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. 

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. 

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!

New forklift website offers better user experience to Niagara region

LucasLiftruck; a company rooted in the Niagara community for over 75 years and in the Lucas family two generations, has a new website. Not unlike how industry built up around their small but determined garage in the 40’s and 50’s, Lucas expects to see increased interest through improved navigation and SEO efforts with their latest website property.

“Supplying and serving the Niagara and Hamilton regions’ material handling needs through quality products, people and services has been our pleasure.” Explains Ted Lucas, Owner, “Now we've designed a new, user friendly version of our website to make it easier for our current and prospective clients to find exactly what they’re looking for online.”

The simple and attractive layout highlights the brands Lucas carries with links to each for more information. The top menu offers the most commonly searched for pages creating a more intuitive experience for the user, while each page features a call to action; allowing visitors to effortlessly contact a material handling professional for anything from forklift parts, financing, forklift rentals, accessories, operator training classes, lift truck sales and the company blog. The right end of the top banner rotates through an assortment of available product, to offer a quick visual of the selection Lucas Liftruck offers its customers.

The Authorized Stärke Dealer banner allows visitors to recognize that Lucas Liftruck only represents the very best in material handling equipment, and can rest easy when purchasing products or services through our full-service dealership.

LucasLiftruck has been a partner in the Niagara region since 1939, and they expect to be here another 75 years; serving the community where they were established and have grown alongside. 

Do you know the name of your forklift mechanic?

If so, we need to talk. 

Lucas Liftruck Services has the expertise, experience and infrastructure to get it done right, the first time. Lucas Liftruck Service won’t gouge your bottom line with band aid solutions that require several follow up appointments. So whether you remember their name or not, you’ll definitely appreciate their integrity, and the professional service that your equipment received.

Lucas’ job isn't done once we leave your facility. We are also working behind the scenes maintaining the proper infrastructure to support you.

• Detail computerized cost repair records to aid you in asset replacement decision making.
• A huge parts department and fully stock service vans to get your equipment back in action quickly.
• A large fleet of rentals for seasonal or peak business times.
• Complete forklift operator certification / training services to keep you in compliance with OHSA & CSA B335 requirements.
• A large selection of new & used forklifts in-stock for quick delivery.
• Centrally located with mobile service vans to service the entire Niagara Peninsula and Hamilton Ontario area.

Our quality is in our people. Forklift Sales | Forklift Service | Forklift Parts | Forklift Training

Getting Your Forklift Ready for Winter.

It's common sense; be prepared and you'll be in a better position to endure winter's rage, incur less downtime and burn less fuel. Generally winter will have you burning more fuel due to cold starts and increased idling to warm up the engine.

Recently I spoke with Stärke Material Handling Group's Technical Advisor, Arnold Poulsen on how to prepare a forklift for the wrath of winter, and keep it working efficiently. Arnold advises the following:

1. Use of block heaters for ease of starting and minimal warm-up time conserves fuel
2. Store forklifts indoors for warm starting conditions…conserving fuel
3. Ensure engines are properly maintained and tuned-up; ready for winter and quick start-ups
4. Use proper oil for your environment. Recommend 15W-40 in moderately cold temperatures to -15 degrees C. For extreme cold over -15 degrees C he recommends a 5W-20 grade. Consult with your forklift technician for an oil that suits your application.
5. If your forklift has a cabin; make sure that your wiper(s) are in good condition, your heater is functioning properly and that the seals on the cabin are keeping cold air out.

With regards to winter tips, keeping your forklift running and safe; a blog post by Jason Fancy of Forklift Central really states things best. You can see this article here.

For more information contact your local Stärke Material Handling Dealer located near you in Canada or the USA.