More companies than ever before are turning to lithium power to run their vehicles and equipment. Lithium is a popular choice in the warehousing and construction sectors, with a huge number of lithium forklifts now being developed, rather than diesel- or gas-powered. In the future, lithium power could be the default for all forklifts and similar work vehicles, thanks to its rechargeable properties and its efficiency.

About lithium power

Lithium-ion batteries are extremely commonplace in the modern world. Lithium is most commonly used to power smartphones, tablets and laptops, providing plenty of power in a compact capsule that can be recharged relatively quickly. More recently, electric car manufacturers have used lithium to power their vehicles: and the use of lithium batteries is catching on in the construction and industry sectors. Aerospace engineers are also experimenting with lithium power.

Lithium batteries work by passing positive and negative electrodes through the battery unit, and passing them back when the battery is recharged. They have a relatively long shelf-life and can power a device for several years before they need to be replaced. They can be recycled, making them an environmentally friendly option as long they are disposed of correctly.

They can replace traditional fuel-driven engines. This leads to a reduction in carbon emissions. Battery powered vehicles are economical, requiring regular charging rather than refueling with costly diesel or petrol.

Lithium forklifts

It has been more than a decade since the first lithium-ion powered forklift appeared, but the technology is only just starting to catch on among mainstream manufacturers. In the last few years, there has been a surge in lithium-powered machinery development, and some of the biggest names in industrial equipment manufacturing are using lithium power to replace fossil fuels, and bulky, dated acid-powered batteries.

Lithium batteries can store more energy than a traditional battery unit, so they are far more efficient. Lithium forklifts can run for three times as long before it needs charging, so your workers can be more productive and your equipment has far less downtime for charging. This is great news for owners of busy warehouses, where every minute of downtime is extremely costly.

Lithium batteries are newer than acid-based batteries, so they tend to be more expensive to purchase in the first instance. Over time, the cost will reduce as the batteries become more common – but they may always cost a little more than the older style of battery. However, those costs will likely be offset by the savings you can make through improved work rate and reduced charging time.

Counterbalance trucks and lithium

The most frequently used type of forklift truck is a counterbalance truck. These are weighted at the back to compensate for the heavy load lifted at the front, to prevent the truck from tipping. However, modern electric forklifts often have no counterbalance, because the heavy internal battery serves a dual purpose. If you use electric forklifts, you will know that the low gravity centre of the heavy battery weight keeps them very stable – sometimes to the point of reducing mobility!

Lithium batteries, on the other hand, are extremely lightweight. The battery in your mobile is virtually weightless, for example. Of course, a battery large enough to power a forklift will have more bulk and weight to it – but it will still not be sufficient to act as a ballast for the truck. It is common to add additional ballast weight to these types of battery packs to retain manufactures specification/tolerances.

If you would like more information on lithium forklifts, contact Hiremech today. We can discuss your forklift needs and help you find the right truck for the best price. Call now on 0208 880 3322, or email sales@hiremech.co.uk and let our friendly sales team help you.

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When training to pass your forklift driving test, it is important to choose an accredited training provider like Hiremech, as this will guarantee that you will receive tutoring from an experienced, qualified instructor, and that your licence will be to the latest RTITB Accredited standards.  Any existing or prospective employers can check the RTITB national database to confirm the validity of your certification for the equipment you have have been trained on.

All forklift training courses comprise of a written test taken after a formal lecture on the basics of functionality, safety and good working practice while operating a forklift. This test must be passed before a worker can be granted a forklift licence/certificate.

Of course, different criteria will apply depending on the type of forklift you want to operate – tests to gain the qualifications to drive more complex forklifts may require extended study time, but the following general questions will crop up on most tests…

Questions

1. If the forks are touching the floor, is it safe to drive the forklift truck?

2. Is it safe to use a mobile phone while operating a forklift truck?

3. Should you honk the forklift truck’s horn when passing an intersection?

4. When parking the truck, should you lower the forks until they touch the floor?

5. Does a forklift require an alarm when moving in reverse?

6. Are rear view mirrors necessary on a forklift truck?

7. Can employers evaluate the performance of their forklift operators every three years?

8. When loads obstruct the view of the operator, are they allowed to travel in reverse?

9. Should the operator reduce speed before turning?

10. When transporting a load, what is the maximum height the forks can be elevated from the ground?

11. Does the stability of the forklift truck suffer when it is lifting heavy loads at a considerable height?

12. Is it safe for colleagues to ride on a pallet while the forklift is moving?

13. Does the forklift need to be switched off for refuelling/recharging?

14. Should the Occupational Health & Safety Administrator (OSHA) perform a daily inspection before work is undertaken?

15. At the end of a shift, is it good working practice to lower the mast and forks until they reach the floor?

16. Should the brake be applied before exiting the forklift truck, even if it is stationary on a flat surface?

17. Can forklifts be driven forward at a slope of 10 degrees?

18. Should forklift training be specific to the type of truck the user will be operating:

19. Does tilting the mast help make the load secure?

20. Does the operator need to know all the information indicated on the load capacity plate?

21. Can only one passenger ride in or on a forklift?

Answers

1. No

2. No

3. Yes

4. Yes

5. Yes

6. Yes

7. Yes

8. Yes

9. Yes

10. Six inches

11. Yes

12. No

12. Yes

13. Yes

14. Yes

15. Yes

16. Yes

17. Yes

18. Yes

19. Yes

20. Yes

21. Yes

Practical training

After learning about health and safety and watching an instructional video, learners do a hands-on practical training session. It will require the driver to demonstrate the skills and knowledge they have learned during the lectures they have sat through. This part of the test can be workplace-specific, and will concentrate on the characteristics of the forklift, how to operate the truck safely, how to refuel or recharge the unit, how to inspect the unit prior to operation, and understanding the importance of pedestrian behaviours in the workplace. On the final day, each learner will take both a theory and practical assessment to put what they have learned to the test.

At Hiremech, our driver training packages provide RTITB accredited, industry-recognised qualifications. Training can be undertaken at our fully-equipped training centre or onsite at your place of work.

We offer training for powered pallet trucks, stackers, counterbalance forklifts, reach trucks, scissor lifts, order pickers, truck conversion courses and more. If you or your team need to pass your forklift driving test to operate a forklift in London, simply book a training course with Hiremech today by calling 020 8880 3322.

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If you operate a forklift truck as part of your job, then carrying out daily maintenance on your forklift is vital. Not only will it keep you and anyone else in the vicinity safe, but it will also ensure you comply with the legal requirements in this area. As a business owner, it will also help you avoid any financial comeback from injuries caused on your premises by faulty machinery.

When should you perform a daily maintenance inspection?

As the name would suggest, this should be done each and every day when using a forklift. It should be carried out as the first thing you do on your shift before you start using the machine. Once you have completed the check and filled in the necessary paperwork to pass to the back office, you can then begin work unless a serious fault has been identified.

What do you need to carry out as part of the daily maintenance on your forklift?

The end goal of this daily check is to ensure that you will be using a forklift that is fit for purpose, will handle the jobs you will be using it for and has no obvious damage or defects. If you do notice anything out of place as part of your checks, then it is key you note it down and report it.

The following components need to be checked before each use of a forklift:

• Fork Arms
• Carriage Plate
• Backrest Extension
• Mast
• Mast Roller / Slides
• Lift Chains
• Chain Pulleys
• Hydraulics & Hoses
• Wheels
• Tyres
• External Condition of truck
• Operating Position
• Operators Seat
• Gas Powered Trucks
• Starting Procedure Engine Trucks
• Starting Procedure Electric Trucks
• Lights
• Audible Warnings
• Hydraulic Controls
• Drive & Braking
• Steering

Forklift arms

The first thing to check when doing the daily maintenance on your forklift is that fork arm heels are not cracked, and that the fork tips are not damaged.  Damaged or faulty forks can result in damaged goods costing your employer money and also be a safety risk to you or other staff.

Once this has been done, test the performance of the forklift by raising the forks to their max height and then lowering them again. This should be done slowly to avoid causing any damage as part of the maintenance routine. When doing this part, it is vital to listen as well as look. Keep an ear out for any strange sounds you wouldn’t expect to hear normally. During this part of the check, it is key to test the tilting mechanism also to make sure it feels smooth and as intended.

Brakes

Naturally, the brakes on the forklift you will be using are a hugely important safety feature. They must be in good working order before you start grafting with the machine. No-one wants to be using a forklift with a heavy load whose brakes aren’t working properly!

The best starting point here is to apply some pressure to the foot brake. A foot brake in good working order should not need lots of pressure applying to get a response. Next, check the parking brake to make sure the forklift will not move when engaged. Lastly, make sure to find out that the brake lights are also working so people will know when you are coming to a halt.

Check the steering

The steering system within any forklift is obviously key to safe and reliable handling. As part of the daily maintenance on your forklift, take your vehicle for a drive without any load on it. Make sure that the steering responds as it should and works as expected. Remember to check going forwards and backwards when you do this! This part of the check is good for throwing up any issues with tyre pressure (mostly solid compound tyres), wheel alignment, and the gearbox.

External condition

Although the above three areas are the most key, you should also just have a general walk around to see if anything else catches your eye. If you spot any damage or something that is hanging off for example, then this is naturally something to report.

Let Hiremech help today

If you need any help with hiring or buying the best quality forklifts to use or repair for any of your existing fleets, then let us help. We offer a wide range of forklifts to suit any business needs, so give us a call today.

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When using a forklift in a commercial or industrial environment, safety is paramount. All operators need to be trained on using the equipment before they step inside the truck, and forklift workers and their employers need to adhere to all requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 at all times. This short forklift training practice test is designed to complement ongoing forklift training for operators of counterbalance trucks.

Test your knowledge of the basics of operating a forklift safely, ahead of your theory test, and make sure that you are well prepared to pass first time.

Forklift training practice test Questions :

1. Give four checks that you are required to make before picking up a load.

2. What are the four obligations of forklift operators and employees, as laid out by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974?

3. When using the hydraulic controls, what two steps must the operator take?

4. What is the correct procedure for preparing to safely move off?

5. When the load capacity is increased, which of the following is true?

a. The load carrying capacity is increased

b. The load carrying capacity is unaffected

c. The load carrying capacity is decreased

6. What should a forklift operator do if they encounter an obstruction while using the truck?

7. How should you use the horn when approaching a blind corner?

a. Sound several short sharp blasts of the horn

b. Sound one long and continuous blast of the horn

c. Don’t use the horn when approaching a blind corner

8. Who is responsible for enforcement of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974?

9. Who is responsible for health and safety in the workplace?

10. What is the difference between net weight and gross weight?

11. What factors can often cause a lift truck to tip over sideways?

12. Who issues the written authorisation for a forklift operator to use a piece of equipment?

13. What should you always do right before moving off in the forklift?

14. Who has responsibility for checking that a truck is in working order before use?

15. What are the safety considerations when charging a forklift truck battery?

Answers

1. Weight; load centre; collection and deposit locations; load security and condition; contents of load; pallet material.

2. Duty of safety to self; duty of safety to others; cooperation with management to ensure safety; not to misuse, tamper with, damage, abuse or modify any health and safety equipment or other provisions.

3. Apply the parking brake; put the truck into neutral gear.

4. Engage the transmission; check over both shoulders; remove the parking brake; move on.

5. c. The load carrying capacity is decreased.

6. Park the truck safely and remove the obstruction before continuing with operation of the forklift.

7. a. Sound several short sharp blasts of the horn.

8. The Health and Safety Executive; relevant Local Authorities.

9. Everybody in the workplace: workers; managers and supervisors; visitors; regulators and authorities.

10. Net weight is the total weight of the product itself; gross weight is the total weight of the product, pallet and packaging.

11. Unladen trucks and sharp turns.

12. The operator’s employer.

13. Look over both shoulders and check the area behind you is clear.

14. The operator should always check the forklift before using it.

15. Use the correct charger for the battery type; turn off the charger before reconnecting the battery to the truck; ensure the battery is well ventilated during charging; ensure the charging cables are not trapped or caught; connect the charger to the battery, not to the truck itself.

Hiremech offers training and support for forklift owners and operators, and we are happy to offer advice and support on any aspect of forklift use. If you have any questions or if you want a quote for equipment or training, contact our team today on 0208 880 3322, or email the team at sales@hiremech.co.uk.

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How to Purchase a Forklift Truck:

Finding the perfect forklift to meet your needs requires special insight if you want to make the right choice. There are always new technologies and ergonomic enhancements hitting the market, so even a minute adjustment can save time for your operators, making them more productive and your whole operation more cost-effective.

There are numerous factors that will have an impact on your long-term costs, including the machine’s power source, its load capacity, how much training your staff will need to operate it and whether you buy new or used.

You can find your perfect machine by systematically searching through the offerings available online, or you can use a reputable dealer. Professional forklift dealers are specialised in identifying the appropriate machinery for an industry’s needs. Other advantages of using a good dealer include local technical support, easy availability of branded parts, service programs for maintenance needs, warranties, customer support and even operator training.

Once you have chosen the right dealer, you need to set about working with them to find your perfect machine. Here are the main factors to consider when making a purchase:

Cost and features:

Forklifts are a sizeable investment, costing tens of thousands of pounds for a new machine. If you’re buying new, it’s vital to get one that meets all your needs and has as many of the latest technological features as possible to future-proof your purchase.

New vs used:

Some businesses will not have the necessary budget to purchase a forklift. In this case, it is still possible to find an excellent machine if you pay close attention to the following criteria:

– Age: The machine’s year of manufacture should be in the serial number, or stamped near the mast. If you want to save some money, you’ll need to search for a machine that’s 5+ years old, and pay close attention to the other considerations.

– Service hours: Focus on the dead man hours; this meter is activated when the dead man pedal is pressed, which is when the machine is truly being used. As a rough guide, a machine in which the hours represent 8 hours a day, 5 days a week has been heavily used. One with half this amount would be preferable.

– Usage history: A forklift that has been used in ‘extreme’ environments is more likely to have suffered wear and tear. Look for machines that have done simpler jobs in the past, like basic warehouse stocking.

– Condition: A professional dealer or forklift mechanic are best placed to assess a machine’s condition. Importantly, you must ensure mast operation is smooth, tires are in good condition, and the engine runs as it should.

Types of Forklift:

When you purchase a forklift the key factors to consider are order pickers, pallet jacks, reach trucks and sit-down rider trucks. All have unique properties and functions, and you should be familiar with them so as to choose which type will best meet your needs. Trusted brands are generally the safest choice; you should do some research into which brands are most reliable.

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