One for All and All for One - The Forklift Attachment

It’s undeniable that the forklift has a long and storied history as an industrial workhorse.  Nor is it difficult to understand just how important the forklift is when you consider the numerous and varied applications where forklifts are used in everything from manufacturing and warehousing to metal working and agriculture.  Without a doubt, the forklift offers unmatched efficacy and versatility among industrial equipment, but this is statement cannot be made without a few caveats.

                

Although standardized forks are one of the defining features of the forklift, there are situations and applications where they are less than ideal.  Without additional equipment, the standard fork setup can be inefficient and limited to lifting palletized or standardized loads.  As such, the forklift offers limited utility if separated from the enhanced versatility made possible by a myriad of attachments and accessories. 

The forklift becomes almost infinitely adaptable with the addition of an appropriately selected attachment, as it is no longer restricted to standard loads or maneuvers.  In the agricultural, pharmaceutical, food and beverage industries, for example, clamp attachments are used to grip barrels, drums, bales, paper roles and cartons without loading them onto a pallet or causing damage to the load in the process.  Other examples of load specific attachments include replacing the forks with long poles to transport carpet or tires and specialized multi-fork setups designed to efficiently carry potted plants or trees. 

This isn’t to say that all attachments completely replace the standard fork.  For applications suited for standard forks, attachments expand the capabilities of the forklift and allow operators to perform their duties in a more efficient and effective manner.  Among the most popular applications of this principle are side-shifts and fork positioners, which allow the operator to reposition either the forks or the entire carriage, respectively, without getting out of the forklift.  Rotators, on the other hand, allow an operator to pick up, transport and dump a container with a single forklift by rotating the forks, carriage and load up to 360°. 

As you can see, there are attachments for nearly every application, attachments which help to improve efficiency, productivity and safety while handling loads.  The only question is, which one best suits your application?  If you’re not satisfied with your productivity, contact the forklift experts at Lucas Liftruck for help selecting an attachment for your application! 

Winter is Here - Forklift Maintenance Tips

Winter is here! 

And, along with it, a host of potential issues for forklift owners and operators alike.  Among the most concerning issues are increased fuel consumption, downtime and wear, all of which are directly influenced by cold weather conditions.  As temperatures drop below freezing, fuel consumption tends to increases as engines struggle to start in colder weather (also known as cold starts) and must idle for longer periods of time before operation.  Meanwhile, the colder weather also places additional strain on key components which suffer from a buildup of ice particles.  To help you avoid the worst of the winter’s wrath, we’ve prepared a list of tips to help you prepare ahead of the winter snow:

Test Your Battery and Starter

Ironically, warm summer weather is the direct cause of many of the issues associated with batteries in the winter time as excessive summer temperatures accelerate corrosion and cause water to evaporate from the battery’s electrolyte.  This, in turn, decreases battery capacity, longevity and its ability to start the engine.  Since engines require more power from the battery to start during the winter and battery output drops by almost 50% at -18C, a damaged battery is bound to cause issues once temperatures stop dropping in the winter months.  To avoid any issues, we recommend testing your batteries (and replacing if necessary) and checking all wires and terminals for corrosion.   

Avoid Cold Starts

Cold weather presents a host of issues during start up for internal combustion engines, all of which combine to increase wear and fuel consumption.  This is most apparent during start up, where the battery-related issues combine with thickened engine oil to increase fuel consumption.  In fact, fuel efficiency plummets for up to 20 minutes following a cold start as engines utilize a richer fuel-to-air ratio to avoid stalling while it reaches operating temperatures.  To alleviate these issues, we recommend that you use of a block heater and battery blanket, store your forklift inside, and use a thinner grade of oil during the winter months. 

Avoid Short Run-Times

As mentioned above, engines tend to run a richer fuel to air ratio for the first 20+ minutes after a cold start to avoid stalling as the engine reaches operating temperature.  During this time, it is possible for water vapor to accumulate in the engine oil and exhaust system as temperatures are insufficient to cause evaporation.  To prevent the excessive buildup of water and/or ice in these systems, avoid operating your forklift for less than 30 minutes at a time during the winter months. 

Proper Winter Maintenance

Unsurprisingly, a proper tune up both before and during winter goes a long way towards avoiding excessive damage and/or downtime as temperatures drop.  Be sure that your mechanic checks the following systems to avoid cold weather issues:

Proper tire pressure and tread depth

The operation of the ignition switch, starter and glow plugs

Coolant and lubrication levels

Change wipers, seals, and lubricants (if necessary)

Whether it is the middle of summer or the dead of winter, one of the most important steps you can take to ensure that forklift stays in peak operating condition is to pay attention to obvious signs, perform regular inspections, and ensure a regular maintenance schedule.  To schedule a pre-winter tune up or a planned maintenance schedule, contact Lucas today! 

www.lucasliftruck.com | info@lucasliftruck.com | 905-227-3291

Essential Maintenance Tips - Forklifts and Lift Trucks

No matter the application or industry, here are several essential maintenance tips that will help keep your lift trucks and forklifts in peak operating condition:

1.      Proper Lubrication – be sure to adequately lubricate all wearable components – basically all of the parts regularly exposed to heat and friction (such as bushings and bearings). Without proper lubrication, these components are susceptible to excessive wear, ultimately leading to premature failure and replacement.

2.      Maintain Fluid Levels – similar to lubrication, fluids such as engine oil and transmission fluid help to disperse heat resulting from friction, thereby prolonging the longevity of essential parts and components. Forklifts without adequate fluid levels are far more likely to experience the premature wear and replacement of parts, components and seals.

3.      Loose Connections and Fittings – depending on the location, a loose connection of fitting may result in fluid loss, excessive vibration, and short circuits. To avoid these issues – and the damage they cause – regularly inspect and tighten all hardware and connections on the forklift or lift truck.

4.      Chains and castor adjustments: Lift chains stretch during normal use and castor assemblies are critical to ride stability. Proper lift chain adjustment may prevent fork replacements and mast repairs. Poorly adjusted castors can cause premature load wheel wear.

For those that do not have the personnel or resources to properly maintain their forklifts or lift trucks, Lucas Liftruck Services Ltd. offers an excellent Planned Maintenance Program. With a PMP in place, Lucas will take the guess work out of your maintenance schedule as our expert technicians keep your forklifts in peak operating condition. Contact Lucas today at 905-227-3291 or email us at info@lucasliftruck.com. 

Forklift Operator Checklist

Although forklifts are designed to perform rugged tasks, each time they are used they can get damaged in myriad of ways. That's why inspections are so important. At the start of each shift, perform both a visual inspection of the general condition and cleanliness of the lift truck, as well as an operational check to test its functioning properly. If you notice anything that may affect the normal operation of the forklift, immediately alert your supervisor.

Checklist for Visual Inspection

• floor clear of objects that could cause an accident
• no obstructions overhead.
• note any nearby objects to avoid as you drive away
• fire extinguisher present, and charged
• engine oil level, fuel level, radiator water level (LPG, gas and diesel forklifts)
• battery fully charged and securely in place
• cables for exposed wires
• battery plug connections not loose, worn or dirty
• vent caps not clogged
• electrolyte levels in cells
• hold downs or brackets
• bolts, nuts, guards, chains, or hydraulic hose reels not damaged, missing or loose
• wheels and tires not worn or damaged
• air pressure of pneumatic tires
• forks not bent or cracked
• positioning latches in good working condition
• carriage teeth not broken, chipped or worn
• chain anchor pins not worn, loose or bent
• no damp spots or drips that may indicate a leak
• hoses held securely, not loose, crimped, worn or rubbing

Checklist for Operational Pre-Use Inspection

• horn working and loud enough to be heard in working environment; other warning devices operational
• floor brake: pedal holds, unit stops smoothly
• parking brake: holds against slight acceleration
• deadman seat brake: holds when operator rises from seat
• clutch and gearshift: shifts smoothly with no jumping or jerking
• dash control panel: all lights and gauges operational
• steering: moves smoothly
• lift mechanism: operates smoothly (check by raising forks to maximum height then lowering completely)
• tilt mechanism: moves smoothly, holds (check by tilting mast all the way forward and backward)
• cylinders and hoses: not leaking after above checks
• no unusual sounds

Only permit qualified people to operate, service and maintain forklift and lift trucks. For assistance with your training and certification needs, contact Lucas today at 905-227-7554 or at info@lucasliftruck.com. 

Reduce Harmful Emissions and Save Hundreds Each Month with Lucas

Would you like to improve the health of you and your employees AND dramatically reduce your LPG fuel costs? If so, consider Lucas Liftruck’s exhaust gas emissions testing program, which will help to ensure your company is OHSA compliant while improving your forklifts fuel efficiency.

Health Concerns - Carbon Monoxide and Emissions Gas

Due to the risks associated with exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide (CO) gas, OHSA regulations stipulate that employers are responsible for maintaining air quality within acceptable limits in the workplace by keeping CO levels 25ppm. The byproduct of internal combustion engines, CO gas is created when an engine is incapable of completely combusting its hydrocarbon fuel mixture. Once released into the atmosphere, the odorless and invisible gas causes a cumulative effect on employee health by preventing red blood cells from carrying oxygen. Symptoms of carbon monoxide overexposure include respiratory irritation, headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, coma and death. Since CO gas is heavier than oxygen it poses a significant problem for indoor facilities operating LPG forklifts as the gas does not easily dissipate from the environment.

Fuel Efficiency - Carbon Monoxide and Emissions Gas

In addition to the health concerns posed by CO gas, the production of CO gas is also indicative of fuel wastage in LPG forklifts. For every 1% of CO emissions above the targeted level of 0.5%, between 3 - 5% of fuel is wasted. Without the proper adjustments, 90% of all forklifts will have CO levels between 3% and 10%. Even at the lower end of the spectrum, properly adjusting your LPG forklift through Lucas’s emissions testing program could save hundreds - or even thousands - of dollars on annual fuel costs for every forklift tested.

Regular Maintenance - Carbon Monoxide and Emissions Gas

There are other ways to reduce LPG forklift emissions beyond exhaust gas analysis and emissions testing. By following a regular maintenance schedule (PM Service), you reduce unnecessary emissions and also prevent premature wear on components and parts. Areas to focus on include keeping the ignition system in excellent shape and keeping the truck as clean as possible by replacing filters, fluids and PCV valve regularly. Catalytic Converters are also available, as they help reduce toxic emissions by up to 90% by allowing the exhaust gases to burn more completely

For more information on our emissions testing and exhaust gas analysis program, or to schedule an appointment for your business, please visit us online at www.lucasliftruck.com, email us at info@lucasliftruck.com or call us at 905-227-3291. 

The Case for Short-term Forklift Rentals

Short-term rentals have become more and more popular for businesses that do not require full-time access to a forklift or when a business wants to capitalize on a temporary increase in demand or an excellent sales quarter. In these instances, it makes a lot of financial sense to rent lift equipment on a short-term basis. But when else should you think about renting a forklift?

Other situations include:
    1) When unexpected needs arise and require material handling equipment on limited notice.
    2) If you are in a seasonal sales cycle and need additional equipment to handle increased demand.
    3) When you do not want to maintain unused equipment during the off-season or off-peak periods.
    4) When your equipment is unavailable due to damage or repairs.
    5) When you need to handle/transport an atypical load or product.
    6) When you must maintain productivity under tight budget constraints.

At Lucas, we are currently offering great rental and leasing rates on our fleet of late model forklifts and lift trucks as part of our spring promotional spotlight. For more information, please visit our website or call us at 905-227-3291.

Selecting the Right Type of Forklift Tires

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

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

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

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

How Long Will Your Forklift Tires Last?

To date, no exact science or formula exists for determining how long a set of forklift tires will last. Rather, maintenance staff, mechanics and technicians must examine a number of factors to determine when it’s time to change your lift truck tires. Several factors must be taken into consideration here, including the total number of operating hours and intensity of use, driving habits or operator style, application type (i.e., long runs without a load, excessive speed or rotation with a load), operating conditions, the tire type and compound, as well as the vehicle’s average load weight.

Note: these figures should only be used as estimations only. Determining the exact amount of acceptable wear for a given tire depends upon the size of the tires and the conditions in which it is operated. To avoid accidents, injury or damage, regular tire inspections should be included in each vehicle's monthly maintenance schedule.

With pneumatic forklift tires, a tire needs to be replaced after the outside diameter has worn approximately 2” to 3". Conversely, press on cushion tires need to be replaced after the outside diameter is worn by 1 1/2" or when 30-40% of the tire’s rubber is gone. Beyond tread wear, other signs that indicate a tire should be replaced include: undercutting, chunking and chipping.

• Undercutting occurs as a result of overloading and sharp or aggressive steering. This causes the rubber to begin receding from the metal band at the center of the tire.
• Chunking, as the name suggests, is when large pieces or chunks of rubber detach from the surface of the tire. Common causes include collisions with objects, repetitive contact with debris or refuse, and driving over coarse/jagged terrain.
• Chipping refers to damage to the surface of the tire such as incisions, slashes, nicks, punctures, and divots. Like chunking, this is often caused when cushion tires are regularly operated on coarse or irregular surfaces. 

While your forklift tires can still be “operational” with significant wear, there are a number of benefits to be gained by replacing worn out or deteriorating forklift or lift truck tires. Beyond the immediate safety concerns, there are also financial, operational and productivity risks to take into consideration.  By avoiding the costs associated with replacing worn out forklift tires, owners can incur far greater maintenance fees down the road as the additional vibration, strain and shock placed upon forklift components can result in equipment failures, downtime and have to prematurely replace essential parts and components. 

Worn tires can also have an impact on your operation’s productivity and efficiency as the increased vibration, instability and stress can result in above average operator strain, thereby reducing the operator’s ability to control the vehicle. This, in turn, limits the vehicle’s fuel efficiency, speed, turning capacity, and stopping power.

For inspections, repairs and replacements in the Niagara Region, contact Lucas Liftruck Services Ltd.

Phone: (905) 227-3291 
Email at info@lucasliftruck.com 

Up-Coming Winter Inspection Blitz in Ontario

Following up on their recent material handling inspection blitz – conducted September 14^th to October 23^rd, 2015 – the Ontario Ministry of Labor plans to conduct another inspection blitz from January 18^th to February 26^th that focuses on the safe operation of industrial machinery. As part of their Safe at Work Ontario strategy, the Ontario Ministry of Labor regularly conducts sector-specific inspection blitzes designed to increase health and safety awareness and compliance within industries, sectors and workplaces determined to be vulnerable to the targeted hazard of each blitz.

With the up-coming inspection blitz on the safe operation of industrial machinery, inspectors will emphasize the following hazards: contact with moving parts, a variety of energy sources (electricity, heat, fire and cold), pressurized gasses or liquids, dangerous chemical or biological hazards, and exposure to ergonomic hazards and/or unsafe environmental hazards such as excessive noise/vibration and radiation. Non-compliance in regards to any of the aforementioned issues will result in prosecution of the guilty party, where the maximum penalties for individuals include up to 12 months in jail and a $25,000 fine, while corporations may be fined up to $500,000.

Based upon the available workplace injury statistics for Ontario, it is difficult to argue with the overall effectiveness of such a campaign. From 2004 to 2011, incidences of workplace injury in Ontario fell by 30%, with the number of inspections, stop work orders, convictions and fines reaching a peak in 2007 and 2008. To complement their enforcement campaign, the Ministry of Labor has also emphasized education and awareness. To assist small business owners (those with 50 employees or less), the Ministry of Labor recently created an initiative to combat the unique challenges faced by small business owners – namely, a lack of time, resources and/or staff to address the myriad of municipal, provincial and federal legislative requirements placed upon them. Included in this initiative is the development of a single online portal that simplifies access to health and safety standard resources and an outreach program centered on a series of educational events and conferences.

For advice or consultation on forklift or lift truck safety and maintenance or MOL/OSHA lift truck inspections, contact Lucas Lift Truck Services Ltd. at 905-227-3291 or visit our website today! For more information and resources on how to prepare your business or workplace for the up-coming inspection blitz, the Ontario Ministry of Labor has developed a dedicated webpage that includes relevant articles, industry-specific safety guidelines, self-assessment forms, contact information for consulting services, and a list of paid educational/training programs. These and other resources can all be accessed through the following link: http://www.wsps.ca/Information-Resources/Topics/Machines,-Tools-Equipment.aspx

Additional links:

Employee OHSA Knowledge Checklist

Employer OHSA Knowledge Checklist

OHSA Guide to Basic Awareness Training

OHSA Fact Sheet

Be Prepared with a Dealer who Stocks Forklift Parts

Forklifts, regardless of the brand, all feature similar parts. Wear-and-tear issues, carelessness, and the lack of a preventative maintenance program can all contribute to the replacement of these components. Sometimes, forklift manufacturers will provide all the forklift spare parts you need. Every manufacturer will have a list of recommended spare parts for all of their products. These lists offer parts which receive the most wear over time, have historically been abused by the operator, or require occasional maintenance. 

Having these additional spare parts in stock will assist in keeping your forklifts functional at all times. The less down-time in any facility, the more efficiently it will run. 

Lucas Liftruck in the Niagara region is prepared for the rigors of the industry - including a well-stocked recommended spare parts inventory.

Save Time and Money with a Manual Scale Pallet Truck

Weigh and move your pallets with ease.

The 4400 lb Manual Pallet Truck with Scale combines the maneuverability of our Pallet Boss jacks with the precise functions of a digital freight scale. This pallet truck will increase efficiency in your facility by allowing you to weigh pallets and containers without needing to transfer them to a stationary freight scale, while the LCD screen offers a simple user experience and large display.

Perfect for small warehouses without the room or the budget to include a stationary freight scale, lift gate operations, shipping and receiving tasks, and trailer loading and unloading.

Options include double front wheels to improve stability when rolling over uneven ground and deck plates. Nylon wheels are also an option to assist in eliminating slipping on wet surfaces. 

To order this versatile pallet truck, contact Lucas Liftruck Services

The Ontario Ministry of Labour Safety Blitz is upon us

It’s coming up on that time of year again; where the government inspection blitzes from the Occupational Health and Safety Program come knocking. In 2015, it is set to run from September 12 – October 23. At Lucas Liftruck Services we like to get a head start on alerting potential customers who may be caught unaware by this blitz, and perform on-site inspections of forklift and lift truck fleets to be sure your company will not be penalized for faulty equipment. Workplace injuries and fatalities can usually be traced to a few root causes; and so the Occupational Health & Safety inspectors will probe your industrial equipment thoroughly. A competent Lucas forklift technician can sign off on your fleet’s safety and save you from suffering fines and down-time due to tagged equipment deemed unsafe. Being pro-active to avoid harsh fines is essential in keeping your business running efficiently. Whether you are due for another equipment inspection or not, having a trained technician inspect your fleet of forklifts and pallet trucks before the Occupational Health & Safety inspectors arrive at your door will ensure your compliance and express the importance your company places in safety at the workplace. Lucas Liftruck’s current customers enjoy a maintenance package which tracks their OSHA’s through fleet management and advanced record keeping, offering our clients worry-free operations through planned maintenance. Improve your safety processes and work with a Lucas Liftruck professional.

Avoid Costly Accidents and Employ a Planned Maintenance Service

Remember, your materials handling equipment requires maintenance. It’s got moving parts, just like your car. Each part plays a role in safely operating your forklift or lift truck on a daily basis. Consider this: a forklift rumbles down your aisles or yard carrying 3 to 5 times as much weight as your car, and you have your car serviced regularly. When machines breakdown due to neglect, it effects your business, but more importantly, it becomes an unsafe piece of equipment and could injure an employee causing much more than downtime, it could be the precursor for a devastating accident and even a lawsuit.

Your business and those responsible for keeping your business running efficiently are your priorities. The equipment you use to assist employees in their efforts need to be well maintained. Training is also a must, but maintaining the equipment goes a long way in the prevention of injuries due to faulty equipment. Forklifts should be inspected daily by the operator and serviced by a licensed technician up to four times a year.

A Stärke brand product is an excellent example of superior engineering, but even the very best material handling equipment requires regular maintenance to ensure the vehicle is operating at peak efficiency. This service is recommended by the manufacturer of every brand of machinery and should be followed to safeguard your employees and your business from unexpected downtime and accidents.

The cost of an accident will far exceed the cost of a planned maintenance program. Lucas liftruck is capable of servicing every make and model of forklift and lift truck, so if you have been on the fence about having a professional look at your materials handling equipment, Lucas Liftruck services can help.

Contact us today: 905-227-3291

Lucas - Stocking the Most Forklift Parts in the Niagara Region

Picking your Forklift and materials handling parts has never been easier than it is today. With the advent of the internet, countless online shops have sprung up claiming to be the next best thing. The trouble has always been that the vast majority of these parts shops didn’t keep an inventory! They still don’t!

It’s not only the convenience of accessing and ordering your forklift parts online that should lure you to the website, but whether they have a physical, brick and mortar store where they actually house the parts you’re looking for.  Too many of these fly-by-night online shops have made a bad name for the respectable ones by not stocking the parts they show online, thus leaving the customer with a late delivery and a bitter taste in their mouth.

Institutions like Lucas Liftruck, serving the Niagara region for over 75 years, is maintained by material handling industry professionals with one of the most substantial lists of oversea and domestic forklift brand parts stocked and ready to be shipped or picked-up from our Thorold location. You can count on Lucas to have the lowest prices on the parts equipment you need - when you need it.

Brands like EP, Stärke, Hyster, Heli, Hecha, Hangcha, Liftstar, Hytsu, xilin, JAC, Tailift, TEU and many more are represented and stocked for quick shipping throughout the Golden Horseshoe.

Whether you’re a local dealer or an end-user who requires the parts in a timely fashion to reduce or avoid downtime, Lucas Liftruck is your go-to source for the very best brand name forklift parts.

Call us or contact us today via email or online form for a professional quote. 905-227-3291

About Forklift and Lift Equipment Rentals. Why Renting Makes Sense.

The number one reason to rent your materials handling equipment is that it enables you to use forklifts and lift trucks without laying down the capital, which means upfront or loan costs with interest rates are not a consideration.

Budgeting for the future with fixed costs every month without any unexpected maintenance costs are also huge benefits to renting your forklifts; as all maintenance is covered by the dealer’s rental agreement.

Key Performance Indicators and fleet utilization reports are managed by the dealer, reducing your administration costs while freeing up staff to concentrate on your business.

Renting forklifts will ensure that you always have the most up-to-date equipment and technology. When your equipment ages or your renting terms end your old forklifts are replaced with new ones.

No down time is another big benefit to renting your equipment. If one of the units stops working, your dealer will be able to replace it, providing immediate relief.

Ready to rent? Consider these points before moving forward.

Research dealers to ensure all your applications are met by their equipment selection and that they offer to visit your facility and assess your needs before suggesting product.

Ensure that your dealer has a qualified trainer to offer the option of forklift training to your employees who will be operating the piece of rental equipment.

Lucas Liftruck offers the best forklifts in the Niagara Falls regions reaching Hamilton, Brantford, Oakville,St. Catharines and surrounding areas.

Do Your Lifting Devices Feature a Corrosion Inhibitor like Zinc Dichromate?

Over two and a half billion dollars a year - just in the United States - is spent to combat rust deterioration of fittings across multiple industries. Why expose your equipment to this kind of wear? Tube fittings are rarely replaced at the first sign of corrosion, and yet the longer they are left, adjacent parts like hoses and hydraulic components, can begin to corrode at accelerated rates. To some materials handling equipment manufacturers, the inclusion of Zinc Dichromate is cost-prohibitive, but companies like Stärke consider it a long-term investment rather than a short-term pricing decision.

Stärke forklifts and lift trucks come with Zinc Dichromate fittings as standard. This supports the Stärke Motto: Stärke is Strength. Regardless of the costly upgrades you will find on Stärke products, the price is always competitive.

For a List of the Devastating Effects Red Rust Deterioration of Fittings can cause, please see below:

• system contamination
• potential leaks
• fitting connection problems
• aesthetic quality concerns from end user
• maintenance difficulty
• improper function of adjacent components (valves, pumps, cylinders)
• accelerated corrosion of adjacent components

The cost implications of fitting corrosion with mobile equipment can become life-threatening if left ignored.

If you’re looking for strength in your materials handling equipment at a cost that will under-cut their competitors in the Niagara Region of Southern Ontario, look no further than Lucas Liftrucks

Forklift Operator Training for the Niagara Region and the Golden Horseshoe

In recent years the Ministry of Labour has implemented more stringent regulations and safety requirements relating to forklift training and operation. Many companies are recognizing the significance of safety programs and appropriate training for their forklift operators. 

The Lucas Liftruck Forklift Operator Safety Awareness training courses are facilitated by certified trainers with over 20 years of experience. They strive to make each course an interactive experience for both new and experienced operators, drawing from experience to encourage open discussion. 

Forklifts are heavy pieces of equipment with many particulars in operating them safely; they should be treated with respect by the operator, and all others coming in close proximity.  

If driven by an untrained operator or in an unsafe manner a lift truck can cause extensive damage to buildings, racking, cargo, or worst of all - can cause injury or death to operators or other workers.

Forklift safety applies to ALL lift trucks from manual pallet operators to electric pallet trucks, stacker trucks, order pickers, reach trucks, counter-balance trucks, electric forklifts and heavy-duty forklifts. If you operate a lifting device, you need to understand the safety aspects, for your own safety, the safety of others and your company's peace of mind.

Course Content Includes:

All Forklift Training Requirements under Current Legislation - OHSA/CSA Standard B335-04

Principles of Counter-Balanced Lift Truck Operation

Identifying Vehicle and Operator Hazards in Your Workplace

Lift Truck Stability & the Stability Triangle

Safe Operation & Tip-Over Procedures

Battery & Propane Procedures & Hazards

Ministry Of Labor Guideline Overview

Knowledge Verification Quiz

If you're in the Niagara or Golden Horseshoe region, please call to inquire about our Forklift Safety courses in your area. 905-227-3291 Or visit http://www.lucasliftruck.com/training/Training-Corporate-Groups-Niagara.php

Lucas Liftruck Understands Materials Handling Equipment and Niagara Greenhouses.

Container bundles, Growing mix, construction materials, all of these are usually stacked on pallets. Save your greenhouse time and money by investing in the proper materials handling equipment to do the work. Forklifts, manual and electric pallet trucks, and electric utility vehicles can assist in making the loading and unloading process less of a chore and reduce employee injuries and product damage over the long and short term. Hand-bombing heavy bags of growing mix, boxed plants, nursery stock, plant carts and containers off or onto a trailer is a difficult job, employing an ergonomic alternative is a greenhouse grower’s best choice.

Base your selection of the equipment required on the size of your operation, delivery occurrences, and distance materials have to be moved. Also consider the environment you’re working in. An interior workplace should focus on environmentally sustainable products like manual or battery operated forklifts, pallet trucks and utility vehicles. An electric materials handling fleet will keep your maintenance costs down as well as sustain a higher level of environmental standards in your greenhouse. With zero emissions from your equipment, your employees and product will thrive.

Pallet trucks are the most common solution for loading and unloading trailers and moving product from one end of the greenhouse to another. The decision whether to buy manual or electric is up to you. Electric offers a more ergonomic solution, while manual pallet trucks are the most affordable. Hydraulic pump pallet trucks raise the product a few inches from the ground and require a level of physical strength to push or pull and steer the pallet. An electric pallet truck will offer the same action with much less effort on the part of the operator, allowing anyone to move product through the facility.

If you have a dock which is at truck floor level, pallet trucks make the loading/unloading a simple task. The distance in which you will need to travel with your loaded pallet should also be considered, as an electric option works best if you’re moving materials over 300 feet. Spring-loaded casters should be a major consideration when purchasing an electric pallet truck, offering better control and limiting tipping when taking corners. The control handle is designed to provide steering, speed, lift, horn and brake controls. Consider also a built-in battery charger  when shopping for your electric pallet truck.

Is your dock not at truck floor level? Consider a lift truck in this scenario. Also available in manual or electric models. When a dock is not available, the lift - or straddle truck - will raise its forks to the truck floor level to load or unload pallets. These units are also recommended in applications where you require stacking of nursery stock supplies and bulbs. Adjustable fork spacing and weight requirements are an important feature to consider as well.

Another option is an electric forklift. Forklifts come in a wide variety of sizes and load capacities. They can be relatively inexpensive and do the work of a pallet truck and lift truck. Electric is your best choice for an indoor application, but propane is also a good option. An electric Mini forklift has a tight turning radius and lifting capacities of up to 2,000 lbs. It is compact, yet operates just like any other forklift. Perfect for tight aisles and small spaces. If you’re sending and receiving product on a daily basis, a forklift is your best choice.

For your interior applications; electric utility vehicles are a great option. An electric puller can tow your plant carts and revolutionize your greenhouse’s efficiency in moving materials throughout the facility. A personnel carrier is also an added bonus in that it can move people while towing carts through the greenhouse. It also has the ability to carry cargo like grower mix or containers up to 660 lbs. These options reduce employee fatigue and improve moral. Wherever you can make your employee’s work physically less taxing, the more benefits you will realize.

Once you've reviewed your needs with a sales person and made your equipment choices, a service plan should be put in place to keep your trucks working effectively. Down-time in any facility due to equipment malfunction is a difficult hurdle. Make sure your

provider offers rental equipment and on-site service options with repair parts in-stock.

Forklifts and pallet trucks are not exclusive to large greenhouses, even small grower benefit from having materials handling equipment included into their greenhouse operation. Research your options and discover which service provider near you is the expert in your industry. They will plan a site visit, and discuss your application requirements, offering the most beneficial solution for your business.

In the Niagara Region, you're local material handling dealer is Lucas Liftruck, with over 75 years in business, serving the Golden Horseshoe.

Outfit Your Winery with the Best Material Handling Attachments - Niagara Wine Country

The processes that go into making your favourite wine are extensive, but so are the materials handling products involved in getting the grapes from the field onto your table. Wine making has a long and illustrious history, and as with most industries, it has evolved to produce more at a reduced cost to the consumer. None of this is possible without an excellent partnership with a material handling company that understands the winery business and can recommend the perfect forklift attachments, lift trucks and utility vehicles to get the work done.

Lucas Liftruck has existed in the heart of Niagara’s wine country for over 75 years, and has a clear understanding of what the winemaker’s require from a material handling angle. Attachments like Side-shifters and Fork Positioners assist in moving and stacking the wooden boxes and plastic bins for the sorting line.

360 degree Rotators on a lift truck then assist in helping to control the flow of grapes with precision, giving the operator the ability to dump or invert a load in one continuous motion while returning the forks to their pick-up position.

Forward bin dumpers accommodate a wide range of bin heights and sizes with their manually adjustable top bin stops, which allows them to handle the load without crushing the grapes. The forward bin dumper is ideal for seasonal use because of its quick mounting design.

a “rotator” for dumping grapes into crusher

A wine barrel handler is our narrow aisle attachment which will effortlessly grab, stack, lower and spin your wine barrels while inside the cave. Additionally, the operator can pick up a wine barrel of most types and sizes from either the left or right side of a narrow aisle, increasing efficiency.

Moving the bottled wine from the warehouse, or for loading them onto trailers for shipping has never been easier. Multiple load handlers lets the operator us a single lift truck to handle single or double pallet loads.


From start to finish, Lucas Liftrucks materials handling equipment has your winery operation covered. Contact us today for a walk-through of your winery and experience the knowledge, value and customer service you've been missing from your material handling experts.

Find your full service forklift dealer easier with our mobile app!

Now, rather than trying to navigate a whole website while on your phone, Lucas Liftruck has developed an app for all of your material handling needs. Just type our web address into your smartphone (www.lucasliftruck.com), as you normally would, and presto! - a mobile friendly materials handling site for the golden horseshoe.

Most of the information contained on our website is available for immediate access wherever you may be: In the shop and realize one of your trucks are down? Pop on the Lucas app and make arrangements right away for service. Suddenly need a part while loading a trailer? The Lucas Liftruck web app is instantly available from your mobile phone. No need to rush into the office to make arrangements. Read the part number on scene to your lucas' contact or type it into our form. It's all just a click away.

Our new mobile app will simplify your life; from making rental or purchase decisions to managing your fleet maintenance.

The quality customer service you've always known us for drives us to be the best in the business, and the best stay current with service trends. This app is just another opportunity to serve you better!