Winter months in the UK are famously tough, with some experts predicting 2018 to be the coldest winter in over 10 years, including several months of heavy snow. But is your forklift ready for subzero temperatures? Even if you already conduct an organised maintenance program to prepare for freezing conditions, it is still crucial to carry out pre-season maintenance checks on your forklift to avoid unnecessary repair costs, wasted inactive time, or other winter-related problems.

Here are a few important areas to check over:

Engine and hydraulics

Sub-zero conditions can cause moving parts to slow or jam completely, so always check they are generously lubricated. Hydraulic systems and engines need a longer warmup time in the cold. Before any operation commences, always allow several minutes for the forklift to idle (with no load). It is also a good idea to cycle through and test each hydraulic utility, permitting oil to circulate freely through the system. Cold starts will cost you money through increased fuel consumption and greater wear and tear on parts.

It is also best to avoid running times less than 30 minutes. Engines often use a thicker fuel composition during the first 20 minutes of operation – this is when water vapour can accumulate in the oil and exhaust as temperatures are too low to allow for evaporation. To stop the formation of ice, clouding or gelling in hydraulic fluid, ensure you are using winterised fluids/ lubricants. Diesel engines will also need winterised fuel or additives to prevent congealing.

Battery

Freezing temperatures are a major drain on power, with many batteries discharging at a faster pace. Proactive care could therefore save you a lot of worry, as well as money. The most important thing is to check the cables, ensure they are clean, and verify that the battery is at maximum charge/ strength with a load tester.

Cooling system/ antifreeze

A hydrometer can assess that the coolant is in tiptop condition and that the level of antifreeze is adequate. Hoses and other related components can also leak and should be examined carefully for any damage.

Lights

Low visibility levels and darker afternoons are a constant issue as winter approaches, so lights need to be especially clean and functional. Many forklifts still use halogen lights but these should really be swapped out for LED bulbs – not only are they brighter and longer-lasting, but they illuminate much better in cold temperatures and are excellent at absorbing operational tremors and shakes.

Tires

Pneumatic tires should be inspected for sufficient air pressure, and all tire types (including solid) should be checked to make sure the tread depth will handle snow and icy conditions. You may also fit your forklift tires with snow chains for extra traction on slippery surfaces. In addition, high traffic zones where the forklift operates should be kept free of obstacles or potential dangers. Ice, snow, and frozen mud can all hamper the safety of your forklift (and operator), so outdoor areas require higher traction and need to be snowploughed or gritted regularly. Specialised forklift attachments are also available that allow you shovel snow as well as spread grit.

Cabs

In forklifts fitted with a cab you’ll need to make sure the heater functions, all door latches are oiled, and any windshield wipers move freely and will cope with the extra demands of heavy weather. Forklift covers are also available for any machines that lack enclosed cabs. However, avoid vinyl wraps which are thin and fragile – corrugated hard plastic covers are more durable and better at directing rain away from the windshield.

Operators

Maintenance is not only about properly functioning equipment – the human element is also vital. For any outdoors jobs, all operators should be personally equipped for extreme temperatures and adverse surface conditions (wind/ waterproof outer layers, high visibility vests, warm clothing, hats and gloves, etc.). Drivers should reduce speeds and be reminded not to ignore the increased risks of challenging weather conditions. Cold temperatures also force the body to work harder, sapping energy levels quicker, making tiredness an underestimated hazard. Operators may need greater encouragement to take breaks to rest and replenish calories.

General inspections/ services

One obvious, but sometimes overlooked area, is to ensure your forklift has undergone all regular inspections and scheduled services. Extra maintenance is imperative since winter can be especially brutal to starters and chokes. A quick overall tune-up of mechanics and electrics is therefore always a good idea. Before each daily shift, routine checks should verify all equipment is operational and safe. Most forklift suppliers will advise a series of daily or weekly checks (you’ll find them in the operator’s manual). Overall cleanliness also cannot be overstated – after each operation has concluded the forklift should be fully cleaned, expelling any wintertime debris picked up during operations. Snow, ice, mud, and grit can easily build up and impede functioning.

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For many decades, diesel and gas forklifts have been used to transport heavy material on construction sites in the UK. These forklifts are used by many companies in the building and construction industry, with some buying and others renting them for various jobs.

Apart from using diesel or gas forklifts, some companies have opted to invest in electric forklifts which can be sourced within the UK or abroad. The use of electric powered forklifts has grown over the years, bringing with it changes within the building and construction landscape.

Is it time you invested in an electric forklift?

Although battery-powered forklifts seem to be the leading choice for industry professionals, it is important to consider whether they are a good fit for you. The best way to do so is by assessing the type of construction jobs you handle regularly and use the report to make a final decision. Whether you are an individual or a company, you need to use the best forklifts to ensure the work done is satisfactory.

Even as you make your decision, you should keep in mind that the world is going green and many industries are jumping on the bandwagon by using equipment that helps protect the environment. The building and construction industry in the UK has not been left behind, with some companies doing their best to preserve the environment as part of their daily work activities. One of the ways that those in the construction industry are contributing to the protection of the environment is by using electric forklifts at work sites.

These battery-powered forklifts can be part of your fleet but do not have to replace those that are powered by gas or diesel. It is advisable to have different types of forklifts to make it possible for you to handle a wide variety of jobs. Also, using several forklifts at a construction site reduces the amount of time used to complete the work for the benefit of the client.

Furthermore, smaller indoor jobs are better handled by an electric forklift because it is quieter and does not produce emissions during operation. If the majority of the construction jobs you do are indoors or do not require heavy lifting, then this particular forklift is an excellent choice for you. Alternatively, you could start with the rechargeable model and then add diesel or petrol forklifts to your fleet as your jobs become bigger.

Additionally, if you are a “die-hard” diesel or petrol forklift user and are having a hard time switching over to the battery powered ones, consider renting one out to get a feel for its performance. You are likely to enjoy using the electric one and decide to hire one or two for jobs that match its capability.

Benefits of electric forklifts vs diesel/ petrol forklifts

Every forklift has unique benefits that make it stand out from the rest. Most construction companies use petrol, diesel or electric forklifts in outdoor and indoor work sites. Some of the advantages of electric forklifts, when compared to diesel/ petrol forklifts, are:

• Electric forklifts are easy to maintain because they do not require tune-ups and have no engine parts that need to be cleaned or changed. The battery needs to be recharged so that it can work for longer periods without stalling. Even so, proper maintenance of diesel/ petrol forklifts ensures that they perform at an optimum level regardless of the job at hand.

• Electric forklifts can handle weights of up to six thousand kilograms, making them ideal for use in small spaces. They can also manoeuvre around the small space because of their size, making the movement of items much faster. On the other hand, diesel/ petrol forklifts can lift thousands of kilograms depending on their size and capacity, making them ideal for work in large work sites.

• The cost of battery-powered forklifts is high at the initial stages when compared to petroleum ones. These costs are much higher because the forklift has to be purchased together with its charger and battery, but the maintenance costs are lower than those of its counterparts. Alternatively, gas/ petrol forklifts are sold at reasonable costs regardless of the size or model.

• Fuel powered forklifts produce much more noise during operation compared to electric forklifts. The noise is produced mainly because of its operations, but it does not affect its performance. Electric forklifts do not make noise, making them ideal for small and indoor spaces where a lot of noise can affect the immediate working environment.

As it stands, electric forklifts are likely to play a significant role in the future of the construction industry because of the benefits they offer users when compared to traditional options. To get more information about hiring rechargeable forklifts in the UK, call us today and talk to a member of our team!

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As with any other exam, preparing for your forklift evaluation can seem extremely daunting. Having your level of knowledge and expertise with a subject being tested in a short time period can feel overwhelming for many, but there are reasons to feel hopeful. Again, as with any other exam, undergoing a successful forklift evaluation comes down to one principle – practice.

The mistakes you need to avoid

When employers are testing your skills operating a forklift, they are really checking for one vital ingredient – can this person handle a forklift safely and securely? With that in mind, preparation for your forklift evaluation should be focussed on ensuring that you are as informed as possible about the correct way to operate a forklift. Here is a list of the seven most common mistakes that you need to avoid during your forklift examination.

1) Poor forklift operator behaviour

Aside from just testing technical expertise, one key area that is being tested during a forklift examination is the examinee’s behaviour whilst operating a forklift. Employers want to know that you will be conscientious and responsible whilst operating a forklift, and thus it is essential to ensure that you take your job as a forklift operator seriously. Messing about or showing a lack of concern for safety regulations will not do. Employers do not want an employee with bad behaviour to enter their organisation, as it could be dangerous to the other people working in the area.

2) Insufficient forklift pre-use inspection

Before operating a forklift, there are a number of pre-use inspection checks required to ensure the machine is operating properly. If these checks are not carried out, there could be potential danger for the operator or any other employee in the vicinity of the forklift. For example, it is essential to complete steps such as ensuring that you troubleshoot the lift truck, and check to see if there is any damage from previous usage.

3) Incorrect loading of the materials to be transported

As a forklift operator, you will spend your time transporting loads from one place to another. Thus one key area of safety concern is the stability and security of the load being transported. The examinee must ensure that the object being transported on a pallet has its weight distributed and balanced evenly before attempting to lift it up. When lifting the object, the fork tip must be 1 foot away from the pallet carrying the object. Always ensure that there is no other person in the vicinity when you are loading up the forklift. The load being carried must be lifted slowly and carefully to avoid unnecessary injury or damage to the load.

4) Malpractice whilst in transit

Another common mistake made is examinee behaviour whilst in transit. It is essential to remember that the forks should never be raised or lowered when the forklift is in transit. Moreover, the speed of the forklift must be kept at a low and controllable rate, and you must always be aware of other employees moving around in the vicinity. When in transit, all body parts must be kept within the confines of the forklift. As a forklift operator is likely to be working within the vicinity of other forklifts, you must be aware of any other machines around you. Moreover, always ensure that you stop before any corners to ensure you do not run into another machine.

5) Incorrect unloading of the materials being transported

Once you have arrived at the location for unloading, it is important to ensure that you have enough space available to place your load down safely. Furthermore, you need to have sufficient reversing distance away from the load, so that your forklift does not come into contact with the object or material. It is always essential to check that no other employee is in the vicinity of the unloading, and you need to make sure you have a clear and unobstructed view of what you are doing. Once you have placed the load down, lower your forks to a few inches above the ground before you head to your next destination.

6) Poor forklift parking procedures

When it is time to park the forklift, lower the forks until they touch the ground. You need to ensure that you turn off the control of the forklift, and engage the brakes – checking that they are fully engaged. Once that is completed, you need to turn the keys to the off position. If you have to park your forklift on an inclined surface, ensure that you block the wheels to prevent unwanted movement.

7) Malpractice whilst fuelling and charging the forklift

When refuelling and recharging, make sure that the engine is always off. There are many potential dangers if the engine remains on during this process, especially the potential for fuel ignition. You should always have a fire extinguisher ready at hand in case something goes wrong during the refuelling and recharging process. Moreover, you should ensure that you are wearing fireproof coverings to prevent any further hazard. If there is any spillage during refuelling, the ground must be cleaned up immediately.

As with every common mistake made during forklift examinations, always remember – safety first!

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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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