Getting hot under the collar is about as good for your forklifts as it is for you.  Heat results in increased engine wear, part failure and lift truck maintenance expenses. Like most other facets of your operation, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and keeping your engine operating at recommended manufacturer temperatures will improve your productivity and bottom line.

If your lift trucks are inspected as part of a regular planned maintenance program with inspections being performed by trained lift truck professionals, it is likely that these elements of your cooling system are being inspected and abnormal wear is being brought to your attention. However, one oversight and the end result could be a repair bill mounting into the thousands. 

Keeping your forklift engine cool includes:

1. Replacing engine coolant with coolant, not water – Water in your coolant system can be a very short-term patch, but can result in long-term damage to your engine and early failure. Water has a lower boiling temperature than coolant and will cause your engine to run at a higher temperature, resulting in oil viscosity breakdown and undue engine wear.
2. Check the condition of the radiator – Check for leaks, cracks or any other signs of damage. If you see any, get it fixed as soon as possible.
3. Clean the radiator – The radiator can get clogged with dirt, debris, and bugs. Use a soft brush or a pressure washer to clean the radiator fins.
4. Replacing hoses before you see damage – Hoses wear over time, often from the inside out. Inspect for leaks on a regular basis and replace hoses at manufacturers recommended intervals. Leaks can result in loss of coolant over time, increase engine temperature and lower performance. Hose failure and the resulting spill can produce a hazardous situation for everyone in the vicinity.
5. Check the condition of the water pump – Look for any signs of leaks or damage. If you see any, get it fixed as soon as possible.
6. Check the condition of the thermostat – If the thermostat is not functioning properly, it can cause the engine to overheat. Replace it if it’s not working correctly.
7. Keeping the pressure on – The coolant system is pressurized to raise the boiling point of the coolant. Radiator caps maintain the pressure in the system. When the cap is not functioning properly, coolant can boil out onto the floor at near normal operating temperatures, causing operators or technicians to incorrectly believe that the engine is overheating.  Pressure testing the radiator cap is the only sure way to maintain proper coolant system pressure.
8. Keeping Your Engine Properly Belted – An engine’s fan belt creates air flow over the engine, removing external surface heat.  It also drives the circulation of the engine’s coolant through the engine, keeping the internal temperature at normal operating limits. Worn belts can reduce the flow of coolant, increasing the temperature and creating a long-term problem for your engine. Belt failure can result in immediate overheating, engine damage and an expensive repair. Have your belts inspected for wear and replace them at factory suggested intervals to ensure proper coolant flow inside and out.
9. Inspecting your engine’s fan – Driven by the fan belt to perform, a properly operating engine fan allows for the normal conduction of heat from the inside of the engine to the surface where the fan whisks away the excess heat. A cracked or damaged fan can reduce the effectiveness of the fan and increase engine temperature. Be sure to inspect the fan for wear and damage and replace it with a manufacturer’s suggested replacement. Heavy steel fans can produce undue wear on the engine and reduce the fan’s capacity to remove heat, or even create its own heat by increased demand for energy by a heavier fan.
10. Regular Coolant Fluid Replacement – Like oil, cooling system fluid has a recommended maximum useful life, and that can vary widely depending upon how your system was serviced and the type of coolant used to replace your current fluid.  Every engine and application is different so don’t solely rely on factory recommended intervals for a flush and refill. Consult with us about an application survey and we can assist you in setting a schedule for regular coolant replacement that makes sense for YOUR operation.
11. Avoid idling for extended periods – Idling for long periods of time can cause the engine to overheat. If your operator is pausing operation for more than 15 seconds, consider having them turn the forklift off. This also saves some fuel and reduces emissions.
12. Park in the shade – Whenever possible, park in the shade to keep the engine cool.

If your lift trucks are not on a regularly scheduled Planned Maintenance program, they should be. Let us take the worry out of what and when to inspect, letting you tend to the business of what you do best. Contact Us Here or give us a call at 804-233-0051.

Ensuring that warehouse employees stay cool during the summer is of paramount importance for several reasons.

• Firstly, maintaining a comfortable working environment contributes to employee well-being, morale, and productivity. Excessive heat can lead to discomfort, fatigue, and heat-related illnesses, affecting employees’ ability to perform tasks efficiently and safely.
• Secondly, prioritizing employee health and safety by providing cooling measures reduces the risk of heat-related incidents such as heatstroke or dehydration, promoting a safer workplace overall.

Additionally, a cool working environment demonstrates care and consideration for employees’ welfare, fostering a positive work culture and improving employee retention. By investing in measures to keep warehouse employees cool, businesses can enhance productivity, reduce absenteeism, and create a more supportive and conducive work environment for their teams.

Things you can do to help cool your warehouse and employees this summer include:

• Insulation: Ensure that the warehouse is well insulated to prevent heat from entering. This includes insulating walls, ceilings, and doors.

• Ventilation: Install proper ventilation systems such as fans, vents, or air conditioning units to circulate air and remove hot air from the warehouse.

• Reflective Roofing: If possible, use reflective roofing materials that can reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption into the building.

• Shade and Trees: Plant trees or install shades outside the warehouse to provide natural shade and reduce heat transfer through walls and roofs.

• Heat-Emitting Equipment: Keep heat-emitting equipment away from sensitive areas or install heat shields to redirect heat away from the main workspace.

• Cooling Zones: Create designated cooling zones within the warehouse where employees can take breaks and cool down.

• Hydration Stations: Set up hydration stations with water coolers or dispensers throughout the warehouse so that workers can easily access cold water and stay hydrated.

• Cool Break Areas: Create designated cool break areas with shade, fans, and seating where workers can take regular breaks to cool down and rest.

• Use Reflective Clothing: Provide workers with light-colored, breathable, and moisture-wicking clothing that reflects sunlight and helps keep them cool.

• Use Coolants: Use evaporative cooling systems or coolants like misting fans or wet mats to lower the ambient temperature in specific areas.

• Schedule Work: Schedule heavy-duty tasks or work that generates a lot of heat during cooler parts of the day, such as early mornings or evenings.

• Regular Maintenance: Maintain HVAC systems regularly to ensure they are functioning optimally and providing efficient cooling.

• Monitor Indoor Temperatures: Install temperature monitoring systems to track indoor temperatures and take proactive measures when temperatures rise excessively.

• Employee Awareness: Educate employees about heat-related illnesses, provide training on staying cool, and encourage them to stay hydrated and take breaks in cooler areas.

• Encourage Communication: Encourage workers to communicate any discomfort or signs of heat-related stress promptly so that appropriate action can be taken.

Equipment you can install and items you can purchase to help minimize heat in your material handling and warehousing operation include:

• Industrial Fans: High-volume, low-speed (HVLS) fans and industrial ceiling fans can help improve air circulation and create a cooling breeze throughout the warehouse.

• Evaporative Coolers: Also known as swamp coolers, evaporative coolers use water evaporation to lower the ambient temperature. They are effective in dry climates and can be used as a cost-effective cooling solution.

• Portable Air Conditioners: For specific areas or temporary cooling needs, portable air conditioners can be used to cool down workspaces quickly.

• Heat-Reflective Roofing: Installing heat-reflective roofing materials can reduce heat absorption into the warehouse, keeping it cooler during hot weather.

• Shade Structures: Outside the warehouse, shade structures such as awnings, canopies, or trees can provide natural shade and reduce heat transfer to the building.

• Cooling Vests and Personal Cooling Devices: Providing employees with cooling vests, neckbands, or personal fans can help them stay cool while working in hot conditions.

• Thermal Insulation: Proper insulation of walls, ceilings, and doors can prevent heat from entering the warehouse, reducing the workload on cooling equipment.

• Misting Systems: Misting fans or misting systems can be installed to create a fine mist that evaporates quickly, lowering the surrounding air temperature.

• Temperature Monitoring Systems: Installing temperature monitoring systems can help track indoor temperatures and optimize the use of cooling equipment for energy efficiency.

Choosing the right combination of equipment based on your warehouse’s size, layout, climate, and specific cooling needs can significantly improve working conditions during the summer months.

Visit OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention website to learn more about heat awareness and what you can do to prevent heat illness in your workforce this summer. Having a happy, healthy workforce is key to long-term productivity and performance.

With warehouse and storage space at a premium, more companies are looking for alternatives to increasing their footprint by expanding current space or purchasing new space. Sometimes a reach truck can be the perfect solution to increasing space, and productivity in your material handling and storage operation. While a reach truck is not suited for all operations, where it can be used, provides three significant benefits.

1. Maneuverability means narrower aisles - Reach trucks are designed for narrow aisles and tight spaces. They have a smaller turning radius, making them more maneuverable than standard forklifts. This allows for efficient navigation in crowded warehouse environments. Often times aisle width can be reduced by 30% or more by utilizing an reach truck. This allows for more aisles within your current space, and more storage.
2. A reach truck has a higher lifting capacity than traditional forklifts - Reach trucks are built to handle taller racks and shelves. They can reach higher lift heights compared to standard forklifts, enabling better utilization of vertical space in the warehouse. UniCarriers SRX has a maximum fork height of 210" allowing you to build your racking higher, thus more storage.
3. The reach capability of a reach truck means narrower aisles within your warehouse - Reach trucks have extending forks that can reach into storage areas without the need for the truck to move closer. This feature is particularly useful for double-deep racking systems or when accessing items stored deep within racks. Double-reach means more pallet positions in your operation, resulting in increased storage capacity.

For a consultation about the possibility of a reach truck for your operation, and how it might benefits, please Contact Us or give us a call at 804-233-0051.

A walkie rider, often referred to as a rider pallet jack or rider pallet truck, is a type of electric material handling equipment used for transporting and moving pallets in warehouses and distribution centers. It is designed to be ridden by the operator, providing several advantages over a standard electric pallet jack, which is typically operated by walking behind it. Here are some benefits of a walkie rider over a standard electric pallet jack:

1. Operator Efficiency: The most significant advantage of a walkie rider is that it allows the operator to ride on the equipment. This reduces operator fatigue, increases productivity, and allows for faster and more efficient material handling tasks, especially for long-distance transporting.

2. Faster Travel Speed: Walkie rider pallet jacks generally have higher travel speeds compared to standard electric pallet jacks. This speed improvement can result in quicker cycle times and more efficient operations.

3. Reduced Operator Strain: Since the operator rides on the walkie rider, there is less physical strain on the operator's body compared to walking behind a standard pallet jack. This can lead to improved ergonomics and a lower risk of workplace injuries.

4. Higher Weight Capacity: Walkie rider pallet jacks often have a higher weight capacity than standard pallet jacks. This allows them to handle heavier loads, making them suitable for heavier-duty applications.

5. Maneuverability: Walkie rider pallet jacks are designed to be highly maneuverable, allowing operators to navigate tight spaces and crowded aisles more easily. This can be crucial in warehouses with limited space.

6. Battery Life: Many walkie rider pallet jacks come with larger batteries, offering longer runtimes between charges compared to standard pallet jacks. This can increase uptime and productivity.

7. Versatility: Walkie rider pallet jacks can perform multiple tasks, such as transporting, stacking, and order picking, making them versatile tools for warehouse operations.

8. Operator Comfort: The rider platform on a walkie rider is designed for operator comfort, often equipped with cushioned platforms and adjustable controls to reduce operator fatigue during long shifts.

9. Safety Features: Walkie rider pallet jacks typically come with safety features such as brake systems, horn signals, and enhanced visibility, ensuring the safety of both the operator and pedestrians.

10. Reduced Operator Footprint: Because the operator rides on the equipment, there is less of an operator footprint in the aisle. This allows for more efficient use of space in crowded warehouses.

While walkie rider pallet jacks offer numerous benefits, it's essential to consider your specific material handling needs and the layout of your facility when choosing between a walkie rider and a standard electric pallet jack. Walkie riders are well-suited for applications where speed, efficiency, and operator comfort are critical, but they may not be the best choice for all warehouse settings.  

Whether you're purchasing a new UniCarriers forklift or servicing one with OEM parts, you can count on UniCarriers to back them up with industry leading warranties. This gives you the security of knowing your equipment and parts are being backed by a company with the conifidence that its products perform, under the toughest applications.

UniCarriers Best in Class 2-Year Unlimited Warranty

All Unicarriers Class 1,4 and 5 (sit-down rider models) carry a 2 year, unlimited hour carriage to counterweight warranty. The warranty applies to all SIC code applications, no restrictions. And the warranty can be transferred after one year. 

“Two years…unlimited hours…it’s the industry’s best-limited warranty, and now a standard feature of every Class I, IV and V forklift we manufacture. It’s a distinct and quantifiable advantage you can take to the bank,” explains Steve Cianci, UniCarriers Vice President of Sales & Marketing.

“Unlike other brands, UniCarriers only manufactures forklifts, and we’ve been doing it for over 50 years. Our industry-leading limited warranty is a reflection of our heritage of world-class design, engineering and manufacturing- and the uptime performance our forklifts deliver to customers throughout the Americas.”

Visit our UniCarriers Showroom to see their line-up of class 1, 4 and 5 (sit-down rider models).

UniCarriers OEM Parts Warranty

Keeping your new UniCarriers forklift operating like a new forklift means using geniune OEM parts provided by UniCarriers. By doing so, UniCarriers will back each part up with an industry leading warranty. Each UniCarriers forklift part has the uncompromising quality and reliability you need to maximize the performance of your forklifts. And, of course, both parts and labor are covered by UniCarriers’ exclusive 6-month, 800-hour limited warranty.

We believe UniCarriers builds products that perform and backs them up! That's we we're proud to represent their products in the Richmon VA metro area. For more information, a demo or quote on UniCarriers forklifts, contact us at 804-233-0051.

Forklift operators are typically required to undergo refresher training at specific intervals to ensure they continue to operate forklifts safely and effectively. The specific requirements for refresher training can vary by country, region, and organization, but some common guidelines and triggers for refresher training include:

1. Time Intervals: Forklift operators are required to undergo refresher training  every three years. This helps ensure that their skills and knowledge remain up to date.

2. Changes in Equipment or Workplace: If there are significant changes in the type of forklift being used or in the layout of the workplace, refresher training may be necessary to familiarize operators with these changes.

3. Incidents or Near-Misses: After accidents, near-miss incidents, or safety violations related to forklift operation, refresher training may be mandated to address the issues and prevent future incidents.

4. Poor Performance: If an operator demonstrates poor performance or unsafe behavior while operating a forklift, additional training may be required to address these issues.

5. Regulatory Requirements: Local regulations and safety standards can dictate the specific requirements for forklift operator training and refresher training. Employers should ensure compliance with these regulations.

6. Employer Policies: Employers may establish their own policies and guidelines for forklift operator refresher training. These policies should align with safety best practices and local regulations.

It's essential for employers to maintain records of forklift operator training and refresher training, as well as to have a clear training and retraining program in place. The goal is to ensure that forklift operators remain competent and safe in their duties. The specific requirements and intervals for refresher training may vary, so it's important to consult local regulations and industry standards to determine the appropriate schedule for your organization. AM Davis is your reliable source for forklift operator training in the Richmond Virginia metro area. Contact us for scheduling or give us a call at 804-233-0051.

Taking good care of your forklift tires is essential to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the forklift, as well as to extend the lifespan of the tires. Here are some tips to help you maintain your forklift tires:

1. Regular Inspections: Inspect your forklift tires on a regular basis, preferably before each shift. Look for signs of wear, damage, punctures, and uneven tread wear. Catching problems early can help prevent larger issues down the line.

2. Proper Inflation: If you utilize pneumatic tires on your forklifts, maintain proper tire pressure according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Underinflated or overinflated tires can lead to uneven wear and reduced performance. Use a reliable tire pressure gauge to check and adjust the pressure as needed.

3. Load Capacity: Ensure that you're not exceeding the forklift's load capacity. Overloading the forklift can cause excessive strain on the tires, leading to premature wear and potential safety hazards.

4. Appropriate Speed: Avoid driving the forklift at excessive speeds, especially when carrying a load. High speeds can generate heat and cause increased tire wear. Stick to recommended speed limits to minimize tire stress.

5. Keep Surfaces Clean: Keeping operating surfaces clean and free of debris can greatly reduce forklift tire damage.

6. Safe Driving Practices: Encourage operators to avoid sudden starts, stops, and turns, which can put extra stress on the tires. Gradual acceleration and deceleration are easier on the tires and contribute to their longevity.

7. Avoid Potholes and Obstacles: Try to avoid driving over potholes, sharp objects, or debris on the floor. These can cause punctures and damage to the tires.

8. Proper Loading: When lifting and placing loads, ensure that the load is balanced and properly positioned on the forks. An unbalanced load can cause uneven tire wear and potential accidents.

9. Professional Maintenance: Our Planned Maintenance program ensures all vital components, including tires, are in good operating order. We can check for alignment issues, suspension problems, and other factors that could affect tire wear.

10. Tire Replacement: When tires are excessively worn, damaged, or have reached the end of their useful life, replace them promptly to maintain safety and performance.

Remember, taking care of your forklift tires not only improves the efficiency and lifespan of your equipment but also contributes to overall workplace safety. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and consult with professionals if you're unsure about tire maintenance or replacement.

Improving safety on a warehouse dock is crucial for preventing accidents and maintaining a secure work environment. Here are some recommendations to enhance safety:

1. Conduct regular safety training: Train all dock workers on proper safety protocols, including equipment operation, handling hazardous materials, and emergency procedures. Offer refresher courses periodically and ensure everyone understands safety regulations.
2. Provide personal protective equipment (PPE): Supply all workers with appropriate PPE, such as hard hats, safety glasses, high-visibility vests, steel-toed boots, and gloves. Encourage their consistent use and enforce PPE policies.
3. Maintain clear communication: Establish effective communication systems, such as two-way radios or intercoms, to allow clear communication between dock workers, truck drivers, and supervisors. Ensure everyone can effectively relay information, warnings, and instructions.
4. Implement traffic management: Develop a comprehensive traffic management plan for the dock area to prevent collisions and improve pedestrian safety. Clearly mark pedestrian walkways and separate them from vehicle lanes. Install signage and mirrors to enhance visibility, and consider using barriers or guardrails where necessary.
5. Ensure proper lighting: Adequate lighting is essential for a safe dock environment. Install sufficient lighting fixtures to eliminate dark areas and shadows that could obscure visibility. Regularly inspect and maintain lighting systems to address any issues promptly.
6. Regular maintenance of equipment: Establish a planned maintenance program for all dock equipment, including forklifts, loading ramps, and conveyor systems. Regular inspections and maintenance help identify potential hazards, preventing equipment malfunctions that could lead to accidents.
7. Promote good housekeeping: Encourage a clean and organized work environment. Ensure that walkways, ramps, and loading areas are free of clutter, debris, spills, and obstacles that can cause slips, trips, or falls. Provide adequate waste management systems to prevent accumulation of waste materials.
8. Implement safety barriers and guards: Install safety barriers, guardrails, and bollards to protect pedestrians and prevent unauthorized access to restricted areas. Implement dock edge protection systems to prevent accidental falls from the dock.
9. Use warning signs and labels: Clearly display warning signs and labels to communicate potential hazards, such as restricted areas, low clearance, slippery surfaces, or areas with moving equipment. Ensure signage is prominently visible and easily understood.
10. Regular safety inspections: Conduct routine safety inspections to identify potential hazards, non-compliance with safety protocols, or equipment issues. Encourage reporting of safety concerns by workers and promptly address any identified problems.
11. Emergency preparedness: Develop and communicate emergency procedures specific to the dock area. Clearly mark emergency exits, fire extinguishers, and other safety equipment. Conduct drills periodically to ensure workers are familiar with emergency protocols.
12. Encourage employee involvement: Involve employees in safety initiatives by establishing a safety committee or encouraging their participation in safety discussions. Encourage workers to report safety concerns, near-miss incidents, or potential hazards, and reward proactive safety behavior.

Partnering with a professional material handling company gives you insight from industry professionals whose goal is to help you create a safe working environment for anyone that operates in or around your docks.

UniCarriers MX Series electric forklifts provide the benefits of electric forklifts while maintaining the same productivity as their internal combustion forklift counterparts. The MX Series indoor/outdoor electric forklifts are equipped with powerful 48 Volt and 80 Volt (for higher capacity models) motors, and are sealed to make them perfect for indoor or outdoor usage.  Like all UniCarriers forklifts, the MX Series are covered by their best-in-class 2 year unlimited warranty.

UniCarriers MX electric forklifts offer several benefits, including:

1. Reduced Emissions: Electric forklifts produce zero emissions during operation, making them ideal for indoor use and in areas with strict emission regulations.
2. Lower Operating Costs: Electric forklifts have lower operating costs than their diesel or propane counterparts. They require less maintenance and have lower fuel costs.
3. Improved Productivity: Electric forklifts have faster acceleration and lifting speeds, which can help increase productivity.
4. Quieter Operation: Electric forklifts are much quieter than their diesel or propane counterparts, making them ideal for indoor use.
5. Increased Safety: Electric forklifts have a lower center of gravity, making them more stable during operation. They also have fewer moving parts, reducing the risk of mechanical failure.
6. Longer Lifespan: Electric forklifts have fewer moving parts than their internal combustion engine counterparts, reducing the need for costly repairs and extending their lifespan.
7. Customizable: UniCarriers MX electric forklifts are highly customizable, with a range of options and attachments available to suit specific applications and industries.

UniCarriers MX electric forklifts provide a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for material handling needs. Learn more about the MXS Series Lighter Duty Outdoor Electrics, the MX2 Medium Duty Electrics, and the MXL High-Capacity Electrics with capacities to 12,000lbs.

We're Richmond metro's source for UniCarriers forklifts. For a demo, more information or a quote on a new MX Series outdoor electric forklift please contact us at 804-233-0051.