes so that everyone is quoting apples to apples. Only then can you get down to business to find out which dealer is offering you the greatest value or the best forklift deal.

Wait, there’s more.

You’ve only been exposed to what the dealer salespeople have offered you and what they’ve offered you is likely in their best interest of making money, right?

Right.

Isn’t it time you considered a different approach?

Below are ( 3 ) key reasons why you should try working with an independent forklift consulting company instead of a forklift dealership to find the best forklift deal.

They’ll help you acquire forklift quotes on a wide range of forklift trucks and related services so you can concentrate on running your business.

The ( 3 ) Key Benefits of Working With A Forklift Consulting Company

01)   Forklift Experience : When was the last time you had contact with an experienced dealership salesperson that added value to your day? These days, they’re hard to find. I hear this all the time from many different clients. An independent forklift consulting company, on the other hand, operates with only highly experienced people who know how to deliver the best forklift solutions to their clients, regardless of size or industry type. Buying a forklift can be complex and it can take a lot of time to figure out what is really needed. Having an experienced, independent and unbiased forklift professional on your side, someone you can trust, can make all the difference.

02)   Forklift Negotiation Strategies : An independent and unbiased forklift consulting company doesn’t sell forklifts, therefore they operate without bias and with no hidden agenda. Basically, they help you figure out exactly what is needed ( without pressure ), they solicit bids from the dealers and finally, they negotiate the right price on exactly what you need. Nothing more, nothing less. Keep in mind that when you acquire a forklift, there’s much more to consider than just the lift truck. Consider the cost of parts, service, rentals, operator training and that these costs may equal or exceed the cost of the forklift over time. Finding and negotiating the right forklift package deal is critically important if you want to achieve the lowest cost per operating hour over the life of the asset.

03)   Forklift Fleet Management Focused : Whether a forklift user has one lift truck or a 1,000, the basic principles of forklift fleet management remain the same. A company that is focused on forklift fleet management will care more about things like choosing the right time to upgrade, right sizing the lift truck fleet, configuring the fleet for optimum cost efficiency, productivity, safety and so on and they’ll care less about the brand of lift truck being considered. Sometimes that means getting rid of excess forklifts instead of buying new ones. Sometimes it means changing the mix of models, capacities or truck configuration to achieve the right balance of productivity, cost efficiency and safety. If a forklift consulting company only sold and serviced forklifts, they’d care mostly about selling more, not less of everything. Instead, a forklift consulting company’s focus is to help their clients find creative ways of doing more with less so they can achieve the highest return possible on the least number of forklift assets.

Above are the ( 3 ) top reasons why you should consider working with a forklift consulting company but there are many more.

For a complimentary meeting to explore whether this approach is right for you, contact Scott McLeod, President of Fleetman Consulting Inc. today.

Scott can be reached by calling (604) 614-3530.

Why LPG Forklifts Are The Least Attractive Option For Many Businesses

For years, propane forklifts have been the most common type of forklift operating indoors ( and sometimes outdoors ), but as new technology emerges, LPG forklifts are beginning to lose ground to other fuel types.

Below is a list of the top 10 disadvantages associated with operating propane forklifts.

1. Businesses that do not have adequate ventilation may find that the emissions associated with operating properly tuned and emissions equipped propane forklifts will cause them to exceed acceptable limits. Even with acceptable facility ventilation, LPG forklifts can still produce emissions that may cause employees to experience headaches and other associated side effects because, for example, older propane forklifts that do not have the latest emissions control equipment, or where they have been improperly tuned due to neglect, may produce emissions far above acceptable standards even though the building itself has adequate air flow. You will never know for sure how your business stands in the area of air quality until you test the air in all areas of your facility.
2. Propane forklifts are very energy inefficient and therefore do the worst job of converting a measure of fuel into consumable energy. For those people that are environmentally conscious and concerned about operating costs, this is a very important issue.
3. LPG forklifts typically have the highest maintenance costs per operating hour when compared with electric or diesel fueled options.
4. Hazardous fuel in the form of small propane cylinders or a bulk fuel tank must be stored on-site compared with less hazardous diesel fuel tanks. Storing hazardous fuel on-site may affect insurance premiums. There is also a greater chance of a fuel line leak with older propane forklifts. Due to the nature of liquid propane gas ( LPG ), leaked fuel will have a tendency to gather rather than disperse which increases the chances of an explosion if ignited.
5. Rear visibility is often restricted with propane forklifts due to the location of the propane cylinder that is almost always located on top of the rear counterweight.
6. Propane forklifts are noisy and contribute to a less than desirable work environment which may affect employee morale and productivity.
7. Expect less economic life from a propane forklift due to the added wear and tear on the engine and related components due to the way LPG fuel burns resulting in a higher average engine RPM over it’s useful life.
8. Changing LPG fuel tanks are difficult because they are heavy and must be changed approximately every six hours of lift truck operation. Handling these cylinders improperly may contribute to workplace injury and result in a higher number of WorkSafeBC claims. A bulk fuel station will eliminate this issue but most businesses can’t justify this option when they have only a few forklifts.
9. Propane fuel regulators have been known to freeze when a lift truck has been sitting for a period of time in temperatures below freezing. In general, the performance and reliability of most propane forklifts, operating in very cold temperatures, will be less than acceptable.
10. Propane forklifts have less low end torque ( power ) and due to the nature of how they operate, they will likely move less goods per hour than both electric and diesel fueled options.

Buying a used forklift, aka a used lift truck, can be overwhelming to the average business owner or manager.

Although there are many items to investigate and watch out for, here is a list of the top (5) that everyone should be aware of.

01) Inaccurate Lift Truck Hour Meter Readings

Virtually all forklifts are equipped with an hour meter to help the end user and servicing dealer keep track of daily usage. Some have (5) digits while the vast majority seem to have (4). A (4) digit hour meter will read 9999 hours and then after operating the forklift for ( 2,000 ) more hours it will read 1,999 hours because at the 10,000 hour mark, the meter will actually read 0000. At this point in time, if the forklift is traded in to the dealer and the dealer then tries to retail the forklift to one of their clients, the customer could be mislead into believing that the lift truck has only 1,999 hour in total when in fact it actually has 11,999 hours. I’m not implying that all dealers will do this intentionally, however, there is always the chance that it could happen given the nature of how hour meters operate and the fact that not everyone involved in the remarketing of a used forklift will have access to past records to be able to confirm how many hours are actually on the forklift.

In addition, some forklifts have hour meters that record different elements of lift truck usage, ie drive hours, hydraulic pump hours etc and so it is important that you understand what the reading means.

As well, if an hour meter has been unhooked or it has stopped working for some reason, the forklift could actually have far more hours than what the hour meter might suggest. This is because when the hour meter is replaced, the new meter will start off with a reading of 0000 and if there are no records to record the date and time of the meter replacement, the history will be lost forever and now it’s anyone’s guess how many hours are real. It’s very important to try and figure out the correct hours and what these hours represent before you commit to any used forklift purchase.

02) Incorrect Year-of-Manufacture

The year of manufacture should be verified before committing to a used forklift purchase. With the model number and serial numbers in hand, have the manufacturer confirm the year of manufacture. Don’t blindly accept the year of manufacture as shown on a dealer invoice or by looking at other miscellaneous records.

03) Incomplete Forklift Capacity Data Plate

Over the life of any forklift, attachments and accessories can be added or removed with or without manufacturer approval. If this happen, the capacity data plate will no longer be accurate and therefore the operator will be at risk for an accident because he or she will be under a false impression of what the forklift can safely handle. It’s very important to make sure this data plate is accurate for obvious safety and liability reasons. There are many inaccurate data plates on forklifts today so you will need to watch out for this.

04) Unauthorized Forklift Chassis Modifications

If there has been any welding, heating or drilling of the chassis that has not been authorized by the original manufacturer, you should avoid these trucks because the manufacturer will not likely stand behind them in the event there is an accident that causes injury. These activities may weaken the structural components of the forklift and cause them to fail prematurely. In addition, I have sometimes found that additional counterweight has been added, without manufacturer approval, which can contribute to an unstable forklift and unnecessary wear and tear on the forklift chassis.

05) Harsh Lift Truck Applications

Forklifts that have previously worked in fish processing, foundry or stevedoring ( to name a few ) have endured a tough life and the hour meter reading will not reflect the wear and tear on the chassis the same way that it would if the used forklift came from a lighter stockroom application, for example. Try to determine the history of the used forklift before you commit to a purchase and make sure you have a thorough mechanical assessment and safety inspection conducted by a reputable forklift servicing dealer, one that is independent of the selling dealer.

An experienced and independent forklift consultant, with extensive forklift knowledge, can help you investigate these important elements when buying a used forklift and they can help you negotiate the purchase in such a way that your risk will be minimal.

Fleetman Consulting Inc. offers this service to all of their clients.

Every year, Modern Materials Handling Magazine ranks the top 20 global forklift manufacturers and compares their ranking with the previous year. You might be surprised by the results.

Although the global size of a forklift manufacturer doesn’t mean everything, it may give some indication of their strength in various areas such as,

1. Engineering, ie Performance, Reliability and Safety
2. Technical Support
3. Warranty Support
4. Staff Training
5. New Unit & Parts Pricing
6. New Inventory Availability
7. Parts Availability
8. Resale Value
9. Overall Customer Care & Flexibility

Very few forklift manufacturers produce every model that is available in the open market and so it is very important to first decide what model will best fit your needs and then second, to research those manufacturers that have acceptable dealer representation in your area for that particular model. Fleetman Consulting Inc. can play a major role with this aspect of your next forklift acquisition. It all begins with a thorough and detailed assessment of the application and from there we begin to identify areas of opportunity.

Choosing the right forklift make and model isn’t easy. There is a lot of choice today and each forklift type has their own advantages and disadvantages as it relates to a specific application. The wrong decision can leave you with an unproductive / unsafe or unaffordable solution when you consider the total cost of ownership.

To find the right forklift solution, contact Fleetman Consulting Inc. for a complimentary on – site consultation ( within the Lower Mainland of British Columbia ) to better understand how our services can improve your business.

We do our best work when the client calls us before calling their local forklift dealer.

Class 1 ( Electric Rider )

Counterbalanced Stand  Up Rider
Counterbalanced Sit Down Rider ( Electric 3 Wheel )
Counterbalanced Sit Down Rider ( Electric Cushion )
Counterbalanced Sit Down Rider ( Electric Pneumatic )

Class 2 ( Narrow Aisle )

High Lift Straddle ( Rider )
Order Picker
Pantograph Reach Truck ( Rider )
Moving Mast Reach Truck
Sideloader ( Electric )
Turret Truck ( Operator Up )
Turret Truck ( Operator Down )
Swing Mast
Low Lift Platform ( Rider )
Low Lift Pallet ( Rider )

Class 3 ( Motorized Hand )

Low Lift Platform ( Pedestrian )
Low Lift Pallet ( Pedestrian )
Tugger
Low Lift Pallet ( Center Control )
Pantograph Reach Truck ( Pedestrian )
Hight Lift Straddle ( Pedestrian )
High Lift Pallet ( Pedestrian )
High Lift Platform ( Pedestrian )
High Lift Counterbalanced ( Pedestrian )
Low Lift Pallet ( End Control )

Class 4 ( IC Cushion )

Counterbalanced Sit Down Rider ( IC Cushion )

Class 5 ( IC Pneumatic )

Counterbalanced Sit Down Rider ( IC Pneumatic )
Side Loader ( IC )
Empty Container Truck
Laden Container Truck
Empty Container Reach Stacker
Laden Container Reach Stacker
Intermodular Reach Stackers

Class 6 ( Tractors )

Tractor ( Electric )
Tractor ( IC )

Class 7 ( Rough Terrain )

Rough Terrain ( Vertical Mast )
Rough Terrain ( Telescopic )

Forklift Classifications Printable List

* Data courtesy of ITA ( Industrial Truck Association )

Reducing your fleet size by only ( 1 ) truck can significantly improve your bottom line.

Direct Costs

• Depreciation
• Interest
• Planned maintenance
• Breakdown maintenance
• Tire maintenance
• Operator damage to forklift

Related Expenses

• Fuel
• Operator wages
• Operator WorkSafeBC premiums
• Operator benefits
• Operator tools and supplies
• Operator supervision
• Operator hiring costs
• Operator administration, ie payroll, filing etc.
• Operator damage to products
• Operator damage to facility
• Operator training
• Exposure to legal costs due to liability risk
• Insurance for forklift
• Liability insurance
• Downtime due to repairs
• Downtime due to poor asset utilization
• Rentals, during major repairs
• Freight to dealer’s shop for major repairs
• Unproductive forklift aisle space ( real estate )
• Unproductive product storage design ( real estate )
• Unproductive product flow
• Management time, ie approving repair bills etc.
• Clerical time, ie coding, filing etc.
• File space ( real estate )
• Cheque processing
• On-site shop ( real estate ), if applicable
• Tools for on-site shop, if applicable
• Parts inventory for on-site shop, if applicable
• Utilities for on-site shop, if applicable
• Unproductive time for resident technician, if applicable
• Emissions – effect on health, productivity and environment
• Ventilation systems for WorkSafeBC acceptable emissions
• Facility electrical capacity for battery charging, if applicable
• Preshift forklift inspections required by WorkSafeBC
• Opportunity cost of placing your capital elsewhere
• Utilization tracking and reporting
• Maintenance cost tracking and reporting

Fast Charge technology provides electric forklift owners with the capability to charge their industrial forklift
batteries in a span of time that is roughly 75% less than the time it takes using conventional charging methods.

In the past it would take approximately (8) continuous hours ( without interruption ) to recharge a forklift battery.

With Fast Charging, it takes approximately (2) hours and this (2) hour time frame can be broken up into smaller segments such that a forklift operator can opportunity charge throughout the day, ie (15) minutes during coffee break, a half hour at lunch and so on.

Opportunity charging has always been considered harmful to industrial batteries, however this is not the case with Fast Charging. Instead, opportunity charging is what Fast Charging is all about and it will have little or no negative impact on the life of the battery provided that the proper battery and charger is used in the process.

Who needs Fast Charging and what are the Benefits?

There are many forklift users that operate multiple shifts, ie (2) or (3) shift operations, (5),(6), or (7) days per week. These companies would often need (1) or (2) replacement batteries per forklift in order for the lift truck to continue operating around the clock and to give normal lead acid batteries a chance to fully charge ( 8 hrs ) and to fully cool down after the charging process ( an additional (8) hours ).
With Fast Charging, only (1) battery, (1) truck and (1) charger is required.

In addition to saving on spare batteries, which typically cost in excess of $5,000 each, the need for a battery changing area is virtually eliminated as well as the battery changing equipment and battery storage stands not to mention the time that is required to water, clean and charge all of those spare batteries.

It is important to be clear on one important fact….batteries are like fuel tanks. Once the fuel or active material in the battery is consumed, the battery will need to be replaced. This means that if you have been used to running multiple shifts and using spare batteries then you are likely to consume the truck battery more quickly when compared to a single shift operation. So, instead of realizing a battery life of 5 to 10 years it may be with fast charging that your battery life is less because you are now consuming the active material at a faster rate. Once the active material is gone, it’s gone and so you may need to purchase another battery sooner than you have in the past. Many people are under the false impression that they can simply eliminate the cost of any additional batteries over a typical 5 year period. This may or may not be the case. It all depends on how quickly you burn the fuel so to speak and how well matched your battery size, energy drain and charging practices are to each other.

On another note, if a client has a large fleet, this technology can eliminate the need for a dedicated battery maintenance person which will result in a significant yearly expense reduction.

Also, the time required to change a battery safely can be eliminated resulting in higher productivity and safety for the operator. Batteries weigh in excess of 2,000 lbs and if not handled correctly there can be battery and truck damage or someone can be seriously injured. The activity of changing batteries can also attract employee gatherings which may result in unproductive social time.

In another scenario, there are many forklift users that operate liquid propane gas ( LPG ) forklifts and they can’t afford to be without the ability to load / unload a trailer or container should their day extend beyond normal working hours. These companies would sometimes hesitate to buy an electric forklift due to the risk of not being able to keep their business functioning should they find themselves in this position.

With LPG forklifts, an operator has the luxury of being able to change an LPG cylinder when it’s empty and within 5 minutes he’s back up and running again. Using conventional charging technology for electric forklift trucks, the operator would be down for (4) to (8) hours waiting for the battery to regain a normal state of charge. Fast Charging removes this risk.

If your company is environmentally conscious and if you take advantage of “Green Technology” whenever possible, Fast Charging is worth serious consideration. Converting from internal combustion to electric forklifts is one major step forward in this direction. If you have already converted to electric but operate using spare batteries, then eliminating the spare batteries is another step forward.

Please reference “Electric Forklifts vs Propane Forklifts vs Diesel Forklifts” or “Why Electric Forklifts” for a more detailed list of benefits that can be realized from operating electric forklift trucks.

Fast Charging Considerations

As with all technology there are certain limitations and / or issues that need to be carefully considered.

• The capital cost of acquiring Fast Charging batteries and chargers is much higher than conventional forklift batteries and chargers, ie the charger is approximately 4 times more expensive and the battery is approximately 1.5 times the cost of a standard lead acid battery. However, if you take into account the cost of spare batteries and the time required to change and maintain them, this additional upfront cost could result in cost savings and productivity gains down the road.
• The design of the Fast Charging system is critical for success, ie the right battery and charger has to be selected after a very careful assessment of you current forklift usage and the resulting battery energy consumed over a given span of time. It is likely that after a Fast Charging system is installed there will need to be some adjustments to have everything operating at peak efficiency which is why finding a local supplier that you can count on is key.
• Your company culture has to be the right fit for the technology…. ie the timing of when to charge, how to charge and how to properly maintain the battery has to be a priority in your organization with clear lines of responsibility. The operators, supervisors and management team all have to take ownership of the program if it is to succeed.
• Fast Charge chargers draw more current ( amperage ) than standard chargers and for this reason it would be important to make sure your facility has enough power available, especially if you need multiple chargers to satisfy a large fleet size.
• If you are a current electric forklift user, your existing batteries may or may not work with a Fast Charge charger or they may need to be converted. Only your Fast Charge supplier can advise you on what is required. Forklift batteries designed specifically for Fast Charge typically have upgraded cables and double inter-cell connectors so that they can withstand the higher amperage delivery from the charger. The forklift also requires some minor conversion work to accept the necessary cabling for charging.
• If during the process of converting to Fast Charge you end up with surplus conventional batteries and chargers, there is a market to dispose of this equipment which will free up cash and offset some of the conversion costs.
• Fast Charging may mean that the battery consumes more or less water depending on the system used. Installing a single point watering system will help speed up the process of watering forklift batteries and it will lessen the operator’s exposure to harmful acid and potentially explosive fumes. For example, a 48 volt battery has 24 cell caps that need to be watered and this watering time could be used for much more productive activities. Frankly, with or without Fast Charge, single point watering systems should really be installed on all industrial forklift batteries, especially those that need to be removed from the chassis for access.
• Fast Charge battery warranties may be less depending on the application and the manufacturer involved. Finding a supplier that will achieve a fast charge rate, without raising the temperature of the battery beyond it’s design during the charging process, is the ultimate goal as high heat is often partially responsible for short battery life. Battery warranties typically only cover defects in workmanship…they do not guarantee that you will achieve a certain life as that life can only be determined by how quickly you consume the active material in the battery or by how well you maintain and treat the battery over it’s life.
• Before making a commitment to convert to Fast Charge technology it would be important to visit a company who is currently using a Fast Charge system, ideally in a similar business.
• Local back up support would be critical to achieve a smooth installation. Make sure you feel comfortable with the supplier and make sure you have a contract in place that guarantees results after installation.

1. Electric forklifts have zero tailpipe emissions resulting in a better and more safe work environment for the employees
2. Electric lift trucks produce less noise during operation which results in a better and more safe work environment for the employees
3. Outside, on – site fuel storage is eliminated which reduces liability
4. The cost of fuel is eliminated, ie save approximately $26,000 in propane over 5 years using a 5,000 lb capacity forklift 6 hours a day, 5 days a week
5. Spend less on planned maintenance and repair maintenance, ie Electric lift trucks don’t have engines, transmissions or radiators
6. Capacity ratings and stability are usually better at high lifting heights, partly due to a lower center of gravity
7. Turning radius specifications are typically better which can increase storage capacity, reduce product and truck damage and / or increase productivity
8. Rearward visibility is often better due to the absense of a propane cylinder but a non issue when compared with diesel forklifts
9. Longer major component life can be expected when compared with propane forklifts but questionable when compared with diesel forklifts
10. Operator productivity is often higher because there are typically fewer hand / arm / foot movements required to operate an electric lift truck
11. Overall, when placed into the right application, the electric forklift will usually have the lowest total cost of ownership when compared with diesel and propane forklifts
12. The debate is on over whether electric forklifts are more green than diesel or propane forklifts. At issue is how electricity is generated and how spent batteries are recycled
13. There are fewer waste fluids to dispose of, ie no engine, transmission or coolant fluid changes to worry about
14. In the design of the electric forklift, braking happens automatically and electrically as soon as the operator’s foot is removed from the gas pedal resulting in less brake wear
15. The hour intervals between services are usually longer resulting in less cost and truck downtime over it’s useful life

The Disadvantages of Electric Forklifts

1. They may or may not meet performance expectations in applications that require high and / or constant duty drive line torque, ie ramps, chiselling…. 80 volt systems are best
2. The cleaning, watering and charging requirements of the expensive industrial battery are very important and may not be manageable, particularly in a multi -shift operation
3. Forgetting to charge the battery overnight could result in significant productivity consequences the next day, particularly when the business operates with only ( 1 ) forklift
4. May or may not meet performance and reliability expectations when exposed to cold, wet weather or abusive and corrosive applications
5. Initial purchase price or capital cost is higher when compared with propane and diesel forklifts
6. Adequate ventilation is required around the forklift when the battery is being recharged
7. Operating in freezing temperatures will damage the truck and / or battery unless certain precautions are taken
8. Battery chargers have certain voltage and amperage requirements, particularly during start up. An existing electrical service may or may not meet these requirements
9. In multishift operations, spare batteries, along with a changing area, may or may not be required. Fast charge systems are available and may eliminate the need for spare batteries

The Advantages of ( LPG ) Propane Forklifts

1. There is little risk associated with running out of fuel other than the inconvenience of having to change propane cylinders
2. Initial purchase price or capital cost is lower when compared with electric and diesel forklifts
3. The debate over whether propane emissions are cleaner than diesel continues
4. Better than most electric forklifts ( not all ) when the application requires high and / or constant duty drive line torque
5. Acceptable for most indoor applications provided that other WorkSafeBC criteria is met. May or may not be acceptable for food handling

The Disadvantages of ( LPG ) Propane Forklifts

1. Not as effective in applications that require high and / or constant duty drive line torque when compared to diesel trucks
2. Rearward visibility off the back end of the counterweight is restricted due to the location of the propane tank
3. Liability exposure, ie there is always the possibility of a fuel system leak while the truck is indoors. Also, operators need to be trained on the safe handling of propane fuel
4. Fuel cost is higher when compared with electric and diesel forklifts
5. Possible WorkSafeBC injury claims due to the weight and frequency with which propane tanks are changed, ie +/- every 6 hours of use unless there is a bulk fill station on – site
6. Propane forklifts are more difficult to start and operate reliably when operating in freezing temperatures
7. Expect overall planned and repair maintenance costs plus the total cost of ownership to be the highest of the ( 3 ) options
8. The cost of fossil fuels will likely climb dramatically in the years ahead
9. Propane fuel is not always readily available in remote locations

The Advantages of Diesel Forklifts

1. The total cost of fuel is typically less when compared with propane forklifts
2. Diesel forklifts produce more drive line torque at low RPM when compared with propane and electric forklifts
3. Rearward visibility is better when compared to propane forklifts
4. Overall planned maintenance and repair maintenance is usually less when compared with propane forklifts, ie no tune – up components
5. The debate over whether diesel emissions are cleaner than propane emissions continues
6. They have a lower total cost of ownership when compared with propane forklifts but not electric forklifts
7. Longer engine life is expected when compared with propane forklifts

The Disadvantages of Diesel Forklifts

1. Not suitable for indoor use without expensive emissions accessories and proper ventilation
2. Sometimes the capital cost of diesel forklifts can be more expensive than propane forklifts
3. A bulk tank for fuel storage is sometimes required and is an extra cost above and beyond the cost of the forklift. Municipal requlations may apply to the tank installation
4. The cost of fossil fuels will likely climb dramatically in the years ahead

The switch to electric can yield significant cost savings when properly applied and, in addition to saving money, you will likely experience a long list of other related and sometimes intangible benefits that will improve your business.

The acquisition cost of any new electric forklift is known to be higher than a comparable internal combustion truck at time of purchase. However, many people overlook the fact that the battery is really their fuel tank and by purchasing the battery they have in effect acquired all of the fuel for that truck for the next 5 to 7 years ( based on single shift usage ), given the fact that recharging costs are minimal by comparison.

In a nutshell, the saying “pay me now or pay me later” really applies with the electric forklift. What should be taken seriously is that the savings after purchase can be so dramatic that when the total cost of forklift ownership is finally tallied, the total savings to convert to electric will usually amount to thousands of dollars if not tens of thousands of dollars.

Electric forklifts also come with air filled or optional solid style outside pneumatic tires which was unheard of just a few years ago. They are also able to work outside in most types of weather when properly equipped and properly applied.

Electric Forklift Benefits

• Fuel costs are virtually eliminated…. only battery recharging costs apply which are much less than LPG or diesel fuel costs.
• Tailpipe emissions are eliminated which can result in improved employee health with less impact on the environment. The need for expensive ventilation equipment or exhaust scrubbers to satisfy WorkSafeBC are also likely eliminated although proper ventilation is required in the area where the battery will be charged.
• There will be a significant reduction in routine maintenance costs ( ie no tune ups including tune up parts, no engine / transmission oil and filter changes or fluid top ups ). There is less risk of a major component failure due to someone not checking the engine, transmission or radiator fluid levels as they don’t exist with electric forklifts.
• Electric forklifts typically have longer service intervals which reduce the forklift’s carbon foot print and also the carbon footprint of the service van that is required to be on site from the dealership.
• Electric forklifts typically last longer before major components fail, ie 8,000 to 12,000 hours for an internal combustion forklift and 15,000 (+) hours for an electric forklift.
• No waste oil / fluids and filters to dispose of from the engine, transmission and radiator.
• A significant reduction in expensive major component maintenance cost exposure ( ie eliminated components are the engine, transmission, radiator, starter, water pump, alternator etc. ).
• A significant reduction in brake wear due to regenerative braking technology. 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. This feature is often found with separately excited motor technology or the new AC technology that is often found in most newer electric forklifts today. Regenerative braking technology implies that the deceleration process will put energy from the braking process back into the battery resulting in longer battery run times, but in reality, the benefit of this effect is not very significant.
• Higher productivity… there is no need to come to a complete stop during a directional change as electric forklift technology is designed to accommodate shifting on the go. Electric forklifts usually have faster acceleration because there is no lag time in delivering power to the wheels ( a problem often encountered with internal combustion trucks due to the inefficiencies found in their torque converters ). There are also less foot movements required by the operator to complete a direction change or to slow down.
• The chassis length ( and sometimes wheelbase ) of an electric forklift is usually smaller than an internal combustion forklift which results in improved operator clearance when turning. Depending on the number of aisles in a given facility, this benefit may or may not contribute to improved storage capacity as it is possible that the aisles could be reduced by a foot or more depending on the truck and the product being handled. At the very least, the risk of product damage due to operators not having enough turning room should be reduced.
• Capacity ratings at full lifting height are usually higher with an electric forklift due to the fact that electric forklifts usually have a lower center of gravity which results in a more stable truck.
• There will be a significant reduction in noise from the various truck functions, ie lifting, travelling, using the attachment such as sideshift etc.
• When compared to an LPG fuelled truck, the electric forklift does not require an LPG tank to be fitted to the back of the counterweight thereby increasing rearward visibility when travelling in reverse. Eliminating the tank also eliminates the exposure to a possible propane fire or explosion should the tank come in contact with something that would compromise it’s structure such as an accident between two forklifts.
• Using electric forklifts means there is no need for propane (LPG) or diesel fuel storage. Storing these types of fuels on site increases the risk of fire at your facility if they aren’t stored and used properly. Simply having LPG or diesel fuel can sometimes affect insurance rates. Also, these fuels are required to be stored outside and are subject to vandalism and sometimes city, municipal, provincial and environmental regulations.

Electric Forklift Considerations

• A fully charged battery for an electric forklift will typically last between 4 hours and 12 hours depending on the application, operating temperature, lifting height, ramp work, average weight of the load, size of the battery, efficiency of the electric forklift etc. With a typical charging system, a fully depleted battery will require roughly 8 hours to charge and then another 8 hours to cool down. Within the last 10 years or so, new technology called “FAST CHARGING” is giving users of electric forklifts the ability to opportunity charge a battery during a normal work cycle, ie during coffee and lunch breaks etc, potentially eliminating the need for spare batteries, spare battery stands and a battery changing room with related changing equipment, safety apparatus etc. Fast Charge technology is gaining some momentum in the forklift industry because it helps to keep multi shift users working without the need to change batteries and without the risk of being down due to a depleted battery. These two issues are the main reasons why many companies with fleets of internal combustion forklifts haven’t changed over to electric in the past. Now is the time to take a second look at electric because the conversion could save you thousands of dollars while improving your business in many other areas. A fast charge specialist can help you quickly assess whether you are a candidate for this type of technology.
• When constant ramp work or frequent pushing / pulling of loads is required, electric forklifts may not necessarily be the best answer, although today they can do this work much better and much more reliably than in the past.
• If you are considering electric forklifts for the first time, it would be very important to check on the available power in your facility before heading down this path too far. Forklift chargers require a significant amount of amperage during start up and throughout the process of charging your battery. If this capability doesn’t already exist in your building, it may prove to be uneconomical to make the conversion even with the savings and benefits of electric forklifts taken into account, especially if your fleet of forklift trucks is quite large.
• Someone needs to be responsible for maintaining ( ie watering / cleaning ) and charging the forklift battery per the manufacturers guidelines. The battery is a very expensive part of the truck and neglect in this area can cut the life of the battery in half or less. If you can’t trust that this will be taken care of in your company then the risks may outweigh the benefits. In a sense by installing a battery into the forklift, you have bought your fuel for the next 5 to 7 years in advance ( based on a single shift operation ). A typical forklift battery costs between $4,000 and $7,000 each so it is easy to see why taking care of this asset is quite important.
• The process of charging a battery results in potentially flammable fumes. During charging the truck should be well ventilated, ideally with the battery cover removed, and the truck should be in an area with high ceilings and not exposed to cigarette smoking or sparks of any kind.
• Depending on the model and age of the electric forklift, working outside in the rain should be normal practice, however, driving the truck through mud and deep puddles would not be recommended. Internal combustion trucks would be better suited for this type of work.
• Exposure to corrosive materials, depending on the model of electric forklift, would not be recommended. Again, internal combustion forklifts would be better suited for this type of work.
• Exposure to cold storage environments such as freezers, are possible with electric forklifts provided they are equipped with the proper options that will help them perform reliably in these cold temperatures. The greatest concern is when an electric truck changes from cold to room temperature frequently as this routine can allow moisture and condensation to build up in the chassis and around the electrical components potentially causing electrical shorts if the truck is not properly protected. Adding a cold storage or freezer package to the truck that meets the application criteria will help minimize this issue. Please keep in mind that batteries will not last as long per battery charge in a cold storage environment. Choosing the right battery type and size is critical in this application. Often the saying “bigger is better” often applies in cold storage applications.

Over the past number of years renting has been gaining in popularity as a viable alternative to buying or leasing longer term, ie 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 or 72 months.

Here’s why.

Advantages of Renting Forklifts Long Term, ie Beyond 12 Months

• One monthly payment includes truck, interest and negotiated maintenance costs
• Budgeting is much easier and accurate with one monthly payment
• Lines of credit or cash remain available for more important business costs, ie inventory
• Maintenance costs are now controlled and not subject to increases or overcharging by the dealer
• Supervisory time spent deciding on which repairs to authorize and issuing purchase orders is significantly reduced
• Supervisory time spent making sure planned maintenance and other repairs are completed on time is reduced
• Supervisory time spent approving repair invoices and running reports on forklift costs is significantly reduced
• Supervisory time spent justifying repair costs and tracking maintenance costs per forklift is eliminated
• Clerical time spent issuing cheques and filing invoices is significantly reduced
• Upgrading is decided in advance which eliminates exposure to costly major component repairs
• Dealer is now responsible for completing repairs on time and in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines
• The cost of parts, the labour cost per hour or travel time costs from the dealer are no longer relevant
• The cost of shop supplies, environmental levy’s or fuel surcharges may no longer be relevant
• Much easier to “trade up” into a different truck if business conditions change or if the truck is no longer suitable
• Forklift fleet stays up to date with the latest in cost efficiency, productivity and safety enhancements
• Customer employed resident forklift technicians can now focus on production equipment and facility maintenance
• Productivity gains should be realized from a more efficient, up to date, well maintained fleet of forklift trucks
• Liability exposure with your insurance company will be reduced
• Exposure with WorksafeBC will be reduced
• Downtime costs may be reduced if properly negotiated with the dealer at the start of the rental period
• Financial return on assets ratio will be improved because the forklift asset is removed from the balance sheet

Applications Where Renting Long Term Makes Sense

High hour usage, ie 1500 hours per year or more ( possibly less depending on the circumstances )

Abusive applications, ie Fish processing, stevedoring, mining, foundry, tannery, chemical / fertilizer plants etc.

New business or new application start up, ie Limited credit, not sure what truck is suitable over the longer term

Employee challenges, ie expertise and time to control and track maintenance and other forklift costs are limited

1. Never assume that you know the weights or measurements that relate to your products or facility without verifying that they are accurate.
2. Never ask the dealer to quote on a particular product or service without first asking the dealer for their recommendations after they have had a chance to survey your facility. Various forklift options that are available from the manufacturer or dealer can make the world of difference to the operator and to the total cost of ownership over the truck’s life. Only an experienced forklift professional can properly evaluate and recommend these options.
3. Never assume that an older forklift with a particular capacity can be replaced with a newer forklift of the same capacity. The gross chassis capacity is seldom the actual net lifting capacity of the forklift at full lifting height, particularly if there is an attachment installed. So, when you ask the dealer to bid on a 5,000 lb capacity forklift, for example, the actual lifting capacity will usually be something less than 5,000 lbs at full lifting height. In some cases this drop in capacity at full lifting height can be significant. Adding attachments to a forklift can also affect a truck’s rated capacity. There are other factors that affect capacity and only an experienced forklift professional can watch out for these small but critical details.
4. Always evaluate new technology and ideas before replacing current equipment with the same type of product, ie consider electric forklift technology as an example.
5. Always evaluate whether it is less expensive to rent forklifts long term ( ie 12 months or longer ), lease forklifts or buy forklifts on every new or used lift truck acquisition.
6. Never assume that you need to acquire another forklift when your staff is telling you they can’t keep up using the forklifts they have. Find an experienced and professional forklift fleet management consultant that understands the specifications of the forklift truck and your application. They can help you analyse your forklift fleet to determine the right quantity and mix of lift trucks that will give you the best possible return on your investment without adversely affecting productivity.
7. Never acquire forklifts on a repeat basis from your existing supplier without first obtaining competitive bids. There are many options to consider in this regard.
8. Never acquire a forklift without first understanding your after-the-sale costs for items such as labour rates, travel time, shop supplies, fuel surcharges, environmental waste oil and filter disposal charges, parts pricing, planned maintenance program details, operator and / or instructor training costs and short term rental costs. You will also want to consider various other items such as technician proximity to your location, technician response time, policies on after hours service and the possible overtime charges that may apply, technician training and tools on board their van, dealership reputation and financial strength, the dealer’s service invoicing system etc. The list can be long but it is better to ask the hard questions and obtain the dealers commitment on those issues that are important to you before you sign on the dotted line.
9. Know how you will track and control all forklift maintenance costs after the purchase. Ignoring this aspect of cost control will cost your company thousands of unnecessary profit dollars.
10. Keep in mind that a forklift is only a glorified fulcrum or teeter totter when broken down into it’s basic components. However, choosing the wrong forklift driven by an untrained operator handling loads that are not within the rated capacity of the forklift can be a recipe for disaster and the source of significant company liability, not to mention how an accident resulting in injury would weigh on a person’s conscience. Take the time to choose the right forklift that will be safe for all involved.
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