Material Handling News

Cal-Lift Celebrates Forklift Safety Day 2022

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Forklift Safety Day 2022 List of Events

With the past two year’s events being held virtually, it’s exciting to be able to hold Forklift Safety Day 2022 in person, in Washington DC. And while most of us will be unable to attend, below is a list of activities planned to recognize and bring attention to the potential dangers of forklift operation.

Monday, June 13, 2022 (Willard InterContinental Hotel)

  • 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Educational Session (open to all ITA Members & Invited Guests) Buchanan Room
    • OSHA Updates
    • Current Congressional Activity Updates
    • Trade/other
      6:00 PM – 7:00 PM – NFSD Reception (Open to all ITA Members & Guests) The Nest Room

Tuesday, June 14,2022

  • 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM – Breakfast (Peacock Lounge at Willard InterContinental Hotel)
  • 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – NFSD Event/Presentations (National Press Club, Main Ballroom)
  • 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM – Congressional Meetings (Capitol Hil)

CLICK HERE for more information on the event and register at the Industrial Truck Association’s website.

This year’s NFSD Chair is Jonathan Dawley, President & CEO of KION North America.

DC Velocity is the media partner for National Forklift Safety Day 2022. 

What You Can Do to Recognize Forklift Safety Day

Forklift Safety Day is a great opportunity to review your forklift safety program and/or plan. And if you don’t have a program or plan, this would be a great opportunity to create one! 

Start with Training

  • Are all of your forklift operators up-to-date on their training. Remember, forklift operators must receive refresher training every three years, and be evaluated on the equipment that they operate. 
  • How well do you know your operators? Download our Forklift Operator Questionnaire to get to know their experience operating lift equipment.

Inspections and Maintenance

  • We know that pre-shift inspections of all equipment are required by OSHA. But did you know that by taking a few minutes to inspect equipment not only improves safety, it helps you identify small issues before they blossom into giant repair or injury and damage headaches. 
  • Planned Maintenance – This is a great opportunity to review your current PM program. Is it being executed properly according to intervals  you require? Is the Planned Maintenance complete and thorough? A thorough and robust Planned Maintenance program is key to maintaining safety and productivity of your forklifts. Learn more about our Service Department.

For more information on safety, planned maintenance, service or repair of your forklifts, please visit our website at www.cal-lift.com, or give us a call at 800-322-5438.

Forklift Safety is No Accident

We’re here to help you maintain safety in your forklift operations by ensuring all your employees that might operate a forklift, know the limitations and dangers of forklifts AND to ensure they are all operating a peak efficiency and safety. To speak to one of our professional about any aspects of your forklift fleet’s safety or performance, just give us a call at 800-828-2804.

Taylor Announces Relationship with Proterra

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Taylor Announces Electric Vehicle Innovation Powered by the Best-in-Class Battery Technology by Proterra

Louisville, Mississippi – Taylor Machine Works, Inc. has always been at the forefront of innovation and problem solving throughout its 94 years of manufacturing. As a result of the ever-changing manufacturing environment and the influence of electric vehicle technology, Taylor felt an immense responsibility to design and manufacture zero-emission material handling equipment that would integrate seamlessly into the existing customer workflow. In 2019, Taylor first accomplished this by engineering the ZLC Series designed to load and unload shipping containers weighing up to 75,000 pounds in port environments. The battery-electric ZLC Series met the stringent zero-emissions standard without interrupting the demanding processing sequence required by the world’s busiest ports. Utilizing state-of-the-art electric motors and environmentally responsible battery packs, the ZLC Series plug-in battery electric vehicle was equipped with enough energy to smoothly transition from combustion engines to reliable electric power.

Now Taylor is venturing into a new relationship with Proterra Inc, the leading innovator in commercial vehicle electrification technology. Taylor will power the next-generation Taylor ZLC Series electric container handler with 904 kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy and the ZH Series electric forklift with 225 kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy using Proterra’s industry-leading battery technology. These all-electric container handlers and forklifts will support various heavy-duty applications, including container handling in port environments and other heavy-material handling industrial settings such as warehouses, plants, worksites, mine sites, steel yards, lumber yards, and others. Taylor expects to deliver the first Proterra powered Taylor vehicle to customers in 2022. Taylor and Proterra will also be working together to help ports and other customers electrify their heavy-duty, material handling machinery by delivering charging and infrastructure solutions.

Proterra is a leader in the design and manufacturing of zero-emission EV technology solutions for commercial applications. Proterra battery technology leverages industry-leading energy density and a customizable design to fit within various Taylor industrial material handling and container handling products. Taylor believes this new relationship with Proterra will be the most important next step for the Taylor product line.

“We are excited to continue the high standards of manufacturing material handling equipment with the battery-electric Gen 2-ZLC Series container handlers powered by Proterra,” commented Hal Nowell, Director of Sales for Taylor Machine Works, Inc. Matt Hiller, Director of Engineering added, “Electrification of mobile material handling equipment is an exciting and challenging effort but is also developing very quickly. Taylor is readying our customers for the new choices they have in the ways energy is used in their businesses. Taylor has always provided our customers with stable and forward-thinking technology and this continues in the EV space with our strategic Proterra partnership. Proterra offers the experience needed to stay ahead of the curve and add to the solid support which Taylor customers demand.”

Robert Taylor Sr., President and Chief Operating Officer of The Taylor Group of Companies, stated, “This new relationship with Proterra, who like Taylor is an American manufacture, is truly a milestone in Taylor manufacturing history. Our commitment to the electric market for material handling and container handling equipment will be a strategic engineering collaboration between Taylor and Proterra. We believe that Proterra’s vision for EV battery technology and their commitment to zero-emission standards align with the Taylor vision.”

“Electrifying heavy-duty equipment is a win-win for our ports and our communities. It means protecting our health and the air we breathe at the same time we meet the needs of the world’s busiest ports and other industrial settings with new technologies,” said Gareth Joyce, President of Proterra Powered & Energy. “We are excited to partner with a trusted, industry-leader like Taylor and deliver our proven EV technology to power the next generation of material handling machines.”

Our customers can depend on Taylor “Big Red” equipment. Our heavy-duty material handling and container handling equipment is more versatile, more efficient, and more able to tackle the demands of tomorrow. Our past growth is an inspiration for our future, and Taylor will continue to build with our watchwords Faith, Vision, and Work.

As supplier the authorized distributor of Taylor products, OEM parts, service and rentals to northern and southern California, we are proud to represent the Taylor line of products. Their commitment to their customers, employees and country is unparalleled in our industry.

To learn more about our Taylor line-up, please visit https://www.cal-lift.com/taylor.

TaylorTrak Pro; Monitor Your Taylor Equipment from Anywhere

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TaylorTrak Pro®Provides Real Time Information to Help Maintain Healthy Fleets and Reduce Cost.

TaylorTrak Pro® Hardware is integrated into your equipment, interacting with our robust Taylor Integrated Control System (TICS) to ensure your equipment is communicating with you.

TaylorTrak Pro®provides access to machine data through WIFI or cellular network coverage. It enables comprehensive and flexible remote monitoring, asset tracking, maintenance scheduling and much more.

USER-FRIENDLY INTERFACE

TaylorTrak Pro® gives you easy, intuitive access to comprehensive information about your equipment’s performance and condition. Plus, with customizable alerts sent directly to a smart device, you’re always aware when a critical need arises.

  • Accurate, up-to-date information available across multiple platforms (desktop, tablet, smart phone)
  • Instant status updates on individual pieces of equipment
  • Alert notifications sent via SMS text and email to the proper personnel
  • Customizable alert preferences based on the level of information you request
  • Current status of all engine parameters
  • Alert notification of critical engine parameters
  • Current fuel level and total fuel usage graphs/reports

ADVANTAGES OF TAYLORTRAK PRO®

ANALYTICS &
REPORTING

  • Optimize Work Flow
  • Instance Access to Historical Data & Time Based Reporting
  • Compare Overall Fleet Performance
  • Detailed Performance Data Delivered to Your Fleet Manager
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System

SCHEDULED
MAINTENANCE

  • Plan & Track Maintenance. Use recommended Taylor Service Intervals or customize to fit your needs.
  • Receive alerts to notify you of approaching “scheduled” maintenance
  • Track individual machine and fleet maintenance history
  • Easy access to your Local Dealer Service Network

GPS MAPPING &
SITE BOUNDARY MANAGEMENT

  • Real-time GPS equipment location on easy-to-use maps
  • Ability to Geo-fence an area and receive “Breach” alerts
  • GPS “Breadcrumbs” – Historical trails of where a piece of equipment has been over customized time-frames
  • Easily identify asset locations through color coded GPS map pins

Cal-Lift is Northern and Southern California’s source for American Made Taylor Machine Works high-capacity material handling equipment. Visit our Taylor Machine Works page to learn more about the Taylor line-up. We are also your source for OEM Taylor parts, service, planned maintenance and rentals.

Give us a call at 800-322-5438.

CLARK Material Handling Expands Standard Warranty

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LEXINGTON, KY – April 1, 2021 – CLARK Material Handling Company, a top-ten global manufacturer of forklift trucks and spare parts, announces an expansion of the CLARK standard warranty for Carriage to Counterweight and Powertrain coverage for up to three years.  Specifically, beginning April 1, 2021 the CLARK Protection Plan standard warranty now covers:

Full “Carriage to Counterweight” for two years or 4,000 hours, whichever comes first

Powertrain for three years or 6,000 hours, whichever comes first 

This warranty change actively demonstrates the high-quality engineering, manufacturing and componentry that goes into each CLARK product.  This new and expanded “bumper to bumper” standard warranty ensures that when purchasing a CLARK product, it is indeed “Built to Last.”

“CLARK customers have come to expect the highest quality from their CLARK forklift.  This new two-year/4,000-hour warranty is yet another way we’re standing behind the quality of our product and helping customers achieve their business and production goals,” noted Chuck Moratz, Senior Vice President of Engineering.

Intended to provide end-customers peace of mind when purchasing products for their business, the new CLARK Protection Plan two-year/4,000-hour warranty ensures that, on the off-chance, an electrical or mechanical issue arises with their CLARK forklift during that period, CLARK will be there for them.

To complement this expanded standard warranty, CLARK has also released new optional warranties for which information is available through CLARK dealers. 

“In the Material Handling Industry, as with many industries, truck down time is a big issue – especially now with the consumer market as it is,” commented Moratz.  “Our new and expanded warranty lets our customers know they can buy with confidence when they buy a CLARK.  We stand with our customers as we are ‘Built to Last.’”

Visit our CLARK Material Handling Showroom.

Minimizing the Costs of Your Forklift Tires

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Forklift Tires - WegYour forklift tires are the only thing that stands between thousands of pounds of forklift and the Earth beneath. As many can attest, if you ignore the importance of the tires, bad things can happen including more frequent replacement, increased operating costs, accidents and even injuries. Some experts estimate that forklift tires can account for as much as 30% of a forklift’s operating budget.

Following are a few things you can do to ensure that you have optimized the performance of your forklift tires and are getting the best performance and useful life.

Selecting the right tire

We could write an encyclopedia on this topic as there are many factors to consider. Our best suggestion is to meet with a professional who knows forklift tires (like one of our aftermarket customer support representatives).  A trained professional will consider factors like the types of equipment you operate, what type of surface they are operating on and what are the conditions of operation? Do your forklifts operate on a smooth surface in a temperature-controlled environment, or is the surface rough, gravel, blacktop or is the floor subject to debris? Are your forklifts making frequent turns, never getting to full speed, or do your forklifts frequently make long runs which generate much more heat?

After consulting with you and observing your operation, a professional can suggest tires that will last longer, wear better, resist heat, while maximizing operator comfort.

And if you’re purchasing a new forklift, make sure the right forklift tire is part of the quote. Standard issue tires can work for some operations, but be sure you’re getting the right tire for your operation before you put it into service.

Little known fact: If your forklifts frequently carry loads that are half the rated capacity of the forklift, it puts more pressure on your steer tires as the load up front does not balance out the load of the counterweight.

Purchase a Premium Tire

We’re not suggesting you simply purchase the most expensive tire. However, purchasing a tire simply because it’s on sale or is the lowest cost alternative, will often end up costing you more in the long-run. After consulting with a professional, there are usually options based upon your operation and budgetary constraints. Finding the BEST tire for your operation, usage, wear and tear, will pay off in the long run. The quality of tire should likely increase with the weight of the load, length of the run and condition of the surface on which it operates.

Frequent Inspections

Pre-shift inspections are required by OSHA and tire inspections are part of that process.  Look for things like stress cracks, tread wear and chunking. Knowing how to determine wear on your tires depends upon the type of tire and how the manufacturer determines it is time to replace. When you purchase your forklift tires, be sure the representative explains how to inspect them and when it is time for “re-tirement.” And make that inspection part of your forklift operator training. All your operators should know how to inspect all your forklift tires.

Keep it Clean

Keeping the surface a forklift operates on clean will provide additional useful life of your forklift tires. Metal bands, shrapnel, nails, screws and the like are the obvious enemies of a forklift tire and if your operation is manufacturing, you probably have plenty of debris to consider. Often times a floor sweeper (rider or push) will pay for itself over time in reduced damage to your tires.

In addition to the obvious culprits there are other concerns with operating surface. Dirt and debris can build which can reduce traction of the forklift tires creating a dangerous operating environment. A regular review of your floor can also reduce damaging factors. Things like uneven concrete joints, cracks in pavement or concrete surfaces and dock plates that are un-even or damaged can reduce wear and increase damage. Some customers even consider the condition of the tractor trailer floors. Things like nails in the floors or large splinters in trailer floors can wreak havoc on your forklift tires.

Creating a regular process for purchasing and caring for forklift tires can provide many benefits to safety, productivity and your bottom line. To consult with one of our tire professionals, please contact us at 800-322-5438.

CLARK S-Series Nominated for IFOY 2019

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CLARK IFOY 2019Ismaning near Munich, 14.1.2019. The finalists for this year’s IFOY AWARD (International Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year) are nominated. From the pool of applicants for the seventh round of the world-renowned award the jury will send 15 products and solutions from a dozen manufacturers into the race for the best products and solutions of the year.

The competition will soon enter its second round: The finalists have to undergo the IFOY audit at the international IFOY TEST DAYS at the beginning of March at the IFOY partner CeMAT’s exhibition grounds in Hannover (Germany). In the IFOY Test experts measure the key figures of the finalists in a standardized procedure. In the IFOY Innovation Check renowned scientist assess the innovation value of the nominated products and solutions. This is carried out by specialists from the Dortmund Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics (IML), the Chair for Technical Logistics at the University of Dresden, the Chair for Materials Handling, Material Flow and Logistics (fml) at the Technical University of Munich and the Chair for Machine Elements and Technical Logistics at the Helmut Schmidt University in Hamburg.

As a highlight of the IFOY TEST DAYS jurors from all over Europe, Australia, Brazil, Russia and the US will travel to Hannover to inspect and test the nominated equipment. Among other things the innovation value, technology, design, ergonomics and handling, safety, marketability and customer benefit as well as economy and sustainability will be evaluated. The jury consists of 29 renowned journalists from leading logistics media in 19 countries.

“A golden rule of the IFOY test series is: The finalists are not compared with each other in their respective categories but with their rival trucks or machines on the market. Only those nominees who outperform their direct competitors in terms of innovation have a chance of winning the trophy,” explains Anita Würmser, chairwoman of the IFOY jury.

The trophies will be awarded on April 26 2019. As the IFOY organisation already announced in 2018 the IFOY AWARD Night will take place for the first time in the Hofburg in the Austrian Capital Vienna. In cooperation with LOGISTIK.Kurier and the Austrian Chamber of Commerce the award ceremony will take place during the gala of the Austrian HERMES Transport.Logistics.Award. More than 600 international guests are expected in the traditional Great Festival Hall in the Hofburg among them leading persons in transport, logistics and intralogistics. Until then the result will remain a secret – for both the finalists and the public.

n the counterbalanced truck segment the Clark S25 gas driven forklift with a lifting capacity of 2.5 tons has been nominated for the finals. Tthe S-Series offers low total cost of ownership and significantly higher comfort. The three s (smart, strong and safe) are the core characteristics of the completely newly developed model. Learn more about CLARK’s S-Series.

CLARK Expands Lexington KY Facility

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CLARK employeesLexington, KY – March 5, 2019 – CLARK Material Handling Company, one of the most recognized forklift brands in North America, plans to expand facilities at its North American corporate headquarters in Lexington, Kentucky by adding a third facility to the company’s manufacturing operation. In conjunction with this expansion, CLARK will begin re-shoring to Lexington production of its “heart-of-the-line” internal combustion products, the “S-Series.” Volume production of the S-Series is expected this summer.

“This is the third expansion of CLARK’s Lexington campus in four years,” said Scott Johnson, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for CLARK. “We completed a new R & D/Engineering Center in 2017, and in 2016 we expanded our manufacturing footprint to include high volume models previously produced in Mexico. To meet the growing demand for the company’s electric and internal combustion products, CLARK will produce nearly 80% of its products in Lexington.”

At a recent groundbreaking ceremony held in Lexington, Dennis Lawrence, CLARK’s President & CEO commented: “This is an important step to position CLARK for the future. This expansion will enable us to improve our operations, drive out waste and reduce lead times. We are excited to be strengthening our investment in the Lexington area. The dedication and productivity of the local workforce is key to helping expand our production capacity. Our expanded facilities are important elements in our desire to exceed customer expectations and fuel global growth.”

About CLARK Material Handling Company

CLARK Material Handling Company has been an industry leader since its production of the first gasoline powered material handling truck in 1917. CLARK is privately held by the Young An Company. CLARK has over 550 locations worldwide with dealer representation in more than 80 countries. A full range of I.C. and Electric trucks for diverse applications are available in the CLARK product line. CLARK was named a Best Place to Work in Kentucky for 2019.

About Cal-Lift

Cal-Lift is a full-service material handling equipment dealership in Southern California. Lift Truck brands include, BYD Lithium Iron Phosphate battery powered forklifts, CLARK Material Handling forklifts, Combilift multi-directional narrow aisle forklifts, Lift Master narrow aisle articulating forklifts and Taylor Big Red, heavy-duty forklifts and container handlers. We also specialize in service and parts for all makes and models of forklifts. In addition, we are the local distributor and servicing company for Kalmar Ottawa yard tractors and spotters. Learn more about Cal-Lift at our website.

 

CLARK Force-Cooled Wet Disc Brakes

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The CLARK S-SERIES lift truck features Force-Cooled Wet Disc Brakes as standard equipment. The S-SERIES lift truck was designed with Force-Cooled Wet Disc Brakes to help the overall strength of the lift truck as well as to lower operator fatigue.

Learn more about the CLARK S-Series forklift at our website

Scott Johnson Elected Chair of ITA

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Scott JohnsonCLARK Material Handling Company (CLARK) is pleased to announce that Scott Johnson, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, has been elected the new Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Industrial Truck Association (ITA). Scott accepted the gavel from outgoing Chairman Brett Wood of Toyota at ITA’s 34th Annual Meeting held at Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, September 13-16, 2017.

“CLARK was instrumental in the formation of the Industrial Truck Association
over 65 years ago,” commented Scott upon accepting this prestigious position.
“For all these years, ITA has been the leading organization in the industrial truck
industry in North America, and has led the way for the formation of sister
organizations in other parts of the world. I am humbled and extremely proud to
support and now lead this organization which has served the forklift industry and
its members so well for so long.”

Scott previously served on ITA’s Statistics Committee and has represented
CLARK on ITA’s Executive Committee for several years. Scott has worked in the
material handling industry for over 20 years. He is also an active member of the
Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA). Scott is an avid
outdoorsman, and a proud alumnus of the University of Kentucky.