While the forklifts of today are built for efficiency and durability, moving materials hasn’t always been so easy. In this blog, we’ll explore the history of the lift truck design and how it’s changed over the decades to accommodate the evolving needs of worksite operations.  1887: The Platform Lift   During the Industrial Revolution, labor shifted from manual to machine powered and brought significant changes to the manufacturing, transportation and logistics industries. As the economy grew and processes became more mechanized, there was an increasing need for more efficient materi ..read more

How much do you know about lift trucks? Test your trivia with this quiz to find out!   1. Who is credited with inventing the first lift truck?  a) Henry Ford b) William S. Paley c) Eugene Clark d) Jerome Increase Case    2. In what year was the first forklift truck invented?  a) 1887 b) 1917 c) 1930 d) 1955    3. Which event led to the rapid development and adoption of forklifts in the 20th century?  a) World War I b) Great Depression c) World War II d) Cold War    4. What was the heaviest load ever lifted by a modern forklift?  a ..read more

When buying a new forklift, understanding and calculating forklift capacity can help you choose the right model for your business. Knowing forklift capacity allows you to be more efficient with your fleet and improves warehouse safety.  What is forklift capacity?  Forklift capacity is defined as the total weight a forklift can carry safely at a specific load center. Forklifts come with a rated capacity, listed on the data plate.   Rated capacity is a general guideline or recommended limit. It does not take into account factors such as rough terrain or the age of the lift ..read more

Maximizing your warehouse efficiency can boost your production. With warehouse space optimization, you can increase both product storage and how efficiently you move those products.   G&W Equipment has everything you need to improve efficiency and space in your worksite. From material storage solutions to a full-scale plan for redesigning your warehouse, we can help. Our sales reps are highly trained in warehouse storage options and will work with you, your unique space and your budget.   If you’re ready to talk about warehouse space optimization, G&W has a variet ..read more

Conveyor systems for warehouses make transporting and delivering goods more efficient. If you want to increase your warehouse productivity, investing in a conveyor system for material handling has many benefits.   Let’s look at the role of conveyor systems in material handling.   What does a conveyor system do in a warehouse?  A warehouse conveyor system can transport large volumes of product in a short period of time. This type of material handling equipment is an incredibly efficient option for moving goods throughout a warehouse. It can help cut time and manual lab ..read more

Forklifts can have a major impact on the productivity of your jobsite, so choosing the right forklift for the job is important. There are many types of forklifts on the market. At G&W, our team wants to help by offering advice for choosing forklifts for your worksite. We have extensive knowledge and a wide product range, so we excel at helping you pick the perfect forklift. How do you find the right forklift for your jobsite? When purchasing a forklift, it’s important to consider what works best in your warehouse space. The size of your warehouse aisles can be a major deciding factor when ..read more

Most companies understand the necessity of OSHA compliance regulations for forklift operator training and aerial lift operator training. But did you know that the right training can affect your profitability? There are multiple ways professional forklift operator and aerial lift operator training can make a difference, and workplace safety is always the most important. But employee training also can make you more productive and save you money.   Here are four ways forklift and aerial lift operator training can impact your bottom line.   1. Forklift training reduces workpla ..read more

Most companies understand the necessity of OSHA compliance regulations for forklift operator training and aerial lift operator training. But did you know that the right training can affect your profitability? There are multiple ways professional forklift operator and aerial lift operator training can make a difference, and workplace safety is always the most important. But employee training also can make you more productive and save you money.   Here are four ways forklift and aerial lift operator training can impact your bottom line.   Forklift training reduces workplace ..read more

If you’re looking for a career where you can use (or learn) mechanical skills and enjoy a fast-paced and varied day of activity, becoming a forklift technician might be the right move for you. As a forklift technician, you will help customers stay productive by keeping their forklifts in top condition, averting breakdowns or addressing them quickly when they do happen.   At G&W, our field service technicians are the face of the company. Our customers form an impression about us based on their interactions with our technicians in the field. We have more than 160 forklift technici ..read more

G&W Offers Forklift Safety Tips   June 13, 2023 is Forklift Safety Day, an annual observance that shines a light on a crucial focus for any business or industry that uses forklifts. An initiative of the National Truck Association, Forklift Safety Day is an opportunity for industry experts to share forklift safety tips and best practices.   How to Improve Forklift Safety  The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that more than 70 percent of injuries involving forklifts are preventable. Continually staying focused on improved safety involve ..read more