Forklifts for Sale - Tax Breaks To Shrink in 2012

Two generous tax breaks small-business owners received during the recession are going to shrink dramatically in 2012. That makes year-end tax planning more important than usual.

The changes affect the deductions for purchases of equipment, such as a forklift. One is called the Section 179 deduction, named for a provision of the Internal Revenue Code. The other is called bonus depreciation. Congress approved the breaks to make it easier for small businesses to expand and hire workers. Although the economy is still slow, the breaks are being scaled back.

Ed Smith, a tax partner at the accounting and consulting firm BDO in Boston, says he's talking with clients about whether it makes sense to buy equipment before the changes take effect.
"Understand that we're not going to have this deduction in the next couple of years," he said.
The Section 179 deduction allows a small business to deduct upfront rather than depreciate the cost of equipment, such as computers, vehicles, machines in manufacturing, office furniture and sheds.
The deduction for 2011 is $500,000. In 2012, it will drop to $125,000. And in 2013, it's expected to fall to $25,000 — the amount it was back in 2002.
Bonus depreciation allows small businesses to take a deduction for equipment expenses beyond the amount allowed under Section 179. For 2011, the bonus depreciation is 100 percent. The maximum that can be deducted under the two deductions combined is $2 million. In 2012, bonus depreciation drops to 50 percent.
Under normal depreciation rules, the cost of equipment is deducted over a number of years according to a formula set by the IRS. So the Section 179 and bonus depreciation provisions have given small businesses accelerated tax savings.
You can learn more about the deductions in IRS Publication 946, "How to Depreciate Property." It goes into detail about the deductions and the regulations that govern how they can be taken. For example, the Section 179 deduction can't be used for your new heating and air conditioning unit. But that equipment can be depreciated.
It's also a good idea to discuss your plans with an accountant or tax attorney.
Changes in the tax law shouldn't be the biggest reason for buying equipment. Deductions aren't worth it if you're wasting your money on something your business doesn't need. But if you've been debating whether to buy a forklift or install manufacturing equipment in 2011 or in 2012, it might make sense to move the purchase into this year. If you can get a better price than you would next year, that's another reason to buy now.
A big caveat: The forklift has to be delivered by Dec. 31. You can't order a new server or drill press this year, have it delivered in January and still take the deduction. You have to be able to use it — which means it needs to be installed — by the end of the year. However, it's OK if you don't pay for the equipment until next year, or if you're going to take several years to pay it off.
Something else to think about is whether you want to take advantage of these deductions now. You're not required to use Section 179 and bonus depreciation. In fact, you need to elect to take a Section 179 deduction when you file IRS Form 4562, "Depreciation and Amortization."
Depending on what your profits look like this year, and what they're likely to be in the coming years, you might prefer to use regular depreciation. So you might want to postpone your purchase until next year.
Smith says the money owners will save on their taxes from Section 179 and bonus depreciation can help them pay for the equipment they've bought. But using these deductions will eliminate any tax savings you would have had from depreciating equipment over time. Smith points out that when equipment is depreciated under regular rules, the tax savings from that can be used to cover principal payments if the equipment was financed. And the interest on financing is deductible.
Again, it's a good idea to consult a tax professional to decide which approach makes the most sense for your business.

Source: Joyce M. Rosenberg  The Associated Press

Forklift Service Los Angeles - Happy Holidays

The holiday season is upon us and we take time to reflect on all the things for which we are grateful.  Our relationship with our customers is one that we treasure.  So all of us here at Hyundai Forklift of Southern California would like to take this opportunity to thank you for letting us serve you in all your forklift needs and giving us the opportunity to get to know you.  We are looking forward to doing business with you next year.  May the joy, peace and happiness of this holiday season be with you throughout the upcoming year.

Las fiestas han llegado y nos tomamos un tiempo para reflexionar en todas las cosas por las que estamos agradecidos.  La relacion con nuestros clientes es algo que realmente apreciamos.  Todos aqui en Hyundai Forklift of Southern California quisieramos aprovechar esta oportunidad para decirles gracias por permitirnos servirlos con todas sus necesidades y darnos la oportunidad de conocerlos.  Esperamos continuar nuestra relacion con ustedes en este proximo año.  Que la alegría, paz y felicidad de estas fiestas esten con ustedes ahora y los años venideros.

Ngayong panahon ng kapaskuhan, aming inaa-alala ang mga bagay na pasasalamatan. Ang pakikitungo namin sa mga cliente ang isang bagay na pangangalagahan. Kaya’t kaming lahat dito sa Hyundai Forklift of Southern California ay tauspusong nagpapasalamat sa ibinigay ninyong pagkakataon na serbisyuhan kayo sa inyong pangangailangan sa forklift at ng makilala kayo. Inaasahan namin ang pagtuloy na pagsisilbi  sa inyo itong pagdating ng bagong taon. Naway mapa-sa inyo ang kapayapaan, katahimikan at kasiyahan nitong kapaskuhan at ng buong bagon taon.    

Forklift Repairs Los Angeles - Where Do Labor Rates Come From

Every day we find that our potential customers are questioning what we charge for our forklift service.  Every day we try to make the response clearer and more meaningful. 

Kyle Thill of Toyota-Lift of Minnesota produces a blog for his company that regularly has some really good insights and helpful posts.  Today he addresses this issue in his post, Mommy where do labor rates come.  Please follow the link below to his post and enjoy

http://toyotaequipment.blogspot.com/2011/12/mommy-where-do-labor-rates-come-from.html

Forklift Safety - Knowing your Forklifts Capacity

What is the maximum carrying capacity of my forklift to a given lift height?

The load carrying capacity of a forklift is indicated on the capacity data plate or name plate and should be found affixed to the forklift in a prominent location in view of the operator. OSHA safety regulations state that a forklift must have a legible capacity plate. This data plate will indicate the maximum lifting capacity of the machine to the full extension height of the mast and a specified load center for a given configuration. If the forklift configuration or the load characteristics have changed since the data plate was issued, if the data plate is unreadable, or if there are special new load handling conditions, a capacity plate should be changed or added to reflect the relevant forklift, attachment and load conditions. This is extremely important because a warehouse manager and a trained forklift operator will first look to this data plate and rely on this information for the maximum load that can be safely handled with the machine.

There are a multitude of factors that affect the lifting capacity of a forklift and these parameters, which are indicated on the capacity data plate, include:

1.Make or Manufacturer
2.Model
3.Power Source
4.Battery Weight (for electrics)
5.Tire Type
6.Tire Size
7.Mast Lift Height
8.Mast Carriage Type
9.Attachment(s) Type
10.Attachment(s) model
11.Load Center of Gravity (CG or LC)

If any of these parameters are changed, particularly the attachments on the forklift carriage or the load center, the capacity plate should be checked for accuracy to ensure safe load handling.

Forklift Attachments Change the Capacity of the Lift Truck

A forklift attachment includes anything that is attached to the front carriage of a forklift or is attached to an attachment on the forklift. A typical forklift attachment configuration might include a hang-on side shifter and two forks. In this case, if the forks are removed and longer forks are added, the capacity of the machine could be drastically reduced. Or if the forklift is used to pick up a fork mounted attachment, such as a drum handler or fork extensions, then a capacity data plate must be changed or added to reflect the new configuration. OSHA safety regulations state that a forklift must have a legible capacity plate to reflect any attachment used on the lift.

Capacity Decreases the Higher the Forklift Lifts

Lift height or maximum fork height (MFH) has a significant effect on a forklift’s load carrying capacity, and forklifts with high masts will have a greater carrying capacity at lower lift heights than at the maximum lift height. For this reason forklifts with very high masts may have a dual capacity rating on the data plate; a maximum capacity up to a mid level lift height, and a lower capacity rating at the maximum lift height. This allows the forklift operator to work with heavier loads at low heights, i.e. loading and unloading trucks, cross-docking, etc., while using the same forklift to put away lighter loads to high storage locations.

If the Length of the Load is Longer, Lifting Capacity is Reduced

Because a forklift is using leverage to lift a load, any condition that adds weight to the front of the forklift and causes the load center (LC or CG) of the load to be moved further away from the forklift will contribute to a reduction in the residual carrying capacity of the machine. Attachments can cause these reductions, as well as the dimensions of the load and the load handling conditions. Load center typically refers to the horizontal distance to the load CG and is typically half the length of the load for symmetrical objects. To illustrate how attachments and load CG’s can affect residual carrying capacity, consider for example that a particular forklift with only forks on the carriage is rated at 5,000 lb capacity @ 24” load center on the data plate. This forklift will only be rated at 1,270 lb when equipped with a particular 8 foot long fork mounted jib boom because the boom adds weight and moves the load center out to 96 inches. In this case the forklift may employ a dual load center capacity rating on the capacity plate indicating a greater lifting capacity (2,750 lb) at a 4 foot load center and a lower capacity (1,270 lb) at the 8 foot load center.

Load Center also Effects Carrying Capacity

Small changes in load center can also greatly affect the carrying capacity. Consider the capacity of the same 5,000 lb forklift with 48” forks and rated at a 24” load center, drops to 3,660 lbs when 72” fork extensions are employed to lift a 6 foot long load.

Where to Check Your Lift Capacity

The main thing to consider is that every forklift has a legible capacity plate that accurately reflects the attachment configuration being used at the correct load center for the load being lifted and contact Professional Forklift Engineering Services at http://www.forkliftcapacitycalculator.com/ to check your lift capacity and get a professional engineering (PE) certified capacity rating plate on your forklift today.

This is a great article written by Edward Brown, Editor of warehouseiq.com. They have many great articles on warhousing and lift trucks.

OSHA’s Top 10 Violations In 2011

OSHA’s Top 10 Violations In 2011

Propane Forklifts Can Solve Your Gas Pains

Do you have gas pains?  The pains that come from handling gas for your forklift.  Unlike the man in this picture, handling gas can be a real problem for most people.  Unless you are a professional,  it is highly recommended you not try this at home or at work or anywhere else on this planet.

 

The process of handling gas for your forklift is not only dangerous but it’s also a dirty and unpleasant process.  Gasoline powered forklifts are well known for emitting large amounts of noxious fumes, so ventilation is a must.   Working with gas can be a real pain…well, you know where.

The solution to these issues is a forklift that runs on propane. You can purchase your forklift already outfitted with a propane fuel system or have your gasoline powered forklift retrofitted.  Any forklift that can run on gasoline can also run on propane. 

LPG is liquefied petroleum gas commonly known as propane, a combustible hydrocarbon based fuel. It comes from the refining of crude oil and natural gas. At normal pressure and temperatures above -44F Propane remains in it's gaseous form. At lower temperatures and/or higher pressures propane will become a liquid. Propane is colorless and odorless. For safety reasons,  propane is required to be distinctly odorized  so that  the presence of gas in air is easily detectable. This is achieved by adding 1.0 lbs of ethyl mercaptan, or 1.0 lbs of thiophane, or 1.4 lbs of amyl mercaptan per 10,000 of liquefied petroleum gas. There are currently three grades of propane available, HD5 for internal combustion engines, commercial propane and commercial propane butane mix for other uses.

How does a propane forklift system work?  A typical LPG system is illustrated to the right. The fuel is transported in an 8 lbs fuel tank.  Fuel tanks are removable from the forklift and can be filled on site or at an LPG retailer.  In this system, liquid fuel exits the storage tank by a tube mounted inside the supply tank. The tube is configured so that it is immersed in the liquid fuel at all times. The fuel then is routed to the first regulator. This regulator reduces pressure to 4 to 15 psi.  The liquid fuel exits the regulator as half vapor and half liquid. The vapor and liquid combination then is heated, causing it to become all vapor. The second regulator reduces the pressure of the gas to atmospheric pressure. The gas then enters a carburetor or mixing valve and then enters the engine cylinders.

So next time you are attempting to balance the red gasoline can or looking for a funel to use when pouring the gas into your forklift, you  might want to think about converting to a propane forklift sometime soon.   If you have questions about how this process is done or what it may cost, contact your forklift dealer for further details.

Hitachi and Nissan Merge Forklift Operations

Well the rumours were right.  Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., the world’s largest maker of giant excavators, and Nissan Motor Co. agreed to merge their forklift operations next year to cut costs and expand in Asia.

The venture will be operated by government-backed Innovation Network Corp. of Japan, which will invest 30 billion yen ($386 million) and hold a majority stake, the three companies said today in a statement. Hitachi Construction Machinery and Nissan will own the remaining shares, according to the statement, which didn’t provide more details.

The partners will seek to expand in Southeast Asia and other emerging markets that drive global demand, the companies said. Japanese forklift-truck producers have been battered by price competition in the domestic market, dominated by Toyota Industries Corp., an affiliate of Toyota Motor Corp., a person familiar with the deal said last month.

“Many Japanese forklift manufacturers do not have sufficient scale to gain market share, even with their technological prowess,” according to the statement. Mergers, acquisitions and restructuring are “vital for them to capture business in new, growing markets,” it said.

Hitachi Construction Machinery, which has lost 30 percent of its value this year, closed up 1.7 percent at 1,353 yen on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Nissan Motor shares gained 2.7 percent to 693 yen.

Hitachi Construction Machinery, Japan’s second-largest maker of excavators and wheel loaders, took control of TCM Corp., a forklift maker, in 2005 and acquired all the shares it didn’t already own in the company in December 2009.

Nissan Forklift Co., a wholly owned unit of Japan’s second- largest carmaker, produces 30,000 forklifts a year in Japan, Europe and the U.S., according to its website.

The automaker is scaling back businesses outside its main vehicle division as Chief Executive Officer Carlos Ghosn seeks to become the world’s largest electric-car seller.

Source: Bloomberg

Looking for Forklift parts - Do you know Carl?

There are a lot of parts on a forklift. Take a look at the picture to the right.  There are also a lot of forklifts that need parts.  There have been at least a hundred forklift manufacturers over time and together they have produced several hundred different forklift models. 

Do you need a tire, a hydraulic pump, an o-ring, engine components, etc..? You can buy new forklift parts, aftermarket forklift parts, used forklift parts or rebuilt forklift parts.  There are so many factors you need to know to find the right parts for your forklift. So how do you source the right parts to repair your forklift?    

You call Carl! 

Who is Carl you may ask? 

This is Carl. Carl is the Parts Department Manager at Hyundai Forklift of Southern California.  For over twenty years, Carl has been researching and cultivating supplier relationships in an  effort to better service his clientele.  Carl has vendors that provide new parts.  He has vendors that can rebuild parts.  He even has vendors that can make new parts to match your broken parts. 

When discussing with Carl what he feels he offers of value to his customers, Carl says that during the twenty years he has been in the parts business, he has made all the mistakes so you don't have to.  Carl feels that he has come to learn how critical patience and respect are in providing his customers with the best service possible.  He likes to help his customers identify the correct part for their situation.  Carl says he remembers helping one customer who called up asking for a fan blade.  After a lengthy discussion trying to identify the proper part for his customer, he realized that what the customer was really looking for was an aircraft propeller for his airplane.

Most of Carl's regular customers will tell you that Carl is a hard-working person who listens to his customers and always gets back to them promptly.  These are traits they value greatly.  When asked why people should call him about forklift parts, Carl responds, "because I do this every day and they may only do it once in a while."  He continues, "I know where to find the best forklift parts and find them quickly.  But most importantly, I know where to find the best deals so that I can save my customers money."  So, why bother trying this yourself?  Call Carl!

Carl is married to his wife Vesta and they have three kids.  He is a Dallas Cowboys fan and loves to fish and cook.

Tebowing is not for Forklifts - Forklift Maintenance is Critical

Is this what it takes for you to make repairs to your forklift? Do your employees have to stand up and say they won’t take it anymore? They won't drive your unsafe forklifts. If this is your situation, then I hope you are heavily insured because eventually, someone is going to get hurt.

It is an everyday occurrence for us to run into people who refuse to make the necessary repairs to their forklifts because they don’t want to spend the money. Just yesterday, one of our service reps visited a customer that had a tire that had completely delaminated off the hub and his employees were still operating the lift. How many of you are driving forklifts into trailers or containers and your forklift has no lights. Does your forklift have brakes that won’t hold or stop your forklift unless you press really hard? These are some of the more common safety issues that are put off because of cost cuts.

Have you been putting off changing the oil and oil filter on your forklift? When is the last time you greased your forklift. Have you cleaned out the radiator on your forklift recently? If you have answered no to any of these questions and your main reason is that you are trying to save money, then I can assure that though you may save in the short term, you will end up paying more down the road when you forklift needs a major overhaul.

Forklift maintenance and employee safety should not be looked at as an expense. It really is insurance against having to forgo a long term loss of valuable assets in both your employees and your equipment. The photo to the right is of Denver Bronco Rookie Quarterback Tim Tebow. He has become well know for donning this position after a big play to reflect on his accomplishments. Don’t find yourself having to do one of these poses just because your forklift is still running and your employees are safe at the end of the day.
We can help you  review and assess your situation. Then we can help you figure out what you need to keep your employees safe and your equipment running, at a reasonable cost. Pay now instead of paying more later!

Forklifts Los Angeles - New Hyundai Forklifts $18,900

We have a limited quantity of new 2010 Hyundai 5,000 lbs cushion tire forklifts with 185" triple stage masts and sideshifters for $18,900 plus tax. They come with a full Two Year Warranty from the manufacturer. Call now 800-660-5241 or stop by and see us. These units won't last long at this price

We are thankful for our Veterans!

We at Hyundai Forklift of Southern California are grateful for those men and woman who have served, currently wear the uniform, and will be members of our armed forces.  We are grateful every day for the freedoms and liberties we enjoy as a result of the sacrifices made by our Veterans. 

In preparing to write this post, I saw some pictures that said, "Happy Veterans Day".  To me, this seemed very odd because I am not happy that men and woman have had to give their time and in some cases their lives to protect and defend our rights and freedoms here in our wonderful country.  I am thankful thought to those have have bravely taken on this responsibility.  I am thankful for the veterans that now wear the uniform of our company, an opportunity only made possible by these and many other veterans.

Thank you!

Has your forklift maintenance been like the Kardashian marriage?

Has your forklift maintenance been like the Kardashian marriage? Did you get lots of hype and attention and then only 72 days of bliss? Does your maintenance company only care about the money and publicity and not about you? It doesn’t have to be that way. Your relationship with your forklift maintenance company needs to be like a marriage. It should be a two way process where each side contributes to and cares about the longevity and success of your equipment.

First of all, your maintenance program needs to be honest and complete. You don’t want to be cheated on and only get partial maintenance done on your equipment, so ask your maintenance provider to review their maintenance program with you. Make sure that their program is customized to match your specific equipment, your environment, and your work habits. A good maintenance program not only includes a complete oil change and lubrication but also a thorough inspection and cleaning of your forklift.

 

Secondly, is your maintenance company keeping track of your forklift’s characteristics, its history and important anniversaries? If Kris Humphries had paid attention, he would have known that Kim Kardashian was not going to move to Minnesota and be a stay at home mom. Same goes with your forklift. Your maintenance company should know what your forklift’s needs and its maintenance anniversaries. The technicians should arrive fully prepared to make the most out of the time they spend doing maintenance on your lift.


Third, a maintenance company should take the necessary steps to protect you. They should provide competent and trained personnel to do your forklift maintenance. Their employees should be properly insured with Work Comp insurance so that if their employee is injured on your property, you won’t be liable in any way. They should also take responsibility for any damage or accidents that may happen as a result of their work. You need to make sure that your forklift maintenance company carries an appropriate liability insurance policy to keep you protected.

Of course, as in marriage, this is a partnership and you have responsibilities too. You are responsible for clearly communicating to your partner how your forklift is running and any issues you are having or may have observed. Without clear communication, your maintenance partner has no way of knowing if they are doing a good job or if you are satisfied as a customer.

Finally, you need to make sure that you properly compensate your forklift maintenance company. Any good marriage requires that each side makes equal contribution to the relationship. To keep the relationship healthy for the long-term, you can’t expect to get more from your partner than you are providing in return.

We have a special going on now that gets you a great value for our service..  Click the button above to find out the details

Top 10 OSHA Violations

Created by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970,  the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a powerful agency within the Department of Labor charged with ensuring safe and healthful working conditions for American workers. OSHA sets and enforces standards for workplace safety and provides training, outreach, education and expertise to employers and other groups.

OSHA's broad jurisdiction is over private sector workplaces, federal agencies, maritime employers such as shipyards, military facilities, and other workplaces nationwide. The agency recently released data on the most common types of safety infractions in 2010,  providing a snapshot of the types of cost-cutting and ignorance that can lead to injuries and fatalities.

The Top Ten OSHA Violations
OSHA's  regulations cover a range of hazards that could lead to serious construction injuries and other jobsite accidents.  These were the ten most frequently cited violations;

• Scaffolding: OSHA's general requirements for scaffolding mandate specific weight requirements, use of counterweights, connections to roofs and floors and other factors to keep workers safe when working high above sidewalks and other surfaces.
• Fall protection: Guardrails, safe walking surfaces, safety nets and harnesses must be employed under certain conditions to prevent injuries from falls.
• Hazard communication: Workers must be informed of chemical hazards via container labeling, material safety data sheets and employee training.
• Respiratory protection: Employers must provide appropriate respirators and prevent atmospheric contamination to guard against occupational diseases caused by harmful dust, gases, smoke and vapors.
• Ladders: Portable and fixed ladders must meet strict guidelines regarding weight-bearing capacity, space between rungs and surface materials.
• Lockout/tagout: Machines and equipment that require servicing and maintenance must be guarded by procedures and tags that prevent accidental startup.
• Electrical wiring methods: All wiring conduits must be grounded or bonded to ensure electrical continuity and prevent severe shock or electrocution.
• Industrial trucks: Forklifts, tractors, platform lifts, motorized hand trucks, and other specialized equipment must meet design requirements for fire protection, design and maintenance.
• General electrical requirements: Electric equipment must be free of recognized hazards based on strength and durability, connection space, electrical insulation, heating and arcing effects, and other factors.
• Machine guarding: Operators and other employees in the area must be protected using appropriate barriers and electronic safety devices to avoid nip points, rotating parts, flying chips and sparks.

These violations put workers at risk. When workers on construction, renovation, demolition and excavation projects are injured due to OSHA violations, they may be entitled to sue the responsible parties for money damages for their pain and suffering, medical expenses and lost earnings.

Forklift Safety - Stay in the Cage

Forklift safety, something that employers need to be concerned about on a daily basis, is not always the easiest thing to convey to your employees.  It is peoples general nature to not believe something bad can happen to them until it is to late.  So as employers, you need to find ways to impress upon your employees why safety is critical to you and to them.

Sometimes a picture is worth  a thousand words.  This video attempts to illustrate forklift tipping issues.

I found this video on youtube and thought it might be useful to share with your employees as part of your efforts to continually educate them and keep the work place safe.  I find the model in the picture that the narrator uses to explain the balance issues with a forklift to be particularly easy to understand and to realize the limitations of a forklift.

Remember, OSHA requires that you train and certify your employees every three years or when either you have and incident or change venues or equipment.  If you have questions about this, give us a call at 323-622-6000 and we will help you with this issue.

Nissan Forklift Denies Company is being Acquired

Nissan Motor Co Ltd has denounced a media report the company will soon be acquired by Hitachi Construction Machinery Co.

An October 5 Nikkei Report article reported that the two companies are currently negotiating an operating and capital alliance between their forklift businesses.

Nissan spokesman Mitsuru Yonekawa tells Forkliftaction.com News articles mentioning Hitachi Construction’s impending acquisition of Nissan Forklift Co are "incorrect and speculative".

Hitachi Construction, which owns forklift manufacturer TCM Corp, turned TCM into a wholly-owned subsidiary in December 2009 (Forkliftaction.com News #427). The parent company absorbed the wheel loader operations in April 2010, leaving TCM to focus on forklifts. Nikkei Report says TCM was ranked fourth, with an 8.4% market share, in Japan last year.

Nissan Forklift Co is fifth, according to Nikkei Report, with a 6.8% share of the domestic market. Together, the two forklift businesses would have 15.2% of the Japanese forklift market, closing in on third-placed Komatsu Ltd.


source: forkliftaction.com

Forklift Safety Through Scheduled Maintenance

We do a lot of talking about forklift safety on this blog.  We talk about safety equipment.  We talk about forklift safety training. The one thing we have not really talked about is how to keep your forklift safe by performing regularly scheduled maintenance on your forklift.

Maintenance is critical for your operators and forklift's safety.  Regularly scheduled, this process will inspect the inner details of your equipment to make sure they are operating properly and not on the edge of failure.  Proper lubrication and cleaning of your forklift can identify issues with your equipment that neither you or your operators are aware of.  You may have hoses that are worn and ready to leak or explode.  You may have bearings that are worn and ready to fail.  Dirty radiators can result in overheating and unusual engine wear.  Worn tires can result in uneven travel of the forklift and could increase the possibility of tipping.  Brakes need not only to be function checked, but they need to have a detailed visual inspection on some regular schedule.



Forkift Inspection Checklist

One of the most simple but probably least understood processes in a preventative maintenance program is the cleaning of your lift truck. The number one cause of forklift downtime is dirt and debris. A preventive maintenance program is only as good as the cleaning your fork lift receives. Make sure that your provider is taking the time to clean your lift thoroughly including, but not limited to, blowing out the radiator with compressed air, wiping down the hydraulic cylinders, and replacing dirty filters with clean ones.

So you can see that it is not only important to have a safety program that includes daily inspections, both visual and functional checks of the forklift (see the checklist example to the right), but also a more regular maintenance and inspection by a qualified forklift technician. 

In our effort to continue to support forklift safe use, we are offering a forklift maintenance special throught the end of the year. Click the button below to find our more.

Tis the Season for Forklift Rentals

Tis the season to consider a forklift rentals for your business operation. With the busy Christmas season approaching, is your business busy moving product in and out? Have you hired more staff to deal with the added movement of product?

There are times in the warehouse and freight industries when the workload suddenly increases exponentially. The month before the holidays is a good example of this. Anyone who has ever worked in the shipping industry knows that this time is by far the busiest of the year and lots of temporary employees and equipment are needed to handle it. Renting a forklift during this time can make the work much easier to handle. A good forklift designed for indoor warehouse use can easily perform tasks that would take several people hours to do on their own.

How do you respond swiftly to changes in your operating environment or meet urgent requests from your customers? Our Short-term Rental plan provides the answer, as it gives you the flexibility to quickly adjust the size of your core fleet. Alternatively, Short-term rental can provide you with a forklift truck in order to meet a specific need for a specific period of time

It is important that the operators of rental forklifts are properly trained and certified.  It may be tempting for many people to try to use a forklift without being properly trained, but incorrect or unsafe use of a forklift can result in injury, death, or the destruction of machinery.  Forklift rental is a perfect solution for temporary equipment needs , so long as trained personnel operate the lift correctly.

Contact your Hyundai Forklift of Southern California Rental Specialist for more information on how we can help you through this challenging season.

Hyundai Forklifts Adds More Power with a New GM Engine

Recently, Hyundai Forklifts Americas announced the addition of four new models to their product line.  These four new products will feature a GM 3.0L engine with 65 horsepower to allow your forklift to easily move loads up ramps and over hills. 

The General Motors engine, show to the right, is California Air Resource Board (CARB) tier IV certified.  This engine will be available in the 5,000 and 6,000 lbs cushion tire and pneumatic tire forklifts Hyundai offers.  The models are designated ast 25LC-7M/30LC-7M and 25L-7M/30L-7M.

This new engine, as stated earlier, provides the operator with 65 robust horsepower.  With this much power at the operators control, these forklifts have the ability to pull grades over 30% and a drawbar pull of well over 5,000 lbs.

If you would like more information on this engine, please contact your friendly Hyundai Forklift of Southern California sales team member.  They will be glad to review this option with you.

Be Safe - Use Propane Tanks That Are Properly Certified

Did you know the propane tank on your forklift has a limited lifespane?  When is the last time you checked to see if your propane tank was out of certification? Do you even know where to check for your tanks certification date?  This article will provide you with information how to operate safely with properly certifed  propane tanks.

The most common type of LP Gas container is the propane cylinder, commonly known as a bottle. Cylinders range widely in size and use. Most people are familiar with propane bottles as the source of fuel for their gas grills. Industrial LP Gas consumers are also familiar as forklifts are commonly powered by propane and use cylinders as a portable gas supply source. Cylinders fall into two groups of propane service, liquid and vapor. Cylinders in liquid service are commonly found on forklifts while bottles in vapor service are easily spotted fueling a gas grill.

Propane powered forklifts primarily use 33 pound cylinders as their fuel source and are equipped for liquid service. Because the cylinders are designed for liquid service, they have to be placed properly on the lift truck to operate correctly. Improper cylinder installation can result in loss of power and eventually complete loss of engine functionality. Although industrial propane cylinders are within the 4-40 pound class, they do not require OPD valves in order to be refilled. When a 33 pound forklift cylinder is properly mounted on a lift truck, it will generally provide around 8 hours of continuous operation.

The most common portable tank is called a "DOT" tank, since it is built to conform to design and usage regulations established by the Federal Department of Transportation. Both horizontally and vertically mounted portable DOT tanks are available. The horizontal and vertical tanks are not interchangeable, and must be stored, filled, and used only in the specified horizontal or vertical mounting position.

National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) pamphlet 58 states that all DOT cylinders need to be recertified after 12 years from the manufacturing date and depending on what certifying method is used they are recertified every 5,7,12 years thereafter. Recertification involves a periodical documented inspection and testing of the cylinder to confirm that the cylinder is still safe and legal to remain in service.  The date of manufacturer are stamped on the bottle as shown in the photo above. 

When re-qualified, the portable propane cylinders must be marked according to DOT regulations. The marking must be made permanent through stamping or engraving and must include the month and year of the re-qualification, the method used and the re-qualifier's identification number. These markings must also follow one of four patterns specified in the DOT regulations to prevent tampering or other misuse

Hyundai Forklift Adds a New Member to the Family

Hyundai Forklift has announced that a small-frame 11,000 lb. diesel engine powered forklift truck has been UL certified and is now available to the U.S. market.

The truck is in a family consisting of 35/40/45DS-7E, and the model is designated 50DA-7E. It is built on the same frame as the 45D-7E, and dimensions are similar to that model forklift (see below comparisons).

Model		45DS-7E		50DA-7E		50DS-7E
Capacity		9,920#		11,020#		11,020#
Wheelbase		78.7"		78.7"		90.6"
Service Weight		15,170#		16,100#		21,760#
Tires (Front)		7.50-16-12		7.50-16-12		8.25-15-14
Tires (Rear)		7.00-12-12		7.00-12-12		8.25-15-14
Overhead Guard Height		88.2"		88.2"		98.4"
Overall Length		173.4"		175.2"		189.8"
Overall Width		69.9"		69.9"		82.2"
Fork Carriage Width		63"		63"		82.2"
Turning Radius		113.8"		116.1"		132.3"
Drawbar Pull		8,470#		8,530#		13,140#
Gradeability		31.80%		30.80%		36.50%

As an added bonus, the cost for this truck is more in line with its’ little brothers and 20+% lower than its’ larger cousin, the 50DS-7E. For the cost-conscious consumer, it is the ideal model forklift for their use, providing the lifting capacity that they need and excellent maneuverability in tight areas. Equipped with the Mitsubishi S6S-DT 91 HP diesel engine, it will supply all the power you will ever need in this size forklift. The 50D-7AE is available for sale immediately and prices are available by contacting your friendly Hyundai Forklift of Southern California sales team.

Check Out Our New and Improved Website

We have redesigned our webssite for greater ease of use and to provide greater insight into our great products and services.  Please Check it out at http://www.hyundaiforkliftsocal.com/.  Of Course, we will continue to do our best to provide you with regularly scheduled blog post of news and information about forklifts and their accessories.  So stay tuned.

Natural and Green Forklift Fuel Solutions

Walk into any warehousing facility, plant or manufacturing plant and you will find two things; a forklifts and an indoor air quality concern .

Gas forklifts, often fueled by liquid propane gas (LPG) or gasoline,  emit toxic exhaust emissions, smoke, fumes and odors. These emissions become quite serious when forklifts are operated in confined or porrly ventilated areas.

Is it bad for the forklift operators, as well as other workers, who are inhaling the fumes? Need proof, check your health and attendance records. Natural gas is the cleanest fuel available today, reducing emissions, such as carbon monoxide, by up to 95% over propane forklifts, as evidenced in the Environmental Protection Agency’s data comparisons in the chart below, which is still current as of 2010.  This means no more headaches for your workers, and no smell of propane.

Fossil Fuel Emission Levels

- Pounds per Billion Btu of Energy Input

Pollutant		Natural Gas	Oil	Coal
Carbon Dioxide		117,000	164,000	208,000
Carbon Monoxide		40	33	208
Nitrogen Oxides		92	448	457
Sulfur Dioxide		1	1,122	2,591
Particulates		7	84	2,744
Mercury		0	0.007	0.016

Source: EIA - Natural Gas Issues and Trends 1998

With cleaner burning natural gas, forklift operators and fellow workers are exposed to considerably less emissions. Cleaner indoor air also means less air changes and lower heating bills for those of you located in the colder climates.  And because of the simple chemical makeup of natural gas, your engine stays clean and tuned. Since natural gas is stored in permanently mounted tanks on your forklifts, there is no lifting of heavy propane bottles, eliminating potential back injuries.

The conversion from LP to Natural Gas is surprisingly easy and can be accomplished in a few hours. A new tank designed to hold compressed natural gas at 3,600 psig replaces the old LP tank along with fuel system components that deliver natural gas to the forklift engine.

Refueling CNG powered forklifts can be accomplished by either fast fill or time filling. Fast fill station designs allow forklifts to fuel in the matter of minutes, without changing out heavy propane tanks. Operators simply connect the forklift to a re-fueling post and transfer clean natural gas into the high pressure tank.

In time fill applications, forklifts connect to fill post assemblies and remain parked over an 8 hour period. Gas is then transferred to all the forklifts within this time period. When operators return, all the forklifts are refueled and ready to go.Operators can monitor how much CNG they have on-board their forklift and can easily replace the fuel without the worry of running out of propane tanks.

Call your service representative at Hyundai Forklift of Southern California for more details on this natural and green fuel solution