A checklist to assist in finding the right forklift provider in the Niagara Peninsula

It’s not always easy to weigh the benefits of one company over the other when they all say the same thing online. So before you decide on a forklift service provider in the Niagara region, you ought to visit their facilities and make a qualified decision from first-hand eye-witness experience. The service provider’s capabilities will reveal themselves through product knowledge, people and infrastructure. It’s on you, the company that owns the fleet of forklifts and lift trucks to make an informed decision. Below is a list of some of the questions to ask and observations to consider when sourcing a forklift services provider. 

• What is the value of their parts inventory on hand?
• Was their parts inventory organized and look current?
• Do they have a formal computer system and database to track the service history of each piece of your equipment?
• What are the company’s capabilities? i.e. How many mechanics? Tools? Equipment?
• Do they maintain service records on your trucks that would allow them to prepare their mechanics before the units reach their facility?
• Do they have mobile service trucks, and are they stocked with parts?
• How do they transport equipment for repairs, and how will that effect down-time?
• Do they offer special rate rentals while your equipment is down?
• Can they provide you with fleet cost analysis?
• Do they track your OHSA / safety certification requirements?
• Do they track your OHSA operator training requirements?
• Do they offer forklift training?
• How long have they been in business?
• How do they support their local community?
• Do they have case studies and testimonials?

As you can see; any one of these deficiencies will result in inefficiencies which put the actual cost of your long-term service requirements much higher. Remember, cost of service shouldn't be your only factor. In order to offer the above services you may find the hourly rate higher, but without these services, it could cost you considerably more.

A lower rate provider is more likely to provide your equipment with temporary solutions through repeat service calls - increasing your downtime, while the mid-higher rate providers are more likely to have the tools and systems that they need to work most efficiently to save you money over the long run!

Proper infrastructure at your service provider is necessary to keep your forklift fleet running optimally. You spent a lot of money on your forklifts; don’t look for savings in a service provider who can’t offer you the full range of services you deserve. It’s like the old saying, “You get what you pay for”.

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

Lucas Liftruck and the Niagara Industrial Association poised to show well in 2015

Lucas Liftruck is a member of one of the Niagara regions premiere industrial associations. As members in good standing with the Niagara Industrial Association, Lucas Liftruck has access to the leading voice and advocate of the manufacturing sector in Niagara, Ontario, Canada.

The Niagara Industrial Association is a committed organization which influences government policy in the interests of the manufacturing sector. The NIA pursues business development opportunities, provides members with important industry information, builds strategic partnerships and leverages the various programs and services that exist to support industrial development.

The Niagara Industrial Association has heightened the collective profiles and new business opportunities for Niagara-based manufacturing companies since 2007. As they put it in a 2014 article; innovation is the key to survival in the Niagara region, and with the addition of the Stärke brand of lift trucks and forklifts, which offer a complete line of material handling equipment, Lucas Liftruck has positioned itself to thrive in 2015.

The Niagara Industrial Association also holds events where members and non-members can attend as guests. These offer Niagara’s industrial leaders a glimpse into our region’s economic past, present and future. With multimodal transportation and excellent proximity to the United States border while keeping within an hour of the GTA, Niagara is situated to serve both markets.  Coupling location with manufacturing expertise, Niagara manufacturers working together can meet virtually any manufacturing need.

Material handling goes hand in hand with manufacturing; and so Lucas Liftruck in Thorold is poised to have another great year selling and servicing product to many of our NIA member companies along with the other over 800 manufacturing companies operating in the Niagara region.

For more on Lucas Liftruck and the materials handling products and services provided, visit our website.

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.