Dan, thank you for recognizing the hard work that techs do. ;-)

But.....I must correct you again; I AM a lift truck operator trainer and I have no problem in comparing qualifications if asked.

After 12 years in the lift truck industry I do not consider myself perfect and know that I do not have a monopoly on knowledge. I will gladly learn from the experiences of others.

Technicians have a unique undertanding of lift trucks operation. A tech may set parameters such as acceleration, lift speed, plugging etc. depending on the experience/ability of operators or the environment. Choice of tires/compounds can make the difference between a productive operator and a problem turning into a preventable accident. These are just examples.

It would be a mistake to consider techs unable to contribute to operational safety/knowledge. Last time I checked techs had the final say on machine safety, not trainers.

I try not to pass judgment on other people due to the "boomerang" effect. I just find interesting that anybody would have the need to claim "superior" knowledge/practices/standards so many times in forums dedicated to sharing of industry information.
I guess my outlook on things is different, not necessarily right or better.

Vince