forklift operator training

Why Safety Training is Through Your Employer

“Why is forklift safety training through my employer? Why can’t I attend and get an operator license at your class?” As a provider of forklift and aerial lift safety training classes, ProLift is often asked these questions by job seekers. Having the employer ultimately responsible for providing training is a benefit to the employee and […]

purchasing a forklift

Four Ways To Keep A Forklift Purchase In Your Budget

The purchase of a forklift is a major investment for any company. Depending on options and fuel type, new forklifts may range from $25,000 – $35,000. With the pressure of the economy and the need to increase the company’s bottom line, replacing or adding to your current forklift fleet may seem impossible. However, four common […]

Toyota Core Electric Forklift

Reading a Forklift Data Tag

“We almost had a forklift tip-over yesterday when an operator lifted a load that was too heavy for the forklift. How can we educate our operators about the forklift’s capacity?” Forklift operators must know how to read a data tag. The information on the tag is very important because it features unique capacity details for […]

forklift breakdown

Forklift Breakdown and Emergency Service

Forklift downtime can bring negative consequences to several areas of your business. While there isn’t a formula to calculate a money loss, you may experience these unplanned expenses during a forklift breakdown. Cost of the forklift operator (hourly + benefits) If operating the forklift is your employee’s main job, the employee may be assigned to […]

seat belt extender

Weight Limits for Forklift Operators

What are the weight limits for forklift operators that drive a Toyota Forklift? For a Toyota Forklift, there is not a weight limit for forklift operators. However, optional forklift features such as retractable seat belts, adjustable seat positions and tilt columns can accommodate various body types. Federal Law Regulation Physical size may limit some forklift […]

Watering Forklift Battery

Watering Forklift Batteries

Our electric forklift battery needs water. Should I add the water before or after its charge? You should add water to the forklift battery after its charge. Typically, batteries need watering 1x / weekly. Adding Water to the Forklift Battery To illustrate, imagine that you have a full glass of water. You stick a sponge […]

Toyota Reach Truck

Single Reach Truck versus Double Reach Truck

Our company has narrow aisles and will be investing in a Reach Truck for its ease of use in smaller faces. Why would I select a Double Reach Truck over a Single Reach Truck? If you have an opportunity to create a pallet racking configuration that places (2) racks back-to-back, without an aisle in between, […]

forklift bulldozing

Is Forklift Bulldozing a Violation of OSHA Federal Law?

Forklift bulldozing is the act of using the tips of the forks on a forklift to push a heavy load. It is a practice often frowned upon for its many safety hazards. Forklift Bulldozing Safety Hazards Visibility is lost, putting the forklift operator and pedestrians at risk for an impact Loads are not safely arranged, […]

aerial lockout tagout

The Basics of Aerial Lift Lockout Tagout

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures are a complex and varied subject for heavy equipment and material handling. Aerial lifts are one of the more difficult subjects for this safety requirement. Because aerial lifts are varied in controls, application and design, laying out a single procedure to fit all machines would prove difficult. For example, a truck-mounted aerial […]

Pallet Flow Racking

Pallet Flow Racking Systems

When a company has a need to distribute products by earliest production, the system of FIFO (First In, First Out) is implemented. This system ensures a quick rotation of goods, helps identify batch quality issues and reduces the cost of obsolete inventory. FIFO is often used by companies that produce and distribute perishable goods or […]

toyota sas

Active Mast Function Controller

“Our new Toyota forklifts have a fork leveler button. Can older forklift models be retrofit with this feature?” Toyota Forklift SAS The active mast function controller (AMC) was introduced by Toyota Forklift in 1999 as part of its System of Active Stability (SAS). With a push of a button, the AMC automatically levels forks. This […]

Toyota 3-Wheel Electric Forklift image

Forklift Battery: Fast and Opportunity Charging

As electric forklifts become more mainstream in the U.S. marketplace, companies must consider forklift battery charging options such as fast and opportunity charging. Forklift Battery Charging Options Fast or opportunity charging is ideal for companies with multi-shift operations. While conventional battery charging gives the forklift operator 8 hours of run-time, it then requires 8 hours […]