If you want to get a job driving a forklift in California, you need a forklift license. Getting a forklift license is similar to getting a driver's license, you have to prove you know what you're doing. The license also specifies what type of forklift that the operator is certified to use (electric, pneumatic tire, rough terrain, etc.) in the same way your driver's license might have a motorcycle or hazardous material endorsement.
One of the many decisions you’ll make when investing in a new piece of equipment is whether to buy or lease. A big part of that decision is the forklift's battery and what it will eventually cost to replace it.
A forklift battery should last a single-shift operation for five to eight years. Proper care and maintenance can extend battery life up to ten years, but they don't last forever. The average cost to replace an industrial battery is about $6,000 (give or take $1,000). Contact your rep for a more precise quote.
If you’re unsure whether to lease or buy an electric lift truck outright, consider:
- How many hours will the forklift will be used each year?
- What is the operation’s current / future cash flow?
- Can the forklift be well-maintained by staff?
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, nearly 100 workers are killed and another 20,000 are seriously injured in forklift-related incidents annually. Statistically, that means one of every ten forklifts in the US will be involved in an accident every year.
An OSHA study found 25% of forklift accidents are due to inadequate operator training, but what about the other 75%? In today’s article we’ll review the most common forklift accidents and how to prevent them through: proper training, safety equipment and proactive technology.
We’ll also cover:
However, proper maintenance is key to maximize the efficiency of an electric forklift. In this post, we’ll review forklift battery options (lead acid versus lithium ion), battery charging options, and other ways to improve forklift efficiency.
Interested in financing a new forklift and unsure whether it's better to lease a forklift or buy the equipment outright? Depending on your cash flow, capital requirements, equipment condition and usage, there are benefits to both options.
NOTE: If you’re looking to buy rather than sell a used forklift, check out our Buying a Used Forklift page for pro buying tips. Learn about used forklift warranties, how to avoid buying bad equipment and other advice from our experts.
Lower back pain, musculoskeletal and repetitive strain injuries are some of the most common reasons for absenteeism and workers comp claims. According to a report on OSHA’s website:
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are the most widespread occupational health hazard facing our Nation today. Nearly two million workers suffer work-related musculoskeletal disorders every year, and about 600,000 lose time from work as a result. Although the median number of lost workdays associated with these incidents is seven days, the most severe injuries can put people out of work for months and even permanently disable them. In addition, $1 of every $3 spent on workers' compensation stems from insufficient ergonomic protection. The direct costs attributable to MSDs are $15 to $20 billion per year, with total annual costs reaching $45 to $54 billion.
In today’s post, we’ll uncover the most common injuries forklift operators experience, and how operators, facility managers, and fleet managers can prevent them.
Exposure to high concentrations of propane, even for a brief moment, can cause dizziness or even suffocation. In today’s post, we’ll cover how to safely change the propane tank on an LP forklift, including PPE (personal protective equipment) requirements.
Ever wondered why there's a strap dragging on the ground underneath some forklifts? It’s an anti-static strap, also known as a ground strap.
Static electricity can be very harmful to a forklift. This may seem strange, but think about the circuit boards and computer chips that make up a modern lift truck. One good zap and your equipment could go brain dead. Forklift operators don’t like being shocked either!
It’s especially important to get a static strap for lift trucks with non-marking tires. Keep reading to find out how to correctly ground an electric forklift, or contact us to learn more.
