When deciding which type of forklift is the right choice for your needs, it can feel daunting to know how to make the right decision. With so many different styles, shapes, and sizes of forklift on the market, it is important to ensure that you find the type of forklift that is best suited to your needs.

A popular choice of forklift, is an electric forklift. Whilst there are many similarities between electric forklifts and more traditional, gas and diesel operated machines, there are some notable differences that are important to take into consideration. As such, here is a list of answers to the most common questions asked about electric forklifts to help you make the most informed decision possible about the best forklift for you.

1) How long do electric forklifts last?

When it comes to determining how long electric forklifts last, the lifespan is usually measured in hours. If an electric forklift is used on a single-shift operations with an 8-hour working day, the average forklift will be running for approximately 2,000 hours per year. An average electric forklift has a predicted lifespan of 10,000 working hours – thus it should last for approximately 5 years.

2) Can electric forklifts be used outside?

Electric forklifts are typically designed to work best indoors or in colder climates, and so theoretically it could be used outside. However, it is advisable that if the majority of the working hours of a forklift are expected to occur outside, then a gas or diesel alternative should be sought.

3) Can electric forklifts be used in the rain?

Following on from the last point, an electric forklift should never be used in places where rain or snowfall are frequent occurrences. Exposure to rain or snow can lead to electric forklifts short circuiting, and thus the dangers require the use of an alternative gas or diesel forklift.

4) Do electric forklifts require fire extinguishers?

There is no legal requirement to equip electric forklifts with fire extinguishers. However, it is advisable that the working conditions an electric forklift is expected to operate within should be evaluated for potential fire hazards, and if it is a high risk area, then equipping the forklift with a fire extinguisher would be a good idea. Moreover, if an area is deemed high risk for potential fires, then there may be regulations that require employees to have adequate fire protection.

5) Can I use a car battery for an electric forklift?

As car batteries are constructed for different purposes, the use of a car battery in an electric forklift is not suitable. Electric forklift batteries are of a type known as “deep cycle”. This means the battery is able to be discharged and recharged multiple times during the expected lifespan of the battery.

6) How do I charge an electric forklift?

As has just been mentioned, electric forklift batteries are designed to be of a deep cycle variety. An electric forklift deep cycle battery can be recharged using a special compatible battery charger that takes its power from regular mains electricity. It is recommended that the deep cycle battery is given a full 8-hours to ensure a complete and thorough charging.

7) What type of power supply do I need to charge an electric forklift?

The charger that you will need to repower an electric forklift depends entirely on the size of the battery, and thus on the size of the forklift. An electric forklift charger will gain its power from mains electricity, and the size of the required charger will depend on whether it is a single or three phase charger.

8) How fast does an electric forklift drive?

An electric forklift has the same performance levels as gas and diesel forklifts. The maximum allowable speed for any kind of forklift during operation is 8mph, and therefore in terms of speed, you will not notice any difference between an electric forklift compared to a gas or diesel forklift.

9) Are electric forklifts more cost effective than gas and diesel forklifts?

In general, electric forklifts are more cost effective than gas and diesel alternatives. Electric forklifts have fewer moving parts than their gas and diesel counterparts, and thus have lower maintenance requirements. Moreover, there is no need for oil changes or tune ups, and this helps to keep maintenance costs low. Furthermore, the cost of charging an electric forklift is lower than the cost of refuelling gas and diesel forklifts. However, electric forklifts have higher initial investment costs due to the necessity of purchasing an industrial battery and charger, but in general, electric still remains more cost effective.

10) What is the biggest electric forklift that you can get?

The largest electric forklift that can currently be purchased on the market has a 25 tonne lifting capacity. If you require heavier loads to be lifted, then perhaps looking into gas and diesel alternatives may be the way to go.

To learn more about how an electric forklift can benefit your business, contact us today!

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If you are looking for warehousing and construction equipment in London and the south-east, you need a company you can rely on and products you can trust. Safety is paramount in any commercial or industrial environment, so you need to buy forklifts that are easy to operate, fit for purpose and maintained to the very highest standards. This is why you need to call Hiremech and let us help you with your forklift needs.

Whether you need a single forklift truck or an entire fleet, Hiremech has you covered. We are one of the UK’s leading suppliers of forklift trucks and lifting equipment, and we are London’s exclusive Caterpillar approved dealer.

This means you can count on us for quality. Every truck we sell is serviced and maintained to the highest standards, so you don’t need to worry about safety or performance. We are also one of the market leaders for value. All of our forklifts are used and refurbished, but they come to you in near-new condition – for a fraction of the cost.

London’s premier Caterpillar truck supplier

If you are looking for Cat machinery at affordable prices, Hiremech is the company to call. We have an exclusive supply contract in the London area with Caterpillar, who are one of the leading names in construction and industry. What’s more, we offer used equipment in a fully refurbished condition, so you can pick up top of the range machines at prices to suit any company’s budget.

High quality trucks at affordable prices

Buying used machinery can sometimes be a risk, especially when you choose an unreputable supplier. Hiremech takes the risk out of buying second hand trucks. All of our equipment is refurbished in-house by a team of skilled experts, using genuine parts at all times. Our work is guaranteed for your peace of mind.

If you want to cut the cost of buying equipment but you don’t want to compromise on quality, you need to choose Hiremech. We have established a strong reputation for quality and service during our 20 years in the business, and we are the supplier of choice for some of London’s most prestigious and well-known companies.

Our range includes diesel, electric and gas powered trucks. We have reach and counterbalance forklifts, and a range of flexitrucks which are perfect for warehousing functions. Capacity ranges from 500 kg to 10,000 kg, and we have plenty of accessories to customise your new truck for your company’s needs.

Simple, straightforward purchase packages

To make buying a new forklift simple and easy, Hiremech offers two purchase packages for your company. The silver package includes a full clean and service for your new truck, plus a 3 month guarantee and a 12 month LOLER certification: including all chain and fork testing as standard. This is the ideal package for first time buyers, small startups and replacement equipment.

Opt for the gold package and you get all of the above, with the guarantee extended to six months for labour and parts. You also get a full respray for your new forklift, along with new (or near-new) tyres and forks. The gold package also includes additional truck safety features, including a reverse alarm and beacon lights, fully tested to the highest standards. We also throw in a comprehensive aftercare package.

Leading the way in aftercare and support

Hiremech pride ourselves on looking after our customers throughout the sales process. From the moment you contact us, we do all we can to accommodate your needs and provide the best service for your business. This includes a follow-up package that includes servicing and maintenance, spare parts and repairs. We even arrange operative training so your team can learn to use your new forklifts safely and effectively.

If you are looking to buy forklifts from Hiremech, or just want to find out more, give us a call today on 0208 880 3322 or drop us an email at sales@hiremech.co.uk. Our friendly sales team are waiting to take your call and help you place your order.

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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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