Just Attach Them!

Forklifts are a great tool! If you think about it, the invention of forklifts has formed the industrialized world we now live in. As helpful as forklifts have already proven to be, did you know that you can mold them to be even more helpful? Forklift attachments allow you to pick up a wide variety of shapes and sizes! Continue reading our blog to see what kind of attachments are available!

How Much Do You Know?

1.     Some companies require attachments for their forklifts.

a.     True

b.     False

2.     Adding an attachment to your forklift will reduce its capacity.

a.     True

b.     False

3.     A _________ is attached to a forklift to inform the operator how much weight can safely lifted. 

a.     Name plate

b.     Capacity plate

c.     Data plate

d.     All of the above

4.     A forklift attachment requires its own name plate.

a.     True

b.     False

Get This…

There are several different types of attachments you can put on your forklift! Here is a quick list of the most common types of forklift attachments:

1.     Clamps: Allows quick and precise product handling

     2.     Side Shifters: Allows you to move forks/pallet from side to side

     3.     Multiple Load Handlers: Makes it possible to carry and side shift multiple pallets at once

     4.     Fork Positioners: Allows operators to move forks quickly and efficiently. Usually used in instances where different width pallets are needed.

     5.     Push Pulls: Helpful with pallet-less loads usually pulled from vans and small trailers.

     6.     Load Rotators: Useful when dumping loads.

     7.     Forklift Extensions: Increases the length of your forklifts.

Forklift attachments can be a very useful tool! Just make sure your forklift can handle it!

Can You Answer This Question???

Do forklift attachments impact your forklifts capacity? If yes, how so?

a.     Adding an attachment does not impact a forklift’s capacity

b.     Adding an attachment reduces your capacity, in addition to moving the load center further from the forklift

c.     Adding an attachment reduces the capacity, in addition to moving the load center closer to the forklift

d.      Adding an attachment increases the weight of your forklift, therefore increasing the capacity

Although many people don’t put much thought into it, forklift attachments do add weight to your truck. It’s not only important to know that attachments add weight to your truck, but it is also important to think about where that weight is being added, which in this case is on the front of your truck. So, if you chose B then you are correct! This doesn’t mean that using forklift attachments is a bad thing, it just means be aware of your forklift’s capacity with and without an attachment.

Get The Facts!

It can be hard to believe, but it is required by federal law to have a nameplate that accurately states your forklifts capacity when an attachment is in use. It’s not only a good idea to utilize these name plates because it is the law, but it will also keep your operators informed and aware of risks such as tipping.

…So Call

To order a new or updated name plate just contact us! You can reach us by phone at (513) 842-2012 or by e-mail at omega.rockett@yahoo.com.

ANSWERS: 1.) a 2.) a 3.) d 4.) a 5.) b

Build A Better Business with the BBB

Make your business even better with the BBB! Many of us have heard of the BBB, and some of us even use the BBB’s services quite a bit. One of the BBB’s main missions is to create a safe, trustworthy, marketplace for consumers. In doing so the BBB realizes the importance of helping businesses excel and uphold standards. So, for those of you that haven’t taken advantage of the BBB’s resources…you should!

 

How Much Do You Know?

1.     What does BBB stand for?

a.     Bureau of Better Business

b.     Better Business Bureau

c.     Bureaucracy of Better Businesses

2.     The mission of the BBB is to…

a.     Set standards for market place trust

b.     Celebrate market place role models

 c.     Create a community of trustworthy businesses

d.     All the above

3.       Altering the BBB seal’s font, color, and outline is legal and acceptable.

a.     True

b.     False

Get This…

One of the BBB’s primary goals is to build trust within businesses and communities. To uphold this commitment the BBB has created eight standards for trust:

1.     Build Trust: Establish a positive repertoire in the marketplace.

2.     Tell the Truth: Honestly showcase your products and services.

3.     Honest Advertisement: Align advertisement with established standards.

4.     Transparency: Clearly disclose all information that pertains to the business, standards, and procedures that may influence a customer’s decision to buy.

5.     Be Responsive: Handle disputes quickly and in a professional manner.

6.     Honor Promises: Adhere to all written and verbal agreements.

7.     Integrity: Encounter all business dealings and commitments with integrity.

8.     Privacy: Safeguard any collected personal data, and respect consumers regarding the use of their personal information.

Can You Answer This Question???

Small businesses are at the same risk of cyber attacks as large businesses.

A.    True

B.    False

Although many small businesses don’t think they are susceptible to cyber-attacks the BBB explains that this is incorrect, making A your answer. As a small business there are several steps one can take to safeguard your company from cyber-attacks. Here are some things that the BBB suggests:

·       Secure your networks

·       Protect against viruses, spyware, and other codes

·       Educate employees about cyberthreats and hold them accountable

·       Establish security practices and policies to protect sensitive information

·       Require employees to use strong passwords and to frequently change them

·       Make backup copies of important business data and information

·       Control physical access to computers and network components

Click this link to learn about digital spring cleaning: Click This

Get The Facts!

Did you know that social media makes a fabulous marketing tool? The BBB sure thinks so! Not only is social media a great way to promote your brand, but it’s also a good way to communicate and get feedback on your company’s products and services. In fact, about 71% of consumers who engage in a positive social media experience with a company are likely to recommend it (getambassador.com). Being diligent about communicating with consumers through social media outlets is a must and has the ability to take your business to new levels.

Check this out for social media marketing stats and tools: Check It

…So Call

Omega Material Handling is proud to be a member of the BBB! For any and all of your material handling needs contact us at (513) 842-2012 or omega.rockett@yahoo.com

Answers: 1/b, 2/d, 3/b

Care For Batteries Better Than Ever!

Batteries, batteries, batteries, what else can I say? They’re a wonderful invention but can cause a lot of harm and distress if dealt with incorrectly. Know that you’re dealing with your industrial batteries the correct way! Our blog can help!

How Much Do You Know?

1.     What kind of water is needed to charge your forklift’s battery?

a.     Distilled water

b.     Clean water with a low level of minerals

c.     Well water

2.     Battery cells should be watered before the battery is charged.

a.     True

b.     False

3.     It is important to make sure that your forklift battery and charger are…     

a.     The same brand

b.     Equipped to handle the same voltage

c.     The same size

4.     Battery acid is only found in a liquid form.

a.     True

b.     False

Get This…

Did you know that proper charging of your battery can expand its lifespan? Overcharging your forklifts battery is similar to overcharging your cell phone. In fact, overcharging of industrial batteries is one of the main factors in a shortened lifespan. Although it may seem like a good idea to charge your forklift’s battery every evening, or when it is convenient, this is not the case. You never want to charge your forklift’s battery if it still has above 30% of its charge. In addition, you should never interrupt the charging cycle of your forklift; allow the battery to charge for a full eight hours. This will help to distribute the battery acid properly.   

Disclaimer!!!! It is incredibly important to make sure that the charging wires and hookups for your forklift are not only compatible, but in good condition. Frayed wires and connectors can create sparks and cause a lot of damage!

 Can You Answer This Question???

Do you have to add water to your forklift battery?

A.    What?

B.    Yes

C.    No

Unless you are using a maintenance-free battery, which requires little to no maintenance, you will have to occasionally add water to your forklift battery. Why even add water, you may ask? Charging your battery causes it to heat up and this causes water to evaporate from the battery. Adding water about every five charges is necessary to keep the battery’s fluid levels in check and working properly. To check the battery’s fluid levels, open the battery and check a couple of the cells. You want the battery’s water level to be just high enough to cover the plastic battery element. While maintaining fluid levels is important make sure not to over saturate your battery. However, the most important element to adding water to your battery is the water itself. It is imperative that distilled or filtered water is added to your battery. Using water that contains a lot of particles can cause your battery irreparable damage.

  

Get The Facts!

Out of all the things in life, who would’ve thought that batteries are temperature sensitive, especially when they are used in such extreme conditions. But they are! Using electric forklifts in various climates is a must, but when storing batteries, it is imperative to make sure that they are stored in a location that does not exceed 113 degrees F. Keeping your battery in a safe cool environment will once again help to prolong its life! 

…So Call

Omega sells and services a wide range of electric forklifts and material handling equipment. If you need any addition information or help do not hesitate to contact us at (513) 842-2012, or omega.rockett@yahoo.com

Multiple Choice Answer: 1/B (used to be A, now things have changed), 2-5/B

Let's Get Rollin'

Tires are a pivotal instrument in keeping our vehicles rolling. This includes our forklifts, but forklift tires are a little different than those of a regular car. Find out what you need to know to make an informed decision on purchasing tires for your forklift by skimming our blog!

  

How Much Do You Know?

1.     There are typically how many ways to fit a forklift for tires?

a.     1

b.     2

c.     3

2.     Different tires support different forklift capacities.

a.     True

b.     False

3.     Which type of forklift tire is best for indoor use?                

a.     Polyurethane

b.     Pneumatic

c.     Solid

4.     What is the best way to store tires?

a.     In a light, warm, clean area.

b.     In a light, cool, clean area.

c.     In a dark, warm, clean area.

d.     In a dark, cool, clean area.

Get This…

Like many other aspects of a forklift, not all tires are created equal. For this reason, it is important to know what kind of tires are best for your forklift and the job you are trying to get done. Below is a list of today’s most common forklift tire types.

·       Cushion Tires: Used in warehouses and on smooth pavement. These tires are a great choice when space is limited because they have a smaller turning radius then pneumatic tires.

·       Solid Tires: Good for indoor and light outdoor use. These tires are not filled with air, making them long lasting.

·       Pneumatic Tires: Made for rugged outdoor work these tires are filled with air and treaded.

·       Polyurethane: Great for indoor use, very low rolling resistance! These tires are typically used on electric trucks since they can support more weight than cushion tires.

·       Specialty Tires:

o   No-mark tires: Typically used in areas where foods are stored because skid marks are often prohibited. These tires come in a white or grey color, and typically have a shorter lifespan than other tires.

o   Foam Fill: These are used in businesses where tire punctures are likely to occur.

Choosing forklift tires can be a mundane task but taking the time to do it right is incredibly important. Things to consider while choosing a tire include: Capacity, hours of use, manufacturer approval, handling, and turning characteristics.   

 

Can You Answer This Question???

When should I replace my forklift’s tires?

A.    When the wear ring is exposed.

B.    When almost all of the tread, especially the outside is gone.

C.    When chords are exposed.

D.    All of the above.

There are many factors that play a part in replacing your forklift’s tires. Choosing D in this case would be the correct answer. Never underestimate the power of communication; asking your operators how the ride is feeling can give you a lot of insight to whether new tires are necessary.

Warning: Never replace one tire without replacing the others! This can cause your forklift to be unbalanced and encourage tipping and skidding.   

  

Get The Facts!

Tires can be purchased either new or used and their prices can vary accordingly.

Cushion: $42 to $150 new; $20 to $75 used

Pneumatic: $99 to $1000 new; $25 to $400 used

Polyurethane: $45 to $140 new; $20 to $75 used

Other factors that influence the price range of tires include things like: warranty, quality of rubber compounds, availability, and quality of construction. 

…So Call

Have additional questions and concerns about tires? Then get in touch with us! You can reach us by calling (513) 842-2012 or e-mailing us at omega.rockett@yahoo.com. 

Forklift Features That Keep Us Safe

Just imagine you’re whipping through the warehouse on your forklift, everything’s going great, and you’re getting things done! Then all of a sudden…eeek, you’re forced to make an emergency stop, and your forklift slowly starts tilting to the side, your mind starts racing…what do you do?! Forklifts are massive pieces of machinery, they generally weigh anywhere between 5,000-9,000 pounds! While knowing how to properly and cautiously drive a forklift can help to prevent accidents forklifts also come equipped with some safety features that can help you along the way!

How Much Do You Know?

1.     Forklifts have the potential to be incredibly dangerous.

a.     True

b.     False

2.     About how many forklift accidents occur each year?            

a.     10,000

b.     50,000

c.     100,000

3.     The ________ is/are an underrated safety feature.

a.     Brakes

b.     Horn

c.     Headlights

4.     Do forklifts come equipped with seat belts?

a.     Yes

b.     No

c.   Sometimes

Get This…

It’s no mystery that forklifts are massive pieces of machinery. Due to their weight and structure forklifts are prone to overturning and tipping over; this is the leading cause of death in involving forklifts. Because of this it is incredibly important to take proper safety precautions. Many forklift operators attempt to jump when their forklift is tipping over. This is never a good idea. More often than not people will get trapped under forklifts when trying to jump. Operators should remain seated in the event of a turnover. Although many operators prefer not to wear a seat belt this is an instance where the use of a seat belt would be beneficial and even lifesaving!

                                                                                                                  

         Can You Answer This Question???

In the event that an item falls on the overhead guard of your forklift you should…

     A.    Jump from the forklift

     B.    Remain seated

     If an overhead load is to fall on your forklift it is always a good idea to remain seated in the forklift (B). Overhead guards are put in place specifically to protect forklift operators from falling objects. However, overhead guards are not necessarily built to withstand the fall of a full capacity load. Because of this they are designed to “crush and deflect,” meaning that if the impact of a load is too heavy the leg of the overhead guard that experiences the biggest impact will crush and deflect the load to the side of the forklift. This is why it is important to remain seated in the event of falling objects.

Get The Facts!

Did you know that an average sized forklift weighs as much as a dump truck?! That’s huge! Can you imagine trying to stop a dump truck? Due to the weight of forklifts and the weight of the materials they carry it takes them longer to stop than a regular vehicle. Trying to stop a forklift in an emergency can be difficult and coming to too quick of a stop can cause forklifts to tip over. This is something that is important for forklift operators and pedestrians to be aware of. One thing that can reduce the likelihood of an operators need to come to an emergency stop is the use of speed limits in warehouses. There are times when emergency stops are inevitable; however, forklifts do come equipped with a wonderful safety feature that is often times underutilized, the horn. Using the horn when you are backing up, entering isle ways, or around pedestrians is a great way to prevent emergency stops as well as accidents!

…So Call

For any questions or concerns regarding your material handling needs give us a call at (513) 842-2012 or e-mail us at omega.rockett@yahoo.com! And don’t forget to keep an eye out for our next blog!