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3 Essential Need-to-Knows for 1st Time Forklift Buyers

Your product is moving so fast that you can’t keep up. You’ve noticed that what was once a small outbuilding of 8 to 10 pallets has grown in a full-blown warehouse. Solution? You need a forklift, but where do you start?

Before you decide to go out and look for a lift, make sure that you consider 3 things: your facility, your product, and your environment.

YOUR FACILITY. If a buyer doesn’t take the time to know the measurements of their facility, they might find that their new truck isn’t the right fit. Make sure you have measurements for the following:

Door height and width. Often, we are too busy thinking about how to operate the lift within the confines of the building and not thinking about getting the lift in and out of it. Knowing the width and height of your doors will ensure that when your truck arrives, it can go where it needs to. This includes knowing the standard size of freight trucks you might be loading.
Rack height. This one can be a little tricky. If you’ve put in new racking and you know that new racking stands 188” at the top shelf, you might be tempted to buy a lift that has a 188” fully-raised mast. Remember, your product is sitting on top of that 188 inches, so you want a lift that can go beyond your tallest racking.
Aisle width. Knowing your aisle width will help you determine what kind of truck you need. If you have 12-foot aisles, you may get the most use out of a 4-wheel, sit-down forklift. But, if your aisles are narrower than 12 feet, you might consider another option such as a reach truck or order picker.

YOUR MATERIAL. The second need-to-know when deciding what kind of lift to purchase is your needs when it comes to the heavy lifting. Asking yourself the following questions can help you determine the specs of the lift you need.

What is the heaviest load you have in your warehouse? Knowing how much your product weighs helps you determine what capacity your truck needs to be able to handle.
What are the dimensions of the material you’ll be handling? When you know the dimensions (width, length, height) of your product, you can choose a lift that will securely handle any product in your warehouse.
How often will you be using the truck? Will you be running this equipment for full shifts? Or, do you only intend to use it a few hours a day or once or twice a week? This question helps you determine which option is most cost effective in the long run.

YOUR ENVIRONMENT. Lastly, you need to consider where you and your equipment will be working. Are you going to be inside all of the time? Primarily outside? Is your workload split between the two? The environment you will be running your equipment in is a large factor in deciding what fuel and tire you want your lift to use.

Indoor. When running equipment indoors, LP (liquid propane) and electric trucks are most common. Electric trucks are emission-free and can handle tighter spaces than most LP trucks. Beyond fuel type, tires are an important consideration. For indoor use, consider cushion tires. They work best on smooth surfaces and help with handling in smaller spaces because of their smaller turn radius.
Outdoor. If you are going to run your lift outside, you will more likely want a truck that runs on LP, compressed natural gas, or diesel. Again, tire consideration is a big factor here. Pneumatic tires are recommended for outdoor use. They are more versatile than cushion tires because they grip uneven surfaces and aren’t hindered in most weather conditions.
50/50 Split. In an indoor/outdoor warehouse, choose the more versatile tire. Pneumatics are always preferred if you know you will be running in and out. The bigger consideration in this case is your fuel type. Liquid propane is preferred, as diesel equipment should never be run indoors for an extended period of time.

**A NOTE ON TIRES: When purchasing a lift, remember that cushion tires can’t be replaced with pneumatic tires later. Tires are specific to the truck.

Purchasing the best lift for your facility can be complicated. There are different factors that come into play for every owner. This article is just to get you started. You’re sure to have more questions.

Our experienced sales team at Greyson Equipment can help you through every step of your truck search and purchase. Just contact us here to get started.

Forklift Model and Serial Numbers Debunked: Yale

This miniseries of model and serial number debunking comes to an end with the model numbers for Yale. When it comes to a Yale, the model and serial numbers tell you everything you need to know about the truck. It’s also handy to know that if you can’t find the serial number on the forklift’s data plate, you can find it stamped on the right side of the frame of the truck. Today we have two examples of Yale model numbers—gas and electric. Let’s start with the gas model number:

Yale Gas Model Number Example: GLC035BCNNAS083
GL→ Engine Type

G – Gasoline
GL – LP Gas
GT – Dual Fuel
GD – Diesel

C→ Tire Type

C – Cushion
P – Pneumatic

035→ Rated Capacity

020 – 2000lbs
025 – 2500lbs
030 – 3000lbs
035 – 3500lbs
040 – 4000lbs

B→ Special designation

C→ Design Series – A, B, C, etc.

N→ Manufacturing Source

N – North America
J – Japan

N→ Engine Model

N – Continental F-163
U – Mazda UA, FE, F2, VA, D5, XA, ZB, TM
E – Mazda F2
G – GM V6 4.3 Liter
S – Chrysler H239, H225
P – Perkins 4.203
F – Ford 192

A→ Transmission

A – Automatic
M – Manual
B – Automatic 2-speed

S→ Mast Type

S – Simplex
D – Duplex
T – Triplex

083→ Retracted of Collapsed Mast height in inches

Now, the gas model number looks similar for a Yale electric unit, but there are some differences. Let’s take a look:

Yale Electric Model Number Example: ERC030ABN36SV083
E→ Power/Model

E – Electric
M – Motorized hand
N – Narrow aisle
OS – Order Selector

R→ Type of Vehicle

C – Counterbalanced (Motorized hand)
DR – Double reach (Narrow Aisle)
E – Extend (Narrow Aisle)
L – Platform (Motorized hand)
P – Pallet (Motorized Hand)
R – Reach (Narrow Aisle)
R – Sit-down rider (electric)
S – Stand up end control rider (Electric)
S – Stacker (Motorized hand and narrow aisle)
S – Straddle (Narrow aisle)

C→ Tire type / Operator Position / Battery Power

C – 2000lbs - E – End control - No letter – Industrial Battery
P – 2500lbs - C – Center control - B – Power pack w/ charger
W – Walk control

030→ Rated Capacity

020 – 2000lbs
025 – 2500lbs
030 – 3000lbs
035 – 3500lbs
040 – 4000lbs

A→ Special designation

S – Small
M – Medium
L – Large

B→ Design Series – A, B, C, etc.

N→ Manufacturing Source

N – North America
J – Japan

36→ Voltage – 36-48, 12, 24

S→ Control

S – SCR
T – Transistor
C – Contactor

V→ Mast Type / Platform height from floor (inches)

V or S – Simplex
F or D – Duplex
E or T – Triplex
Q – Quadplex

083→ Retracted of Collapsed Mast height in inches

Now that we’ve looked at the major model and serial numbers out there, maybe you’re feeling more prepared to pick up another forklift for your fleet. Let the Greyson Sales Team answer any lingering questions and help you get set up with the perfect forklift.

Forklift Model and Serial Numbers Debunked: Toyota

As we continue in our series on model and serial numbers, it’s time to take a look at Toyota. Toyota is another maker that keeps their model and serial numbers simple by combining them. In a Toyota model number, the last hyphenated digits (in the example below 10447) are the serial number, which determines the truck’s production date. Here’s what else the Toyota model number can tell you:

Toyota Model Number Example: 42-6FGCU20-10447
4→ Engine Type

2→ Transmission

0 – Manual
1 – Manual and dual front tires
2 – Powershift
3 – Powershift and dual front tires
4 – Manual with torque converter

6→ Model Changes

2 – Second design gen.
3 – Third design gen.
4 – Fourth design gen.
5 – Fifth design gen.
6 – Sixth design gen.
7 – Seventh design gen.
8 – Eighth design gen.

F→ Vehicle Type

F – forklift
S – Shovel Loader
T – Towing Tractor

G→ Power Type

B – Battery and electric motor
D – Diesel
G – Gasoline/LP

C→ Tire Type/special construciton

No letter – Pneumatic
A – High capacity, other
C – Cushion
E – Three Wheel, Heavy Duty, Sit-down type

U→ Manufacturing company

No Letter – Japan
U – United States

20→ Load Capacity

10 – 1000K/2200lbs
15 – 1500K/3300lbs
20 – 2000K/4400lbs
23 – 2300K/5000lbs
25 – 2500K/5500lbs

10447→ Serial Number

Looking for a used Toyota forklift? Have a few more questions? Feel free to let the Greyson Sales Team help you answer them.

Forklift Model and Serial Numbers Debunked: Komatsu

In our last blog, we finished up Crown unit information by explaining the Crown truck data number. Next up, we are taking a look at Komatsu. When it comes to the serial number, Komatsu keeps it simple. The serial number is made up of a series of numbers that ends with a letter. This letter tells the operator the country code: A for Standard Export, J for Japanese specifications, and C for USA specifications.

Beyond the serial number, the operators find the information they need in the Komatsu model number:

Gas Model Coding System Example: FG25ST11
F→ Forklift

G→ Power Type

G – Gasoline
D – Diesel
B – Battery

25→ Capacity (Metric Tons/Pounds)

0.7 – 0.7/1200lbs
0.9 – 0.9/15500lbs
10 – 10/2000lbs
15 – 15/3000lbs
18 – 18/3500lbs
20 – 20/4000lbs
25 – 25/5000lbs
30 – 30/6000lbs
33 – 33/7000lbs
35 – 35/8000lbs
40 – 40/9000lbs
45 – 45/10,000lbs
50 – 50/11,000lbs

ST→ Truck Specification

C – Clutch Transmission
D – Heavy duty
E – Economy
G – Large Battery Compartment
G – Hercules G1600
H – Hi-Performance or Pneumatic Tire
K – Low Noise
L – Light duty
M – Three-Wheel unit
N – Compact (Japan Only)
S – Solid Tire (Cushion)
T – Torque Flow Transmission
U – USA Special
V – Swirl Chamber Head
W – Wide Tread
Z – Compact

11→ Type/Series

Komatsu keeps their numbers simple. Next week’s manufacturer, Toyota, like to keep their model numbers short and sweet, too. Got some not-so-simple questions about forklifts? Feel free to let the Greyson Sales Team help you answer them.

Forklift Model and Serial Numbers Debunked: Crown Truck Data Numbers

Today, we continue with our series on forklift model numbers by taking a look at Crown reach trucks as an example of the Crown line’s Truck Data Number. At first glance, the data number looks like a jumbled mess of numbers and letters. However, once you understand what those hieroglyphics mean, the truck data number can tell you the exact specifications of that unit. Let’s take a look.

Truck Data Number Example: -TT270C36-2PSF-BS-Q-
- → Type

- – Standard
S – Special
C – Custom

TT→ Mast Type

TT – Telescopic Triple Stage
** – Special

270→ Lift Height

198 in.
210 in.
240 in.
270 in.
300 in.
321 in.
341 in.
366 in.
400 in.
SPC – Special

C→ Battery Compartment

A – 12.19 in.
B – 14.25 in.
C – 16.25 in.
D – 18.00 in.
E – 20.75 in.
* – Special

36→ Inside Straddle Dimensions – 34-61 inches

** – Special

- → Freezer Condition Option

- – Standard
F – Freezer
C – Corrosion

2→ Load Wheel Size

1 – 4”x2.88”
2 – 4”x4.12”
3 – 5”x2.88”
4 – 5”x4.19”
5 – 10.5”x4”
6 – 10.5”x4.5”
7 – 6”x2.88”
8 –6”x4.12”

P→ Drive Tire

P – Poly
S – Special

S→ Sidesift

- – no sideshift
S – Sideshift

F→ Steering

F – Forward
R – Reverse

- → Travel Alarm/Light Package

- – Standard
1 – Strobe light
2 – Travel Alarm
3 – Work lights
4 – Strobe light & Travel Alarm
5 – Work lights & Strobe light
6 – All
7 – Travel & Work lights

B→ Outriggers

- – Standard
B – Bolt on
T – Taper
O – Bolt on taper

S→ Display

S – Standard
E – Enhanced
C – Enhanced with CDM

- → Productivity Package

- – No productivity package
P – Productivity package

Q→ Lift Pump

Q – Standard
S – High Speed

- → Brush Wear/Over Temperature Indicator

- – Without indicator
B – With indicator

The Crown Truck Data Number can seem a little daunting, but it is arguably the most detailed number you can find on any piece of equipment. Understanding how to read this number ensures that the operator knows exactly the bells, whistles, and abilities of the lift. This makes it easier to order parts when needed. Next week, we continue this series by looking at Komatsu. In the meantime, if you are looking for a forklift or just have some questions, contact the Greyson Sales Team.

Source: Competitive Model Identification Guide PDF

Forklift Model and Serial Numbers Debunked: Crown Model Numbers

Today, we continue with our series on forklift model numbers by taking a look at Crown reach trucks as an example of the Crown line’s model number.

Model Number Example: RR5010-35
RR→Image Generator

RR – Rider Reach
RD –Rider Double Reach

5→Series – Crown continually improves upon their models and these changes

0→Series Update – Shows changes that are made to the current unit series without developing a whole new unit

10→Relative size or performance

10 – 24V, Mast height up to 270 inches
20 – 36V, Mast height up to 400 inches
60 – 36V, Mast height up to 400 inches, upper footrest area
80 – 36V, Mast height up to 400 inches, upper footrest area, adjustable seat

35→Rated Capacity

35 – 3000lbs
40 – 3500lbs
45 – 4000lbs

While the Crown model number example is pretty cut and dry, our next article will discuss the Truck Data Number Crown uses to tell their equipment operators everything they need to know. In the meantime, if you are looking for a forklift or just have some questions regarding forklifts, contact the Greyson Sales Team.

Forklift Model and Serial Numbers Debunked: Clark Part 2

In our last article, we discussed Clark model and serial numbers and what all of those numbers and letters stand for from years 1969 to 1994. Today, we will continue with Clark model and serial numbers ranging from 1995 to present. Unlike the previous sets of numbers, these become more simplified as time goes on.

Model Number Example for Genesis Series 1995-Present: CGP25

C→C – Clark
E – Electric
T –Three-wheel
G→ Tire Type

G – Genesis
M – Multi-tire
S – Multi-tire
P→ Design
C – Cushion
G – Genesis
M – Multi-tire
P – Pneumatic
X – Multi-tire

25→Rated Capacity

Serial Number: P365L-10-9395

P→ Tire Type
ECG, TMG, ECX, TMX – Repeats from model
365→ Series – 232, 248, 250, 358, 360, 365, 460, 470
L→ Fuel Type
10→ Sequence Number
9395→ Lot Number

**For Clark models in this era, the model identification is a bit different. Each model comes with its own letter code:

CGC – Cushion Series Cushion IC
CGP – Genesis Series Pneumatic IC
ESM2 – Stand-Up Counterbalanced Electric
TMG – Genesis Series Three Wheel Electric
ECG – Genesis Four Wheel Sit-down Electric
TMX – Current Three Wheel Sit-down Electric
ECX – Current Four Wheel Electric Sit-down

Model Number Example for M Series 1995-Present: CMP15

CM→Clark “M” Series
P→ Tire Type

P – Pneumatic
C – Cushion
S – Multi-tire

15→Rated Capacity

Serial Number: CMP158G-101-6851

CM→Clark “M” Series
P→ Tire Type

P – Pneumatic
C – Cushion
S – Multi-tire

158→ Series – 158, 230, 450, 570
G→ Fuel Type
101→ Sequence Number
6851→ Lot Number

With these two model-serial number sets, we round out Clark in this mini-series. In our next blog, we will cover Crown numbers series. In the meantime, if you are looking for a forklift or just have some questions regarding forklifts, contact the Greyson Sales Team.

Forklift Model and Serial Numbers Debunked: Clark Part 1

Anyone who has been part of the forklift world for a while will tell you that it’s a numbers game. Specifically, a model and serial numbers game. These two numbers can tell you almost anything about your lift. However, model and serial numbers and their jumbled-together numbers aren’t universal for every forklift. Even though they look similar (or like they have no meaning at all), most manufacturers create model and serial numbers that give the forklift operator specific information about that unit. Since the wholesale business sees forklifts from almost any dealer, we have put together a series of blog that will help you break down the model and serial numbers of various forklift companies you are more than likely to come across. Let’s start with Clark.

Over the years, Clark has changed their model and serial numbers as their fleets grew. So, we will start with earlier models and focus on model years 1969 through 1994.

Model Number Example for 1969-1984: C500HY50

C500→Model Family
HY→Special Designation: Electric (E), Friction Clutch (F), Hydracool Clutch (H), Short Wheel Base (S), Pneumatic Version (Y)
50→Rated Capacity

20 – 2000lbs
25 – 2500lbs
30 – 3000lbs
35 – 3500lbs
40 – 4000lbs

Serial Number: HY3551052507

HY→ Special Designation: Electric (E), Friction Clutch (F), Hydracool Clutch (H), Short Wheel Base (S), Pneumatic Version (Y)
355→ Series – 235, 355, 685, 912, 915, 1015
105→ Sequence Number
2507→ Lot Number
Model Number Example for 1985-1994: GPS30MB
G→ Fuel Type
P→ Tire Type
S→ Design (Can be S or X)
30→ Rated Capacity
MB→Suffix Repeated in Serial Number
Serial Number: GP138MB1057168
G→ Fuel Type
P→ Tire Type

P – Pneumatic
C – Cushion
X – Second Design

138→ Series – 235, 355, 685, 912, 915, 1015
M→ Engine Type:

C – Continental
E – Enhanced
I – Overhead Valve Continental Engine
M – Mitsubishi Engine
W – Waukesha Engine

B→ “B” or “C”
105→ Sequence Number
7168→ Lot Number

These two sets are just the beginning of Clark's changes in model and serial numbers. In our next blog, we will finish the Clark section of this numbers series before moving on to other companies and what interesting tidbits their digits tell an operator about their machines. In the meantime, if you are looking for a forklift or just have some questions regarding forklifts, contact the Greyson Sales Team.

Knowing Your Carriage Class

A forklift carriage is the part of the forklift that is installed on your mast to support the load backrest, forks, and other attachments. Knowing your carriage class is important when it comes to knowing what your lift is capable of. The carriage classes are rated 1-5 and depend on the space from the top of the upper bar to the bottom of the lower bar. Knowing these measurements will help you find attachments that fit your piece of machinery. Along with this info, you can also determine the capacity of your lift from the carriage class—to a certain degree. Take a look at the chart below to compare carriage sizes:

Carriage Class:	Height	Weight
Class 1	13”	>2,500lbs
Class 2	16”	2,500-5,500lbs
Class 3	20”	5,500-10,500lbs
Class 4	25”	10,500-15,000lbs
Class 5	28.66”	15,000-24,000lbs

**While the carriage capacity can give you some idea of your machine’s lifting capability, it is only one piece of the puzzle. When determining how the carriage and your chosen attachments affect the load capacity of your forklift, it is always best to rely on the information provided on your data plate.

This chart is just the beginning of finding a piece of equipment and attachments to fit your needs. To make sure you are operating at full capacity, contact the Greyson Sales Team today.

Solid Vs. Air-Filled Pneumatic Tires

When it comes to deciding which kind of forklift you need in your facility, one of the biggest considerations is the type of tire you're going to need. While the common question is cushion or pneumatic, did you know that there is more than one kind of pneumatic tire?

Solid Pneumatics are made completely out of rubber and wear down over time. They are used in applications where the environment is rougher on the tire and the machine. These tires are more durable and hold up better against punctures, etc. They also wear slowly, so you can run your forklift for a long time before needing to replace them.

Air-Filled Pneumatics are a lot like a car or truck tire. They are treaded and thicker than a smooth cushion tire and are made to be more versatile like a solid pneumatic. However, because they aren’t solid, they are more likely to be punctured. On the other hand, they tend to do better on softer ground than a solid pneumatic because they have more give.

The benefits of pneumatic tires are rideability and durability. Pneumatic tires absorb more impact than cushion tires (smooth indoor forklift tires) and make the ride more comfortable. They also last longer. If you are running your forklift anywhere that has uneven terrain or sharp debris, a pneumatic tire will hold up better against these challenges than a cushion tire, which will tear or chunk easier.

If you are considering the tire type before you purchase a forklift, ask yourself these questions:

Will this lift be used in a mostly indoor, outdoor, or dual application?
What kind of terrain will you being driving over? Smooth, rough, soft, or a variety?

If you’ve answered these two questions and find yourself doing a lot of outside work in a rough or varying environment, then you will most likely be looking for a pneumatic forklift. Our sales team a Greyson Equipment can help you get the right piece of equipment for your operation. Just contact us here to get started.

11 OSHA Designations for Forklifts

It’s no secret that OSHA has certain inspection requirements when it comes to material handling equipment and the environment that equipment will be operating in. And while you may be running the properly rated model for your facility, do you know what that OSHA rating means?

OSHA has 11 different designations for forklifts that let operators know what precautions have been taken against fire hazards when constructing that piece of equipment:

Gasoline

G- Gas units with the minimum safeguards against fire hazards.
GS- additional safety measures to exhaust, fuel, and electrical systems.

Diesel

D- The standard rating for a diesel unit and has no extra safeguards to the exhaust
DS- additional safety measures to exhaust, fuel, and electrical systems
DY- additional safety measures AND lack any electrical equipment

Liquid Propane Gas

LP- Liquified petroleum gas units with the minimum safeguards against fire hazards.
LPS- additional safety measures to exhaust, fuel, and electrical systems. They are designed to work where an LP unit is not suitable.

Electric

E- Electrical units with minimum safety guard against fire hazards
ES- has additional safeguards for the electrical system that prevent emission of dangerous sparks and limit surface temperatures
EE- electric motors and all other electrical equipment is completely enclosed on the unit.
EX- electrical fittings and equipment are designed to be used in an environment with flammable vapors and dusts.

A Note on forklift modifications: When making modifications to a forklift or other piece of equipment, make sure that the change won’t void the rating. Certain additions could negate the safety measures taken to make that unit spark or fireproof. Always make sure that you know what can be added to your equipment that won’t affect its capability to operate in your facility.

Buy, Rent, or Lease a Forklift: 3 Benefits to Each Option

Adding material handling equipment to your operation, whether you need it for full shifts or one shipment a month, is a big undertaking. Aside from the type, size, and specifications to consider, you need to think about the most cost-effective way to acquire equipment. Below are 3 of the top reasons for buying, renting, or leasing your forklifts.

Why buy?

1. You can customize the lift to your needs. Every location is different. Maybe a standard 3-stage, 4-wheel sit-down unit just isn’t quite right. When you purchase a new unit, you can build the truck to your specific needs.

2. Unlike renting or leasing, you get more out of your lift at the end. You own that piece of equipment, and you can do what you want with it.

3. There is no liability. At the end of a lease/rental, vehicles are expected to come back to the dealer under a certain number of hours and without any significant damage. If you violate these terms, you could end up paying more out of pocket at the end.

Why Rent?

1. Most rentals are short-term commitments. Aside from not being tied into a long-term deal, there is the opportunity to find the perfect piece of equipment for your facility because you can choose different machines to run for short periods of time.

2. If you choose to rent, odds are that the company renting to you will have a fleet of equipment ready to go. Unlike the lead times for buying a new piece of equipment (can be up to 3 months or more), you’ll have the equipment you need in a matter of weeks.

3. Renting equipment can be a more money-friendly option for seasonal operations. There are times when more equipment is needed than others. Renting the amount of trucks you need seasonally helps you keep unnecessary equipment costs down.

Why Lease?

1. The monthly cost of a forklift is less when you lease it through a company. This way, you have a bit more cash in your pocket at the end of every month.

2. Chances are, when you lease equipment, you’re getting newer, more updated models. Leasing lets you rotate different types of forklifts. You get to utilize the latest features and see how they optimize your workflow.

3. You have a pre-determined replacement cycle when you lease, so you know when your lifts will be replaced, and you have the option to make changes to your fleet once your cycle is up.

Every operation's needs are different. Hopefully, we’ve given you some points to get you started, but these are just a few of the considerations you’ll take into account when deciding to buy, rent, or lese material handling equipment.

Why the Next Truck in Your Fleet Should be a Reach Truck

While a traditional “sit-down” forklift is an essential part of your material handling arsenal, in tight spaces it can feel more like you’re trying to fit a tank into a single-car garage. As business builds and inventory numbers grow, aisle-width tends to shrink. So, what happens when your trusty sit-down unit can’t squeeze down them anymore? It’s time to consider adding a reach truck to your fleet. Here’s why.

Breaking down the Reach Truck (or narrow aisle forklift):

Electric units that run on 24, 36, or 48 Volt batteries
Capacity range: 3000-5500lbs
Narrow aisle reach trucks are stand-up rider units with easy maneuverability that are capable of tight turns in narrow spaces. The forks on a reach truck raise and lower but also extend outward away from the mast. There are single and double reach units. To counterbalance the load on extended forks, reach trucks are equipped with two “feet” that extend out in front of the unit. This makes the base of the unit wider so that it doesn’t tip forward when picking up product at full extension.
There are two different types of reach trucks: directional and multi-directional. The difference between the two is the way that they move through the warehouse. Unlike a “traditional” directional reach truck that turns around corners and into bays, multidirectional units eliminate the need to turn. Instead, the operator can, essentially, move the truck sideways to line product up in the proper place for storage.

Why a reach truck over the sit-down forklift?

The biggest advantage of a reach truck is its ability to navigate narrow aisles and tiers. Because these units have a small turn radius and frame, they make it possible for warehouse owners to condense aisle space and make room for more racking and product. Even a tiny bit more space for a tiny bit more product means more profit.
Narrow aisle forklifts also help to reduce accidents and risks because of their size and easy maneuverability. Unlike sit-down units that have to turn as the forks go into pallets—creating risk for product and racking damage, as well as “product push-through” (pushing pallets and causing them to fall from the opposite side of the rack)—operators have the ability to maneuver the truck so that the forks are aligned with the pallet and then extend the forks into the pallet precisely.
Overall, reach trucks are more cost effective than a larger, sit-down forklift. The cost upfront is cheaper, but the money-saving doesn’t stop there. Narrow aisle units require less maintenance because they are run in a specialized application and experience less wear and tear than other units that are used in multiple environments and situations. They don’t need as many fluids because they operate in a simpler way, which saves on more maintenance costs.

Looking to squeeze the most out of your floor space? Thinking about how much extra product you could fit by shrink those aisles a few inches? Just contact our Greyson Sales Team here and let us help you with your reach truck needs.

Stock Order Pickers: The Run Down

Part of being a productive warehouse is making sure that you make the most out of your space and you are working in that space as efficiently as possible. If your operation is one that fills a lot of individual customer orders that contain multiple products, it is almost essential that you have a stock order picker. Here are some reasons why:

What is it? An order picker is a piece of equipment that is used in warehouse operations that specialize in filling individual customer orders. They are electric, narrow-aisle trucks that allow operators to go down closely placed together aisles and “pick” order items for their customers. Aside from fitting down narrow aisles, they also raise the operator up and down, allowing product to be placed in racking that is above reaching height.

Below are the most common specs for stock order pickers:

Up to 3000lb capacity
24/36V/48V Electric
Single operator stand-up truck

There are three common order picker levels—Low-level, Mid-level, and High-level.

Low-level order pickers are single rider units that allow the operator to pick product for orders up to fifteen feet off the warehouse floor. Low level order pickers have a lower capacity rating of 500 to 2,200 pounds. (Example here)

Medium-level order pickers have a general capacity of up to 3,000lbs and raise to 30 feet. (Example here)

High-level order pickers are also single rider units but have a higher capacity and raised height. High-level stock pickers can reach over 35 feet and up to 3,000lbs-3,500lbs. (Example here)

Here are the main benefits that come from investing in an order picker:

Because of their size and build, order pickers are space savers:
Order pickers are also time savers:

Ready to put that stock picker order in? Have a few more questions? Just contact our Greyson Sales Team here.

The Fork Positioner: Saving Time and Damage

There are a lot of bells and whistles that you can hang on your forklift to help you increase productivity. Previously, we discussed the side-shifter and its benefits. Today, we are going to spotlight the side-shifter’s tag-team partner—the fork positioner.

What is a fork positioner? A fork positioner is an attachment that allows an operator to move the forks on a forklift in or out automatically. They have hydraulic cylinders that attach to the tynes making it possible to move the forks by use of a lever. Some move one fork at a time, while others move both forks simultaneously.

Why bother with a fork positioner?

Like having a side-shifter, the addition of a fork positioner increases productivity by decreasing the amount of labor time it takes to move product. By allowing a driver to reposition just forks from where he or she is seated—and not have to readjust the entire forklift or drop the forks to move them manually—the job gets done faster.
Because the operator can be more precise with fork and product placement, there is less damage in the long run. Not to mention that more accurate fork placement means less machine damage as well since there is less of a chance of running forks into a sturdy beam, pallet, or product.

Which fork positioner? Fork positioners come in a multitude of options. The type and specifications that you need are dependent on the application you will be using it in. For instance, will you be handling product that is carried in the center? If so, you should consider a positioner that allows the forks to come together completely. Most positioners will leave a small gap between the forks. Visa-versa, if you are handling a particularly wide product, there are wide opening options.

Aside from opening and positioning, there are a myriad of choices when it comes to fork types: hook-on, bolt-on, weighing forks (iForks) or telescopic forks are all compatible with fork positioners. With so many different specifications possible, a fork positioner can do more than just prevent pallet damage. It’s a surefire way to increase productivity.

Still not quite sure a fork positioner is worth the cost? Just contact our Greyson Sales Team here with any lingering questions.

Blue Lights are the New Safety Special

Safety is always a major concern when operating material handling equipment. New safety innovations are a constant in the evolution of the forklift. Today, we are going to put the spotlight on one of the newest safety features and why blue light packages are becoming commonplace in the warehouse.

Blue LED lights mounted on the front and back of your forklift are a simple but highly effective way to:

Let operators know when there is another forklift is coming around corners or operating in adjacent aisles.
Inform pedestrians of oncoming forklifts and other material equipment.
Add one more level of indication for operators and those who work around material handling equipment by casting light up to 20 feet in front of or behind the machine.

Other features that make blue lights worth the investment:

Relatively easy installation.
A rated life of up to 50,000 hours.
Most (the most reputable) come with a lifetime warranty.
They are weatherproof and temperature proof from -22 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit.

While backup alarms, strobe lights, and horns are all tried-and-true safety measures, the addition of blue lights is just one more way to make sure your employees stay safe while working around or operating equipment. Ease of installation makes it a feature that can be added to any forklift, new or used.

Knowing Your Way Around Your Lift: Common Forklift Parts and Terms

Forklifts have a lot of moving parts. So, when one of those parts stops moving and you need to call in the tech, it’s good to know the basic parts of your forklift. To help you maneuver through the forklift lingo, here’s a list of the most common forklift parts. We’ll start with the front:

Forks: Sometimes referred to as “Tynes,” forks are attached to the front of the lift via the carriage and are used to carry loads. They come in varying lengths and widths according to need and can be adjusted on the carriage from left to right by sliding them.

Carriage: The carriage is the support structure that sits in front of the mast and is where your forks are mounted.

Load Backrest: The load backrest is the “gate”-like frame around your carriage that product rests against for a more secure carry.

Mast: The mast ispart of the forklift that raises and lowers the load. Masts come in different types and have different specs according to the model of your lift.

Tilt Cylinder: The tilt cylinder controls the amount that the mast can tilt forward and back.

Hydraulic Lift Cylinder: The hydraulic lift cylinder controls the amount of vertical lift (how much the mast raises or lowers the carriage) of the mast.

Cab: The cab is the main body of the forklift where the operator sits. It contains the steering wheel, brakes, controls, gauges, and pedals.

Overhead Guard: The overhead guard is the frame around the cab of the forklift. It protects the operator from falling product and debris.

Tires: Though this seems like an obvious definition, there are actually two different types of tires on a forklift. The steer tires are located in the back and control the direction of the lift. The drive tires are in the front of the truck and are fixed. They do not turn.

Power Supply: Forklifts come with (generally) four power supply options: LP (liquid propane), gas, diesel, and electric (battery). The location of the power supply depends on which type of power you have. For instance, batteries are under the seat of your forklift, while the tank of a diesel forklift is mounted in the back.

Counterweight: The counterweight is mounted on the back of the forklift and is used for exactly what its name implies—it balances the forklift by adding weight to the rear of the truck so that when a load is being carried or raised, the forklift will not tip forward.

Got a lift with a lot of non-moving parts? It might be time to move on to a newer machine. The Greyson Sales Team can help you get back up and running with a quality piece of manufacturing equipment. Just contact us here.

Forklift History at a Glance

It’s not a secret that forklifts are the heavy-lifting backbones of any manufacturing facility. We rely on an estimated 855,900 forklifts (OSHA) in the U.S. to get the daily job done. But, for a piece of equipment that we work with every day, how much do we really know about the forklift and how it came to be the workhorse it is?

1917: Clark Material Handling in Kentucky was the first to create the sit-down, counter-balanced truck. They coined it the “Tructractor.” It had 3 wheels, a gas engine, reversed steering, and no brakes. It also lacked forks and was used to haul heavy loads. Initially, it was only for use in their own manufacturing but visitors—especially the military—recognized the practicality of the tructractor and began to ask for their own (Clark).

1920: Yale and Towne joins Clark in the industry with their introduction of the first battery powered low-lift platform truck (Yale).

1921: Clark unveils the first forklift—the “Truclift”—to use hydraulics to hoist material.

1923: Yale releases the first forklift featuring tilted forks.