Top tips for operating forklifts in the summer heat

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Fork truck fleets are under increasing pressure as the peak summer months get underway. For forklifts in summer, lengthy heatwaves take their toll on lifting machines. It’s not particularly pleasant for operatives either. The current economic climate is hardly helping the situation right now so, before something gives, you need to get on top of both machine and operator welfare this sunny season.

Forklift operation can be adversely affected by rising temperatures and high levels of humidity. Add in increasing demands on warehousing as the Covid recovery continues, plus shortages in many industries ramping up the pressure, and it could just be that the perfect summer storm will see materials handling operations begin to creak.

That means some additional steps are needed to keep the motors running, the forks lifting and the goods moving.

Recognise the signs of forklift overheating

Overheating is a major problem for forklifts in the summer. Indoor-operating fork trucks can be subject to continuous high temperatures while those that work outside are exposed to long periods of sunlight beating down on them

A radiator in good working order and free from debris will help protect forklifts from overheating, while regularly checking coolant levels is essential. Inspect hoses for holes and leaks more frequently as high temperatures can make them more prone to cracking. Clogged filters also make overheating more likely, as do broken fan blades and loose fan belts.

Ensure operatives are fully briefed on recognising the signs that a forklift may be overheating. These include the temperature gauge moving into the red zone, steam coming from the engine compartment, backfiring or a loud growling noise during operation, and the cabin airflow becoming unusually warm. If any of those are noted, the fork truck should halt operations and maintenance personnel called.

Don’t let the battery die

Heat has several effects on a fork truck battery and they’re all negative. High temperatures lead to shorter battery life, so they’ll usually need replacing more often in summer than winter. Heat also causes battery fluids to evaporate so you’ll need to check the levels in the cells frequently.

If water levels are low in older lead-acid batteries, be sure to top up with water that is pH-neutral, distilled and deionised. You’ll likely need to increase the frequency of battery watering throughout the day in hot weather.

Check the tyres regularly

For forklifts in summer the heat can cause forklift tyres to crack. It can also lead to the rubber softening and this, combined with dusty conditions in dirty environments, can quickly result in the tyre sidewalls becoming more prone to damage and failure.

The air inside a fork truck tyre will also expand when it’s warm, causing higher pressure and a greater risk of a blow out. Conduct daily checks of tyre pressure – more when it’s particularly hot and inspect all surfaces for signs of cracking and excessive wear.

Pay attention to the lifting gear

As with all fluids, hydraulic fluid will evaporate more easily in hot conditions. Regularly check the levels to prevent the increased risk of forklift hydraulic systems seizing up and breaking down.

If the Great British weather reverts to type and we experience unpredictable conditions with large swings from cool days and nights to baking hot periods, the big shifts in temperature can play havoc with the sturdiness of cables, chains and connectors so have them examined regularly.

Overworked fork trucks in the long hot summer of ‘22

Aside from an impeccable preventative maintenance programme – which will keep you on top of everything above – a major cause of fork truck breakdown and overheating in the summer is simply overworking the machine itself. And spare a thought for its operator too.

In these times of soaring demand, supply chain issues and shortages in everything from commodities to construction materials, food products to labour, the demands on warehouses, fork trucks and staff are enormous. Plus, it’s a simple fact that working in summer can be exhausting for both humans and machines.

A revised inspection and servicing regime with increased frequencies, coupled with regular breaks and topped-up fluids for both truck and operator throughout the day are essential to avoid a complete meltdown.

Get in touch with our team today to find out how we can help you keep your fleet on the go!

What are hand pallet trucks and how can they benefit your business?

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Hand pallet trucks, also known as pallet jacks and pump trucks, are without a doubt among the most vital tools available for material handling. For decades pallet trucks have served as a go-to option for lift truck operators, taking the strain out of unloading, loading, and moving pallets of goods on location.

Essentially, the pallet truck is a basic form of fork truck, manually operated it is equipped with two prongs, also called forks designed to fit into cargo pallets. The forks carrying a pallet of goods can then be raised off the ground using either hydraulic or electric processes. As a result, the load is lighter and easier to move. The truck operator can pull or push the pallet truck as required, steer it and brake. When they arrive at their location, operators can then lower the forks and cargo to ground level safely.

The brakes of pallet trucks can also be locked in place when they are not in use for safety. They are typically stored with their forks in stacked pallets to stop them from blocking pedestrian and vehicle paths on-site and avoid accidents.

What types of operations can use pallet trucks?

A versatile material handling solution, pallet trucks are used in many different working environments. They can move palletised loads and pallets in warehouses, distribution centres, logistics hubs and indoor and even outdoor construction sites when adequate surfaces are available to operate on. Many varieties are small in size and clean to run, making them ideal for retail facilities that sell heavy goods.

What are the business benefits of using pallet trucks?

Designed to maximise efficiency and productivity while reducing costs, pallet trucks have much to offer the enterprises that use them. Tasks that would typically require multiple personnel to complete are effective transformed into one-man jobs.

As loads are easier to move around, pallet trucks also promote health and safety on site. Accidents are easier to avoid and there is less physical strain on drivers.

Established pallet truck manufacturers are continually updating and developing their designs to produce increasing efficient options. CAT pallet trucks for example are engineered for high performance and tailored to their operator’s needs.

The hand pallet trucks supplied by CAT are relatively small allowing them to access narrow areas of warehouses and other production environments. As a result, enterprises can make the best use of the space available on site and access it easily. CAT trucks are fitted with integrated hydraulics that lower or raise forks as required for the smooth and easy transfer of goods.

What are the different types of pallet trucks?

To answer the varying needs of different types of businesses, a diverse range of pallet trucks are available to purchase. Each has its benefits and features and is designed to answer unique challenges.

Manual pallet trucks are hand-operated, heavy-duty workhorses. They are mostly employed to manually lift and move loads of up to around 2500kg and are the basic standard of pallet trucks sold.

Electric pallet (EP) trucks, as the name suggests, run on electrical battery power. They are typically utilised for high-spec constructions. Their main benefit is how they remove manual labour processes when moving loads.

High-lift pallet trucks are used for lifting loads far higher than a conventional pallet truck is capable of. Simultaneously these trucks can serve as a workbench or lifting table.

Weigh-scale pallet trucks are used for weighing cargo being transported up to specific amounts while providing both the use and efficiency of a standard pallet truck.

Finally, always ensure pallet trucks are inspected daily and maintained according to the Original Equipment Manufacturer’s (OEMs) recommendation for safe and effective service.

Want to find out more? Contact our friendly team today to chat about how we can help you with hand pallet trucks.

What do you need for a thorough forklift LOLER and PUWER 98 compliant examination?

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You rely on your forklift to be a reliable and dependable working machine. To that end, regular and thorough inspections are essential in order to keep your forklift working at its best. Here’s what you need to know about regular forklift maintenance, including how often you should have it done, what should be included and LOLER/PUWER 98 compliance.

What is a forklift Thorough Examination?

The first thing you should be aware of if you’re not already is that a Report of Thorough Examination works the same way as a vehicle’s MOT does. That’s to say that it’s not “up to you” whether you get one or not. A Report of Thorough Examination is an indication that the machine has been comprehensively examined and is deemed safe for use. This has to be done annually at a minimum, there is a possibility of the intervals being less depending on the harshness of the work your forklift does and the specific attachments used.

A Thorough Examination must be done by someone deemed a “Competent Person”. A competent person, in this case, is anyone who is properly certified in the repair, maintenance, and examination of forklifts. If you’re in doubt be sure to ask your chosen specialist if they are suitable to act as a competent person for the purposes of the inspection. If they’re not, the inspection will be void.

What is covered in a Thorough Examination?

A Thorough Examination will, as the name implies, encompass all aspects of your forklift’s operation. Every element of the drive train, steering, brakes, and attachments will be thoroughly examined. Much as with an MOT, these elements will be inspected for their safety and suitability for use. If anything is deemed to not be operating within proper safety standards, you will have to have it repaired or replaced before a Report of Thorough Examination can be issued.

You will often see mention of LOLER and PUWER elements of the tests. LOLER is the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, and PUWER is the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. Broadly speaking LOLER refers to the lifting elements of the forklift, namely the forks themselves or the other attachments you’re using. PUWER will refer to the vehicular elements, such as the drivetrain and brakes. These guidelines are laid out in the LOLER 98 and PUWER 98 sections of the HSE website. If you’re not familiar with these regulations, it’s important to read up on them and what they stipulate.

Whose responsibility is the Thorough Examination?

The Thorough Examination is the responsibility of the forklift truck’s owner. If you’re the owner and operator of the vehicle you’re responsible for arranging it. If however, you hire your forklift, the hire company is responsible – but it’s still up to you to ensure that it has been carried out before using the forklift.

How can you ensure that your forklift passes?

Regular maintenance is the key to a reliable forklift, and the Report of Thorough Examination isn’t the be-all-end-all of your forklift maintenance program.

Regular inspections and repairs of your forklift will help ensure there are never any untoward surprises when it goes in for its Thorough Examination. Make sure employees report defects or concerns with the vehicle and that they are immediately attended to. This will ensure your forklift should be in good working order on a consistent basis.

It’s also worth ensuring all operators of your forklift(s) are up do date with best practices when it comes to operating the vehicle smoothly. This can help minimise wear and tear on key components, minimising necessary repair costs.

Want to find out how we can help you get through Thorough Examination? Get in touch with our friendly team today.

What can Flexi trucks bring to your business?

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Forklift designers are constantly enhancing the options they offer to suit the changing needs of modern operations. A mainstay of both industrial and commercial operations, forklifts are a ubiquitous sight in warehouses, distribution centres and logistics hubs. They can increase productivity and performance while improving health and safety on-premises. As a result, the design of a forklift truck has a powerful impact on how an operation runs.

In the next sections, we’ll take an in-depth look at some award-winning articulated options from Flexi, designed to optimise operational efficiency and promote the highest levels of safety, reducing the chance of accidents resulting in injuries or damaged inventory. Read on to find out what Flexi forklifts can do for your business.

Flexi forklifts can improve warehouse efficiency and profitability

Flexi’s range of fully articulated forklift trucks has been engineered specifically to enhance storage handling and improve the efficiency of customer order collection in a wide range of operations including e-fulfilment, manufacturing, and logistics.

Flexi fork trucks have been designed to operate in areas where space is limited, like narrow aisles, but also to reach great heights. They have a lift height of 14 metres and can execute tight turn radiuses of 200 degrees.

Effectively, this means that firms using Flexi forklifts create a more space-efficient solution for storage by eliminating any dead aisle space typically required by reach and counterbalance forklifts. or reach forklifts. While it will always depend on the individual building, Flexi forklifts have proven to increase the usable storage space available by between 25 to 50 per cent and mitigate double handling for operations. As a result, this makes warehouses far more efficient and cuts down the costs for pallet storage substantially.

The range includes models capable of different loads from 1.5 to 2.5 tonnes allowing enterprises to find the perfect solution for the goods they handle.

Designed for safety and comfort

The Flexi Digital range of forklifts uses the latest technology and expert design not just to enhance productivity but to increase operator comfort and safety. Every inch of these state-of-the-art forklifts has been meticulously planned from their clear view guards that enhance operator visibility to their unique Hi-Vis guard for driver protection.

The forklifts feature effortless AC control and up to 230 degrees of independent power steering with zero kickback. Using cutting-edge brushless technology that is digitally powered, these solutions are simple for operators to drive and always offer smooth control. Their tyres use elasticated rubber, which reduces driver discomfort but also makes them mobile on any surface.

Built for long-term use

Finally, it’s understood that buying material handling solutions such as pallet trucks and forklift represents a significant investment for enterprises. While many options available are durable and made with robust materials, Flexi has worked to futureproof their articulated forklifts allowing users to keep them in active service for longer.

Flexi’s Digital range has earned a professional reputation for both dependability and lower maintenance costs. It achieved this by ensuring that every Flexi fork truck is fitted with the same superior quality hydraulic components and drive which are always sourced from a supplier in tier one.

For ease of repair, Flexi forklifts are designed with a vast proportion of common parts and components. As a result, both the holding and the provision of spare components is a far easier prospect for the company’s central parts operation. By standardising components and only dealing with suppliers of the highest quality, Flexi can pass on value to its customers in the form of an industry-leading warranty. Receiving a five-year -5000-hour part warranty, users buying a Flexi forklift for their operation can feel safe in the knowledge they are completely covered.

Get in touch with the team today to find out what Flexi trucks can do for your business.

What are reach trucks and how can they benefit your business?

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Reach trucks are types of forklifts specifically employed to reach goods in an area that has high shelving and narrow aisles. Their most common applications include vast storage areas and warehouses. To optimise the use of space, shelves are usually stacked high, and racking is placed close together leaving little room for manoeuvre.

Unlike other kinds of forklifts, like the bulky counterbalance truck, reach trucks can access heights and places that are impossible for conventional equipment to get to.

With a relatively small body, and forks that can extend high into the air, reach trucks can look as if staying balanced might be a challenge. However, they have been designed for this very purpose. They have a small set of wheel rears and two outer legs allowing them to distribute the load which enhances their balancing abilities.

The reach truck wheels are positioned directly below the operator’s station. This provided it with an exceptionally tight turn radius and enables it to easily move into smaller areas where other trucks are unable to fit, while still reaching stock stored at height.

What are the business benefits of reach trucks?

As mentioned earlier, reach trucks allow warehouses to make efficient use of available space. The more room a storage space has, the more stock it can hold. As a result, costs for additional storage space are negated and warehouses can keep larger stockholdings, enabling them to enhance their performance as part of a supply chain. Able to reach high stacks of items and handle neatly in confined areas, reach trucks allow warehouses to use tighter and taller racking layouts to achieve this goal.

Safety benefits can be gained from deploying these trucks. Traditional options like ladders and employees order picking create potential risk on-site associated with working at height. Reach trucks avoid these issues, with forks collecting goods on behalf of the operator, who can examine goods via camera. Modern trucks are often fitted with sensors and automatic braking systems to avoid accidents.

Along with preventing health and safety hazards, reach trucks also promote safer material handling ensuring less damage to stock and loss of profits.

Exceptionally efficient and agile, trucks can improve productivity and enhance workflow. Ensuring stock is sourced, collected, and then delivered where it needs to get to within a warehouse, reach trucks are an ideal solution for any operation seeking to succeed.

Cutting-edge reach trucks from CAT

Reach trucks are constantly evolving with leading manufacturers like CAT continually adding features to improve their capabilities. CAT Forklifts are always designed to maximise profitability and performance while cutting costs for companies and safeguarding operators. The company’s NR-N2 range was developed to offer a reach truck to suit any situation and boast 11 different models.

While NR14-16N2L Light Reach Trucks can only carry loads of between 1.4 1.6 tonnes, they are easy to manoeuvre and highly dependable. At the other end of the scale, CAT’s heavy-dutyNR16-25N3 Reach Trucks can carry up to 2.5 tonnes. Regardless of the weight, they can manage, all trucks in the range benefit from innovative ergonomics, low maintenance requirements and high levels of energy efficiency.

A valuable asset for any enterprise

To sum up, this type of forklift truck offers enterprises the perfect combination of freedom of mobility and maximum height in terms of lift. While these might seem like simple tasks, they allow companies to increase the effectiveness of their storage facilities to enjoy significant savings. Additionally, the work rates and safety standards offered by this innovative equipment can ensure that operations remain compliant with health and safety regulations and operate at competitive production levels.

To find out more about how we can help your business get in touch today.

What are the benefits of ongoing forklift training for you and your business?

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Forklifts are among the most vital types of equipment used in factories, warehouses, and other distribution centres. A dependable solution that improves productivity and makes heavy-duty tasks far easier to perform, it’s not tricky to see why fork trucks are essential however, it is equally important that those who operate them are competent to use them. Making sure your workforce has proper forklift training is key.

While there is no official forklift driving license here in the UK, training courses are available that ensure operators have the necessary skills and experience to handle this equipment. While you might think that completing one training course in a lifetime is all an operator requires, this is far from the truth.

As a result, there are forklift training courses available for both absolute beginners and those with previous experience in operating these warehouse workhorses. Enterprises that regularly use forklifts on-site as part of their operations are advised to consider ongoing rather than one-off forklift training for their operators, as this approach can bring many benefits.

According to the UK’s Health and Safety Executive’s <a href=”https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg457.htm”>(HSE)</a> guidelines certification is a legal requirement for operating a forklift. As a result, if a firm employs an unqualified operator, it is their responsibility to train them. While there is no law insisting on ongoing training, it is recommended for many reasons.

Read on as we explore forklift training in greater depth and the advantages enterprises can gain from the ongoing education of employees.

Forklift training – giving you business continuity

Knowing the best practices for safe forklift operation in a work environment is not information that you can learn once and forget about. Instead, it is an ongoing process that is constantly developing. To ensure the safest working conditions on-site and the optimum methods of operation are always used, regular forklift training is an effective choice.

By keeping training, a regular occurrence, the process is less disruptive for firms. Instead of significant driver downtime from lengthy courses, training can be broken down into smaller sessions. Operators may also retain their knowledge easier when training is provided in a manageable format.

Keeping information current

Over time, new techniques and technology are developed for forklift use. From onboard sensors and electric battery packs to more efficient ways of unloading, loading, and driving in low visibility, the best practices for using fork trucks are constantly evolving. By using an ongoing forklift training programme enterprises can ensure their operators are making the most of the latest developments in technology and new ways of thinking. Ultimately, keeping knowledge up to date will ensure employees are using forklifts using the safest and most efficient means possible.

Eradicating bad habits

It is understood that over extended periods, bad working habits can develop. Whether it’s to save time or energy, corners can get cut, and result in risk. From stock that is loaded poorly becoming damaged to worker injuries, the consequences of lazy practices can be severe.

Fortunately, ongoing training can keep your drivers constantly refreshed in the best practices for forklift operation. As a result, bad habits are less likely to take root.

Lowering insurance premiums

While it will depend on the insurance provider used, many companies find that the better trained their drivers are the lower their policy premiums are. It is understood that insurance costs are based on the level of risk involved, so improving the abilities of operators with continuous training can have a significant impact, reducing health and safety issues on site.

Enjoying the benefits of ongoing forklift training

To sum up, from a safer and more efficiently run workplace to avoiding disruption and damage, the benefits of an ongoing training programme are manifold for businesses. Business owners who fund continuing driver training are ultimately investing in their enterprise and its continuing success.

To find out more, get in touch with our team today.

Should I buy or hire a forklift truck?

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Forklifts are one of the most commonly used types of equipment for handling materials. They are robust and efficient machines that can adapt to various business needs and are used in warehouses, shipyards, loading docks and department stores. The choice to hire or buy a forklift is a significant step for any business. For you to make the right decision, we’ll take you through some common reasons why companies purchase or hire a forklift.

Hire a forklift

Hiring a forklift can be very appealing to businesses, whether short-term or long-term. It may be difficult to rent one for prolonged or intermittent periods, but you can still crunch up the numbers to ensure that you are making the best financial decision. Some of the most sought-after forklifts are:

Warehouse forklift

This type of forklift is the most common and the most recognized. Warehouses with extensive inventories use them most frequently. These lifts are perfect for packing and unpacking items as well as offloading and trucking items from vehicles.

Counterbalance forklift

The counterbalance forklift is commonly used in indoor establishments. They have forks fixed at the front and weights at the back to counter the load. These lifts don’t have outrigger arms, making it easier for the forklift to move to the exact intended location.

Rough terrain forklift

Rough terrain forklifts are ideal for outdoor work on rough, challenging terrain. They have engines far more powerful than indoor forklifts, which help them gain high speeds and have better manoeuvrability for transporting heavy loads over uneven grounds. Forklifts have many moving parts, requiring professional maintenance if something goes wrong. By hiring a forklift, you avoid all-year servicing and maintenance costs as these will be included in the hiring agreement. Moreover, if a truck doesn’t fit your purpose, you can easily swap with a different forklift model without incurring significant charges. You can also get newer models which have economical fuel costs and meet the latest standards for safety and emissions. Hiring is particularly advantageous for businesses with peak periods that may only need a forklift for certain periods of the year.

Buy a forklift

You may wonder why some businesses buy their trucks. Buying a forklift means it will always be there when you need it, and it’s rightfully yours. You can do a rush job on time compared to renting, where you may have to wait for a few hours for it to get to you. You can also customize and make modifications on your forklift depending on your business operation needs. Over a lifetime, buying the machine outright is less costly as it provides a better return on investment (ROI) than weekly or monthly rentals. If your business involves a lot of heavy lifting, it may be better to buy a forklift because you’ll be using it regularly. Although hiring is simple, it may get tiresome, especially when using identical forklifts. Many businesses would choose to buy their own and save time in this case. If you buy your forklift, you can spend time training your staff to become experts, hence helping them complete jobs safely and run their tasks efficiently. Whilst forklift hire is sometimes accompanied by training, it will involve learning how to operate a new model each time you take out a rental. This is time-consuming compared to the one-off training required when you purchase a forklift. Since 2020, businesses have been forced to adapt to keep up with the high demand for online shopping and other logistical changes due to COVID-19. As a result, there has been a sharp increase in demand for used forklifts. Businesses are choosing to look for reliable dealerships to benefit from faster turnarounds since they need to provide units with minimal downtime. Electric forklifts are becoming the most sought-after units, with Caterpillar, Hyster and Still forklifts providing the agility and the required lift capacity.

Contact Radnes Services today

Need help with hiring a forklift, or do you want to purchase one? We offer services and advice that will steer you in the right direction. Get in touch with our expert and friendly team for all your forklift needs.

What is a counterbalance forklift truck?

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With so many types of forklift trucks on the market, designed to carry out a specific need, it’s important that you understand the type of forklift you need, its suitability for the job you need it for, and its capabilities. As counterbalance forklift trucks are among the most commonly used type of trucks across a wide range of industries, we’ve put together a guide explaining what a counterbalance forklift truck is, what it does and the ways in which it will benefit your business.

What is a counterbalance forklift truck?

A counterbalance forklift has two forks placed at the front of the truck, which give it the ability to go up close to a load in order to lift it and move it to the required destination. The name of the truck comes from the counterweight at the back of the vehicle. This helps balance out the heavy load that’s being lifted at the front of the forklift, as the counterbalance definition would suggest.

You can find a counterbalance forklift in both three and four wheel options and you can choose from electric, gas or diesel engines. They’re extremely powerful and ideal for lifting heavy loads in numerous different environments.

What does a counterbalance forklift truck do?

Counterbalance forklift trucks are often used to transport heavy objects and materials to another location. Unlike other forklift trucks, counterbalance trucks have a counterweight at the rear end to make them safer. Not only are counterbalance forklift trucks versatile – meaning they can be used both inside a warehouse or outside on a construction site – but they also drive perfectly on smooth, flat surfaces due to their big turning circle.

How can a counterbalance forklift truck help your business?

Save money

Electric counterbalance forklift trucks only need water to top them up and electricity to recharge the battery, so you’ll be saving on fuel costs.

Health and safety

Counterbalance trucks are a great way to improve health and safety in the workplace. With electric trucks, you don’t need to store fuel and you can replace the battery easily.

Maintenance

While your counterbalance forklift will need regular maintenance to ensure it remains in good and safe working condition, it’s not something you have to worry about. The reason? High-quality counterbalance forklift trucks have a good life span, so you’ll simply be replacing and repairing small parts like engine oil, coolants and filters.

Increased versatility

Counterbalance forklift trucks are great if you’re looking for extra versatility. This is because they can be fitted with a wide selection of attachments. This includes the following:

• Clamps like paper rolls or bale allow counterbalance forklift trucks to efficiently pick and lift irregular shaped loads.

• Rotators allow counterbalance forklift trucks to tip and rotate industrial bins securely and safely.

• Carpet poles allow textiles and materials like carpet to be wrapped around the main pole for quick and easy transport.

Carry a wide selection of weights

Counterbalance forklift trucks are designed to safely carry weights from as little as 1.8 tonnes all the way up to 48 tonnes. The bigger the lift capacity of the counterbalance forklift, the bigger the size of the unit. This is to ensure that the counterbalance can sufficiently balance the weight of the heavy loads being picked up.

A range of fuel types

There is a range of counterbalance forklift fuel types available for you to power your trucks. These include:

• Petrol

• Diesel

• LPG

• Battery electric

Due to the different fuel types, you can customise your unit to carry out a specific application. For example, the diesel-powered counterbalance forklift truck will ensure that you have enough power to manoeuvre large loads like containers and the electric counterbalance forklift truck will help reduce toxic emissions – which is particularly helpful if you’re working indoors.

Contact Radnes today

Did you know that counterbalance forklift trucks are among the best type of forklifts? Whether you’re looking for a three-wheel or four-wheel truck, here at Radnes, we’re confident that we’ll have the right one for you. We also have a wide selection of makes and models on offer to suit your needs, including counterbalance floor crane hire.

As a counterbalance forklift dealer in London, Radnes Services is more than happy to help you. We have all the counterbalance forklift trucks you need for any situation or project. We’re also proud to offer training for your employees on the safe use of counterbalance forklift trucks. If you’re not sure what type of counterbalance forklift truck to buy or hire, or you need help with anything related to counterbalance forklift trucks, our team of experts can offer you the advice and services that will help get your business moving in the right direction. So, get in touch with our professional team today for all your counterbalance forklift truck needs.

What is the best forklift brand?

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A forklift truck is an essential piece of equipment in warehouses, shipping yards, retail distribution centres, construction sites, loading docks and more, so choosing the right one for your business is essential. When it comes to selecting the best brand for your next forklift purchase, there are many options available on the market today – be it a Toyota, Kion, Clark, Yale, or Mitsui.

However, we’re here to tell you that they do not compare to a CAT Lift Trucks forklift. CAT Lift Trucks has been manufacturing quality products since 1916 with over 60 years of experience building heavy-duty equipment. Read on to find out the benefits of CAT forklifts and why they should become your go-to forklift going forward.

History of CAT Lift Trucks

With more than 80 years of working in the handling industry, CAT has a range of efficient and robust equipment to improve the performance of any job. However, CAT comes from humble beginnings when an individual named Lester M. Sears decided it would be a good idea to convert a farm tractor for industrial purposes. While his Model L might look strange to some today, it has transformed the way we handle materials forever.

Advantages of a CAT forklift

The manufacturers have lots of experience

As mentioned above, CAT forklift manufacturers have more than 80 years of experience under their belts. So, the company knows how to design, manufacture and operate warehouse equipment that is worth investing in, with the added promise of maximum safety and productivity.

The service programmes are high-quality

While CAT forklifts are known for being robust and reliable, it’s still important to carry out a service to ensure that everything is operating as it should be and that your workforce remains safe while dealing with their equipment. The 12-month warranties on CAT forklifts offer peace of mind to anyone hiring or buying a forklift. With a CAT forklift, you get product support from professionals as well as excellent customer service.

In addition to the service programmes offered by CAT, here at Radnes Services, we offer warehouse power equipment training and maintenance services to your workers whenever you hire or purchase a forklift from us. We’ll ensure that all the 3-monthly, 6-monthly and annual maintenance checks are carried out. It’s an easy procedure that takes very little time but ensures the maximum safety for you and your workforce.

Parts are available

Should an issue arise with your forklift, you can rest assured that it won’t take long to get in a replacement part. There’s nothing more inconvenient than when your forklift gets damaged and it takes a lot of time for your part to come into stock. Not only is this time-wasting, but it also means that you won’t meet your deadlines. One of the main benefits of a CAT forklift is that it’s easy to secure all the replacement parts you need. Here at Radnes Services, we stock all the necessary storage equipment and extra parts ready and waiting for when you need them.

Global dealers

CAT supplies material handling equipment to countries all over the world. Therefore, they have the knowledge and expertise to create a custom product that meets your purpose and demand. In doing so, they bring together global resources with international contacts to offer you high-quality equipment all the time.

CAT equipment is award-winning

Did you know that CAT forklifts have been recognised by several industry awards over the years? This includes most recently the Red Dot Design Award for their small electric forklift models. Put simply, there is one thing that we can take away very confidently from CAT forklift trucks – that the quality of their design, manufacturing, and operation will always be excellent and incomparable. Their products will also last a long time, making them a wise investment for your business or company.

Contact us today

Did you know that Cat Lift Trucks are the best in their class? Whether you’re looking for an industrial truck or something more specialised, like a walkie-talkie lift truck, this is the one for you. We offer loads of different models to suit your needs – from straight trucks to articulated ones and everything in between. The CAT Truck Company’s motto has always been “We Deliver,” and that’s what they aim to do with their heavy-duty construction equipment – deliver quality at affordable prices every time.

As a CAT Lift Trucks dealer in London, Radnes Services is here to help you. We have all the forklifts you need for any project or situation and can provide training for your employees on the safe use of forklifts.

If you’re not sure what type of forklift or pallet truck to buy or need help with anything related to forklifts, we can offer you the services and advice that will get your business moving in the right direction. So, get in touch with our expert and friendly team today for all your forklift needs.

What is the lifting capacity of the most powerful forklift?

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Forklift trucks are probably one of the most useful vehicles that you can find on a building site. Designed to effortlessly lift and reposition cumbersome and heavy loads, forklifts are indispensable when it comes to material handling for all kinds of industries.

There are many different types of forklifts that are available for various purposes, all of which do a similar job – shifting heavy loads. This article is going to look at the upper end of lifting capacities for forklifts and learn about how lifting capacities are measured in forklifts. We will also find out what is the lifting capacity of the most powerful forklift. Read on to find out more…

How do you measure the most powerful forklift?

There are a number of measurements that need to be considered when trying to find the most powerful forklift truck. We will go over each of these measurements below before discussing the different types of forklift trucks available.

Forklift capacity in tons

The capacity of a forklift in tons is the maximum weight that a forklift will be able to safely carry. You can find forklift-specific information about maximum capacity on the load capacity data plate, which we will discuss later. It is strongly advised to never go beyond this limit as it is likely to cause machine failure.

The load centre of the forklift

The load centre details the maximum size of your cargo’s centre of gravity. Again, this should never go over the maximum limit for the forklift as it increases the chances of the forklift tipping over. There are ways around this if you need to carry a load that is greater than your load centre, but it requires a new load capacity calculation.

Additional equipment and attachments

Many forklifts can be fitted with attachments to offer improved functionality. These attachments can change the figures of load capacities and load centres, though, so you will need to consider this. It is a good idea to double-check any documentation from the attachment in question, as this should tell you about any changes to the maximum load capacity or load centre.

Lifting height

There should be two figures to look at when working on a forklift with a high mast – low height and maximum height capacities. These two lift heights will tell a forklift operator the best way to operate a forklift at low-level heavy loads as well as higher-level light loads.

The load capacity data plate

A load capacity data plate is a crucial component that contains all of the important carrying information about a forklift truck. The data plate should help operators use the forklift safely by instructing them about different mast positions, load capacities, load centre points, maximum lift weights and other details about the type of forklift.

Sometimes, the load capacity data plate might contain additional information about capacity down ratings and limits for specific attachments. To give you a good idea, we have outlined different forklift trucks and their load capacities below.

Reach forklift trucks

A reach truck can safely lift loads up to 2,500 kg. If the reach truck is a three-wheeler, then it might only be able to safely carry around 2,000 kg.

Four-wheel forklifts

For four-wheel reach trucks, you will be able to lift a greater load due to more power. Unlike three-wheel forklift trucks, which are normally powered by electricity, four-wheel forklifts can run on petrol, diesel or propane. This allows for a bigger load capacity of up to 3,600 kg.

Turret trucks

Turret trucks are powered by an electric motor, but they can carry a heavy load of up to 3,600 kg.

Rough terrain forklifts

Rough terrain forklifts are designed for harsh environments and can run on diesel, petrol or compressed gas. With a high capacity load of up to 16,000 kg, this is an incredibly powerful machine.

What is the lifting capacity of the most powerful forklift?

Now that we understand how lifting capacity is measured, we can attempt to answer the question about the highest capacity forklift.

In 1991, Swedish forklift manufacturer Kalmar LMV unveiled three new counterbalanced forklift trucks with astounding lifting loads. These hulking machines could lift up to 72,000 kg at a dizzyingly high load centre of 2.4 metres.

These true titans of forklifts were designed to help complete a man-made river that required multiple pipelines that ran over 620 miles in length. The Kalmar DCG720-10LB is the most powerful forklift truck in the world, with a lifting capacity of up to 72 tonnes.

Find a forklift for your needs

If you would like to know more about our range of forklift trucks at Radnes, speak with us today. Our team of specialists can help find the perfect forklift truck for your needs from top names such as Hyster-Yale, Caterpillar and Hangcha. Our services extend throughout the South East of England including London, Surrey and Kent.

Contact us at Radnes today for more information.