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 […]

forklift cost of ownership

Is It Time To Upgrade Your Forklift?

As service invoices stack up for your used forklift, it may be time to consider forklift replacement. To determine if the service costs are reasonable and easily explained, follow these best practices. Forklift Cost Per Hour Many companies struggle to justify the purchase of a new forklift because the current one is paid in full. […]

forklift technician job

Becoming a Forklift Technician

Most people in the community haven’t heard that Toyota builds forklifts. The manufacturer produced its first forklift in 1956 and has been the #1 selling forklift in the United States since 2002. Even with its strong reputation in the industry, Toyota forklift dealers continue to struggle with finding an abundance of forklift technicians. Required Mechanical […]

battery chargers image

Forklift Battery Maintenance

An often-talked-about advantage of purchasing an electric forklift (even a heavy-duty large electric forklift) is the fuel cost savings. While the acquisition costs are higher than an LP-powered forklift, the battery powers the electric unit for multiple years. However, there’s a factor many companies overlook when estimating the return on investment of the battery – the […]

purchasing a forklift

Forklifts and LP Gas Storage

A large percentage of forklifts operated in the U.S. are fueled by LP, also known as liquefied petroleum. LP gas is a flammable mixture of hydrocarbon gases, primarily propane and butane. One gallon of LP gas is equivalent to 270 gallons of vapor; therefore, an 8 gallon cylinder of LP gas has a capacity of […]

Toyota Stand-Up Electric Forklift

Forklift Oil Selection

Your forklift oil selection when performing maintenance will depend greatly on its engine design. A standard sit-down counterbalance forklift may use 5W-30 or 10W-40 while diesel units require oil with additional additives. Forklift Oil Viscosity The first number of the forklift oil description describes its viscosity at lower temperatures. The second number relates to the […]

Hydraulics_Diagram2

Forklift Hydraulics: Types of Cylinders

There are at least three cylinders used on a forklift: lift cylinder, tilt cylinder and the power steering cylinder. Forklift Hydraulics: Lift Cylinder The lift cylinder(s) accepts the largest volume of fluid flow or gallons-per-minute (GPM). It is a single-acting hydraulic cylinder, pushing in only one direction. The control valve directs fluid to the cylinder […]

forkllift weather precautions

Forklift Precautions in Cold Weather

With cold weather come additional hazards for forklift operation. During the winter season we must stay alert to factors such as temperature, snow, sleet, ice, etc. Slips & Falls Outside is cold. Inside is warm. For a forklift operating in both areas, these changes in temperature will cause condensation to form on the forklift. Operators […]

forklift technician job opening

The Making of a Certified Forklift Technician

ProLift takes certified forklift technician training seriously, from the first day of hire and throughout our technicians’ career. After all, you’re paying for our service expertise. This means our team should be knowledgeable about your diverse fleet and efficient with repairs. We believe every technician takes pride in their work and troubleshooting knowledge. That’s why […]

forklift fleet management

Taking Advantage of Your Forklift Equipment Delivery

Your forklift is being unloaded off the delivery truck. The dealer’s equipment specialist is also at your facility to ensure a successful arrival and answer questions. While it’s quicker to sign off on the delivery paperwork and get back to your daily tasks, now is also an opportunity to learn more about your forklift. Forklift […]

forklift tail swing

Is Damaged Forklift Paint a Sign of Something More?

What message does this picture of damaged forklift paint convey? Is it “normal” or a sign of a larger problem? If your teenager’s car looked like the forklift in the picture, would you be concerned about his or her safety? Damaged Forklifts Mean Damaged Products Decimated paint tells a truth we cannot ignore. Paint is […]

used forklift reconditioning

Buyer Beware: Used Forklift Reconditioning

Purchasing a used forklift can be intimidating. Ordering new equipment offers security in the condition of the forklift; however, a used forklift doesn’t often come with a detailed history of usage and repairs. How can you ensure your budget dollars go toward a reliable investment? Request a Used Forklift Condition Report Knowing the current status […]