Winter has finally arrived and brought with it a bout of miserable weather. But as the temperatures drop, forklift operations must continue in order for businesses to thrive, especially in the lead up to Christmas.

We’ve put together this helpful guide with suggestions on how to prepare your forklift operations for the winter months. We hope you find it useful, but if you’d like any additional advice, why not get in touch with our experienced team? You can contact us by calling 01933 228127, or by emailing us at info@askhitec.co.uk.

Protect your operators

Unfortunately, even the most determined operator, who continues through wind and rain, doesn’t have the ability to withstand extreme cold. Simple steps to ensure not only their comfort, but also their safety, include:

• Winter ready outdoor gear, which is windproof, waterproof and highly visible
• Protective gear which will preserve their most vulnerable parts (such as hands, feet, eyes, nose and ears) examples include insulated work gloves and water-resistant boots
• Thermal layers such as fleeces, long johns, long sleeve vests and neck gaiters

Prepare your facility

To help ensure that you’re well equipped for the winter months, it’s important to have a store of necessary products, such as anti-freeze, spare bulbs and grit in case of poor weather or if supplies become hard to come by.

It’s also vital to reduce ice build-up in areas where your forklifts operate. If you have a salter attachment (see tip 5!) you can sort this easily, but in a pinch, gritting by hand is also an option.

Any exterior lights should be checked to ensure they’re working and strong enough to provide visibility in difficult conditions. If they don’t, it’s important to replace them whilst the weather is mild, so that your team doesn’t have to choose straws as to who goes up to replace them in the rain.

Remember to always keep walkways clear and well-marked. Not only does this keep pedestrians safe, but also aids driver awareness.

Additional training

Did you know, that according to the British Safety Council, 25% of workplace transport injuries are due to forklift truck accidents? Ensuring that your drivers are fully trained to cope with all conditions not only benefits the productivity of your business, but also the safety of everyone.

Frequent training sessions not only promote operator culture but also prepare them for seasonal issues, such as bad traction or visibility caused by wet, winter weather. It also provides them the knowledge and ability to spot potential dangers to themselves or the machinery.

If you’re unsure of what training could benefit your operators, why not get in touch with our experienced team, who will be more than happy to help. You can reach us on 01933 228127, or by emailing us at info@askhitec.co.uk.

Maintenance

Although regular maintenance and thorough inspections are part and parcel for the day to day running of many forklift operations, you might be surprised that additional checks and a mid-winter tune up can go a long way in protecting your machinery from expensive damage.

The cold weather can play havoc with your forklifts, so it’s important to ensure that your drivers perform safety checks before each shift use and report any problems straight away. Common issues that often arise include:

• Loss of tyre pressure and reduced tyre tread
• The jamming of engines and/or hydraulics
• Batteries losing charge at an accelerated rate

It’s also vital that lights are kept in a clean condition, otherwise visibility may be reduced and that coolant and antifreeze levels are maintained (specialised winterised fluids can help aid performance).

Forklift attachments for snow and ice

A snowed in yard is not only unsafe, but inaccessible, severely impeding the productivity of your forklift operations. There are several different pieces of equipment that once attached to your forklift, can help deal with snow and ice control.

These include:

• Ploughs allow you to push and remove snow
• Scoops allow you to pick up and pile snow in a safe place so that it’s out of the way
• Salters help improve traction for machinery and pedestrians

If you’re unsure about what forklift attachments would work best for you, there are a large variety of options available of different sizes and capabilities. Our experienced team would be more than happy to help provide advice on whatever attachment you’re considering. We can be reached by email at info@askhitec.co.uk and by phone on 01933 228127.

Trends within industries that actively use forklifts have been ever-changing. With evolving technologies available and businesses becoming more conscious of where they can lower their overall costs to boost their profitability, electric forklifts are quickly becoming a hugely beneficial part of business operations for a multitude of companies. Already, these updated versions of the traditional forklift are being lauded as the obvious next step in cost-effective machinery. Many have highlighted the eco-friendly nature of electric machinery, having already been revolutionary in the automobile industry. There are no reasons why electric forklifts couldn’t change the manufacturing industry for the better, but we must ask ourselves what the clear benefits are of going electric- and whether they are sustainable in the long term.

Electric vs Diesel

But what are the differences between a traditional forklift and an electric forklift? The key difference is the way they run. A traditional forklift generally runs on diesel or another type of gas and requires similar parts to a car when in usage, such as a clutch and brake. This can cause a larger amount of emissions to be released while the forklift works. On the other hand, an electric forklift is charged using rechargeable batteries and chargers, which connect directly into the electrical mains and can be refuelled without the need for gas. This can drastically reduce overall running costs over an extended period, bringing the savings right back to the business itself.

 

Eco-Friendly Electricals

One of the key benefits of the electric forklift is its environmentally-friendly function. Electric forklifts do not emit gas or emissions that are derived from the burning and usage of non-renewable fuels. The key technological development in reaching this breakthrough is the recycling of hydrogen fuel cells. Hydrogen, whilst a hugely powerful element which is utilised in fossil fuels and ammonium creation, can contribute to the density of greenhouse gases, so finding a suitable way to utilise this power for eco-friendly means has long been a feat of the scientific community. In the electric forklift, the designers harnessed the power of the hydrogen fuel cell, which when combined with oxygen creates electricity. This new technology has allowed for electrical manufacturing equipment to become rapidly friendlier to the environment by producing zero emissions – they are the greener and superior option.

The only thing these forklifts produce is vapour and water, which are significantly less damaging to the environment than direct exposure to gas emissions are. Machines that utilise this hydrogen cell technology have reduced their emissions by around 33% [source: https://www.hiremech.co.uk/eco-friendly-future-forklift-truck/]. As the technology develops, the reduction percentage is only guaranteed to increase.

 

Cost-Effectiveness

For those using the forklifts, the electric models have higher grade qualities to them. The electric models move in complete silence, as they do not require revving or significant movement of the accelerator. Their torque movement is surprisingly like the diesel model but moves a lot smoother compared to the fuel-based model, making it easy to manoeuvre in tighter warehouse spaces. Though designed primarily for indoor environments, electric forklifts can sustain work outside in dry conditions for brief periods of time.

For businesses concerned with cost-effective machinery, electric forklifts have the capability to increase productivity, cost effectiveness and the general health and well-being of the employees using these machines. Generally, electric forklifts are the cheapest to run in the long term, meaning that these sustainable machinery choices will keep your long term fixed costs low. Electric power also means that the overall lifecycle of the machine is longer and cheaper for the company. With no additional elements that require specific recycling or cannot be decomposed or reused, the electric forklifts pass savings onto the owners well beyond their initial purchase date.

 

Is it all good?

Of course, there are drawbacks to electric forklifts. Charging these machines often takes a lot of time and the forklifts cannot be used while they are being charged. Usage time can be limited as the machine is reliant on electrical charging, which does not last as long as fuel. Moreover, the electric forklift is seen as more of an investment as, due to the additional accessories that must be purchased with it, the electric models can cost more. However, the overall cost is spread out across the machine’s usage; the money you would pay for fuel is put into the electric model, reducing its overall running costs quite significantly.

The world’s industries are changing. We are more concerned with our carbon footprints than ever before. As consumers and producers, we are no longer reliant on traditional methods that cause avoidable damage to our environment and advance the effects of climate change. Electric machines have already begun to revolutionise industries that in the past relied heavily on fossil fuels and high emitting gases, so there is no reason why these technologies couldn’t change the way the manufacturing industry works too.

Initial inspection

Disassemble and clean

Rebuild forklift

Painting & prepping

Testing & inspection

If you are looking to become a forklift driver, the first step to becoming certified is to pass the forklift training test. The forklift test is designed to ensure that a candidate is knowledgeable and skilled enough to use the machine safely. To assist in the preparation of the test we have compiled this forklift practice test, which includes 10 questions taken directly from the official test paper.

Questions
1. Name 4 main safety checks you would make before loading or unloading a flat bed or curtainsider lorry.

2. Name 2 effects that ground conditions can have on a lift truck.

3. In relation to a truck’s capacity, which 3 items of information must be printed on a truck’s rating plate?

4. Who is responsible for checking that the lift truck is in good working order before use?
A. The management
B. The maintenance department
C. The operator
D. The insurer

5. From the list below select the last thing the operator should do before moving off?
A. Put their seat belt on
B. Engage drive
C. Look around
D. Sound the horn

6. What position should a lift truck’s mast be in to comply with the manufacturer’s stated lifting capacity?
A. Slightly tilted backwards with the truck on level ground
B. It doesn’t matter as the mast angle does not affect the rated capacity
C. Slightly tilted forwards with the truck on level ground
D. Vertical with the truck on level ground

7. When driving an unladen lift truck how should the forks be set?
A. With full back tilt
B. As low as practicable and tilted forward to prevent damage
C. As low as practicable and tilted back
D. As low as possible and parallel to the ground

8. When parking a lift truck how should the forks be positioned?
A. The tips not more than 100-150mm high with the heels touching the floor
B. The heels not more than 100-150mm high with the tips touching the ground
C. The heels as low as possible with the tips touching the ground
D. The heels touching the ground with the tips within 100mm of the ground

9. Before starting to load a rigid flatbed lorry or trailer from ground level, the lift truck operator must check that:
A. The lorry driver has checked the load
B. The lorry’s tyre pressures are correct for the weight of the load
C. The destination of the lorry
D. The lorry driver is aware that loading is to take place, the lorry engine is turned off, the lorry parking brake(s) are applied, and the lorry wheels chocked (if necessary).

10. When the load centre is increased:
A. The load carrying capacity is not affected
B. The load carrying capacity is increased
C. The load carrying capacity is not affected if it is a live load
D. The load carrying capacity is reduced

Answers

1.

A. The lorry brakes or wheels should be chocked, to ensure the vehicle is stable and stationary.
B. Check the lorry bed condition, width, height, level and ensure the curtains out of the way, to allow for safe unloading.
C. Locate the lorry driver and find out what is required, to ensure the area is clear and task is understood correctly.
D. Position a support stand on an unsupported semi-trailer to ensure stability.

2.
There are a variety of effects upon ground conditions which can have a negative impact of a lift truck, answers can be taken from:
A. Lift truck instability
B. Loss of adhesion or braking
C. Damage or loss of the load
D. Damage to the forklift truck

3.
A capacity plate will provide information on what the truck can lift, to a specific height. The correct answers are:
A. Lifting capacity in kilograms
B. Load centre in millimetres
C. Stacking height in millimetres

4.

The correct answer is C. It is the responsibility of the operator to ensure that forklift is in good working order before using it, this will involve carrying out a pre-shift check and also an operational check.

5.

The correct answer is C. The situation within the area could have changed before the driver prepared the forklift, so the driver should check for any changes to the immediate area before moving.

6.

The correct answer is D. Both the rated capacity and manufacturers stated lifting capacity apply when the mast is in a vertical position, as this maintains the centre of gravity and lifting capacity design.

7.

The correct answer is C. By ensuring the forks are moved as low as possible to the ground and tilted back, to reduce the risk upon any potential impacts.

8.

The correct answer is C. The heels should be kept as low as possible with the tips touching the ground. This will protect any pedestrians from a potential trip hazard as a foot could become caught in a gap below the tips.

9.

The correct answer is D. The operator must ensure the lorry driver is ready and aware that loading is due to begin, so that they know to remain in a safe position. The operator should also double check that the engine is off, parking brake(s) applied, and the wheels chocked where necessary, to improve stability and the risk of movement.

10.

The correct answer is D. By increasing the load centre the capacity of the forklift is reduced, and the forklift could become unbalanced.

 

Hitec employs only the very best forklift instructors who are experts in their field. Get in touch with one of the team if you’d like to find out more about our training programmes.

Forklift trucks are at the very heart of the warehouse industry. They can be seen from taking the product from the delivery truck, transferring it into storage, to then placing it back onto the delivery truck. However, the forklift truck as we know it today is slowly changing. The introduction of new mechanical innovations, robots and automation will soon play a huge role in the development of self-driving stackers, forklifts and pallet trucks. Below we explore how automated forklifts work, the pros and cons of using this type of technology in your warehouse, and how close we are to using them in the everyday warehouse business.

 

How do they work?

Self-driving forklifts are constructed from advanced computer technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI). These combined technologies allow the forklift to track, monitor and to then echo the behaviour of warehouse workers who operate forklifts. They learn how to move and operate. What happens is the automated forklifts will work in exactly the same way as a forklift that is operated by a human. These trucks will be able to lift, stack and move items, just in the same way as a standard forklift.

Automated forklift trucks are able to predict movement and work out the best path for movement in order to navigate the warehouse interior. Each forklift is personalised and will be programmed with data that has been collected over a period of time. This enables it to do a specific job, all without human assistance.

 

What are the potential advantages?

So, what are the advantages of self-driving pallet trucks and forklifts? Well, there are many advantages that range from increased safety and productivity.

Reduces staff members

These type of forklifts will dramatically reduce the number of skilled workers that are needed to operate the forklifts. This in itself is a double-edged sword. In terms of an advantage, this can help save money as your business may only need one worker to operate a fleet of automated forklifts. Workers will still be needed to carry out any packing duties.

Reduces risks

The working environment will instantly become safer, due to the fact that there are fewer workers. Forklift operators will no longer have to sit in the forklift and take precautions to protect their neck and back. There is also no longer the need to bend down and lift heavy pallets, as the self-driving pallet truck will do this for you. This results in safer working practices, and reduction in injury.

Errors are dramatically reduced

Human error is inevitable when operating any type of forklift. Even with the highest level of training, mistakes will happen. This risk is dramatically reduced with the introduction of the automated forklift. This type of forklift truck will be fully programmed to know where it needs to be, what it needs to lift, move and then store items. Unlike a human operator, it won’t get tired, helping to reduce errors.

 

What are the disadvantages?

Although self-driving forklifts have many unique advantages, there are also a number of disadvantages that need to be carefully considered.

Reduction in productivity

It takes time to get used to this type of technology, in terms of training and safety issues. Although in the long-term this could increase productivity, in the short-term there will be a reduction in productivity while training takes place.

Increased cost

This type of technology does come at a high cost. If you are on a tight budget, are a new company or are only a small set up, then it is probably not in your best interests to use this type of technology.

All technology can go wrong

As with all technology, there will be problems, and this can prove to be expensive. You need to have a contract in place with the supplier who can provide spare parts and any maintenance, which can also be costly. While repair work is being carried out, this can also lead to delays which can incur additional costs.

 

How close are they from being a reality?

We are slowly moving towards a world where automated forklifts will be at the heart of the warehouse industry. However, we are still a long way off from being able to use this type of technology. Forklifts, as we know them today, really will stand the test of time, and even with the introduction of automated forklifts, we will still need to use them in our warehouses.

The forklift is here to stay

Finally, even when the automated forklift is here to stay, the traditional forklift truck will still be used by smaller companies.

Sadly, we are still a long way from using automated forklifts in the warehouse and construction environments. To explore our range of forklifts, pallet trucks and stackers, then please do browse the Hitec Forklift Trucks website and get in touch with us today.