Forklift Financing - Leasing vs. Purchase

The questions that haunts most people when they seek to acquire a forklift is whether they should lease or buy. Although most people expect an easy answer to this question, there is no cut-and-dried one-size-fits-all advice in such a scenario. Everything depends on a number of factors that are unique to every individual need. To help you arrive at the best way forward when faced with a similar question, let’s look at the different determinants.

Buying a forklift

Buying a forklift may seem logical to most people at first as it comes with ownership of the equipment. The assumption is however true for operators with lighter loads or large amounts of excess capital. Buying also makes sense if your requirement demands a high degree of customization and special attachments or if you routinely move your equipment between different locations.

Benefits

Equipment purchases from working capital represent the lowest acquisition cost in most instances. Other benefits include:

• Immediate ownership
• Zero service fees, interest, or finance charges
• Flexibility to invest extra hours without attracting additional costs
• Peace of mind
• Allows for customization
• The forklift purchase is tax deductible

Disadvantages

Conversion of liquid cash into assets
Depletion of cash sometimes necessitating borrowing

Leasing

Leasing a forklift may be the best foot forward in a number of scenarios, such as when you want to test different types of forklifts for sale, your requirement is temporary or seasonal, and when your operations are characterized by heavy forklift use.

Benefits

Payments for forklifts for rent are usually made from the balance sheet as operational expense, allowing them to be deducted from in tax returns under business expenses. Here are some of the benefits of having an operational lease.

• Allows you to save capital for other pressing issues such as product development and inventory expansion.
• Heavy users don’t have to worry about depreciation and trade-in/resale values
• You are free from investing in obsolescence
• Lease contracts are flexible

Disadvantages

Leasing has its fair share of disadvantages, which include:

• The risk of paying more in the end due to interest and other charges
• May not include ownership option (Paid-up Contract)
• Some providers of forklifts for rent restrict their equipment to a single location

Let Us Help

If you need expert help deciding whether to buy or lease, our team at Accurate Forklift is always there for you. Discuss your requirement with us for expert and ethical advice that best caters to your unique situation. We also offer forklifts for sale and forklifts for rent in Atlanta. Call us today at 770-692-1455 or mail to sales@accurateforklift.net.

Prominent Forklift Dangers To Avoid

There is need to curb the high number of accidents that occur among the approximately 1 million forklifts that are in operation in the US each year. OSHA data reveals that every year, 100 lives are lost and another approximately 20,000 are seriously maimed in forklift-related accidents. When you are looking for Forklifts for sale remember that they come in different types and sizes but all require that the utmost attention be paid to safety. In this blog, we look at some of the most dangerous forklift dangers.

People getting crushed

Victims getting crushed by trucks is one of the common accidents cited by OSHA. The sheer weight of a forklift makes it dangerous and responsible for many deaths around the country. To prevent such types of accidents,

• Forklifts must carry passengers only if a seat is provided
• No-one must ever ride on the forks
• The operator and any passengers must remain seated and use seat belts at all times
• Operators must first familiarize with new routes and check for any hazards

Workers getting struck down

Pedestrians are sometimes struck down by forklifts or objects triggered by the trucks with fatal consequences. To mitigate this risk,

• Create dedicated aisles for foot traffic
• Try as much as possible to segregate forklift and pedestrian traffic
• Protect workstations, equipment, and other components through strategic location or use of physical barriers
• Make sure operators adhere to safe driving practices and regulations
• Qualified personnel must routinely conduct workplace safety inspections
• Consider using overhead dome mirrors and other such measures to improve visibility around blind corners and intersections
• Limit forklift traffic near exits, break rooms, and other areas that see high pedestrian activity

Forklift Turning Over

Forklifts can easily overturn if the load is not balanced properly, the forks are too high, or the load exceeds capacity. To stem such accidents,

• Make sure the load doesn’t exceed the forklift’s stated capacity (Discuss the nature of your work with a dealer when you go hunting for forklifts for sale or forklifts for rent)
• Make sure the load is well balanced and stable
• Reduce speed when turning
• Before making turns, make sure the rear end has enough room to manoeuvre
• Avoid adjusting the fork height while on the move
• Stabilize the load by tilting the forks backwards
• Exercise particular caution on ramps and grades

Buy or Rent a Forklift Today

If you are looking for forklift trucks that best cater to the nature of your work and give you value for your money, Accurate Forklift is the place to go. We offer forklifts for sale or forklifts for rent in Atlanta from all top brands. Whether you want to buy or rent a forklift, we have the best deals waiting for you. We also provide new forklift parts, used forklift parts, and salvage forklift parts for sale. Call us today at 770-692-1455 or e-mail us at sales@accurateforklift.net.

Answering Common Questions about OSHA Guidelines for Operator Training

Operator training is a very important aspect of OSHA guidelines pertaining to the operation of heavy equipment such as forklifts and cranes. Adhering to OSHA guidelines ensures safety in the workplace and avoidance of problems associated with violating OSHA guidelines. Operator training, is not an event but a continuous process which has to keep pace with constant changes and new information. To help, we answer some frequently asked questions regarding OSHA guidelines for forklift operator training.

Do Operators have to be trained for every make and model in my fleet?

Training your operators for every make and model is not required. However, they must receive adequate training on every ‘type’ of forklift, such as pallet jack or order picker and sit or stand forklifts, among others. Basic instruction will obviously be required for the ‘controls’ as an operator moves to a different make of the same type they were using.

When are refresher courses mandatory?

Refresher courses are not really necessary according to OSHA guidelines, except in instances where there are changes in the warehouse / jobsite or a new type of forklift. Refresher courses are also necessary when operators get poor evaluation, have been involved in an accident, or other similar circumstance.

Do I need a valid driver’s license to train as an operator?

Short answer, ‘No’. Long answer - A forklift operator is only required to be trained and certified with all the training records being kept safely by the employer.

Who qualifies as a trainer?

There is no cut-and-dried definition of who qualifies as a trainer. However, according to OSHA, it has to be a person in possession of knowledge, training, and experience. They must have demonstrable evidence that they are skilled and experienced in training and evaluating forklift operators. This can be in the form of a degree, certification, or professional standing, among others.

The Bottom Line

Safety around the warehouse or at job sites is crucial, which is why operator training ranks in priority, along with good forklift maintenance. If you are on the hunt for forklifts for sale or forklifts for rent in Atlanta, oem forklift parts, or forklift service, Accurate Forklift is the place to go. We are a market leader in the provision of everything forklifts. Call us today at 770-692-1455 or mail us at sales@accurateforklift.net.

Pressing Forklift Repair Needs that Rank in Priority

Optimum productivity, efficiency, and productivity demand that your forklifts be in the best working condition all the time. That is why religious maintenance of your forklift fleet is very important. Accurate Forklift provides forklift maintenance and repair services in Atlanta to help you keep your forklifts in the best shape. We also provide forklifts for rent in Atlanta to help mitigate the effects of any maintenance or repair requirement. We also provide a full range of new forklift parts, used forklift parts, and salvage forklift parts for sale. Here are 3 pressing forklift repair requirements that take the cake in terms of importance.

Ignition

This is perhaps pretty obvious, as you can’t do any work with a forklift that won’t start. Common issues behind a forklift that will not start include a dead or damaged battery, and overheated engine. If the battery is ok, check the fluid levels and see whether or not the radiator ports are blocked.

Steering

If the forklifts starts well, the operator must be able to easily manoeuvre it to take it where it has to go and carry out the necessary work. A failure or difficulty, or erratic steering needs to be diagnosed and fixed immediately. One common reason behind steering issues is fluid levels or leaks. If the fluid levels are fine, contact Accurate Forklift to get other issues such as gears, linkage checked.

Lifting

At the heart of a forklift’s functionality, is its ability to lift and haul items. This makes your forklift’s ability to lift as important as being able to start or steer. Problems with lifting or lowering, erratic operation, and being too slow or fast significantly impact productivity and safety in the warehouse or at job sites. Check the mast’s hydraulic fluid levels and chain as they are the usual suspects.

We Can Help

If your forklift needs fixing or routine maintenance, Accurate Forklift is here to help. We are a reputable provider of forklift repair and service in atlanta including forklift parts for sale in atlanta. We provide forklifts for rent in Atlanta to help you cut losses during downtimes and also cater to emergency needs. Call us today to discuss your requirement and get answers to all your questions. Just dial 770-692-1455 or email to service@accurateforklift.net or sales@accurateforklift.net.

Common Reasons Your Forklift May Be Overheating

One sure way to get the most from your forklift is to be able to spot warning signs when they arise. One of these warning signs is forklift overheating. When operators notice the temperature gauge angling for the danger zone, it is important to put it out of action to determine and address the causes of the overheating. Failure to do so will result in damage to some of the vital forklift parts. Accurate Forklift provides forklifts for sale in Atlanta, forklifts for rent in Atlanta, as well as forklift repair and maintenance services that include overheating forklifts. Here are some of the common reasons why forklifts overheat.

Coolant levels

Low coolant levels may result in your forklift overheating. That is why it is important to include fluid level checks in your daily inspection routine. Fluid levels, including coolant, must be regularly replenished.

Blocked radiator

The radiator plays an important role in taking care of the heat generated by the engine. Any blockage will compromise air flow and reduce its efficiency, resulting in forklift overheating. Check the radiator for any foreign items as part of fixing an overheating forklift.

Broken fan / fan belt

The fan and fan belt comprise another area that you must check when your forklift is overheating. Damage to the fan and belt may result from a host of reasons including the impact of things falling through the cracks underneath the hood, and regular wear and tear. This is because of the location of the fan and belt.

Others

There are several other reasons behind forklifts overheating, especially during the summer when cooling systems are put to the ultimate test. Some of the causes we will not discuss include out-of-adjustment inching pedals, operator riding inching pedal, and environment.

We can help

If your forklifts are overheating and you need expert help to get the issue resolved, Accurate Forklift is the place to go. We provide forklift service and maintenance in Atlanta for all popular forklift brands and types. We also offer oem forklift parts for sale at affordable prices as well as used forklifts for sale in Atlanta. Call us today at 770-692-1455 or email us at sales@accurateforklift.com to discuss your requirement and get answers to all your questions. Never leave overheating forklifts unfixed as it will usually result in great damage and even bigger downtimes for you and your company.

Mistakes to avoid when renting a forklift

Forklifts are expensive pieces of equipment that are not always easy or convenient to buy. There are a lot of scenarios in which it is preferable to go for forklifts for rent. Forklift for rent give you distinct advantages as discussed in our earlier blog. Despite such advantages, it remains important to make sure that you get your hiring right. Here are some common mistakes that you must avoid when you go for forklifts for rent in Atlanta.

Going for the cheapest forklift

It is easy to lose focus on a lot of important considerations if you embark on a blind quest for monetary savings. Forklift are mostly engaged in work that involves a great degree of risk if important considerations are ignored.

Not renting from an authorized dealer

Always get forklift for rent from an authorized dealer. This is the only way you can be sure that you are getting a reliable and safe piece of equipment that is properly maintained with original forklift oem parts.

Not being truthful about your requirement

When you rent a forklift, a number of questions will need your answer to isolate the best truck to cater to your requirement. Not being honest about the environment and terrain in which you intend to use the forklift or about details such as load weight and shape or reach requirements in order to qualify for a forklift that is within your budget exposes you to the risk of accidents of damaging the forklift. You will also most likely run into legal and insurance issues if there is an accident.

Not reading the contract

As with any other deal, always read contracts before signing. This helps you understand the terms of the contract and seek clarifications or modification in time. It is also the best way to avoid falling prey to unscrupulous dealers.

Talk to Accurate Forklift

If you are looking for Caterpillar forklifts, Toyota forklifts, Nissan forklifts, or Hyster forklifts for rent in Atlanta, Accurate Forklift is the place to go. We offer a wide selection of forklifts and attachments at competitive rates to help you meet your hauling needs. Talk to us today to discuss your requirement and get expert help choosing the best forklift. Call us today at 770-692-1455 or mail to renatls@accurateforklift.net. You can also Message Us.

Mentionable Advantages of Forklifts for Rent

Getting a forklift for rent provides an affordable and flexible opportunity to supplement your existing forklift fleet to increase productivity. Whether it is a stop gap measure while you raise enough money to buy your own or a onetime requirement, forklift rental services take away the high costs associated with buying a new forklift. Accurate Forklift offers a wide range of forklifts for rent in Atlanta from leading manufacturers such as Toyota Forklift, Caterpillar Forklift, Hyster Forklift, and Nissan Forklift.

Advantages of forklift rental services

Fulfils time-based needs

Depending on the nature of your business, some seasons may demand that you increase your capacity. Under such conditions, it is more economical to rent a forklift to meet your temporary requirement. It also gives you a chance to channel finances to other more pressing needs.

Saves on maintenance costs

Forklifts for rent are always in the best condition and will seldom cause you any downtimes. You can also depend on the timely response of the forklift rental services provider whenever there is need for forklift repairs. You are totally free of repair and maintenance costs except for negligent acts and damage.

Project-specific tasks

If your project requires different types of forklifts for different specialized tasks, forklifts for rent are a great choice. They are available under flexible contracts which allow you to get the forklift type you want every time with minor adjustments. Buying a single forklift will compromise your work and introduce unnecessary risks and it doesn’t make sense to buy different types of forklifts for a single project’s requirement.

Deal with experts

If you are looking for reputable forklift rental services in Atlanta, discuss your project requirements with us to get the best deal on the forklift that best serves your requirement. Get in touch with Accurate Forklift today and rent a forklift from leading brands. You can also check out available forklift trucks and choose one that best meets your requirement. We also provide competitively priced new, used, and salvage forklifts for sale, as well as parts and everything forklifts! Call Accurate Forklift today at 770-692-1455 or mail to rentals@accurateforklift.net or sales@accurateforklift.net to get answers to all your questions.

Forklift Operation Tips for Winter

Every season brings its own set of unique challenges for forklift operators. It is important to make sure that your forklift operators receive the necessary training and information to make sure they operate their equipment efficiently and safely each and every season. Accurate Forklift offers forklifts for sale and forklifts for rent in Atlanta and can also help you access the necessary additional training for your forklift operators. In this blog, we look at some of the handy tips that will help your forklift operators take on the winter season.

Avoid Lapses in concentration

One of the often overlooked by deadly effect that working in incremental weather has on forklift operators is the lapse in concentration. This poses a serious safety issue that also a matter of life and death for people operating and working around the forklifts.  Forklift operators must dress in layered comfortable and warm clothing. It is also important to wear protective clothing such as water and wind resistant clothes, gloves, and hats.

Check tires

Tires play a central role in the efficient and safe operation of a forklift truck. Replace any balding tires as they pose a serious safety threat in icy or wet weather. Also remember that tires lose pressure more quickly in the winter and that you may need to boost traction by way of studs or chains. Always prefer pneumatic tires in winter as they perform better than solid cushion tires in bad conditions.

Cover the forklift

Making the forklift operator comfortable also calls for covering it up with a high quality forklift cover. Any DIY cover will be removed by OSHA. Be sure to go for a forklift cover that features ribs and gutters to take care of the water. A forklift operator that is protected from the elements is better able to concentrate and follow all safety precautions when operating the forklift.

We can help

Whether you are looking for forklifts for sale, forklift parts such as pneumatic tires, or forklift rental services, Accurate Forklift is here to help. We have an extensive selection of popular forklift types from the best manufacturers and the best deals in town. Our team of experienced professionals also stands by ready to help you with any of your requirements. Call us today at 770-692-1455 or email to sales@acccurateforklift.net. You can also Message Us. It does not matter what your need may be, Accurate Forklift is always here to help in any way we can.

Benefits of Forklift Rental Services

If you need material handling equipment, there are two roads before you: Buy or rent. Forklift rental services offer many benefits in a number of scenarios as opposed to going for a brand new forklift for sale.  Accurate Forklift provides a range of forklifts for rent in Atlanta at affordable rates. Here are some of the notable benefits that you stand to enjoy when you go for forklifts for rent.

Why get a forklift for rent?

Some of the many benefits of going for a forklift for rent as opposed to buying one include but are not restricted to:

• Lowering start up capital requirements and operational costs
• Allowing you to free up valuable working capital instead of tying it in depreciating assets
• Giving you the flexibility to respond to changing material handling needs in your warehouse or job site. You can get the best forklift for every job requirement, a luxury you can’t afford when you opt to buy.
• If you have an infrequent need for a forklift truck, it makes sense to go for forklifts for rent.
• Forklift rental services keep an extensive range of modern forklifts in tip-top condition. This not only ensures you have the right type of forklift for every task but also an efficient one that is free from breakdowns.
• You are assured of timely and efficient forklift repair and maintenance services, which frees you from a lot of hassles and costs.
• Forklift for rent contracts are easy to understand and allow you the flexibility to pay weekly or monthly.

Get the best forklift for rent

Accurate Forklift is a reputable provider of forklifts for rent in Atlanta. We have all popular types of Caterpillar, Nissan, Toyota, and Hyster forklifts for rent. Our team of experts is always ready to help you with advice and information to make sure sure that you get a forklift the meets your needs. Call us today to discuss your requirement at 770-692-1455. You can also email us at rentals@accurateforklift.net or fill out our contact form.

Importance of Safety Training for Forklift Operators

The Importance of Safety Training for Forklift Operators

Many companies which are in the material handling business require good quality forklifts to handle their operations quickly and more efficiently. To keep the forklift in the best condition, forklift service must be preformed on a regular basis. Likewise, a well-trained forklift operator ensures the safe operation of the equipment to minimize accidents, breakdowns, and repairs. Forklift operators should undergo basic and safety training, depending on the type of lift truck. Established providers of services such as Toyota forklift services in Atlanta can help you access the best safety training for your forklift operators. This of course is advantageous in many ways, such as:

It keeps workers safe

The elevated level of activity around work sites raises the possibility of accidents. The right safety-training for your lift truck operators is a sure way to reduce the number of casualties. On the other hand, if an operator is not given the necessary safety training, they are a danger to themselves and everyone around the work site. Getting your operator trained will keep people safe from possible harm or loss of life, and eliminate downtimes. A forklift operator who is at home with essential safety measures will work more efficiently.

Reduces unnecessary costs
Training your operators on a regular basis may be time consuming and cost you money but it pays huge dividends in the long term. Although it may even reduce productivity around the work site for a number of days, it would be costlier to manage accidents that often happen in the absence of workplace safety. Accidents come with financial and legal implications, all of which your company can do without. Workers may be severely injured, your company reputation destroyed, and equipment damaged.

Increases lift truck lifespan

A well-trained operator knows how best to handle their forklift around the work area and traffic. They are aware of the necessary routine safety checks they ought to perform before using the forklift. If they notice any problems with the forklift, they are in a better position to ensure that they are addressed before they get worse or result in accidents. If you are renting a lift truck, dealers who offer forklifts for rent in Atlanta and other places can help arrange the necessary safety training for your operators. Having an operator who operates your equipment safely helps you get maximum return on your investment, as the equipment can serve you efficiently for many years. 

Get Help Today

Forklift operator safety training has many other benefits that it offers to your company or operations. Operators should also learn standard safety rules by the OSHA regulation board. There are many operator training agencies and you can approach certified Toyota forklift service providers in Atlanta for your forklift operator training.