What is Your Forklift Fleet Costing You?

May 18, 2012 by Leave a Comment

You Probably Already Know….  

When it comes to optimizing and managing your fleet assets, the more information you have the better. And the better the information, the more effectively and efficiently you can improve your facility’s operating environment. Therefore, with optimal fleet solutions, you can reduce unnecessary capital expenditures.

A fleet management program typically includes reviewing your current material handling fleet to determine current expenses, analyzing those expenses and looking for opportunities for potential cost savings, reviewing recommendations for maintenance and/or replacement of equipment as well as training and financing options, implementing selected recommendations, and finally monitoring and reporting fleet progress to ensure that your fleet remains in optimal condition.

Having a fleet management program in place can help you increase productivity, improve asset utilization, and improve operator safety and accountability, all using intuitive web-based reporting.


Increase Your Productivity
Improve your productivity and uptime by knowing your optimum fleet size and best use of each unit while operating within the economic life cycle of the equipment to ensure that your equipment is running at its best.

Improve Asset Utilization
Organizations get the most value from their capital investments in equipment by increasing productivity and providing visibility into equipment use. Using material handling equipment efficiently helps make companies aware of how often and how long each piece of equipment is utilized. Over time, asset utilization data can help you determine the need for additional or fewer assets.

Improve Operator Safety and Accountability
When it comes to material handling equipment safety, reducing damage, and having an accident-free workplace, monitoring your equipment and operators at all times is important. By utilizing a fleet management software solution, you can keep an eye on all your assets!

Intuitive Web-Based Reporting
Fleet Management customized reports can help you evaluate overall fleet age and condition, utilization, repair costs, abusive practices, and specific application requirements so that necessary equipment adjustments can be made that will keep you running at optimal condition.

Contact MH Equipment or visit our website to register for a Fleet Seminar in your area!

 

Filed under MH Products/Services

Mariotti Forklift Trucks | A History

April 11, 2012 by Leave a Comment

V. Mariotti has been an industry leading provider of compact forklifts since 1920 and has distributed quality lift trucks to North America for more than 10 years. The durability, quality and reliability of Mariotti trucks has positioned them as “the truck” for limited space applications in the material handling industry. Great for re-stocking grocery and retail shelves, maneuvering crowded storage rooms, warehouses, wood floors and mezzanines, Mariotti forklifts and lift trucks are made to help you increase productivity in tight spaces.

 

___________________________________

1920

Founded in 1920 by Vasco Mariotti to design and sell industrial trucks, carts, lift-trucks, trailers and packaging material on the Italian market.
vasco mariotti.jpg materiali per limb 1.jpg1920-03.jpg1920-04.jpg

1973

The company was purchased by the current owners who started to design and manufacture special handling systems able to meet specific needs of some customers.

1973-02.jpg1973-03.jpg1973-04.jpg1973-05.jpg

1976

Production start of pallet trucks, lift trucks, small-capacity counter-weighted lift trucks, counter-balanced fork-lift trucks and electric conveyors.

1976-01.jpg1976-02.jpg1976-03.jpg1976-04.jpg1976-05.jpg

1985

Due to specific market demands, especially from abroad, the company started to design and produce compact, small capacity counter-balanced forklifts.

1985-01.jpg1985-02.jpg1985-03.jpg1985-04.jpg

1992

FCB range is completed and then capacity goes from 600 to 2000 kg.

1992-01.jpg

1995

Presentation of the first model belonging to new MYCROS range at MOVINT exhibition. This innovative project gradually replaced the previous FCB range.

1995-01.jpg1995-02.jpg1995-03.jpg

1996

Presentation of the new MYCROS range to the international market  through CeMAT exhibition (Germany).

1998

Foreign sales overpassed 45% of total business which confirmed quality and reliability of the MYCROS project.

2000

Presentation at CeMAT Fair (Germany) of the smallest model of the range, the MYCROS 4, with which the company aimed to consolidate its leadership in the compact forklift  segment. MYCROS 4 is the world’s smallest operator-on-board forklift, measuring only 990 mm as L2. After 2 years of negotiations and prototypes presentation, the company started to export to the USA.

2000-01.jpg

2001

Foreign sales overpassed 68% of total business, of which 15% on the USA market.

2002

Setting up of a Joint Venture between V. MARIOTTI Srl and some American partners in order to consolidate and boost business on the USA market. Participation at the CeMAT Fair (Germany) and for the first time at an Asian Fair, CeMAT ASIA (China).

2002-01.jpg2002-02.jpg

2004

Presentation of the new ME range at the MOVINT Fair (Italy) together with MYCROS range, expanding forklift’s offer to 13 models with a capacity going from 400 kg to 1300 kg. Participation at CeMAT ASIA fair (China).

StandL1_small.jpgStandL2_small.jpg

2005

Presentation of the new MYCROS AC range prototype at CeMAT fair (Germany).

2005-01.jpg2005-02.jpg2005-03.jpg

2006

New sales agreement with MH DISTRIBUTION and SMITH & GRAMLEY which become exclusive importers of MARIOTTI products for the USA, Canada and Mexico. Participation at MANUTENTION fair (France).

2007

Debut of MYCROS AC, the new range of AC powered forklifts which embodies more than 30 years’ experience in designing compact forklifts featuring a new technical concept and innovative solutions. Participation at the MOVINT Fair (Italy), at SIL (Spain), MSV (Czech Republic) and at the IMHX Fair (UK).

2009

ME range is renewed into ME AC, then AC traction motor as well as new hydrolic lifting system and new rack&pinion steering system are launched.

2011

Birth of new MYCROS 4-6 AC, another completely renewed product. The smallest forklift of its category. All V.MARIOTTI are now AC powered.

400-600kg.png

 

 Click HERE for the Mariotti Dealership near you!

Filed under MH Products/Services Tagged with , , , , , ,

Skilled Technicians Wanted!

April 10, 2012 by Leave a Comment

  • Would you like to have the opportunity to make a greater impact with your customers and your community?
  • Are you looking to work for a company that has the resources to satisfy your customers, but still maintains a small company feel?
  • Do you want to work for a company that offers you and your family one of the industry’s leading benefits packages?

If you answered ‘Yes’ and are looking for a position where you can grow and develop in an atmosphere where People Matter, Passion Inspires, and Purpose Unites, then MH Equipment is the company for you!
When you join MH Equipment, you’ll be joining one of the leading material handling dealerships in the country and one of the largest in the Midwest. We have 26 locations in 10 states and over 600 hardworking and dedicated employees.
We are always searching for the best talent to join our team! Your hard work and dedication will be rewarded with a competitive salary and benefits package and a positive work environment.

 

Visit Our Website to Learn More About
Employment Opportunities at
MH Equipment!

 

Filed under Equipment Company, MH Products/Services Tagged with , , , , , ,

Need a Helping Hand this Spring?

February 29, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Spring is just around the corner and If you have seasonal spikes, a boost in volume or an unexpected breakdown, you’ll need a little ‘extra help’ to help with your material handling and construction equipment needs.

All warehouse and plant managers know the importance of reliable equipment to move heavy materials around the warehouse. Having immediate access to this type of equipment is one of many reasons to rent – but what are some other common reasons to rent?

  1. Fixed Monthly Costs: Makes it easier to create budgets with a fixed amount that includes no additional costs such as maintenance or replacement parts
  2. Maintenance Free: The responsibility of maintenance is covered by the company in which you rented the equipment from.
  3. No Capital Expense: Equipment ownership is not tied up and can be used for expanding business
  4. Flexibility: Renting provides greater flexibility as you can add or remove forklifts from your fleet when demand changes
  5. Seasonal or Short-Term Projects: If you only require a forklift for a limited time a rental often makes perfect sense.
  6. Quick Delivery: Often you can often acquire a rental within a day to alleviate an immediate need.
  7. Maintain Production: If your current forklift is in service or broken down it is best way to keep your operations productivity running.
  8. Try Before You Buy: Product brochures can only tell you so much about a forklift. Ultimately, you want to choose the forklift that is best suited for your needs and the needs of your operators. The best way to figure out if a particular forklift is suited for your needs is to use that particular make and model in your warehouse. Forklift rental allows you to try out a number of different forklifts before making your final purchasing decision.

Regardless of whether you need short-term or long term rental, skid steer or backhoe loader, lift truck or industrial sweeper / scrubber, we have you covered. Our material handling and construction equipment rental specialists are here to help you make the right decision and to provide you with all the information you need about our rental program. You simply will not find a more efficient destination to rent machinery than at MH Equipment.

Tips from constructionbusinessowner.com

Filed under Customer Service, MH Products/Services Tagged with , , , , ,

Top Plant 2011 | NACCO Material Handling Group of Berea, KY

February 8, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Manufacturers Around The U.S. And Around The World Are Succeeding In Manufacturing Because They Have Placed Their Bets On The Right Aspects Of Their Business.

Photo courtesy: Tim Webb PhotographyPhoto courtesy: Tim Webb PhotographyPhoto courtesy: Tim Webb Photography

For the past three years, manufacturing must have seemed like a high-stakes poker game to some people. It also seems the game has been played only two ways—fold, or go all in.

If you have ever seen the World Series of Poker, though, you know the only people who go all in are either supremely confident or desperate, and neither seems like an especially sound business strategy.

There is a third way to play, of course. It takes a lot more work and a lot more patience, and it won’t always yield positive results on every play, but it is a surer way to build your chips. You have to place your bets in the right places, at the right moments. You must manage the game for the long term, and not just play the game looking for the one big hand.

Manufacturers around the U.S. and around the world are succeeding in manufacturing because they have placed their bets on the right aspects of their business. They cannot control what other players have in their hands. They play the cards they are dealt and seize the opportunity to improve when it comes along.

Our 2011 Top Plant winner, NACCO Material Handling Group of Berea, Ky., is an outstanding example of placing your bets in the right place. NACCO bet on its people to help grow the organization. In doing so, the company has helped grow the community.  Read More…

Originally published by http://www.plantengineering.com Bob Vavra, Content Manager 12/15/11

 Please “Like” us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, You Tube or LinkedIn,
or check out our Website! 

 

Filed under MH Products/Services Tagged with , , , , ,

What is the True Capacity of My Forklift?

December 21, 2011 by 1 Comment

What is the maximum carrying capacity of my forklift to a given lift height?

The load carrying capacity of a forklift is indicated on the capacity data plate or name plate and should be found affixed to the forklift in a prominent location in view of the operator. OSHA safety regulations state that a forklift must have a legible capacity plate. This data plate will indicate the maximum lifting capacity of the machine to the full extension height of the mast and a specified load center for a given configuration. If the forklift configuration or the load characteristics have changed since the data plate was issued, if the data plate is unreadable, or if there are special new load handling conditions, a capacity plate should be changed or added to reflect the relevant forklift, attachment and load conditions. This is extremely important because a warehouse manager and a trained forklift operator will first look to this data plate and rely on this information for the maximum load that can be safely handled with the machine.There are a multitude of factors that affect the lifting capacity of a forklift and these parameters, which are indicated on the capacity data plate, include:
  • Make or Manufacturer
  • Model
  • Power Source
  • Battery Weight (for electrics)
  • Tire Type
  • Tire Size
  • Mast Lift Height
  • Mast Carriage Type
  • Attachment(s) Type
  • Attachment(s) model
  • Load Center of Gravity (CG or LC)If any of these parameters are changed, particularly the attachments on the forklift carriage or the load center, the capacity plate should be checked for accuracy to ensure safe load handling.

Forklift Attachments Change the Capacity of the Lift Truck

A forklift attachment includes anything that is attached to the front carriage of a forklift or is attached to an attachment on the forklift. A typical forklift attachment configuration might include a hang-on side shifter and two forks. In this case, if the forks are removed and longer forks are added, the capacity of the machine could be drastically reduced. Or if the forklift is used to pick up a fork mounted attachment, such as a drum handler or fork extensions, then a capacity data plate must be changed or added to reflect the new configuration. OSHA safety regulations state that a forklift must have a legible capacity plate to reflect any attachment used on the lift.

Capacity Decreases the Higher the Forklift Lifts

Lift height or maximum fork height (MFH) has a significant effect on a forklift’s load carrying capacity, and forklifts with high masts will have a greater carrying capacity at lower lift heights than at the maximum lift height. For this reason forklifts with very high masts may have a dual capacity rating on the data plate; a maximum capacity up to a mid level lift height, and a lower capacity rating at the maximum lift height. This allows the forklift operator to work with heavier loads at low heights, i.e. loading and unloading trucks, cross-docking, etc., while using the same forklift to put away lighter loads to high storage locations.

If the Length of the Load is Longer, Lifting Capacity is Reduced

Because a forklift is using leverage to lift a load, any condition that adds weight to the front of the forklift and causes the load center (LC or CG) of the load to be moved further away from the forklift will contribute to a reduction in the residual carrying capacity of the machine. Attachments can cause these reductions, as well as the dimensions of the load and the load handling conditions. Load center typically refers to the horizontal distance to the load CG and is typically half the length of the load for symmetrical objects. To illustrate how attachments and load CG’s can affect residual carrying capacity, consider for example that a particular forklift with only forks on the carriage is rated at 5,000 lb capacity @ 24” load center on the data plate. This forklift will only be rated at 1,270 lb when equipped with a particular 8 foot long fork mounted jib boom because the boom adds weight and moves the load center out to 96 inches. In this case the forklift may employ a dual load center capacity rating on the capacity plate indicating a greater lifting capacity (2,750 lb) at a 4 foot load center and a lower capacity (1,270 lb) at the 8 foot load center.

Load Center also Effects Carrying Capacity

Small changes in load center can also greatly affect the carrying capacity. Consider the capacity of the same 5,000 lb forklift with 48” forks and rated at a 24” load center, drops to 3,660 lbs when 72” fork extensions are employed to lift a 6 foot long load.

Where to Check Your Lift Capacity

The main thing to consider is that every forklift has a legible capacity plate that accurately reflects the attachment configuration being used at the correct load center for the load being lifted and contact Professional Forklift Engineering Services at http://www.forkliftcapacitycalculator.com/ to check your lift capacity and get a professional engineering (PE) certified capacity rating plate on your forklift today.

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________
This is a great article written by Edward Brown, Editor of Warehouse IQ.  Visit warehouse IQ for other great articles on warehousing and lift trucks.

Filed under Customer Service, MH Products/Services Tagged with , , , , , , , , , , ,

Preparing Forklift Operations for Ice and Snow

December 8, 2011 by Leave a Comment

As one of the Midwest’s largest forklift truck suppliers, MH Equipment advises forklift users to get prepared for ice, snow and freezing conditions to ensure that any forklifts critical to a supply chain run smoothly, reliably and safely this winter.

Some useful suggestions:

  • Talk to your supplier as early as possible to ensure that all forklifts are specified correctly, for example with the right forklift tires for outdoor operation.
  • Ensure that the forklifts are serviced regularly otherwise the cold, wet weather could lead to increased component failures and breakdowns. Vital components such as batteries, hydraulics and electrical systems become ever more important and engines need protection from cold weather. MH Equipment, for example, provides oils and lubricants to ensure engines run smoothly and efficiently.
  • Ice or rain may create slippery surfaces, either outdoors or on loading bays, so training drivers to be more cautious with their speed and supervision where necessary helps to reduce a number of safety risks.
  • If a forklift operates in a muddy or dirty environment, it is important to regularly clean the equipment to prevent parts becoming blocked or clogged.
  • Check the condition of the forklift tires to ensure traction and stability in icy, wet conditions. MH Equipment can provide planned site visits to check tread levels and tire condition. Gritting yard areas in the snow and freezing conditions will also help to maintain traction.
  • Ensure forklift drivers are doing their daily checks.
  • As it gets dark early, check there is suitable lighting on the forklifts or in external areas. MH Equipment can fit lights and beacons for your truck quickly and economically.
  • If the forklift doesn’t have a cab for the driver you could consider upgrading the machine. MH Equipment can fit screens, wipers, covers, heaters and even complete cabs depending on your requirement and budget. Additionally workers should be provided with winter clothing such as waterproof jackets, body warmers and gloves.
  • Always ensure that there is a reliable, experienced forklift service provider looking after the fleet, who can respond effectively in case of breakdown. MH Equipment uses state-of-the-art technology to provide customers with an efficient support service 24 hours a day and in any weather conditions. It uses a web-based vehicle tracking system on its vans, which allows a more efficient and speedy service response, allowing dispatchers to assign the nearest engineer according to skills and parts required.
  • Check the security and stock level of the fuel supply in case supply is delayed or restricted due to snow.
  • Check that forklift snow plows, scoops, salt spreaders/sanders and a wide range of other useful attachments are readily available on site. These are available through MH Equipment as well.

To help you be well prepared contact MH Equipment at one of our branch locations near you.

 

Special thanks to Andrew Dawson, National Service Manager from Barloworld Handling for providing the ideas above.

Filed under MH Products/Services, Safe in the Moment, Safety Tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Value-Based Purchasing vs. Sticker Price

November 17, 2011 by Leave a Comment

When buying a new forklift, you want to make sure you are not only getting the best value for your money, but you are also getting the right piece of equipment for the job.  The initial purchase price of the truck doesn’t accurately portray the actual cost or value of the equipment over the long run.  There are many factors to consider over the lifetime of the truck.

Before making a purchase based on sticker price there are a few fairly basic questions you should ask yourself: 

What are the Operating Conditions?

Will you be operating in an outdoor lumberyard or possibly in a freezer?  Maybe you’ll be in a nice warm warehouse – Possibly even a combination of environments. If the equipment is going to be outdoors will you be in sunny California or be facing the harsh winters of the Upper Mid-West?

The surface you’ll be working on will affect what type of equipment you select. Some lift trucks are designed to work on smooth, level surfaces (such as concrete floors) and will not function effectively or safely on outdoor rough terrain.  Rough-terrain lift trucks, on the other hand, are equipped with additional suspensions and are wider than a standard forklift providing a more stable work platform and lower center of gravity, thus making them more efficient on uneven ground.

How your lift truck is powered will also be determined by the type of environment you will be operating in.  When it comes to loading and lifting indoors in a warehouse, electric trucks make more sense because they are quiet and non-polluting. Gasoline powered lift trucks are well suited for outdoor applications or in colder conditions where there will be a lot of starting and stopping.  Diesel is preferred when the terrain is rugged and the engine will be running constantly.  And Liquid Petroleum (LP) is ideal for indoor/outdoor use.

Electric and LP powered lift trucks are by far the most popular because they have zero emissions,  a longer lifespan, produce little noise and are very easy to maintain.  Even with these advantages over fuel driven forklifts sometimes a gasoline, diesel, or LP forklift is a better choice – especially for outdoor applications that often see inclement weather.

What are the Typical Load Dimensions and Weight?

All forklifts are rated for loads at a specified maximum weight and a specified forward center of gravity.  This is the lift truck’s Lifting Capacity. You’ll want to be sure that the heaviest load you plan to move with the forklift you are purchasing does not exceed this limit.

This is important to consider so that you are not overloading your truck.  This can be an especially dangerous safety issue if there is a chance the truck could tip.  On the other hand, if you choose a truck that is rated for weights well above what you will be moving, your operating costs will be much more than they could be with a truck more suited to your needs.Whatever the size of your typical load is will determine the capacity you need.  Forklift capacity is usually based on a 24” load center – the distance from the center of gravity to the sides of the load.

What is the Width of Your Isles?

You’ll want to make sure that the equipment you are purchasing is going to be able to fully operate in the space available.  If the aisles are very narrow a typical lift truck might not be the appropriate machine for the job.

A narrow-aisle lift truck might be the right option depending on how it will be used.  There are two primary functions of narrow-aisle lift trucks – rack interface and order picking.

Keven Trenga, Product Marketing Manager for Hyster warehouse trucks explains it like this:  “A reach truck is a rack interface truck.  It does put away and let down of full pallet loads on either side of an aisle as narrow as 96 inches.  Orderpickers are operator-up trucks designed for picking cases and units of product and are not for rack interface with pallet loads.”

How High do you Need to Go?

Will you be primarily moving equipment from a truck to the floor? Or will you be stacking pallets 30 or 40 feet overhead on racks?  The lifting height will also affect the lifting capacity.  As your lifting height goes up the truck capacity will need to be higher because the load center will be different – For example –  a forklift can carry 4000 pounds at a 24 inches load center, but only 2666 pounds at a 36 load center.

Price vs. Efficiency

The absolute best way to know that you are getting the right truck for your application as well as the best value for your money is to consult with a Material Handling expert.  They will evaluate your specific requirements and offer a solution that will work for you.

Our Material Handling Specialists at MH Equipment are experienced in knowing what the appropriate solutions are for your unique applications!  They will also help you evaluate the purchase price vs. the cost of ownership so you can make a value based purchasing decision.

 

Sources:

http://mhlnews.com
www.zenithfinance.com
http://www.Ehow.com
http://www.grossassociates.com
http://www.osha.gov
http://www.associatedcontent.com

Filed under MH Products/Services Tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Introducing… MHRailCarMover.com!

November 3, 2011 by Leave a Comment

MH Equipment is proud to announce the launch of our new website created specifically for the Rail Car Mover market!

www.MHRailCarMover.com

Since 1990, Rail King Rail Car Movers have supported railcar switching operations throughout North America and overseas. Rail King is considered the Best Value in the industry and are engineered to maximize efficiency, safety and operator comfort.

When it comes time for a new or used railcar mover at your facility, MH Equipment’s experienced personnel will conduct a track survey to determine which model railcar mover fits your needs. Visit our NEW Rail Car Mover Website for more information!


Filed under MH Products/Services, ReSales Tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Is Your Equipment Winter Ready?

October 26, 2011 by Leave a Comment

I think one thing we can all agree on is no one really looks forward to winter.  You never hear people say “Oh boy!  I can’t wait for it to be so cold I can’t feel my toes!”  ”Yay!  I have to shovel 13 inches of snow out of my driveway before I go to work!”  or “Wow!  Falling on the ice and breaking my hip was the most fun I’ve had in ages!

No… you never hear that.

You might hear “I just love the holidays!” or if you have kids they will be trilled out of their minds with the prospect of a snow day.  In general though, I really don’t think ANYBODY looks forward to winter.

It’s tough on all of us. And it’s tough on our industrial equipment too!

There are many reasons that you industrial equipment could malfunction during inclement weather.  Water in the fuel tank, frozen fuel lines, old filters, or a weak battery are just a few.

When winterizing your heavy equipment this fall:

  • Keep the fuel tank full to reduce condensation in the tank
  • Use windshield washer fluid that is rated for below freezing temperatures
  • Use a winter fuel blend
  • Check the strength of the battery
  • Make sure the oil is being changed regularly
  • Keep RPM’s low until the equipment warms up.
  • Use antifreeze that meets manufactures specifications.
  • Always follow the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations.

Failing to properly prepare your equipment for winter can have disastrous effects and cause unnecessary downtime and expense.

In addition to winterizing your equipment you’ll want to also take into consideration winter safety for your operators.  Make sure that your operators are properly trained to operate the equipment in wet and icy conditions.  Make sure that all daily inspections are being completed and make daily checks of vital components such as batteries, electrical systems and hydraulic systems.

If you have questions or would like more information on winterizing your equipment please contact MH Equipment!

Filed under MH Products/Services Tagged with , , , , , , , , ,

← Older posts