News Archives - Page 11 of 14 - KMH Fleet Solutions

28 Jul

Maximize Your Available Space With A Simple Rack System

Every warehouse has different needs and fulfillment processes based on their product and end customer. Depending on your type of inventory and order flow, there are multiple racking options to fit your specific needs. Is your warehouse fraught with non-standard products that are over-length, bulky, and creating chaos on your storage floor? You can maximize your available space with a simple rack system.

Whether you need upright frames for vertical storage or load beams to store heavy cargo, machinery and other weighted objects KMH has you covered. Your warehouse operation is only as profitable as your ability to fulfill orders efficiently. We have what you need, and will present you with all your available options to increase your ROI.

Forklift Access

We can help you choose the perfect rack for your forklift fleet and employee productivity needs. You aisle width is extremely important when considering how to access your products via forklift.

Level Up

We help you design the perfect ways to add extensions to existing uprights or buy taller uprights to make maximum use of available clear height. Extensions can be bolted onto existing frames to provide as much height as is necessary. Mezzanines can provide space for dense shelving necessary for slow movers.

Move Beam Levels and Change Pallet Profiles

Attention to pallet dimensions can allow some facilities to position beam levels so that no more than 4-6” is wasted for pallet lift-off. Often an entire additional beam level of storage can be created by reducing wasted beam spacing.

Make It Narrow

Dramatic increases in pallets stored per cubic foot can be achieved by converting to Narrow Aisle stand-up trucks. You can even go as efficient as Very Narrow Aisle equipment that uses roughly 60” aisles. We help you space out your operation so it is lean and clean.

Slow Mover Solutions

Carton, or case flow rack, pick modules and horizontal carousels also offer high density piece picking alternatives. Stack-racks may help reduce the footprint of bulky items. Deep reach, push-back, drive-in and pallet flow systems all increase storage density. Slow movers, seasonal products, multiple pallets per SKU items, etc. all are great places to start looking for storage alternatives. Other high density options include Mobile Aisle systems, Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS), Mini-Load systems. Vertical storage options include Vertical Lifts, also called Shuttles, and Vertical Carousels.

Even in a small warehouse slotting to reduce wasted travel time can have a big impact in storage and retrieval time. Remember that often the most expensive part of picking an order is the labor to pick it.

Keeping your ROI at maximum can be accomplished with ease and our 40 years of experience. Call us today 888-564-7978 or please use the form below to set up a free Operation Audit so we can start helping you maximize your efficiency.

29 Jun

PalletPal Walkie Mobile Leveler

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News PalletPal, PalletPal Walkie Mobile Leveler

The PalletPal Walkie is an automatic spring actuated level loader that works in tandem with your existing powered walkie or rider pallet trucks. The PalletPal Walkie works with all standard electric walkie and walkie/riders.

HOW TO USE IT FOR ORDER PICKING

A worker simply drives the pallet truck into the PalletPal’s built in fork, an empty pallet is positioned on the skid resistant platform. The worker does the same job he has always done except, the platform is at a comfortable height which can be loaded easily with no bending or stretching. As more items are added the Walkie’s spring compresses to lower the platform while keeping the top level at a comfortable, ergonomic height.

PALLETPAL WALKIE FEATURES

Automatic Height Adjustment – Spring mechanism responds to load
Requires no electrical power
Platform accommodates all types of pallets and skids including GEO and half pallets
Platform recesses and narrow base pads allows workers to get closer to the load

Our award-winning team takes pride in helping you meet the challenges of your dynamic operation. Contact us today to get the right equipment for you. Contact your local KMH Representative at 888-564-7978 or fill-out the form below…

22 Jun

Cushman Commercial & Utility Vehicles

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News Commercial Vehicles, Cushman, Golf Carts, Utility Vehicles

Whether you’re moving through a facility, warehouse, across the campus or around the field, Cushman Vehicles makes a ride that is perfect for all your needs. Cushman commercial and utility vehicles are known around the world for versatility, durability and dependability. With a complete range of heavy-duty industrial material-handling vehicles, comfortable personnel transport and food & beverage vehicles. Cushman has payload capacities up to 3,000 pounds, there’s a Cushman vehicle for almost any application. Cushman Shuttle personnel transport vehicles are ideal for transporting guests and clients in style and comfort.

FACTORY & WAREHOUSE

Cushman industrial vehicles are built to efficiently move products, people and raw materials across sizeable indoor or paved areas. They’re tough, tenacious and powered by hard-working, emissions-free electric motors.
Check Out The Burden Carriers

With five diverse models and fully customized options, Cushman burden carriers can shoulder the load no matter what the job requires.
Check Out The Tuggers

With power to spare, Cushman towers offer plenty of power when the weight stacks up! You can choose between a 5,000-lb and 8,000-lb towing capacity.

GOLF & TURF

Courses come in all shapes and sizes. Good thing Cushman vehicles do, too. From Personnel Transport Series, Refresher Series to Cushman’s Utility Series assures everyone will always arrive and depart in comfort and style.

COMMERCIAL

When it comes to hauling materials, moving equipment and crews, and just plain getting the day’s work done, you can count on the Cushman Utility line of vehicles to get the job done right.

CUSTOM VEHICLES

Want a style all your own? Cushman can customize your vehicles almost any way you can think up. Extra row of seats? Specialized tool rack? A cargo bed with higher walls? Consider it done. Whatever you need, Cushman’s custom engineers will work with you to find a way to get it done!

15 Jun

4 Ideal Applications for Aluminum Frame Plastic Chain Conveyor

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News Automotive Applications, Food Packaging Applications, Personal Care Applications, Pharmaceutical Applications, Plastic Chain Conveyor

Plastic chain conveyors have become increasingly popular recently due to their modularity, flexibility, and the variety of industries in which they can perform. Sleek and clean, the low-profile design is able to convey a wide range of product depending on your needs.

As with every material handling solution, the aluminum plastic chain can serve very specific needs and performs best in specific industries. Because of its easy maintenance, durability, and compact nature, we believe that the aluminum frame plastic chain is ideal for the following sectors.

Pharmaceutical Applications

The pharmaceutical industry requires a conveyor that is both hygienic and flexible. From bottle transport to prescription packaging, these types of applications require modular components that permit both horizontal and vertical transport. An aluminum frame plastic chain also meets the specified requirements of cleanliness with easy wash-down.

An added benefit of any aluminum frame plastic chain is the low decibel level, allowing you to improve productivity while adding safety and comfort for your employees.

Automotive Applications

The above example shows what you can do with small, more fragile product but aluminum is also a highly durable material, making it ideal for handling bearings, wiring harnesses, and palletized product. With the modularity needed to reset production runs quickly, the conveyor can be easily reconfigured, giving you freedom to use your plant how you want to.

Food Packaging Applications

Like in the pharmaceutical industry, hygiene is imperative for the food industry. The easy-to-clean aluminum in this type of solution can handle various types of packaged food in hygienic environments. Using the best of both worlds, the modularity allows for the reconfiguration needed when beginning different production runs.

Personal Care Applications

Personal care applications involve handling different types of bottled liquid products either directly on top of a conveyor or on pucks. Are you sensing a theme yet? It’s difficult to talk about the aluminum conveyor without again listing its three critical elements: a modular layout, a compact profile, and a hygienic design. When it comes to personal care applications, all three are a necessity.

DOWNLOAD BROCHURE BELOW

What Else?

Aluminum frame conveyors can easily utilize vertical movement to maximize your production space, and they can handle a wide range of product sizes and shapes. As the world adapts to evolving market demands and we move further into the world of clean energy and low environmental impact, the aluminum plastic chain conveyor has emerged as a front-runner for change.

http://blog.hytrol.com/thehytrolexperience/ideal-applications-for-aluminum-frame-plastic-chain-conveyor

Posted by Victor Smither – Hytrol

If you’re interested in additional information on Plastic Chain Conveyor and or would like to request a quote, please use the form below to submit your request or contact your local KMH Representative at 888-564-7978.

9 Jun

Mark your calendars: June 14th is National Forklift Safety Day!

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Events, News Forklift Safety

National Forklift Safety Day provides an opportunity for industry leaders to educate forklift users and lawmakers on the administration of safe forklift operational practices. About 100 employees are killed and 95,000 injured every year while operating forklifts in all industries. Forklift turnovers account for a significant percentage of these fatalities.

Safety Solutions:

• Train, evaluate and certify all operators to ensure that they can operate forklifts safely;
• Do not allow anyone under 18 years old to operate a forklift;
• Before using a forklift, examine it for hazardous conditions which would make it unsafe to operate;
• Drive safely, never exceeding 5 mph and slow down in congested areas or those with slippery surfaces;
• Ensure that the operator wears a seatbelt installed by the manufacturer;
• Use front & rear safety lights and alarms
• Never drive up to a person standing in front of a fixed object such as a wall or stacked materials;
• Do not handle loads that are heavier than the weight capacity of the forklift;
• Remove unsafe or defective trucks from service until the defect is properly repaired;
• Maintain sufficiently safe clearances for aisles, docks or passages where forklifts are used;
• Provide covers and/or guardrails to protect workers from pits, tanks, vats and ditches;

Forklift Safety Day

The following OSHA checklists may help you take steps to avoid hazards that cause injuries, illnesses and fatalities. As always, be cautious and seek help if you are concerned about a potential hazard. General Safety:

❏ Floors and aisles are clear of clutter, electrical cords, hoses, spills and other hazards that could cause employees to slip, trip or fall.
❏ Proper work practices are factored into determining the time requirements for an employee to perform a task.
❏ Employees performing physical work have adequate periodic rest breaks to avoid fatigue levels that could result in greater risk of accidents and reduced quality of work.
❏ Newly-hired employees receive general ergonomics training and task-specific training.
❏ The warehouse is well ventilated.
❏ Employees are instructed on how to avoid heat stress in hot, humid environments.
❏ Employees are instructed on how to work in cold environments.
❏ The facility has lockout/tagout procedures.

KMH continually strives to educate our customers about lift truck operation, safety and industrial regulations for both ANSI and OSHA. With proper forklift training, you can reduce your downtime due to improper operation and provide effective, timely maintenance and repair of your lift truck fleet. We provide a range of forklift training classes at progressive levels to meet your needs!

To learn more about our safety programs: http://www.kmhsystems.com/service-solutions/forklift-training/ Or call us at: 888-564-7978

20 May

Renting Heavy Equipment Advantages

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News Heavy Equipment, Rentals

Renting heavy equipment rather than buying offers quite a few major advantages that can be beneficial to companies of all sizes across different industries. Here are just a few advantages:

Convenience and Logistical Advantages to Renting Equipment

One the biggest categories of advantages that renting has over owning is in the added convenience that it brings and lower logistical demands that it requires.

No Maintenance

When a company rents heavy equipment it is the rental company, not them, that handles these maintenance needs. This frees up a considerable amount of time, labor, and overall hassle and stress, especially when whole fleets of equipment come into play.

No Storage

Most pieces of heavy equipment will begin to suffer over time if they are left outside and exposed to the elements. Warehouse space is often at a premium and storing large, heavy equipment may be eating into a company’s ability to store much-need products and materials.

Transportation Is Easier

Transporting heavy equipment, especially an entire fleet of it, can be very expensive, time-consuming, and logistically challenging. Renting equipment removes this burden since the equipment can be delivered to the worksite instead.

Operational Advantages to Renting Equipment

Supplement Capacity

A company may already have some equipment, but still find that in order to get the job done in a timely, efficient manner they need to ramp up their capabilities with additional pieces of equipment. It is much more cost effective to rent these temporary extra units than to purchase them outright for an isolated project.

Rent Before You Own

You can even try different brands and models for a more hands-on comparison. This allows your ultimate purchase to be much more informed and helps you set your expectations accordingly.

Service

If something goes wrong with the equipment, or you aren’t sure how to do something, they can either walk you through troubleshooting or swap out the problem unit with a different one.

Financial Advantages to Renting Equipment

There are times when it is more cost effective to own rather than rent; however, the following financial advantages to renting should definitely be taken into consideration before a decision is made.

Tax Deductions

Rental expenses are usually fully deductible to a company as a business expense. Capital costs will instead be amortized or depreciated over the life of the equipment.

No Depreciation

A drawback to purchasing just about any type of equipment is that it will immediately begin to depreciate in value, lowering the amount you would receive if you resold the equipment later.

Better Cash Flow

Buying new heavy equipment is expensive and in all but very large companies such a purchase is likely to have a significant impact on cash flow.

Our award-winning team takes pride in helping you meet the challenges of your dynamic operation. Contact us today to get the right equipment rental for you. Contact your local KMH Representative at 888-564-7978 or fill-out the form below…

27 Apr

Forklift Driving – Comfortable and Safe

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News Forklift, Forklift Ergonomics, Unicarriers

Focus on Ergonomics
Next year, the forklift will celebrate its 100th birthday. The issue of workspace design and ergonomics has become increasingly important particularly in the last 30 years, an ergonomic driver’s workspace is one of the most important criteria in the acquisition of new forklifts and technical warehouse equipment. Which solutions have a particularly positive effect on the posture and health of the driver?

There are now many solutions and equipment variants that should protect the driver from the high levels of strain and maintain performance. The human vibrations that occur particularly during travel and the typical head and arm movements are frequently the cause of health problems with the back and specifically the neck and shoulder area for forklift drivers.

Forklift Ergonomic Design — The ergonomically driver’s cab offers comfort and avoids signs of fatigue during forklift operation.

A study in Gothenburg in co-operation with UniCarriers Group has shown that forklift drivers turn their head more than 1,000 times per hour and make up to 2,000 arm movements. The protection of health above and beyond the statutory requirements is increasingly becoming a focus of employers. Thus, the issue of ergonomics is also a decisive factor for an increasing number of operators in the purchase of new equipment.

An ergonomic and user-friendly workspace improves safety in the subsequent operation of the vehicle. This includes the layout and functionality of the intuitive controls as well as a comfortable seat and good visibility on all sides.

Forklift Ergonomics — Tapered ribs in the protective cover ensure good visibility even when stacking at great height.

Ergonomics – the best protection against accidents
An investigation by the “Energie Textil Elektro Medienerzeugnisse” (energy, textile, electrical, media products) professional association shows that 77 percent of all forklift accidents are impact accidents, 33 percent of which happen when reversing. With a high seat position, large fields of vision, mast profiles and optimum arrangement of the hydraulic hoses and electrical cables the protective cover ensure good all-round visibility. UniCarriers offers its forklifts with an anti-reflective colored coating of the cab roof. To help, camera systems can improve forward or rear visibility.

Relaxed Posture and Smaller Strains
To avoid strains on the body the sideways seat direction is part of the industry standard. The driver’s seat can be adjusted individually for size and weight to an optimal position. Premium suppliers such as UniCarriers offer a height-adjustable floor and comfort seats and individually adjustable lumbar supports. In 2011, Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden conducted an ergonomic study with reach trucks from different manufacturers. “The result shows that the Tergo reach truck from Atlet by UniCarriers allows a more ergonomic posture than other reach trucks.

Safe Forklift Driving — The on-board computer saves the personal user profiles of different forklift drivers.

Innovative technologies for greater productivity
Ergonomics has a long tradition in the history of UniCarriers and TCM. The strains on drivers were investigated in 1989 to 1991. The findings had an impact on the development of new drivers’ workspaces and vehicles. With the merger of the brands Atlet, Nissan Forklift and TCM to form the UniCarriers group in 2011, this tradition and the endeavor to constantly improve vehicle ergonomics were continued.

Forklift Joystick — With the Ergologic joystick, all the hydraulic functions can be controlled effortlessly and safely

With the new Tergo URS swivel reach truck from the Atlet by UniCarriers product family, the driver can recall numerous individual settings at the start of driving by a personal PIN code. For an ergonomic posture in all work stages, the backrest can be tilted backwards by up to 18 degrees. This strain is reduced by the seat tilt function. To relieve the strain on the driver’s arm and shoulder area, UniCarriers has developed the individually adjustable “floating” armrest. At the end of this mobile, sprung armrest is the patented mini steering wheel, an ergonomically optimized solution with its palm-sized functional surface.

All operating elements for the lifting functions can be reached from the right armrest in the form of mini levers and buttons.

Premium manufacturer UniCarriers also offer an integrated joystick as standard, with which all the major functions of the lift mast can be controlled. This allows the forklift to be easier to operate, saves time and increases the handling rate, as several functions can be performed simultaneously. Both armrests are height-adjustable to encourage a relaxed sitting position.

The driver travels forwards for around 70 percent and in the direction of the forks for around 20 percent of the working time. Here, the left arm is employed with moving the steering wheel for up to 74 percent of the time.

Pleasure in Stacking
A forklift driver should feel comfortable in the workspace. This is accomplished by ergonomic vehicle and cab equipment, which reduces strains and thus protects the health of the driver. Signs of fatigue can be prevented and staff shortages due to illness can be reduced. The manufacturers offer numerous equipment variants and innovative solutions. The trend is towards greater capacity for personalization of the forklift. Additionally, the vehicles are becoming ever quieter. The winner from this development is not only the driver but also the operator.

Ultimately, the operator benefits from high productivity and operating safety.

FULL ARTICLE AVAILABLE HERE VIA – forkliftaction.com

KMH is committed to and focused on Forklift Ergonomics. Contact your local KMH Representative at 888-564-7978 or use the form below if you would like more information on UniCarrier Forklifts.

12 Apr

Off The Grid Energy Solutions

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News Solar

For clean, cost savings alternatives to standard fossil fuels KMH offers the DC Solar Line off the grid energy solutions.

By harnessing, storing, and distributing the sun’s power through mobile energy products, your off-grid needs are met whole also helping you to reduce both noise and air pollution. We are committed to the environment and continually seek ways to develop and distribute products that reduce our collective carbon footprint. Our line of Solar products deliver power, light and cell coverage – no matter how remote the area – in an environmentally friendly manner.

Solar Eclipse SCT20 – Generators

The Solar Eclipse line of mobile solar generators has been developed to meet the off-grid power needs of environmentally conscious customers across a variety of industries, including emergency preparedness/relief, events, entertainment, electric vehicle charging, telecommunications, agriculture and construction.

Solar Eclipse SCT20

The DC Solar towers deliver superior performance, use no fuel and are completely noise and emissions free. Coupled with extended maintenance intervals it reduces the overall cost of operation, comes with excellent customer service and is your environmentally friendly energy solution even in remote areas. With masts reaching up to 21’ you can light up 1-2 acres without using a drop of fuel.

Solar Eclipse SCT20 – Towers

The Solar Eclipse SCT20 hybrid light tower brings state-of-the art LED lighting to both local and remote areas. Deployment is simple and the retractable towers provide up to 20 hours of clean, renewable light with only five hours of sunlight. Plus, no noise, and no emissions!

Solar Eclipse SCT20 Hybrid LT

Why Solar?

The most obvious reason to use a solar powered generator is because it is a “green” choice. It doesn’t harm the environment because it is fueled by the sun, and it does not run off of nonrenewable energy sources, like gas or coal. In addition, because the sun is a free resource, the energy that it generates is also free. Although the initial investment into the generator is often costly, it is possible to save money in the long run.

One of the most common misconceptions about solar generators is that they cannot be used when it is cloudy or rainy outside. The generator actually stores power on the days when it is sunny, meaning that you will still be able to use the device in inclement weather.

KMH is committed to reducing our carbon footprint as well am making sure you have the power you need in any area. Contact your local KMH Representative at 888-564-7978 to learn how you can invest in your Solar future and utilize these state of the art resources for your company.

15 Mar

Making Your Business More Efficient & Profitable

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News Operational Audit

Operational Audit is a systematic review of effectiveness, efficiency and economy of operation. Operational audit is a future-oriented, systematic, and independent evaluation of organizational activities.

Objectives

Appraise the effectiveness and efficiency of a division, activity, or operation of the entity in meeting organizational goals.
Understand the responsibilities and risks faced by an organization.
Identify, with management participation, opportunities for improving control.
Provide senior management of the organization with a detailed understanding of the result

Advantages

In addition to making the business more efficient and profitable in the long run.

An operational audit almost always provides a company with some new, fresh perspectives.

It makes executives aware of problems that might not have been found otherwise and lets them evaluate risks for the future.

Managers also can use results to motivate employees, as the company always has something to work toward to improve desired results.

Areas to Evaluate

Warehouse Layout
Product/Inventory/Orders processing\
Receiving
Storing
Material Handling Equipment
Housekeeping
Safety
Inventory Control Systems at the end of the process.

Steps

Preliminary preparation
Field Survey
Audit Program Development
Audit Execution
Reporting and Follow-up

Further improvements can be gained by organizing the warehouse so that product is easily found and retrieved. Review warehouse layout and product storage, and make improvements to the overall layout and product storage strategy

To schedule an Audit with your local KMH representatives call: 888-564-7978 or fill-out our request form below:

2 Feb

6 Ways Accumulation Can Benefit your Material Handling Operation

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News Accumulation, EZLogic, Minimum-Pressure Accumulation, Zero-Pressure Accumulation

Accumulation is becoming increasingly popular in automated solutions. This is primarily because of the numerous applications and benefits it creates in your operation. Zero-pressure accumulation conveyor works by using photoelectric intelligence to allow products to accumulate with—you guessed it—no pressure involved. Packages either rest gently against each other or have a small buffering space in between.

When planning an automated solution, accumulation can be critical to a smooth operation. The applications of this type of solution are vast, but they can also take time to understand—so why should you give accumulation a chance?

To Maximize Product Throughput

Not all of your production or warehouse processes take the same amount of time. In a non-accumulation system, when your downstream processes are taking longer than your upstream processes, automation equipment has to stop and wait. But, accumulation conveyors buffer and hold your product in place until downstream production equipment is ready, allowing your upstream processes to continue operating. When upstream processes get to continue to run, you don’t have downstream equipment sitting idly. This means increased production and lower labor costs.

To Prevent Product Damage

When product begins to stack up on traditional conveyor, the buildup of pressure can be damaging to fragile or lighter cartons. When tapered wall totes back up on other conveyor, they may buckle up and spill out over the guardrails, dumping contents onto the floor and causing both product damage and a unsafe work environment. Accumulation conveyor allows products to rest against each other with either minimum or zero pressure. That equates to less product damage and waste.

To Prevent Equipment Damage

Cartons or totes that back up on conveyors that are not zero-pressure can often create so much back pressure that in addition to damaging the carton or tote, it can also damage conveyor guardrails, belts, motors, reducers and motor starters. Zero-pressure conveyors not only eliminate that danger—they also utilize a “sleep” feature that allows the conveyor to shut down after a period of time of not sensing a product. This results in decreased roller wear, decreased electricity use, and decreased equipment wear.

To Maintain Product Sequencing

When conveying multiple sizes of cartons on the same conveyor, the smaller cartons may be pushed side-by-side. This causes your product to get out of sequence; that creates misreads at the scanner, missed diverts at the sorter and the potential for jamming in the curves. Zero-pressure conveyor eliminates side by side accumulation of smaller cartons and its associated issues.

To Increase Operator Productivity & Safety

When proper accumulation isn’t put in place, your operators have to regulate the processes themselves. To manually remove product, only to have to put it back into the production line later, takes operators away from their main job and decreases productivity. In short, it adds double and triple handling of the product, resulting in waste to the process and possibly creating more dangerous situations for your employees. In addition, many new styles of zero pressure conveyor are much safer to work around than none zero pressure conveyors.

For Merge Control

With “intelligence” put in place with the photo-eyes, zero-pressure conveyors can be easily adapted for merge control. This kind of control operates much like cars at intersections with traffic lights, making sure no sideswipes or collisions take place. There are numerous ways to apply zero-pressure conveyor, and even more benefits to the user. Keeping your products, equipment, and employee’s safe is just the beginning of this popular solution.

http://blog.hytrol.com/thehytrolexperience/accumulation-manufacturing-benefits

Posted by Ivar Lonon – Hytrol

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