Buffalo Forklift Blog — lift truck

To control and optimize fleet maintenance costs, you must have some amount of data capture. Even those interested in pursuing full telematics for fleet management are likely to start with simple impact monitoring and electronic pre-shift checklists that relay information to maintenance. “Once you get the system in place, we like to have a customer get a baseline view,” says Dick Sorenson, product director for TotalTrax. “When you see the behaviors and performances of operators and equipment, then you can start truly seeing trends. What KPIs that are near and dear to you are being impacted?” Sorenson suggests waiting for...

As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to transform the way we interact with machines, data and each other, it is bringing a new level of connectivity that is evolving today’s forklift service call. Today’s connected service technicians, armed with new technology and increased connectivity, are helping to make forklift service calls smarter and more proactive. Consider this possible scenario: As more data is gathered on forklift performance and operation, the connected service tech will soon be able to arrive onsite before the fleet manager or operator knows there is an issue with the forklift. In certain cases, they could...

For decades, the ratio of electric to internal combustion (IC) lift trucks in the field swung back and forth as costs and new technologies lifted one or the other to a majority. The general consensus now is the current electric market share of 65% isn’t going anywhere and will likely challenge IC performance in even more applications. Although IC technology is continually refined to boost efficiency, the returns have clearly diminished, whereas electric technology in industrial applications has undergone a sea change. The replacement of direct current (DC) with alternating current (AC) motors has boosted efficiency and supported the growing...

Camso, formerly Camoplast Solideal, introduces three new press-on (PON) tire models to meet the growing demands of forklifts operating in high- and medium-intensity applications. Camso, formerly Camoplast Solideal, introduces three new press-on (PON) tire models to meet the growing demands of forklifts operating in high- and medium-intensity applications. The Material Handling industry has evolved considerably in recent years. Larger forklift models are using more specialized attachments and now come equipped with hydrostatic transmissions, automotive-type active stability systems and specialized attachments. These material movers now have to carry heavier loads in more confined spaces while moving faster. Combined with increased travel...

Kalmar, part of Cargotec, has launched a new range of fully electric forklift trucks in the 9–18 ton range. According to Kalmar, the electric forklift trucks offer the performance of a powerful diesel truck without the accompanying air emissions, noise and vibration, and with reduced operating costs. The battery capacity of the forklifts reportedly enables them to operate for a full eight-hour shift, and Kalmar noted that they are future-proofed to operate with new lithium-ion battery technology. “At Kalmar, we aim for zero emissions in our offering development across the board,” said Peter Ivarsson, Director – Forklift Trucks, Kalmar. “We’re...