MH Equipment Blog

See articles on how to get more zzz's through eating right, how veggies for breakfast can leave your body feeling happy, and more: September 2017 Employee Health Newsletter

Company culture is the "personality” and atmosphere that defines the environment in which all employees work. Every business has one no matter the size. Company culture includes a variety of things from employee demographics to the company’s mission, vision, and values. Below are a few facts to help you see inside MH Equipment and understand our company’s personality:

• 80% of MH Equipment employees are above the age of 35.
• Our employees call 413 communities in the Midwest home.
• 71% of employees have families in the community they serve.
• In 2016, our employees volunteered over 400 hours in their community. So far, in 2017, our employees have volunteered almost 250 hours.
• Last year, we added 84 employees to the MH Family across ten states.

So, what does this mean?

• Our experienced staff is knowledgeable about the industry which is not only great for our customers, but great for new employees. Having seasoned mentors helps new employees adapt to the material handling industry quickly and smoothly.
• Each location is part of one company but a part of many communities. Our employees not only work in the areas we are located in but also choose to raise children and volunteer in the communities we serve.
• Our dedication to helping our communities has always been a major focus for MH Equipment. We encourage our employees to take this focus to heart and help the communities we call home through excellent service in the work place and out in the community.
• We are continually growing and adding new locations. Every year we add more and more employees to the MH family cross the Midwest. Find out how you can join the MH Equipment team.

We’re so proud! We just can’t stop congratulating our teams in Evansville, Paducah, Louisville, and Bowling Green for receiving Hyster’s "Dealer of Distinction" award this past year.

“This award exhibits the continued hard work and determination of our employees,” explains Mike Goebel, South/East Region President. “The efforts of the branch teams has been the driving factor in our receiving this honor. They have earned this distinction for themselves and for MH Equipment, and it is well deserved.”

The “Dealer of Distinction” recipients represent the best of the best in our industry. The program itself measures success in area such as operations, finances, and sales performance. Most importantly, it recognizes winning dealers for their focus on the service and satisfaction of their customers and employees.

Forklifts are essential to warehouse operations—but not all forklifts are built the same. If you have limited space and narrow aisles, you'll want a forklift with high maneuverability. Narrow aisle forklifts provide the following benefits:

Able to Maneuver Tight Spaces

As the name suggests, a narrow aisle forklift is designed so that it easily fits down tight corridors. If your warehouse is especially cramped, you can invest in a very narrow aisle (VNA) forklift which will have no problem maneuvering around constricted spaces.

Safer for Everyone

While forklifts increase warehouse efficiency, they can also be a liability. Mistakes happen, and one simple lapse in judgment on the part of the driver could end up hurting a lot of people (as well as damaging property).

Narrow aisle trucks aren’t just about improving the way work gets done in your warehouse. They’re also about ensuring the safety of your employees. These forklifts are easier to control than their conventional cousins. Although proper training is still important, these vehicles are going to be slightly more forgiving—especially for beginning operators.

More Affordable than Conventional Models

The price tag on these machines will usually be less than the price of a typical forklift, but unless you’re looking to haul a heavy-duty load, you’re not sacrificing much in the way of capability with a narrow aisle truck.

Easier on the Driver’s Body

Due to their reduced profiles, VNA forklifts are driven standing up. This is actually much easier on the driver, as the weight of their body is supported by the legs rather than the lower back and spine, as it would happen in seated forklifts. Over time, this pressure could result in back problems and daily fatigue.

Although the main benefit of a narrow aisle truck is that it can nimbly navigate the limited space of smaller warehouses, there are other factors to consider. At MH Equipment, we have over 60 years of experience helping companies like yours with their material handling needs. If you have any questions about narrow aisle forklifts, feel free to contact one of our locations or give us a call at 1-888-564-2191.

Investing in a forklift is a complex decision for your company. You need to choose the best possible option for your business’ unique needs. With so many different types of forklifts out there, we’ve put together the following guide to help you decide on the right one for your organization.

Internal Combustion Forklifts

Of all the forklift categories, internal combustion (IC) forklifts are probably the most durable. While they can be used indoors, they’re designed to withstand the elements—which is why IC forklifts are commonly found on loading docks, construction sites, and shipyards. If you need a forklift that won’t break down in inclement weather, there’s no better option than an IC model.

Electric Forklifts

On the other end of the spectrum are electric forklifts. These models still pack a lot of power, but their main benefit is that they cost a lot less to operate as they don’t need any kind of gas or diesel. You also don’t need to store fuel onsite as these vehicles only need charging stations. In addition, they tend to be easier to navigate and feature automatic braking, which increases safety. They are also quieter than conventional models.

Narrow Aisle Forklifts

One of the most popular types of forklifts used in warehouses is a narrow aisle model. As their name suggests, these narrow aisle forklifts are able to maneuver through cramped spaces and navigate tight turns. They don’t sacrifice power, though, and are generally a lot easier to operate than conventional models—making them an excellent choice for beginning drivers.

High Capacity Forklifts

For the heaviest of loads, high capacity forklifts are best. Most models can easily lift 19,000 pounds, though some models are capable of handling twice that. While this level of power could be overkill for some companies, high capacity forklifts are essential if you regularly handle heavy loads such as shipping containers or concrete molds.

Forklift Tires

There are two different types of forklift tires: pneumatic and cushion. Cushion tires perform best indoors. Because they are made entirely out of rubber, they have higher maneuverability; however, they also need flat, smooth surfaces, which makes them incompatible with the outdoors.

Forklifts with pneumatic tires are essential for working outside. Pneumatic tires are designed with better grips. These tires keep forklifts farther from the ground so that they are more effective on uneven terrain. While some pneumatic tires are filled with air, others are solid rubber, which prevents punctures.

If you would like help making a forklift decision, feel free to contact us for a consultation. MH Equipment has been helping companies like yours since 1952 and we have a huge inventory of forklifts to fit your every need.

A forklift’s accessories, parts, and components are in a constant state of motion. This motion creates a “wear and tear” effect on forklifts which hinders peak performance. Some of the parts that can be effected include batteries, attachments, chargers, and clamps. Companies know that a truck with increased downtime is a detriment to not only their productivity but their company as a whole. Proper maintenance is the proper way to deal with these effects of wear and tear.

BENEFITS OF REGULAR MAINTENANCE ON FORKLIFTS CAN LEAD TO:

• Maintaining a higher resale value.
• Improving performance for the truck’s components, accessories, and attachments.
• Cost reductions by finding smaller problems which could potentially lead to bigger problems in the future.
• A safer working environment for the truck operators and for the entire facility as a whole.
• More up-time for the truck, which reduces the cost over time.

NEGLIGENCE OF PROPER MAINTENANCE ON FORKLIFTS CAN LEAD TO:

• More expense in the long run due to components, accessories, and attachments needing to be replaced at a more frequent rate.
• An unsafe work environment.
• Increased downtime the truck will have to operate, reducing its longevity.
• Reduced performance for the truck.
• Decreased productivity.
• Forklifts running poorly.
• Increased emissions.

MH Equipment has been helping business for over 60 years. You can count on us to design a service plan featuring Periodic Maintenance (PM) that suits your companies needs. Our trusted technicians are outfitted with everything needed to complete lift truck maintenance at one of our 27 locations or we can even come to you!

Maintenance will, without a doubt, help improve the overall experience of renting or buying a forklift. There are a variety of services available to select when thinking about a maintenance contract. Depending on your situation, each option will be tailored to meet the specific requirements to successfully keep everything flowing smoothly.

MH Equipment is happy to provide an excellent maintenance service to our customers. Contact us today to help improve the performance of your forklift’s accessories and parts!

Also, you can visit one of the links below for more information and contact information.

https://www.mhequipment.com/service/maintenance-service

https://www.mhequipment.com/solutions/fleet-management/

Warehouse management can be an unpredictable business, requiring a constant juggling act between supply, demand and inventory. When one of those factors changes dramatically, managers must adjust quickly or risk the whole operation shutting down. Fleet lifecycle management is a critical part of maintaining that balance. When your operation's demands change, is it better to rent or buy a forklift? When weighing the true nature of forklift prices, there are benefits to both.

Benefits of renting a forklift:

• It can be more cost-effective to rent a forklift if your business is seasonal. Rentals are also handy for special inventory counts or unexpected needs, such as a warehouse move.
• Maintenance and service is included in the rental fee, so you don't incur expensive, unexpected repair costs if a forklift breaks down.
• Likewise, there is no need to employ in-house mechanics, as the rental dealer takes care of all maintenance and service.
• From a tax accounting standpoint, it can be simpler to use forklift rentals as an operational expense versus trying to discern the depreciation of a purchased asset.
• It's easier for businesses with less credit to rent than buy.
• There is a better chance that you will get newer equipment complete with the latest technology. Rental equipment from reputable dealers, like MH Equipment, will also be compliant with safety and emissions standards.

When it's better to buy a forklift:

• If you have special lift needs or any unique warehouse spaces such as doorways or tunnels that require custom machinery, the long-term cost of buying may be wiser.
• Should your business already employ an in-house maintenance technician, you can perform the maintenance in-house instead of waiting for the dealer.
• Likewise, you may not want to be at the mercy of rental companies' availability at all, particularly if there aren't any dealers close by.
• If your workflow is predictable and steady, the investment in a purchased forklift may not be a risky move. You can’t completely predict the future, of course, but historical behavior should be considered.
• Perhaps you have regular, albeit light, forklift needs; most forklifts can last quite a long time before they need extensive service and repair.
• There is often a desire of operators to be comfortable with the machinery versus needing to familiarize themselves with a revolving door of different forklift brands.

As with any business decision, it generally boils down to selecting the option with the greatest benefit at the lowest overall cost. When making a cost comparison, multiply the cost of a rental by the time for which you need it and compare that to the amortization cost of buying a forklift. Additionally, you will want to consider how much credit you have and if using your credit to make capital equipment purchases is the best use of your working capital.

Whether you decide to rent or buy a forklift for sale, MH Equipment can help you find the right forklift for your warehouse needs. As an authorized Hyster and Yale forklift dealer, we provide the most trusted brands in the industry and offer ongoing support for service, training, maintenance, and service. In fact, half of our entire workforce is made up of experienced technicians.

With 27 locations across 10 states, MH Equipment offers convenient access for rentals and repair. We will drop off and pick up your fleet rentals, and you can trust that your forklift rental will be well-maintained and reliable.

Contact us today for help determining whether buying or renting is the right choice for your business.

Mariotti USA has spent the past few weeks conducting sales product training at MH Equipment. Pete Hinrichs, Business Development Manager for North American Sales for Mariotti USA conducted sales training with the help of Darrell Randall, President MH Equipment, and a variety of Regional Sales Managers. Salespeople from many MH Equipment branches also took part. Mariotti USA distributes V. Mariotti 3-wheel electric forklifts in the United States and Canada through an exclusive dealer network.

The Mariotti MINI, ME, MX & Mycros series forklifts are specifically designed to lift up to 3000 lbs in limited space or light load applications. Mariotti’s are the most compact electric riders on the market offering widths as narrow as 31 inches and heights as low as 75 inches. Mariotti lift trucks are designed and constructed for ease of handling, reliability, safety, and productivity. The Mariotti is the go-to forklift if your production area is limited, if you need to work in narrow aisles, you want integrated side shift as a standard feature, you want maneuverability, and you are looking for quality and dependability. Mariotti 3 Wheel Electric Riders are the world's smallest operator on-board forklift truck. Mariotti lift trucks can drive through a standard door opening, maneuver elevators, navigate the narrowest aisles and still deliver a heavy payload. MH Equipment sales people are ready to help area companies solve their small space or light load applications!

Technology is rapidly changing and expanding, bringing with it new improvements in materials handling machinery. Here at MH Equipment we are dedicated to bringing our customers the latest equipment advancements from the most trusted brands in the industry. As a registered Hyster dealer, we carry a full range of lift trucks and forklifts for sale from this premier manufacturer, and we want to share with you some of our top-performing models. Read on to learn about standouts in the high-capacity, Internal Combustion (IC), and 3-wheel electric categories.

Internal Combustion

Internal Combustion (IC) forklifts are built to withstand the toughest jobs, and are widely used on construction sites, on receiving docks, in agricultural applications, in warehousing, in manufacturing facilities, and in beverage distribution and bottling. The Hyster H50CT forklift is so prevalent in these varied industries because it’s versatile, reliable, productive, and tough.

The Hyster H50CT lift truck comes standard with a 2.4L engine for power and efficiency, and 4-wheel pneumatic tires for added balance and smooth driving; it has a load capacity of 5,000 pounds. This forklift model is popular because its lighter weight and efficient engine equal lower fuel costs for the business owner. The “cowl-to-counterweight” access and other design aspects of the H50CT make servicing easy, which provides further cost savings. Additionally, this model is ergonomically designed for operator comfort and reduced downtime.

3-Wheel Electric

3-Wheel Electric Hyster forklifts, like the A25-30XNT series, have superior handling, making them ideal for moving pallets and maneuvering in small or cramped spaces. The Hyster A25XNT, like all electric models, are emissions-free and safe for indoor use; making them popular in the manufacturing and warehousing industries. This Hyster forklift series is durably constructed to provide enhanced stability for the operator. The A25XNT also provides flexibility to customize the forklift’s hydraulics and traction to specified applications, making this forklift for sale one of the most high-performing options on the market.

High Capacity

We currently offer six Hyster models in this sub-section, all with the capability to tackle big loads in the warehouse, in the manufacturing plant, and on the construction site. The Hyster H280HD2 is a heavy duty forklift that can carry an impressive maximum weight of 28,000 pounds; it also has a lift capacity of 105,000 pounds. This machine was built tough to handle the toughest jobs, and it does it with ease.

The H280HD2 is perfect for general cargo applications; and heavy duty applications like lumber, concrete, and steel. In fact, Hyster offers optional front-end attachments for enhanced worksite flexibility. This model features a Cummins QSB 4.5L Tier 4 Final diesel engine with a turbocharger and intercooler paired with a 3-speed ZF WG 161 powershift transmission, all aimed to make your machine and your worksite more productive and efficient. Finally, the Hyster H280HD2 forklift is ergonomically designed for operator comfort and to provide greater visibility for a safer work environment.

Whether you’re looking to rent or buy, we’re sure our Hyster forklifts will meet your business needs. Allow us to help you choose the best model for your business, discuss how forklift prices breakdown over the life of the machine, or help you determine if renting makes the most sense for your bottom line. We can also introduce you to our fleet management solutions, which will further help to optimize your materials handling business and your machinery ROI.

If you’re in the market for a Hyster forklift for your business, contact MH Equipment today to discuss the best solutions for your individual needs.

Smart business owners are increasingly employing the services of fleet management companies, like MH Equipment, in an effort to monitor electric forklift utilization, equipment repair, fleet distribution across multiple locations, and of course, fleet maintenance costs. Using a fleet management company allows businesses to focus on their customers and products, while leaving the diagnostics and data analysis to industry experts. If you’re interested in maximizing your ROI and reducing waste, keep reading to learn how our fleet management solution can help your business.

Many businesses are woefully unaware of the monthly operating costs of their fleet, including related expenses like replacing tires and repairing leaks. This lack of information is detrimental to a successful business, and can lead to issues like downtime, avoidable repairs, and underutilized equipment. Our goal is to keep our customers informed and better prepared through our work.

Our Process

The first step is to analyze your entire fleet and create a customized fleet management solution that will help you avoid common pitfalls.

Our MH fleet maintenance software is a flexible and affordable solution that enables us to track the utilization of your fleet, the hours used per machine, repair history, scheduling, and more for maximum operation efficiency. This web-based program has an intuitive design and interface that allows you to easily see the data we have collected and the reports we have compiled so you can make smart decisions for your business.

Analyze Utilization

Analyzing the utilization of each machine is one of the most important aspects of fleet management, as it allows us to determine whether you are using each machine to its fullest capacity, or if you could benefit from modifying the size of your fleet. We help you determine your optimal fleet size based on your actual usage, instead of outdated planning models that your competitors are likely using. A secondary benefit of optimizing your fleet is that when you know which electric forklifts and boom lifts you’re working the hardest, you can schedule planned maintenance (our fleet maintenance software allows you to schedule repairs with our certified technicians, right from your wireless device) based on usage and aging, and more accurately anticipate repairs and projected repair costs.

Reduce Downtime

Downtime is costly, and can affect a business’ ability to deliver merchandise and meet production demands. Our fleet maintenance software enables us to analyze your usage and determine the reason for your downtime, whether it’s due to repairs you could have avoided with planned maintenance, unexpected damage, uncharged batteries causing forklift delays, or operator inefficiency. Shift overlap can also result in downtime, as too many machines necessary for a short period of time (say 2-6 hours of overlap per day) go unused during the remaining hours of operation. This underutilization is ineffective and cost-prohibitive.

Ongoing Monitoring

An added benefit of working with fleet management companies like MH Equipment is the continuous monitoring of the age and condition of equipment. This process allows business owners to instantly know the age of problematic machines, so they can determine whether repair or replacement is the most cost-effective. Additionally, this monitoring enables our customers to plan and budget for equipment retirement, which further helps in increasing uptime. When a customer decides to replace an electric forklift we help them determine whether it’s best to buy new or used, and advise them about the best technology suited to their specific needs.

Working with a fleet management company and using their fleet maintenance software is a smart business decision and a great way to reduce costs. Highly trained professionals, like ours, can help you configure, maintain, and manage your machines for the toughest everyday tasks.

If you’re in the market for fleet management software, contact MH Equipment today to discuss the best solutions for your individual needs.

As we mentioned in our blog “Why Electric? Breaking Down the Benefits of Electric Forklifts,” electric forklifts are becoming more popular, due in part to their ability to help create a safer working environment for employees. While the machine itself is a safer option than diesel and IC, forklift training is still necessary to keep the business protected and OSHA-compliant. Professional training classes from a material handling company, like those offered by MH Equipment, are the best way to ensure your drivers are knowledgeable and capable of handling your equipment. With security in mind, here are 4 important forklift safety tips that your warehouse managers and operators can put into practice immediately.

Examine Your Forklift Before Use

Operators should always examine equipment before operating: this includes the start of every shift, after taking lunch or a break, and when switching to a new vehicle. Train your operators to check for any damages or problems that need to be repaired, and to address those issues before use. Common items to check include steering, controls, brakes, warning devices, and tires.

Refueling and Charging Batteries

Smart forklift training advice mandates that operators follow OSHA guidelines when refueling IC and diesel forklifts. Refueling should happen in a well-ventilated area to protect all employees, the business/warehouse, and the equipment/merchandise itself. Operators should always switch off the machine’s power before refueling. Although electric forklifts don’t require fuel, they do need their batteries charged and maintained for optimum performance. Drivers should charge the battery overnight in a well-ventilated area, being sure to observe the charger’s voltage and amperage requirements to avoid electrical sparks.

Be Aware of Your Environment

One of the most important forklift training tips we can give forklift operators is to simply be aware of their surroundings. Drivers should pay attention to people and other machinery, always obey signs, and adhere to worksite procedures. Being aware of the machine itself, and the size and height of the load, will help employees drive safer and reduce possible accidents or tipping. One final note is to use extra precaution when driving near docks or ramps as the forklift could fall over and seriously injure the driver or another person.

Load Properly

Safe forklift operating can be achieved if the operator knows the capacity of his or her machine and checks to ensure it is not overloaded. Safely load the pallet to avoid damaging the machine and attachments, and ensure the loads are positioned evenly across both forks for stability and safety. Operators should be taught when straps or ropes are required, and the procedures for securing the load to the forklift in such instances.

Equipping your forklift drivers with the knowledge and know-how to safely operate your machines is one of the best investments you can make in your business. Partner with a premier material handling company, like MH Equipment, that has offered industry-leading training and safety courses for more than 50 years. MH Equipment can help you ensure your business is OSHA-compliant and even create in-house training programs suited to your specific needs, contact us today to learn more.

The PowerBoss Nautilus is a maneuverable mid-size scrubber sweeper with large capacities and long run time. Heavy Duty stainless steel parts with exceptional cleaning performance. Check out MH Equipment's PowerBoss Showroom or contact your local branch for rental options!

The Hyster H360HD2-EC4 container handler can stack 9’6” or 8’6” empty containers four-high. Hyster intelligent design delivers class leading lift speeds, 30% less RPM thanks to 5 gear transmission and extremely low noise levels.

See how Hyster's 190-360HD2 high capacity forklift trucks are built in our factory in Nijmegen, the Netherlands. Highly skilled craftsmen work with top quality tools and lean manufacturing processes to produce tough Hyster® Big Trucks.

Watch the mast being assembled on the Hyster Empty Container Handler and ReachStacker as the trucks reach the final stage of the production line.