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Dear reader, WELCOME TO FORKLIFTACTION.COM, MATERIALS HANDLING ONLINE. This is issue #371 - 31 July 2008 of the weekly newsletter for industry professionals. |
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 CFTS upgrades documentation |
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Strong future for engines  Despite rising fuel costs and environmental concerns, the future for internal combustion engine (ICE) forklifts remains bright. ICE forklifts continue to dominate the market and show no sign of losing their supremacy, thanks to plenty of innovation - from engine design to smart control systems and versatile transmission options. This report looks at some of the new features and innovations worldwide. Read more 
Another pilot program tries fuel cells on forklifts Robins Air Force Base, GA, United States Non-profit technology developer Concurrent Technologies Corp (CTC) has begun a two-year demonstration program to retrofit 20 military forklifts with hydrogen fuel cells. The intention is to transition a viable technology from the laboratory to the warehouse floor as part of an effort to find alternative energy sources. The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) began the fuel cell forklift pilot project on July 24 at Warner Robins defense depot on Robins Air Force Base in Georgia as the second in a series of research and development demonstrations. Now, those forklifts operate on traditional rechargeable batteries. On site, operators will reform natural gas to obtain the hydrogen for the project. CTC of Johnstown, Pennsylvania is teaming with hydrogen supplier Air Products and Chemicals Inc of Allentown, Pennsylvania and fuel cell power product creator Hydrogenics Corp of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada to complete the retrofit process. An immediate operational benefit is eliminating the extensive process to recharge batteries. Under the program, a mobile refueler can complete the process much quicker with hydrogen. The natural gas reformer, hydrogen fueling station system and dispensing module will occupy 15 feet by 18 feet (1.4 metres by 1.6 metres) and produce up to 2,000 standard cubic feet per hour of 99.999% pure hydrogen at 125 pounds (56kg) per square inch gauge (psig). The storage capacity will be 330 pounds (150kg) of hydrogen at 7,000 psig. The US Defense Department’s DLA serves as a logistics combat support organization supplying the military services and several civilian agencies with critical resources they need to accomplish worldwide missions.  Haulotte, Bil-Jax combine to broaden production Archbold, OH, United States A combination of Haulotte Group SA of L’Horme, France and Bil-Jax Inc of Archbold may result in each business reaching beyond its existing geographic production pattern. A US subsidiary of Haulotte acquired Bil-Jax, effective July 24. Terms were not disclosed. The alliance may lead to a North American manufacturing capability for Haulotte forklifts and other equipment and non-US production capability for Bil-Jax products. In a statement, Alexandre Saubot, Haulotte chief operating officer, says the acquisition will allow Haulotte to “establish a manufacturing presence in North America.” While no details are official yet, the production decision may emerge from discussions between the businesses over the next 30 to 60 days and involve implementation before year’s end, says Brent Hagedorn, Bil-Jax director of marketing and national accounts. Haulotte has “been looking to get a US base for manufacturing,” Hagedorn tells Forkliftaction.com News. “Now, we have the footprint” to achieve that Haulotte goal. Haulotte makes material handling equipment including articulated telehandlers, truck-mounted booms, telescopic work handlers and scissor lifts. Haulotte reported profit of EUR71.0 million (USD104.6 million) on 2007 sales of EUR648.1 million (USD954.6 million). In the US, Haulotte operates service and sales sites in Frederick, Maryland; Kennesaw, Georgia; and Rialto, California, and is establishing a location in Texas. The deal should create a market position outside of the US for Bil-Jax’s aerial work platforms and scaffolds. Bil-Jax employs about 80 and had 2007 sales of approximately USD80 million. More than 90% of Bil-Jax sales take place in the North American market.  CFTS upgrades documentation Alton, United Kingdom Consolidated Fork Truck Services (CFTS) has responded to feedback from accredited companies by upgrading the Thorough Examination documentation (Forkliftaction.com News #223). “The goal of CFTS in upgrading the documents was to make them as easy as possible to use,” says John Chappell, chairman of CFTS. “And to make sure they are instantly recognisable with absolute confidence as genuine CFTS Thorough Examination documents.” The current CFTS documents have been in use for four years and while there was nothing wrong with them, CFTS was keen to improve its service. “The Thorough Examination certificate has been increased in size from A5 to A4 for consistency with other CFTS documentation,” says Chappell. “Its size and general appearance are similar in many ways to a car’s MOT certificate.” This similarity, Chappell points out, helps reinforce the message that Thorough Examination for forklifts is a legal obligation. A CFTS Certification Mark hologram has been added to the report and certificate to ensure that users know the documentation is genuine. “The hologram will safeguard the users so they know the documents are not a photocopy issued by a rogue company,” adds Chappell. Chappell says it is important to have genuine documents because the report is a legal document and it ensures that there are consistent high standards within companies that are accredited to the scheme. “If a company presents a forklift user with a photocopied document, you should suspect that company is not CFTS accredited,” he says. “And you should not do business with that company!” The layout of the forms has also been improved to make it easier for engineers to complete certain sections. “A sticker attached to new trucks indicates the date the vehicle should have its first Thorough Examination,” says Chappell. “This will serve as a reminder and protect people from falling foul of the law.”  Unused Toyota forklifts (3 units) for sale ex Japan Toyota 8FD25 3 units for sale ex Japan - unused. Click here for more information.  Cat Lift Trucks renews rodeo sponsorship Houston, TX, United States Cat Lift Trucks with Cat dealer Adobe Equipment Holdings Ltd. of Houston renewed a contract through to 2013 as the official forklift sponsor for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR). The relationship began in 2005. Cat Lift Trucks provides up to 110 forklifts per year to move materials and supplies for the annual rodeo, which is described as the Colorado Springs, Colorado-based Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association’s richest global regular-season event of its kind. The next Houston rodeo occurs March 3-22 at Reliant Park. "We are pleased to be the official forklift sponsor for the show and look forward to supporting this great Houston event for the next five years," says Kent Eudy, Cat Lift Trucks marketing vice president, in a statement. Cat Lift Trucks and Adobe Equipment Houston provide technical support and other equipment for vendor rental. Technicians will be on-site throughout the duration of the show, notes Robert Young, Adobe Equipment Houston vice president and general manager. Eudy says Cat Lift Trucks also continues to award college scholarships to Houston-area high school seniors in line with the HLSR commitment to education. The program began in 2005 and, so far, Cat Lift Trucks has presented scholarships with a value of more than USD33,000. Cat Lift Trucks manufactures materials handling equipment in Houston under the Cat brand name as an ISO 9001:2000- certified business operation of Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America Inc. (MCFA), a privately held joint venture of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. and Caterpillar Industrial Inc. Model capacities of Cat Lift Trucks range from 2,200 pounds to 36,000 pounds (990kg to 16,200kg). Winch boom expands forklift capability Rockford, IL, United States Caldwell Group Inc. of Rockford is marketing a winch boom that fits onto standard forklifts, converts a truck into a portable crane and creates an alternative to an overhead or gantry crane. The equipment is available in fixed and pivoting telescopic models costing USD5,000 to USD5,400 and combines the reach of a forklift boom and the precise lifting of a winch. The boom’s winch hook capacities range from 2,000 pounds to 2,400 pounds (900kg to 1,080kg). The winch boom uses 110-volt electrical current in a standard operation and is available with optional DC or hydraulic power on any model. Caldwell introduced the winch boom in March, according to sales representative Jodi Case.  Rental of ‘pink’ forklifts benefits cancer awareness Fort Dodge, IA, United States To raise awareness about breast cancer, Fort Dodge-based Mid Country Machinery Inc. had the manufacturer apply pink paint and customized decals to two new JLG model 800S telescoping boom lifts. Over 54 months, the dealer plans to donate 10% of all income from rental of the machinespossibly USD25,000 to USD30,000to the Des Moines, Iowa chapter of the grassroots network Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation. Partners Bud PeCoy, Mark Swedlund, Lucas Peed and Bob Conaway learned that the wife of a Mid Country Machinery customer suffered from breast cancer. They decided to create the awareness campaign and give back to the community. Each lift carries the slogan, “Reach High for the Cure.” The rental boom lifts, which can rise to 80 feet (24 metres) in height, may be sent to assist at sites constructing and enlarging hospital facilities throughout Iowa. The equipment arrived in Fort Dodge in early July and, after rounds of publicity photos, will go to construction sites soon, PeCoy, Mid Country president, tells Forkliftaction.com News. In addition to JLG machines, the firm sells, rents and services SkyTrak equipment, New Holland construction units, Kobelco excavators and Sidump’r trailers through sites in Fort Dodge and Waterloo, Iowa. Get your say, find your way in the Discussion Forums. Our members are experts in materials handling and in the Discussion Forums they meet and share their views. Click here to visit the Discussion Forums. Have your say in any of the following forums (click to view):
For more information, assistance or your feedback, write to info@forkliftaction.com, phone +61 (0)7 3369 9090 or fax to +61 (0)7 3369 9096.  Cooke sells JCB forklift to Missouri city Chillicothe, MO, United States Cooke Sales & Service Company traded a used 2007 JCB forklift for USD33,363 and a 1987 JCB model in a deal with the City of Kirksville, Missouri, according to Gary Redmon, Cooke salesman. Cooke submitted a successful bid in response to the city’s solicitation. Kirksville will operate the forklift at the city’s wastewater treatment plant, says John Buckwalter, public works director. Buckwalter says the city would have spent about USD72,000 for a new forklift without a trade-in. Redmon notes that it is typical for a user of JC Bamford Excavators Ltd (JCB) forklifts to stay with the JCB line when replacing equipment. “I have one customer with eight JCBs,” he points out. Chillicothe-based Cooke sells and rents JCB forklifts including rough terrain machines, New Holland graders and wheel loaders, Mustang skid loaders and Tiger boom arms. In addition to Chillicothe, Cooke has operations in Fulton, Sedalia and St Joseph, Missouri. Movers and Shakers United Kingdom Berkshire, United Kingdom Alan Blacklock is B&B Attachment’s new service manager. Blacklock has worked for Finning as the service manager and Linde as a service engineer. He has also worked in the construction industry and was involved in the building of the Channel Tunnel. Herts, United Kingdom Geoff Phillips is replacing Brendon Sparks, who has retired, as the general manager of Nissan Forklifts in the UK. He was recently national sales manager. Phillips joined the company in 1991 after Nissan created its own distributor network. Scottsdale, AZ, United States RSC Equipment Rental has appointed Kevin R. Drumm to a newly created role of senior vice president - Strategic Development. Drumm was a principal responsible for advisory and capital-related banking at the Bank of America Securities LLC. Prior to that, he founded Fox Hollow Advisors. He has worked for Goldman, Sachs and Co as an investment banker and with Cravath, Swaine and Moore as a corporate lawyer. Forklift included in workplace theft Haberhsam County, GA, United States A man has been released on bond after being arrested for allegedly stealing his employer’s equipment including a forklift. The Habersham County Sheriff’s Department arrested Willam O’Mullen, a Mt. Airy resident, on theft by deception charges. "We're alleging that while he was an employee of Habersham Metal, he misappropriated property and misappropriated funds during his employment," says D.A. Brian Rickman. A warrant was issued to search the accused man’s home and a number of items were seized. Items included computer equipment, vehicles, three motorcycles, guns, a forklift and many items that can be clearly traced as Habersham Metal’s property. “I estimate the case involves hundreds of thousands of dollars," says Rickman. CONEXPO Asia 2009 detailed Beijing Last week's coverage of the next CONEXPO Asia exhibition had an incorrect link. The event will be held on November 16-19, 2009 at the Chinese Import and Export Fair (CIEF) at the Pazhou Complex in Guangzhou, China. For more information, see www.conexpoasia.com. Search 5607 listings in the MarketplaceSample of used equipment for sale:
and thousands more... Click here to include your used forklifts, stackers, telehandlers, container handlers, attachments etc.
Shortage of forklift operators in specialised jobs BAULKHAM HILLS, New South Wales, Australia Australian Forklift Training, a division of the newly established Australian Quality Training Institute, has trained around 4,500 forklift operators over the past 12 months. According to marketing manager Nathan Wade, there is a shortage of forklift operators in some specialised parts of the industry, for example, experienced high-reach forklift operators. He tells Forkliftaction.com News that in general, there is a high turnover in most forklift jobs because operators usually change jobs if even a slightly higher income is offered elsewhere. The company offers a variety of courses such as forklift license; order picker license; refresher training courses; risk assessment/site reports; elevating work platform license; and walk-behind forklift training. Its two-day forklift operator course enables a complete novice to be trained and licensed to operate a forklift safely. Wade says companies which do not have clear policies and procedures for how they want their forklifts operated are compromising safety standards in the industry. “Most put too much faith in the belief that their operators know what they are doing and will do the right thing. Safety can’t be left to chance. “Companies need to tell operators exactly how they are expected to operate in each job function and monitor operators to ensure that procedures are being followed. “Safety doesn’t happen by accident: only through proper planning and monitoring,” he says. The company provides a number of free forklift driving tips on its website, one of which relates to the common causes of forklifts tipping over sideways. The site warns that most sit-down (counterbalance) forklifts have a narrow wheel base and can easily be tipped over sideways. “Many operators have no idea how close their bad driving habits bring them to tipping the forklift over. A large number of accidents where forklifts roll over are caused by drivers trying to turn the forklift just a little faster than they usually do. “Their normal bad driving habits have them operating so close to tipping over that just a small change like going a few kilometres per hour faster than usual or having the load raised a little higher than normal can spell disaster,” says Wade. The most common causes of a forklift tipping over sideways include: Turning at speed; Driving over uneven surfaces; Unevenly distributed load; Driving with a flat, or underinflated tyre; Driving too fast (loaded or unloaded); Turning with the load raised; Braking too hard when cornering; or Side shift not centred. “When two or more of the above-mentioned causes are combined, it is almost certainly a recipe for disaster,” he warns. It’s also important for companies to highlight areas such as uneven surfaces and places where operators are known to turn and travel fast so that procedures for operating safely can be established, says Wade. High-risk work licensing units of competency Australia The units of competency that underpin the implementation of the National Standard for Licensing Persons Performing High Risk Work (April 2006) will soon be submitted to the National Quality Council for endorsement and will then be incorporated into national industry training packages. These units of competency describe the minimum safety outcomes that an individual will need to demonstrate to be eligible to apply for a licence to perform high risk work. They will be adopted equally across Australia and have been recognised as forming the basis for licensing in all jurisdictions. The development of these licensing units supports the Australian Safety and Compensation Council’s commitment to remove unnecessary duplication in training and assessment for licensing purposes, and to facilitate the transfer of all training and assessment to the vocational education and training system through the Australian Quality Training Framework 2007 and registered training organisations. The following units of competency will be submitted to the National Quality Council for endorsement through continuous improvement of the Transport and Logistics Training Package (TLI07) in the latter half of 2008: Licence to operate a vehicle loading crane; Licence to operate a derrick crane; Licence to operate a portal boom crane; Licence to operate a slewing mobile crane up to 20 tonnes; Licence to operate a slewing mobile crane up to 60 tonnes; Licence to operate a slewing mobile crane up to 100 tonnes; Licence to operate a slewing mobile crane over 100 tonnes; Licence to operate a bridge and gantry crane; Licence to operate a non-slewing mobile crane; Licence to operate a boom type elevated work platform; Licence to operate a forklift; and Licence to operate an order picking forklift. No licensing units will replace Industry units of competency that are already currently endorsed in Training Packages and that are used to assess workplace competence by employers. The units will be used for licensing purposes. For more information visit www.ascc.gov.au/ascc/healthsafety/trainingskillslicensing/licensing/licensing.htm DP World commits to Port of Brisbane BRISBANE, Queensland, Australia Global marine terminal operator DP World has secured a new 40-year lease at the Port of Brisbane ahead of the expiry of its current lease in 2012. The company expects to invest AUD250 million in the port over time to expand and to re-engineer the terminal in response to market demand. The Dubai-based company leases Container Terminals 4, 5 and 6 at the port, and will take over Terminal 7 from Patrick, which will vacate the terminal following the recent completion of Berth 10, the port’s seventh dedicated container terminal. Port of Brisbane Corporation CEO Jeff Coleman says this will give DP World a total lease area of 35.8ha to be operated as a container-only terminal for an initial term of 20 years, with a 20-year option. “This will expand both port operators’ leased area, providing them with 900 metres of quayline each, to enable them to continue to maintain a three-berth operation in the face of ever-increasing ship size,” says Coleman. He adds that DP World will also be making additional investment by way of purchasing the existing improvements at its terminals. “Under the existing leases, the Corporation owns the improvements in the form of pavements, lighting, buildings, etc. DP World has expressed a strong desire to own its improvements under the new lease, as significant additional development is required by DP World to refurbish and re-engineer the terminal.” DP World chief executive Mohammad Sharaf says the Fisherman Island Terminal in Brisbane is a key asset in the company’s expanding global portfolio. He welcomes the inclusion of a new environmental clause in the contract which imposes certain environmental and sustainability requirements. Helping the injured return to work MELBOURNE, Victoria, Australia WorkSafe Victoria has released new publications to assist employers and help injured workers get back to safe and sustainable work. The information offerings come amid findings that workers’ compensation claims average around 30,000 a year. Under the Accident Compensation Act 1985, injured workers and employers have obligations. In particular, employers must provide suitable employment where an injured worker has some capacity for work, and it is critical that they regularly communicate with the injured worker and their doctor throughout the rehabilitation and return-to-work process. Similarly, injured workers must make every reasonable effort to return to work in suitable employment and participate in assessments to determine their capacity for work, rehabilitation progress and future employment prospects. WorkSafe’s Michelle Zorbas says helping injured workers to work in a safe and sustainable way not only assists in the early recovery and rehabilitation of the worker, it reduces productivity losses and minimises the impact on an employer’s workplace injury insurance costs. “Both the employer and injured worker play a vital part in this process, which we know can sometimes be difficult,” he says. The new guidance includes: Returning to Work: A Guide for Injured Workers. Suitable Employment for Injured Workers: A step by step guide. Return to Work Plan and Offer of Suitable Employment forms. Return to Work Inspectors fact sheet. Copies of the publications can be obtained from the WorkSafe website at www.worksafe.vic.gov.au or by contacting the WorkSafe Advisory Service on 1800 136 189. Narrow aisle forklift attracts admirers BRISBANE, Queensland, Australia Last week’s open day hosted by Aisle-Master distributor Adapt-A-Lift attracted significant interest from the industry, with several requests for quotations being taken. Adapt-A-Lift Queensland’s product specialist Mark Hansen tells Forkliftaction.com News that the company demonstrated the capabilities of the LPG and battery-electric forklifts in specially set-up narrow aisle racking. “Aisle-Masters can work in aisles of just 1.98m based on Australian standardised pallet sizes, with capacities of up to 2.5 tonnes and lift heights of up to 12.5 metres,” he says. “While not application-specific, third-party logistics, DIY, manufacturing, pharmaceutical and food and beverage industries are just some of the sectors which make use of these machines,” adds imports business manager Alicia Whiffen. The company is preparing to launch its new AC-powered model Aisle-Master in Australia towards the end of October, following the successful launch of the product at CeMat in Hanover earlier this year. According to Whiffen, the AC forklift shares all the space-saving and versatile qualities of its predecessor, the DC-powered forklift, and the LPG model range, with other benefits including: enhanced performance levels; increased pallet movements for greater productivity; improved acceleration and gradability; fewer wearable parts resulting in less maintenance and reduced downtime; and reduced energy consumption. Brief SYDNEY, New South Wales, Australia Safety and materials handling on show The Safety Show Sydney will take place along with Sydney Materials Handling in New South Wales from 28-30 October this year. The two events will host more than 350 occupational health and safety specialists across three-and-a-half acres at the Sydney Showground, offering everything from asbestos removal to warehouse management systems. Two forklifts stolen at night BACCHUS MARSH, Victoria, Australia Police are on the lookout for two Toyota forklifts stolen from the warehouse of lettuce grower and packer BM Fresh of Bacchus Marsh overnight on 25 July 2008. According to Senior Detective Brian Malloch, the theft took place while staff were working at the premises late at night, and nothing else was taken apart from the two forklifts, which he believes may have been transported interstate by now. “Someone wanted these forklifts for a particular application as other forklifts were available on the premises but weren’t stolen,” he tells Forkliftaction.com News. The two-year-old forklifts, with model numbers 42-7FG15, are orange and have an extra accessory in the form of a computer tablet on the side for order taking. He urges anyone who is approached to buy the forklifts or who may notice these fairly new forklifts turning up at a factory or warehouse to contact him on (03) 5366 4545 or to contact their local Crime Stoppers.  Send this newsletter to an associate
2008-2009 TotalSource Parts Catalog CD Systems Material Handling Co. (SMH), Olathe, Kansas is now offering the 2008-2009 TotalSource Parts Catalog on CD. The Catalog CD, a free resource for all SMH customers, allows users to access the 1700 page catalog from any computer. Click here for the full text of this release, including pictures. Asia’s Largest Material Handling and Logistics Exhibition held once every two years LOGIS-TECH TOKYO 2008, the largest exhibition in Asia specializing in materials handling and logistics, is being held from September 9 (Tuesday) to 12 (Friday), 2008 at Tokyo Big Sight East Halls 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Click here for the full text of this release, including pictures. 
Introducing the All-New TCM PRO Lift Trucks Click here for more information on this product, including pictures. Maximal release the new M Series Reach Truck Click here for more information on this product, including pictures. 
Cost of ownership considerations: Electric vs ICE Forklifts Internal combustion engine forklifts may be cheaper than their electric equivalents, but their running costs can eat up that cost advantage. Read more  |
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As interest mounts in the US Open Forklift Safety Rodeo to be held on November 7th and 8th, the organisers at the Springfield/Clark County Safety Council (SCCSC) have started speakin’ funny. They’re calling forklift drivers “wranglers” or “iron cowboys”. Judges have been dubbed “trail bosses”, while the event chairman now proudly goes by the moniker “Cattle Baron”. The event may look like fun and games, but there’s a serious side as well. It aims to raise awareness of forklift safety something we also feel strongly about. That’s why Forkliftaction.com has signed up as an event sponsor and you’ll be reading all about the preparations in the months ahead. So saddle up, pardner, and get ready to
lift?
