Mid Columbia Forklift & Midco Material Handling’s Top 10 Posts for 2023 So Far

Every year, we answer your most pressing question in our blog. Over the past 12 months your interests focused on replacing, repairing, and modifying your existing forklift fleet. So we’ve pulled together the top 10 posts of 2023 so far. Read on to learn more about forklift specifications, electric forklifts, alternatives to traditional forklifts, and when to replace your existing forklifts.

1. Forklift Mast Height - Know Before You Buy

Forklift masts are not one-size-fits-all. Before you buy a new or used forklift, there are a few important factors to consider:

• The mast’s lift height (how high can it lift the forks)
• The height of the mast when completely retracted
• The height of the mast when fully extended
• The mast’s free lift range

You don’t have to make this decision on your own. Read on to learn more.

2. How to Read a Forkllift Load Capacity Chart

Understanding a forklift’s load capacity is not as simple as reading the maximum capacity and jumping to work - many factors influence how much your equipment can lift at what height. Should an operator exceed their forklift’s rated maximum capacity, it can put their safety at risk. With the increasing complexity of modern material handling equipment, it is crucial for forklift operators to understand how to read a forklift load capacity chart and understand the influences that shift how much a forklift can lift at different heights. 

3. Forklift Modifications and OSHA - What You Need to Know

Forklift attachments and accessories can help you move more product in less time, but there’s a right way and a wrong way to modify forklifts. OSHA's regulation states: any modifications that affect the capacity and safe operation of a forklift must have written approval from the manufacturer. This article will:

• Break down OSHA’s forklift modification rules in greater detail
• Explain what to do if the manufacturer is out of business, rejects or doesn’t respond to your request
• List which parts of the forklift should never be modified 
• Review ANSI requirements and UL standards
• Bust some commonly-held myths about forklift modifications

4. What Is a Forklift Carriage and Why Is Carriage Class Important

The forklift carriage assembly is where you mount the forks, load backrest and/or any forklift attachments to your lift truck. It’s important to know your forklift’s carriage class so you don’t accidentally buy the wrong forks or forklift attachments for your equipment. Also, when looking at a used forklift for sale, understanding carriage class can keep you from accidentally buying a lift truck with too little capacity or one that can’t use an attachment you need.

Here’s what you need to know about forklift carriage classes.

5. Top 4 Alternatives to Forklifts

Everyone knows forklifts are designed to do the heavy lifting. So why do some operations use their forklifts like a U-HAUL – shuttling items from one part of their facility to another? There are cheaper, safer and more efficient ways to move product across a facility. Before you buy your next lift truck, consider some of these forklift alternatives.

6. The Pros and Cons of Electric Forklifts

Electric forklifts are growing in popularity worldwide. Their performance has improved, thanks to advancements in both battery and electric motor technologies in recent years. With new battery types on the rise to better fit business needs, electric forklifts are an attractive option for many businesses. Want to know if an electric forklift is right for your company? Consider these pros and cons before making any purchase decision.

7. How Much Does a Forklift Cost?

If you’re looking at forklifts for sale in Washington state, you’ve probably seen a wide range of prices. A standard capacity forklift can cost as little as $15,000 or as much as $30,000. Why is there such a huge price range?
Read on to learn about the top five factors that determine the price of a new forklift.

8. What's the Value of a Used Forklift?

When it’s time to add used equipment to your fleet or want to trade-in an aging model towards something new, you are likely wondering what’s the value of my used forklift? Luckily, the factors that influence used forklift pricing can be relatively straightforward. Read on to learn how to evaluate a listing and determine the value of your used forklifts. 

9. When to Repair Vs. Replace Your Forklift Battery

A bad forklift battery slows down your operation and can damage your equipment. Learn how to identify a dead or dying forklift battery and when to repair versus replace it.

10. 4 Most Expensive Forklift Repairs and How to Prevent Them

Forklifts have become a backbone for every industrial and manufacturing business. A well-functioning forklift fleet can help you recoup equipment costs, reduce employees' workloads and streamline productivity. Like any vehicle, a forklift has many benefits, but it also has its limitations. Without the ability to spot these damage signs early, you may end up with expensive forklift repairs and hinder efficiency. The good news is you can monitor your forklift fleet and avoid breakage with proactive maintenance. 

In this post, we've outlined the most common and expensive forklift repairs, their cause, and prevention techniques to keep your forklifts up and running.

Your Material Handling Partner for 2023

At Mid Columbia Forklift and MidCo Material Handling, we love fielding your questions. Our expert team enjoys the thrill of finding just the right solution to improve your business. So don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have. Chances are, we know the solution to your material handling challenges.

Please reach out to us online or by phone to get the conversation started:

Auburn 253-854-5438
Pasco 509-547-7413
Wenatchee 509-663-9009
Yakima 509-457-5137

Further Reading: 
What Is the Washington Clean Fuel Act?
Hangcha: All Your Frequently Asked Questions Answered
The Best Forklift Attachments to Improve Productivity