All you need to know when you come to Weatherproof your Forklift Truck.

For businesses that require outdoor usage of forklift trucks, weatherproofing is an essential consideration. The main concern is protecting the interior of the cab from rain, whether that be for keeping the weather off an operator when the machine is in use, or just for storing the machine outdoors. There are three main ways to weatherproof a forklift truck, and they all offer different solutions for different needs.

1. Cabs which protect the operator from rain and cold

There are many weatherproof cabs available to fit any forklift truck. They range from a full metal cab offering comprehensive protection from harsh weather conditions, to semi-cabs with PVC doors that can subjectively protect the operator while the forklift is in use.

These cabs also have a range of options for accessories that can be fitted, to increase the weatherproofing. These accessories include front and rear windscreen washer/wipers, sighting panels to fit the overhead region, internal lights and heaters for the cabin, and external halogen lights or indicators. We manufacture these cabs to the highest standards, and offer either a supply-only or full fitting service with the help of factory-trained engineers.

2. Canopies

These offer similar weather protection to the more advanced cabs, but they are cheaper and, naturally, less effective. Essentially, they are plastic covers that fit around the forklift to protect the operator; they are like ‘forklift umbrellas’.

These come in a wide variety of colours, and there are also different material options including heavy-duty PVC and canvas. Different materials have different properties, so be sure to do your research before settling on a material for your canopy.

3. Storage covers to protect from April showers

This option is only for protecting your machines while they are not in use if they are stored outdoors. Springtime is not immune to the odd shower, and you will want to keep your machines dry to ensure they don’t suffer costly damage from the elements. Forklift covers are generally made from very strong and durable PVC-ST or canvas, and come in a variety of sizes to fit any forklift imaginable.

Protecting your forklifts from the weather is extremely important to maximise their lifespan. Rain and ice can be extremely damaging by causing rust on both external and internal metal parts, as well as messing with electrics and compromising the integrity of other materials inside the cab. With the simple addition of one of these weatherproofing measures, you can prevent these types of damage occurring and minimise maintenance costs for your machines.

This is not to mention the importance of protecting your forklift operators from the elements. If your staff are to be working outdoors for extended periods of time, they must be protected from rain and cold all year round in order to keep them healthy and safe.

Happy staff and well-maintained machines mean that productivity and motivation remain high, and that unnecessary costs like machine maintenance and staff absence are minimised. If your forklifts spend time outdoors, you can’t afford to ignore the weatherproofing measures available to you.

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Forklifts and football aren’t the most obvious pairing, but our North London-based company is determined to buck the trend. For more than 10 years, Hiremech and Tottenham Hotspurs FC have enjoyed a strong relationship. This was strengthened recently when Hiremech unveiled a striking set of Tottenham Hotspurs FC branded forklift trucks for the team’s merchandise warehouse, located in Enfield.

Narrow Aisle Flexi G4

A nod to the Spurs

With a warehouse filled with Tottenham Hotspur fans, the arrival of the bespoke navy blue forklifts with the iconic Spurs emblem was certainly welcome. Designed to help staff move Tottenham Hotspurs FC merchandise around the expansive warehouse, the blue cabs with white accents are just the thing needed to boost the team’s spirit. Not only are they visually striking, but they are also the industry gold standard in forklift trucks, so the team can be assured of long-term productivity.

The forklift truck supplied is a Narrow Aisle Flexi G4, an industry leading truck for warehouse optimization combining the benefits/capabilities of a counterbalance and a reach truck.  The additional two small units are our latest EP JX1 (Man Up Order Picker) model that we are very excited about and well received by customers who have tried it so far.

Narrow Aisle Flexi G4 and EP JX1s

While Tottenham Hotspurs FC fans will have a long wait this summer to see if their stadium will be ready in time for the start of the season, fans in the warehouse have been handed an early treat. For any fans ordering the latest merchandise from the online Tottenham Hotspurs FC fan shop, they can be assured their orders will be picked and packed in style thanks to the custom-designed forklift trucks. The Enfield-based warehouse is a key part of the local community and provides jobs and training for local residents. The team will now be able to show their true colours at work as they zip around the warehouse on their Tottenham-branded forklifts.

Hiremech and the community

Hiremech has a long history of maintaining strong connections to the local community and is proud to serve a range of local businesses. In July 2017, we delivered an array of cleaning equipment to the local microbrewery, Camden Town Brewery. As a beloved local brand and a growing name in the international brewing scene, this was an important partnership for Hiremech. Being a part of the community and getting to know the local businesses is an essential part of our ethos. As the Hiremech headquarters are so close to the site of the new Tottenham Hotspurs Stadium, this was a natural partnership. As fans await the arrival of the new 62,000 seater stadium which is due to be unveiled in August for the start of the season, Hiremech has been busy preparing our own nod to the team.

Narrow Aisle Flexi G4 in action

The community is at the heart of everything for Hiremech. It isn’t enough to be London’s sole provider of the Caterpillar range of forklift trucks, we also want to be engaged with the local businesses. With a client list that includes well-known household brands right down to single users, there’s a reason that companies always return to Hiremech for all of their needs. For more than 20 years, Hiremech has been helping companies of all sizes to achieve their goals with forklift trucks and other essential warehouse equipment and machines. London Underground, Workshop Coffee and The Royal Opera House are just some of our very happy customers.

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Our Expert Guide to Forklift Hydraulics

Ever considered how forklift hydraulics work? A good understanding of them may prove useful when it comes to selecting the right model to buy or hire. It can also help you determine how you will use one. Read on and find out everything you need to know about them.

What are hydraulics?

Simply said, hydraulic systems power engines through the use of pressurised fluid. With two founding fathers, the British mechanic and engineer Joseph Bramah and engineer William Armstrong, its roots date back to the late 1700s. Today hydraulics are used in many aspects of everyday life, such as powering the brakes of a car, enabling the height adjustment of office chairs, in dishwashers and in forklifts as well as other construction equipment. All hydraulic systems consist of four components which allow them to work so effectively.

The four parts of a hydraulic system are:

The reservoir, which is where the liquid is held
The pump, which is responsible for transferring mechanical energy into the system
The valves, which act as the start and stop for the system. They also direct the fluid’s movement. The actuators, which are devices that will transfer any generated hydraulic energy and transform it into mechanical energy for use.

 How do hydraulics work?

Hydraulics are based on Pascal’s Law. This is a law of fluid mechanics and affirms that if a pressure is applied to a fluid in a limited and compact space, this pressure will be sent through the fluid in every direction without losing any of its power. Once the pressure hits the boundaries of this space, the pressure will offset it and create a level of force. In hydraulic systems, Pascal’s Law is put into place and pressure is put onto a small amount of fluid which will result in a large amount of power being generated. Essentially, a typical hydraulic system will work by having water in a contained system being given pressure from one side. This pressure then forces the fluid against a piston on the opposite side of the container which then transfers the energy into the piston creating force. Cleverly, the water pressure will not allow it to flow backward, meaning that the piston can never move in the opposite way until it has been released. This adds safety benefits to many products.

What kind of liquid do hydraulic systems use?

Even though many hydraulic systems may use water-based solutions, there are various other fluids that are used for various reasons and benefits that are unique to their properties. The type of liquid that can be used in a forklift may be key to its suitability for your use.

Water-based fluids are extremely fire resistant. However, they don’t provide as much lubricant as other fluids may offer and for this reason, must be watched closely and regularly maintained. They also have a chance of evaporating at high temperatures.

Synthetic fluids benefit high-temperature environments and high-pressure systems. As they are man-made, they can feature various properties that will benefit certain environments. However, due to their artificial nature, synthetic fluids may contain toxic substances and tend to be more expensive.

Petroleum based fluids are the most popular hydraulic lubricant today thanks to their low price and adaptability. They can be customised to a hydraulic system with the ability to include various additives that may benefit your environment or machinery. These may include rust inhibitors, anti-wear agents and more.

How are forklift hydraulics used?

The hydraulic system is essential to any forklift, being the predominant reason that the vehicle can move pallets and objects. They work by lifting the load-bearing prongs off the ground and ensure that the loads remain in the air whilst the forklift moves. Without a hydraulic system, a forklift would be rendered useless.

If you’d like to know more information about our forklifts or are ready to decide on the best forklift for you, browse our models for hire.

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The Most Effective Forklift Accessories- Make the Most of Your Forklift Trucks

For something designed with a single function in mind, the forklift truck is a surprisingly versatile machine. Aside from different forms of design – from narrow aisle trucks to double-loaders – you can even invest in a whole host of forklift accessories.

Here are some of the best:

1. Fork Extension Sleeves

Extension sleeves are easy and quick to fit to almost any existing forklift truck. They were designed with the intention of extending the length of the forklift truck’s existing forks, which will allow you to handle longer loads, or loads that are out of reach to the existing forks you have. Shaped and tapered tips reduce the risk of damage to goods, even at a distance.

2. Side Shift

Of all the attachments available for the forklift, the side shift is perhaps the most useful for the day-to-day running of a business. When properly installed and tested, the side shift allows the forklift operator to move an existing load to the left or to the right (within a certain span). In effect, you are moving the fork carriage independent of the rest of the forklift, with allows for greater efficiency in the workplace, especially when loading and unloading in narrow aisles.

3. Rotator Clamp

Rotator clamps are designed to help with the moving of white goods. Attached to the forks of the truck with clamping screws, the rotator attachment allows you to move an item through 360 degrees, an essential trait for certain white goods, which need to be positioned in a certain manner.

4. Brush Attachment

A brush attachment is exactly what it sounds like: a large brush, often as wide as two metres across, that attaches to the forks of the truck, effectively converting it into a mobile sweeper for your warehouse. Brush attachments for forklift trucks are easily mounted onto the vehicle, and just as easily removed, and are effective for clearing up such things as light snow, moss, mud, straw, grain, grit, slurry, and a whole range of other debris, both inside the warehouse, and out.

5. Snow Plough Attachments

These days there is no need to purchase a snow plough to handle the inclement weather Mother Nature throws at us. It is just as easy to add a snow plough attachment to one of the existing forklift trucks. It takes no time at all to affix the attachment, as they are designed to slide directly onto the fork, much like the forklift extension sleeves mentioned earlier in this list. You, or one of your team, can be out of the warehouse almost immediately, clearing up snow, or using the plough as a scraper for clearing the back yard during drier conditions.

5.1 LED Lighting

Nearly 40% of all accidents involving a forklift truck also involve a pedestrian. LED area warning lights can help to prevent these by casting a bright red line onto the floor immediately surrounding them. This warns any pedestrian in the vicinity that they are in an area that has been deemed unsafe, ensuring a safer working environment for forklift operators, other staff and customers. You will require a strip of lights for each side of the vehicle you wish to illuminate in this way, potentially meaning the entire truck can be made safe on all sides.

For all information regarding any of the forklift accessories read more here:

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Which Forklifts Are Right For The Job?

There are many things to learn in order to safely operate a forklift. Different types of forklift are better suited for different loads and different environments, and there are many variables to consider to ensure a forklift is safe for a certain job. First of all, you need to know a forklift’s load capacity in order to determine if it can manage the load you need to transport.

What does forklift load capacity mean?

The load capacity of a forklift is defined as the maximum gross weight it can safely lift with the centre of the load at a specific point. This precise point needs to be at the load’s centre – if it is not, then the capacity of the forklift will be reduced.

There are many forklift options, and it is extremely important that operators have a strong understanding of the load capacity of the forklift they operate. Ideally, they should also know the capacities of other forklifts to ensure safe operation at all times. Exceeding a forklift’s load capacity can be extremely hazardous for the operator and people nearby.

Load capacity data plate: what is it?

This is designed to indicate the load a forklift is built to lift safely with the mast angled in different positions, or when an attachment is fitted. The plate’s display will usually contain the designated load capacity, load centre point, maximum lift weight, and the make and model of the forklift.

Other data that may be on the display includes capacity down ratings for when the forklift is fitted with a mast, and for specific attachments that the capacity plate will identify. The following is a selection of forklift types with their load capacities:

Reach trucks:

The maximum weight these machines can safely lift is 2,500kg.
Three wheel – These are primarily pallet lifts used in environments where space is limited. Their load capacity is 2,200kg.

Four wheel:

Similar to the three-wheel forklift, only more powerful. Whereas the three wheel is powered by electricity, this four-wheel may be powered by diesel, propane or even petrol. Their load capacity is 3,600kg.

Order pickers – These electric-powered machines can safely lift up to 1,500kg.
Jacks – These are primarily used for moving heavy loads over short distances, and are also powered by electricity. Their load capacity is 3,600kg.

Turret trucks:

Another electric-powered forklift, the turret truck can carry up to 3,600kg.

Rough terrain forklifts:

Fuelled by diesel, petrol and compressed gas, these have a high load capacity of 16,000kg.
Stand up counterbalance forklifts – Primarily used for swift loading and unloading, these electric-powered lifts have a load capacity of 2,500kg.

The forklift that currently holds the record for the highest load capacity is the Kalmer forklift in the UK. Its load capacity, as listed in the Guinness Book of Records, is an impressive 90,000kg.

The safe operation of a forklift requires extensive training, particularly in high-load environments, and where numerous types of forklift are in operation. It is vital to have a good knowledge of the load capacities of different forklifts in order to be as safe as possible when using them.

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What makes Gas Powered Forklifts a Great Solution?

Whether you’re working in a warehouse, moving materials around a building site or transferring products from one place to another, there are so many reasons why a gas-powered forklift might be a fantastic addition to your business. Here are just a few ways a gas-powered forklift can make your job (and your employees’ jobs!) easier and more efficient:

Peak performance

In comparison to diesel or electric forklifts,  gas powered forklifts can provide performance in spades, able to work in a multitude of environments without ever sacrificing performance.

Economical operation

The gas used to power these forklifts isn’t just efficient for production – it’s efficient on your pocket too. Costing less than diesel-powered machines, a gas-powered forklift will pay for itself in next to no time.

Flexible working

Compared to other machines, gas-powered forklifts offer the best of both worlds, allowing for flexible working both indoors and outdoors, and even across both locations, thanks to the less dangerous low-level emissions produced.

Whatever the weather

The rugged and versatile design of gas-powered forklifts makes them ideal for locations where a variety of work is required, from outdoor moving to indoor lifting. This not only makes these forklifts a great asset to any business – it also makes them appropriate across a multitude of places.

A Forklift you can depend on

Designed to be stable, long-lasting and consistent with the quality of running, a gas-powered forklift is an investment that you can depend on, offering perfect service and excellent performance every time, for a long time.

Better for the Environment

Not only are gas-powered forklifts efficient, but they’re also incredibly efficient for the environment compared to other models. With low emissions, these machines are suitable for even enclosed spaces, meaning you don’t have to worry about the environmental impact of your machinery because it’s practically zero.

Safe and sound

For businesses who are all too conscious of their health and safety, a gas-powered forklift is an excellent choice to ensure the best protection and care for your employees. With safety features and shut-off functionalities included, if you’re looking for the safest forklift, then look no further.

Simple to use, easy to learn

A thoroughly modern and advanced form of lifting equipment, the gas-powered forklift has many features both to improve ease of use and safety during activities such as lifting, moving and refuelling. The simplicity of the design of these forklifts makes them simple to use for even the newest operators.

Quick refuelling

Due to the nature of gas-powered forklifts, it’s effortless to refuel and even quicker to fill up. A portable form of fuel, gas can be stored anywhere on site, making it easily accessible, and the simplicity of refuelling from a cylinder means that it can be done from virtually anywhere, as and when needed. In fact, depending on the size of your gas powered forklifts, a small tank can be kept with the machine itself at all times.

Compact Strength

Gas is an efficient yet robust form of fuel, which makes gas-powered forklifts themselves an economical and useful tool with a great deal of strength, capable of lifting large amounts and bulky items with ease while costing less per day than any other form of forklift.

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