Category: Electric Forklifts

6 Rules of The Best Forklift Service

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Is there such a thing as the best forklift service? Not only does the best forklift service exist, but you absolutely need it when your business performance relies on minimal or no downtime and a continuity of forklift performance.

As any Logistics and Warehouse Manager knows, forklifts, and especially electric forklifts, are the silent workhorses in the business. They only get noticed when they first arrive and when they get sick, i.e. break down. Otherwise, we take them for granted to do all the heavy lifting and long distance running without interruptions. We expect forklifts to keep making money for the business, perhaps indefinitely!

So, what is the Best Forklift Service?

You can get the best forklift service – and you deserve it – but you need to stick to these rules:

  1. Start with the right and reliable forklift equipment.
  2. Buy or rent forklifts from a reliable supplier.
  3. Schedule regular service.
  4. Use qualified and experienced mechanics.
  5. Use genuine parts.
  6. Drive the right forklift license and training.

1 Reliable Forklift Equipment

Smart warehouse operations start with reliable storage and materials handling equipment. Choosing the right forklift equipment is as much about saving costs as it is about making maximum business impact.

The ISS Equipment new forklift brands, Nichiyu and Big Joe forklifts, are renown for longevity, with ten to twenty years of heavy usage not being uncommon. But even the best forklifts perform even better, reducing the risk of costly disruptions and stress, if serviced well.

2 Reliable Forklift Service Supplier

Getting a reasonable and reliable forklift service is a challenge when you are busy and budgets are tight. You are constantly bombarded with deals that look too good to be true, only to end up with a lengthy list of extras and penalizing contracts. An honest supplier, truly committed to an excellent product, confident of  the experienced and passionate service team, can make a difference.

Stick with the supplier from whom you have purchased or are hiring the equipment, if they have earned your trust in the first place. Chances are, they know their brands better than anyone else and they will give you a good service to earn your ongoing custom. I know we do that for our customers.

3 Schedule Regular Forklift Service

There are two types of forklift service: regular and emergency. Everyone knows that in every walk of life, emergencies attract higher costs. So, investing in regular forklift service is a no-brainer. It is the essence of the best forklift service:

  • It ensures operational continuity.
  • It drives efficiency.
  • It saves costs: downtime and costly parts that could have been maintained.
  • Most importantly, saves time. Just schedule regular forklift service and focus on your important work. Your forklift service supplier will do the rest.

4 Use qualified and experienced mechanics

The problem with having an in-house mechanic is that employees come and go, and recently, they more go than stay. This breaks down continuity and efficiency and may even lead to a crisis when equipment breaks down while people are sick or on leave. Of course, if you have a large fleet, you may also have a team of your in-house mechanics. But the majority of warehousing operations don’t have that luxury (and responsibility).

Importantly, chances are, maintaining a forklift fleet is not your core business. The smartest move is to use a regular service provider, who has a trained team with a continuity of expertise and your service data to quickly resolve your problems. They will eliminate your downtime so that you can keep doing what is most important for you!

5 Use genuine parts whenever possible

A regular check, using genuine parts, or at least parts recommended by your trusted supplier is a guarantee of uninterrupted performance and longevity of your forklifts. While genuine parts are usually the best, because they were uniquely designed and calibrated for specific models of forklifts, we live in the world of possible substitutions. And that may be fine for your valuable equipment. But be cautious. Deal with a reliable parts supplier, preferably one who sold you the forklift.

6 Drive the right forklift license and training

Yes. There is such thing as a forklift culture. It is a subset of the workplace safety mindset, or culture. How people use forklifts matters to the safety of people, products and the equipment itself. Ultimately, the outcomes matter to your business reputation.

The first step towards creating the right forklift culture and getting the “best forklift service”, i.e. one that doesn’t cost you anything, is by ensuring forklift training. Many forklifts require that the operators have a formal, current forklift license. However, increasingly, there is a new range of powerful forklifts that do not require forklift licensing. And this is where you need to ensure that everyone receives the right safety training to operate these new-age stackers, order pickers and pallet jacks.

Forklift service from ISS Equipment comes with:

  • Experienced, dedicated mechanics with expertise in electric and lithium-ion forklift servicing.
  • The most experienced, fastest Nichiyu service team in Australia – with average 25 years of experience.
  • A range of genuine and approved parts.
  • And, on new forklifts, free service for 3 years with our extended 3 year warranty.

Nichiyu that!

Finally: Are You Getting The Best Forklift Service?

You will know for certain when you answer these questions:

  1. Is your forklift down, not earning its ROI, or your customers’ love?
  2. Is it a hassle to find a reliable service supplier?
  3. Do you want to be sure you will get a fair service deal?
  4. Need a certainty of a FREE Inspection and a Transparent Service Report?

Now is the best time to do something about it!

CALL US TO BOOK 134 234

A Guide to Selecting the Right Pallet Racking System

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Selecting the right pallet racking system for your business can be overwhelming. From deciding on the best type, to selecting the best configuration, to the supplier you can trust, there are many things to consider. This guide provides expert advice and step-by-step instructions for choosing the perfect pallet racking solution for you and your business.

Assess Your Space and Load Requirements.

Before you can start shopping for pallet racking, you will need to assess your space and load requirements. You’ll want to make sure that the material and size of the pallets you are using are suitable for the rack you choose, as well as consider how much weight each level of the rack must bear. It is also important to investigate different types or combination of racks based on your load requirements.

Knowing this information will allow you to select a system that specifically meets your needs. Start with calculating the total storage you require, based on the type of items being stored. Remember, adjustability is important if your inventory levels fluctuate seasonally.

This basic step will enable you to focus on a suitable racking system, and will enable your supplier to understand your pallet racking space and load requirements. Knowing this information will give you confidence to select a system that specifically meets your needs.

In addition, today, companies need to look beyond product and logistics concerns. Equally important is to ensure that the material and size of the pallets you are using will help you move forward strategically. Think:

  • Are the pallets the most suitable for products in industries you serve?
  • Are they meeting your customers’ future trends?
  • Are they meeting your environmental philosophy?

Consider the Size of Materials and their Handling.

Proper configuration of the pallet racking system is critical to optimizing warehouse space and storing products and materials safely. Different racks accommodate different sizes and shapes of materials and their handling. So, the first thing to consider here is the size and weight of the items you plan on storing.

When selecting a pallet racking system, consider the warehouse space and the clearance your forklifts need to maneuver safely. It’s important to account for aisle width when selecting a rack to ensure you don’t overfill your space. If you plan on using multiple levels of pallet shelving, check that you have sufficient overhead space for another level. Pallet racking can come in many shapes and varieties such as selective racks: Selective pallet racking, drive-through racking, push-back racking and double-deep racking. Things to consider:

  • Do you need pallet selectivity?
  • Do you need to store multiple pallets of the same SKU?
  • Is the FIFO access important to your product shelf life?
  • And importantly, what type of forklifts do you have now?
  • Are you prepared to invest in new access equipment to save floor space?

Determine Your Material Flow Pattern and Layout Requirements.

Besides sizing and weight limitations, when selecting a pallet racking system you also need to take the flow of materials through your warehouse into consideration. The storage pattern desired will determine the best racking system type for you. A pushback racking system works well if you want forklift operators to load product from one end of the rack and then have it available to retrieve from the other end. However, if you need items that are stored further back in the row easily accessible, drive-in or deep reach racks may work better. Here, employees access items from either side of the row, making them ideal for first-in/first-out inventory distribution. Properly assessing your warehouse flow pattern enables you to select a rack system that will meet your product storage needs without hindering productivity.

Importantly, you want to account any future growth to ensure that your needs do not outgrow the system too quickly.

Consider the Benefits of Adjustable Pallet Racking Systems

Selective pallet racking is the most common and most flexible storage system used in warehouses and distribution centers across all industries to maximize storage space while providing easy access to stored items. Selective racks are a type of industrial storage system that is designed to store a wide variety of items. They typically comprise upright frames and horizontal beams, which can be easily adjusted to accommodate different sizes and weights of items.

Adjustable pallet racking systems are a great choice for warehouses and distribution centers since they offer the flexibility to change the layout of your storage layout as needed. Having this type of flexibility for configuring your racks can be helpful when introducing new products into the warehouse or accommodating seasonal fluctuations in inventory levels. Importantly, adjustable racks typically require less floor space while providing more storage capacity so they can be an effective way to maximize use of space.

Next, focus on additional pallet rack accessories to maximize safety and provide protection against damage from minor collisions with forklifts.

Select the Right Pallet Rack Accessories for Optimal Functionality and Safety.

Once you have the type of pallet racking system selected for your warehouse, it is important to choose the correct accessories to ensure optimal functionality and safety. Pallet rack accessories amplify the safety features that already come with a typical pallet racking system by introducing additional safety components. This includes products such as column protectors or upright protectors, row spacers and seismic anchors which add further protection against damages caused by forklifts and prevent even minor collisions from causing extensive damage.

Other rack accessories that should be considered in your warehouse design, include base plates, wall ties, upright guards, guard rails. All these are critical components to help ensure your pallet rack systems hold up and meet the increasingly strict compliance laws in Australia. Consulting with a professional can ensure you select the right accessory options, so your storage system operates both safely and efficiently.

Get good advice early.

Your own assessment can only go so far. Irrespective of the size of your planned pallet racking project, you may want to consider having a professional warehouse solutions specialist to assess your warehouse space and provide information on the safest and most efficient ways to store your materials. They can utilize software to design the ideal warehouse layout and orientation for racks depending on the types of materials you are storing, maximizing storage space while ensuring safety. Having an assessment done also ensures that any rack system you select meets industry standards, keeping warehouse operations safe and productive.

What makes a good pallet racking supplier?

Consider this. The global pallet racking market size grew from $10.4 billion in 2022 to $11.4 billion in 2023 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5%. The emergence of highly automated, clad-rack warehouses is a trend gaining popularity in the pallet racking market. Major companies operating in the pallet racking sector have shifted their focus to automation products to gain a competitive advantage.

But what is good news for pallet racking manufacturers and big suppliers can pose a threat for some businesses using pallet racking. Here is why.

While product innovation often provides significant revenue and profit-driving benefits it is inherently expensive. The trends towards high volume and high automation in pallet racking design benefit most the large-scale operations and super-warehouses. With focus on this type of customers, many pallet racking suppliers will start discriminating in their customer choice. Smaller, more conventional warehouses may become marginalised.

If your warehousing operation falls into small to mid-size category and you want to get a great service and fair advice, you need to look for a pallet racking supplier who specifically chooses to provide expertise and quality support small to mid-size businesses.

Racking Safety Inspection.

Once you have selected and installed the racking system that best fits your needs, you must ensure ongoing pallet racking safety by regular inspection. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) recommends that an authorized personnel inspect the racks and the area around it at least once a month or after any event that could cause damage to it. This involves examining each component of the rack for signs of wear, tear or visible damage as well as checking for any potential safety hazards in its vicinity such as loose materials or equipment clutter. Additionally, assess if any out-of-date items are stored in the racks and remove them immediately from the warehouse if needed. By carrying out a thorough inspection on a consistent basis, you can help maintain your pallet rack system in proper working condition and guarantee employee safety in your facility.

Bottom line: Talk to a Trusted, Experienced Pallet Racking Supplier.

Selecting the right pallet racking system for your warehouse or distribution center requires careful consideration of many factors and they all have a direct impact on your business success. Properly installing and maintaining a pallet rack system within your warehouse environment is essential to the overall productivity, safety, and efficiency of operations. To ensure you select the correct pallet racking system for your needs, it’s important to consult with a trusted, experienced supplier.

A reputable supplier with extensive knowledge about pallet rack systems, and preferably a full understanding of materials handling equipment, will be able to provide sound advice on selecting the best type of racking for your space constraints, load requirements and material flow pattern. They can also guide you on selecting the right accessories that will optimize safety in the workplace by protecting against collisions or other incidents. Ideally, they will provide maintenance guidance and support, so your racks remain safe and stable long-term.

Ultimately, when working with a trusted provider you can rest assured that your pallet racking system meets or exceeds recommended industry standards and will help keep operations running quickly and safely.

Following these guidelines will help create an efficient storage layout that operates quickly and safely.

Contact ISS Equipment to start the conversation. Our experienced Pallet Racking and Materials Handling team will provided you with a holistic, professional advice.

Call: 134 234.  Send us a message for a quick response.

Things to Consider When Buying Used Electric Forklifts

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Forklifts are designed to handle a wide range of material lifting and handling needs, which is why industrial facilities cannot function efficiently without them. If you find that your shop needs one, there is a diverse catalog of options that can meet your requirements. If you want to save up on costs, used electric forklifts are also available. But how do you make sure that you end up buying the right one for your business? Consider these pointers.

Familiarisation with Terminologies of Electric Forklifts

There are different types of used electric forklifts that you can choose from, and they all have differing specifications. In addition, some kinds of forklifts are more suitable for certain types of applications. There are also several manufacturers, which provide varying degrees of product quality. You can make sense of it all by spending some time reading up on the subject, before making your final purchase decision. In this way, you can be sure that you will not fall for the first product that you see and end up missing out on what would have been a better option.

Equipment Type and Specifications

Your choice of used electric forklifts should be guided by your specific needs. Do you have an indoor shop, for which a forklift with non-marking rubber tires will be ideal? Or do you carry out your processes at a construction site, for which a rough terrain forklift will be more suitable? Make a list of the conditions, functions, and goals that are integral to your need for a forklift, and match them accordingly with the right model, make, and brand.

Your Choice of Supplier

Finally, make sure that you buy your used electric forklifts from a reputable supplier. Such a supplier would not only offer product options from trusted manufacturers and are also in good condition, they will also be able to guide you towards the best option for your requirements. In addition, we recommend sourcing your used forklift from a supplier that also provides after-sales services, including repair and maintenance.

Additional Points to Consider

Have a budget. Used electric forklifts are more reasonably priced than their brand-new counterparts, but some of them fetch higher prices than others. Know how much you can spend, and set the scope of your shopping accordingly.

Check the product condition. Some of the most critical components that should be inspected when you’re buying a used forklift include forks and masts, rails, lift chains, and cylinders, as well as engine compartment, exhaust guards, and counterweights.

What Service You Need From Your Electric Forklifts Supplier

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A great electric forklifts supplier can make a major difference to your business. Electric forklifts can streamline the functionality, cost efficiency, and productivity of your industrial facility. We also recommend them as more ideal in health and safety in the workplace, since they provide lesser tailpipe emissions and require lesser inputs from operators.

If you need one for your shop, there are many products that you can choose from. Depending on your budget, you can opt for brand new or used models. But how do you make sure that you make a good purchase, regardless of their price? Here’s a rundown of the most essential things that your electric forklifts supplier should be able to provide.

Product Support 

Electric forklifts can last for as long as 15,000 and more hours, but in the event that they require repair or reconditioning, your supplier will play a major role in restoring their functionality. Take note that some suppliers only sell products; they do not provide after-sales solutions that may be required by your operation at some point.

This is why it is important to buy your electric forklifts from a company that also provides servicing and product support solutions. In fact, it is recommended that you choose a supplier that provides forklifts service for a wide range of brands, not just one. In this way, you can be sure to get the technical assistance that you may need from one place.

Accountability and Responsibility for Carried Brands

It is also critical to choose a supplier that can live up to the quality of the brands that they carry. Warranty and support, for instance, should never be compromised by your choice of electric forklifts supplier. It is also always better to choose suppliers that meet industry prescriptions for product safety and environmental responsibility, over those who only carry products from manufacturers who are only concerned with product functionality.

Technical Guidance

Finally, ask for technical guidance from your chosen supplier. This is important for finding the right product for your requirements, as well as ensuring that you will be adding an equipment to your shop that will truly prove to be an investment. If you are working within special conditions, your supplier should also be able to guide you towards the best options for managing certain challenges while meeting your industrial needs.

The Team Nichiyu Service Proposition

As an authorised dealer of  Nichiyu Electric Forklift and Noblelift Lithium-ion forklifts, we provide full service and parts support, backed by the best trained team and of course, manufacturer’s direct product support and warranties.

To browse our catalog of new and used electric forklifts, visit our website on www.nichiyu.net.au.

We recognise that companies, including many of our customers, accumulate a diverse range of equipment over the years. With more than 20 years of  servicing materials handling equipment our Forklift Service means:

  • We service ALL forklift brands, including Toyota, Crown, Cat, Mitsubishi and of course Nichiyu.
  • We provide FREE inspection and report to help you make best maintenance decisions.
  • Nichiyu parts come with 6 months Warranty.
  • Fast response.
  • Regular service so that you never have any equipment down.
  • Quick rental forklifts to help you out of a pickle of a breakdown or seasonal high volume of work.
  • Traffic management plans and assessments.
  • Friendly advice – any time.

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