The average lifespan of a forklift battery is 5 years. But your forklift batteries can last longer — or shorter — depending on whether you practice proper forklift battery maintenance. Unfortunately, by the time you ask: “Should I be doing more to care for my forklift battery?” it’s often already too late. To keep your operations running smoothly (without dead batteries slowing you down and eating into your profits), here’s everything you need to know about properly caring for your forklift batteries from the first day they’re delivered to your door. But First: 2 Types of Batteries Means 2 Ty ..read more

How long does forklift certification last? In line with OSHA regulations, all forklift drivers must have their training evaluated and refreshed every 3 years. That’s true whether you live in California or elsewhere in the United States. Why Does Forklift Certification Only Last 3 Years? OSHA continuously unrolls safety updates. This is in an effort to reduce the chances of your business being affected by forklift-related accidents – ones that can result in lost productivity at best. And injury at worst.  OSHA’s requirements could change yearly. By the time your 3 year-refresher roll ..read more

Looking for an easy way to improve efficiency and help forklift operators stay productive? Don’t wait too long to replace your forklift’s tires. New forklift tires: Improve fuel efficiency Make your forklift last longer Reduce forklift operator fatigue Just 40% tire wear causes the forklift and driver to absorb 84% of the vehicle’s vibration. That means transmission has to work harder, and your operator is going to get tired much faster. When to Replace Cushion Vs. Pneumatic Forklift Tires Cushion tires need to be replaced when the rubber wears down to  less than one inch from the numb ..read more

If your dock leveler is making a weird noise or if the lip won’t extend fully, you need to have it serviced. Lead time for a new dock leveler can be several weeks and even months in some cases, so it’s critical to address and repair dock leveler issues before they turn into problems that can’t be repaired. Read on to learn about: Six dock leveler problems you shouldn’t ignore Dock leveler troubleshooting How often do dock levelers need service? When to repair vs. replace a dock leveler Loading Dock Leveler Troubleshooting and Repair Dock Leveler Troubleshooting Here are some of the most com ..read more

A dock leveler is the most effective way to prevent equipment damage and tragic incidents at your loading dock. In this article, we’ll answer some of the most common questions about dock levelers, including: Do I need a dock leveler, dock plate or dock board? How much do dock levelers cost? How long do dock levelers last? How long does it take to get a dock leveler installed? What are the most popular dock levelers in Northern California? Can I convert a mechanical dock leveler into a hydraulic dock leveler? Important note: the current lead time for a new dock leveler is 2-3 months. Total I ..read more

Ever wished you had an in-house forklift trainer? Being able to issue forklift operator certifications whenever you need to is very convenient. The first step is to have a staff member with an OSHA forklift instructor certification. In this article, we’ll cover: OSHA Train the Trainer Requirements  Forklift Instructor Training in California Frequently Asked Questions For course pricing or to view our upcoming schedule, visit our forklift trainer certification course page. OSHA Train the Trainer Requirements  If you want to issue forklift certifications in-house, there are two sets ..read more

Lithium-ion batteries revolutionized the personal electronics industry twenty years ago and now that wave of change has reached the material handling industry. Many pallet jacks and some electric forklifts now come standard with lithium-ion batteries. Businesses in California that convert to lithium-ion-powered forklifts instantly gain an advantage over operations still using lead-acid batteries. Why? Because lithium-ion batteries significantly boost productivity while reducing downtime. If you’re curious what it takes to swap your lead-acid forklift batteries for lithium-ion batteries, read ..read more

Interested in learning how to drive a forklift? Wondering what it takes to become a certified forklift operator, what a forklift license is and where to go for training? Read on for the answers… Forklift Certification Basics What is a forklift license? A forklift license is proof the license holder can safely operate a designated forklift. Just as pilots are certified to fly certain aircraft, forklift operators are certified based on the type of lift truck (electric versus gas-powered, for example). Learn more about the steps to get a forklift license. Do you need a CDL to drive a forklift? N ..read more

OSHA 1910.178 (l) (4) (iii) states “An evaluation of each Powered Industrial Truck operators performance shall be conducted at least once every 3 years”. Everyone knows that! Yet failure to provide appropriate training remains one of the top five forklift-related OSHA violations year after year. Moreover, it’s considered a “Serious” violation with a minimum fine of $1036 and a maximum fine of $15,625 (in 2023). Why is the citation so common? Many companies aren’t aware OSHA requires forklift refresher training more frequently than every three years following certain situations.  Regulati ..read more

Just like a 2-door car can also be described as a coupe, the most common forklift mast types have interchangeable names. Before you buy or rent a forklift, it’s important to know the various names for different types of forklift masts. Already an experienced forklift buyer? Feel free to scroll past the first part of this article and test your knowledge of forklift mast terminology. Forklift Mast Types: Know Before You Buy Before choosing a forklift mast, you’ll need to answer some key questions: Does the forklift need to pass through a space with height restrictions (such as a garage door ..read more