KION North America

Product Spotlight: Baoli KBD40/KBD50

The Baoli Series 6012 is the latest addition to KION North America’s Baoli product line. With the introduction of this series, KION North America offers Baoli forklifts with load capacities ranging from 3,500 lbs., all the way up to 10,000 lbs. to provide you with a range of models to get the job done.

Offered in two different models, KBD40 and KBD50, the Baoli Series 6012 is a diesel, four-wheel truck equipped with single or dual SE or pneumatic drive tires, making it suitable for a variety of environments. KBD40 lift capacity is 8,000 lbs. KBD50 lift capacity is 10,000 lbs. Both models have excellent residual capacity at height.

Performance and Value

The Baoli KBD40/KBD50 is an extremely versatile truck that can operate outdoors even in inclement weather with an optional, fully-enclosed and heated cabin. This truck is a perfect match if you need for a sturdy, quality forklift that delivers great value.

Built using proven components, the performance of these trucks is outstanding. The powerful Kohler Tier 4 turbodiesel engine delivers 74 HP and plenty of torque to more easily handle heavy loads. With Kohler’s advanced, common rail direct injection system and Electronic Control Unit (ECU) with fuel mapping, these trucks are very fuel efficient. You can also expect lower maintenance costs and less downtime, with no requirement for a Diesel Particulate (DPF) or Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF).

Since no two operations are the same, the Baoli KBD40/KBD50 models offer a multitude of options to meet your operation’s specific needs. Some of these include 4th function hydraulics for special attachments, multiple mast options, and tapered and polished forks.

Reliability

As with any piece of equipment, routine maintenance is crucial to maximizing efficiency and performance. To help you get the most out of your investment, performing operator checks and doing routine maintenance on this truck has never been easier. The hood opens to a nearly 90-degree angle allowing the operator to easily access the engine compartment. Removable floor plates provide access to a majority of truck components. Taking reliability a step further the KBD40 and KBD50 are DEF and DPF free. They do not use diesel exhaust fluid or have a diesel particulate filter that requires downtime for regeneration and periodic service. This saves your business time and money, and helps keep your operation running smoothly.

Even though the KBD40/KBD50 trucks have outstanding quality and reliability, it never hurts to have a good warranty you can rely on. All Baoli forklifts are backed by KION North America’s standard 2-year warranty which covers standard equipment for the first year and unlimited hours, in addition to standard powertrain coverage for two years or 4,000 hours. An optional extended warranty for one additional year or 2,000 hours can also be purchased.

Baoli brand equipment is fully integrated into KION North America’s supply chain and service system. The company’s South Carolina-based warehouse is stocked with a variety of spare parts. Sales and support for the KBD40/50 is provided by a network of authorized dealers throughout the United States.

Comfort

The Baoli KBD40/KBD50 is equipped with a host of standard comfort features at no extra cost including a tilting, adjustable steering column and a comfort suspension seat with a high-visibility orange seat belt. A roomy, cushioned operator compartment makes these trucks comfortable for any size operator.

Confidence

These trucks are not just comfortable. They also offer standard operator assist features like forward-facing twin LED spotlights, dual external mirrors, and separate brake and inching pedals. Treaded entry steps, an overhead guard mounted entry grab bar, and a handgrip built into the seat’s side bolster, give the operator three-point stability when getting on and off the forklift. The seat side bolsters help keep the operator secure when operating the truck.

The standard, amber warning light and backup alarm help create a more confident workplace for everyone.

If you are looking for a quality counterbalanced forklift with the performance, value, reliability and operator confidence your workplace needs, look no further than the Baoli KBD40/KBD 50. For more information or to request a demo contact your authorized local dealer today.

Product Spotlight: Linde Series 388

The Linde Series 388 is exactly what customers have come to expect from Linde products. This truck raises the standard for comfort, efficiency, productivity and reliability. Offered in seven different models, the Linde 388 has a lift capacity ranging from 7,500 to 11,000 lbs. This electric truck can fit well in a multitude of applications, including general warehousing, manufacturing and the beverage industry. The Linde Series 388 is an ideal truck to replace engine powered forklifts, even in outdoor applications.

Operator Comfort
The ergonomics on the Linde 388 are phenomenal. Linde engineers painstakingly developed the truck around the operator to help ensure the most stress-free environment possible. The Linde 388 features a spacious operator compartment with generous foot room and a cushioned floating cab specifically designed for low fatigue operation. Along with the ergonomic layout of all controls and adjustability of armrest and seat, Linde trucks provide the best possible operating environment for the operator.

Operator Confidence
At the end of the day, operator confidence plays a large roll in a safer and more productive workplace. A key element of operator confidence is feeling in control of the vehicle and comfortable with its capability. Visibility of the load through the mast is key in increasing this confidence for not only the truck operator, but those working around the truck. This increased visibility is achieved by nesting the mast rails to hide one of them completely, which results in a much narrower profile and significantly wider field of vision, through and around the mast. The truck also has standard features including two spotlights, an overhead guard and an emergency power cut-off.

Productivity
Becoming more productive is always the end goal of every workplace. Depending on your working environment, the 388 can help with that. This truck features the Linde drive axle, which is an assembly that includes twin drive motors, reduction gears, brake system and power module. This system eliminates two energy wasting components, dragging differentials and long power supply cables, which are the major sources of excessive energy consumption. Linde has also made energy visible, meaning the Linde electric trucks have a unique energy management system, including an advanced battery state of charge indicator. This measures the current and available voltage to provide a continuous update of the battery’s overall condition.

Reliability
Reliability and durability are two features that Linde is known for. All components and assemblies are tested to meet rigorous longevity standards. All machines require maintenance, but the Linde series 388 has maintenance intervals of 1000 hours. This truck has many design features that allow for this high maintenance interval. Some of these design features include automatic deceleration, maintenance-free brake system and electronic diagnostics. This truck is also equipped with an AC system for all motors which operates without brushes and is completely sealed extending component life.

If you are looking for a quality electric forklift that you can rely on without breaking the bank, the Linde 388 could be a great fit for your operation. If you think there are other options that would benefit your workplace, please see a list of options on our website or for more information, please contact your authorized local dealer today.

Difference Between Pneumatic and Cushion Tire Forklifts

A big decision is being made when buying a forklift. It is an expensive and a substantial piece of machinery to own and maintain. You’ll want to be sure that you are buying a forklift that can match your environment and can handle the amount of lifting you’ll need. Different forklifts require different tires, with doing proper research beforehand to ensure the tires are appropriate for your work setting. It is imperative to select the right kind of tires because it will affect the overall handling and welfare of the forklift. Here are the differences between pneumatic and cushion tire forklifts.

Pneumatic Tires
Pneumatic tires are typically used for outdoor operations and are able to grip uneven and rough terrain. There are two different types of pneumatic tires, solid pneumatics and, air pneumatics. Solid pneumatic tires are made solely out of rubber and are additionally more resistant to puncture, while air pneumatics are air-filled. Pneumatic tires are more commonly seen on construction sites and other similar establishments. Brand new pneumatic tires can range from $20,000 to $25,000, because of this, used pneumatic tires can sell rapidly.

Cushion Tires
Cushion tires are created by smooth, solid rubber. These types of tires are also much cheaper to manufacture and are essentially very straightforward when it comes to prolonging them. However, these tires do not get a similar level of traction as pneumatic tires do. Cushion tires are generally best for flat and smooth surfaces and are more ideal for indoor warehouse spaces rather than outdoor settings, and can regularly be seen being used on loading docks. They can’t withstand as much weight as pneumatic tires can, but can function in smaller capacities.

Now that we have explained the difference more clearly, between cushion and pneumatic tires, you’ll need to decide which is best for you. Think about how your forklift will be used, the amount of room you have and the type of setting you are in. Take into consideration that your work environment will play a heavy role in making the ultimate decision between choosing one of the two tires. Both cushion and pneumatic tire forklifts can be acquired in any load volume, from less than 2,000 pounds to more than 200,000 pounds.

If you are still having trouble deciding, we are more than happy to give you our input and opinions. At KION North America, we understand the importance of choosing the best tire for your forklift. Please contact us if you have any further questions at 843-875-8000.

Forklift Battery Do’s & Don’ts

There are simple steps one should take when maintaining proper care of a forklift, one of those steps is making sure you always have a functioning battery. If you keep up with the maintenance that is required for your battery, you can extend the battery life. This helps to avoid investing too much revenue into an unnecessary amount of batteries. Here is what you should and shouldn’t do when it comes to forklift batteries.

Charging The Battery
You always want to ensure that your battery stays above 30% charge. Your forklift battery will hit a ‘red-zone’ once it reaches 20%, you should never fall below that line. If you continue to use the battery consistently after you descend past the 20% mark you will decrease the battery’s overall lifespan.

Keep At Normal Temperature
It’s best to steer clear from exposing forklift batteries to extreme heat. This can destruct the performance of the battery. If you know that you need to use the forklift in exceptionally hot temperatures, you will need to purchase certain batteries created for those specific weather situations.

Regular Cleaning
Batteries should be cleaned every month, this prevents physical damage to the battery. When cleaning, you should use warm water so it can break down chemical build up.

Issues That May Occur
Every once in a while, you might find yourself running into an issue with your battery. For example, if a battery were to overflow, you should rinse the battery with water straight away. Another problem that might arise is battery smoke. When this happens, remain calm and power it off promptly.

Don’t Pick It Up
Forklift batteries are very heavy. We do not recommend anyone pick them up with their hands. Batteries can weigh up to 3,000 lbs and should be transported with a pallet jack.

Protective Gear
When handling a forklift battery, make sure you are wearing appropriate gear. The batteries have sulfuric acid and this specific chemical can and will burn you. You should remove all jewelry before charging or handling any battery.

We hope you have found this useful and if you have any questions regarding your forklift battery, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.

Linde at Work: SNS Worldwide

SNS Worldwide is a second-generation, family-owned and operated warehousing and transportation company. The company offers global transportation, truck loads, LTL, express air and expedited team service, in addition to superior warehousing, drop shipping, logistical planning and complete fulfillment services.

Located in Linden, New Jersey, SNS is centrally located within minutes of all major ports, airports and New York bridges and tunnel crossings. To help keep their operation running smoothly and efficiently, they rely on Linde Series 391—internal combustion counterbalanced forklifts with pneumatic tires.

“I am a working owner of a family business and I have driven all types of fork trucks throughout my 34-year career,” said John Connelly, president of SNS Worldwide. “These are the best built forklifts on the market.”

Last summer, SNS experienced a surge in business that resulted in the need for an additional lift truck to keep up with the pace. Connelly contacted their sales representative from Liftec—an authorized Linde dealer in their area.

Liftec had a Linde forklift available with about 8,000 operating hours on it—a brand Connelly said he had never used before.

“After the first day of driving it for 9 hours straight, I realized I wasn’t really as tired as I should have been compared to if I were driving my other branded forklifts which have 50% less hours on them,” he said.

By the end of the first week, Connelly was so impressed with the quality, comfort and ease-of-use that the company decided to invest in two new Linde forklifts as permanent additions to their fleet.

“Now, my staff fights over them,” he said. “As a business owner, it’s very comforting to know that your employees are excited to be out on the floor operating a quality piece of equipment.”

From the owner side, he added that by investing in Linde forklifts it’s one less thing off his plate to be concerned with since he knows the equipment will perform every day.

“Like with most things, you get what you pay for,” said Connelly. “Superior dependability comes at cost, but that cost is evaporated when you have no downtime.”

Has your company benefited from using a Linde (or Baoli) forklift? We’d love to hear about it. Submit your photos of our trucks at work to marketing.na(at)kiongroup.com

Tips for Improving Loading Dock Safety

There are always precautions one must take in ensuring a safe environment for workers, a big standard that should be taken seriously is loading dock safety. Here we have listed some tips to make sure that the proper measures are taken to keep loading dock safety a top priority!

Appropriate Lighting
There should be a sufficient amount of light, both in and out, of the dock area at all times. This helps in protecting workers from getting into accidents with machinery. Lighting assists in illuminating any hazards that might not be evident during evening hours. However with that being said, one should always be constantly aware of their surroundings in this type of work setting.

Add Protection
There are certain additions that should be provided such as bumpers, mirrors and chocks. Bumpers should be placed at the end of loading dock piles, so if a vehicle or piece of machinery were to accidentally hit the pole the damage would be reduced. Mirrors should be set accordingly on the work site to give drivers the ability to see any perils that might be in their blind spot. Lastly, chocks must be accessible for drivers trying to park vehicles on site.

Training and Certification
To operate a forklift cautiously needs correct training and prior experience.
Forklifts aren’t toys and shouldn’t be treated as such, they should be handled maturely and accordingly. This type of equipment should also be driven at a slow and vigilant speed.
Accidents can be easily avoided if the driver is fully attentive and aware at all times. Operators should also closely inspect loads before and after transferring them. If not checked beforehand, a casualty is more likely to occur.

A Clean Work Site
Everything should be properly stowed or located in the a designated area when not being used. Also having markings as a clear-cut indicator of where one should and shouldn’t walk to or go when work is in progress.

Service/Repairs
Docks and machinery should be inspected regularly. If something were to shift or if your dock were to sag while you are operating a vehicle it could cause a major accident on site. By being proactive about maintenance beforehand, these types of problems shouldn’t occur.

These are simple and useful tips for creating a safe work environment. If you ever have any questions or regards to improving dock loading safety, please feel free to contact us.

Product Spotlight: Linde Series 1120

The Linde Series 1120 not only provides the operator comfort and control you have come to expect from Linde products, but the series also offers extreme efficiency with increased shift life in narrow aisle environments. As we know, employees are most productive when they are comfortable and confident. In this superb, stress-free working environment the operator is motivated and fully focused on the task at hand.

The Linde Series 1120 is offered in seven different models with a lift capacity ranging from 3000 to 4,500 lbs. (5000 Lb. on special request). With this range of offerings, your warehouse is sure to find a model that works for you. Some models can even be fully customized for your particular warehouse and your specifications. Applications for the Linde Series 1120 models include; refrigerated or cold storage, even special attachments, for companies who need more manufacturing space and warehousing of all types.

Ergonomics

As with every Linde product, the ergonomics on the Linde Series 1120 models are exceptionally designed. Linde engineers design each truck around the operator to help ensure the most stress-free environment as possible. These trucks offer a world first for reach trucks, with the operator cab mounted “floating” to the base chassis, to give an unsurpassed level of comfort to the driver. A fully adjustable air suspension seat and integral control console with fingertip joystick control of hydraulics along with the unique Linde rheological electric steering system enables effortless operation and assured maneuvering and traveling.

Safety

Safety is always the most important feature on any truck. Three independent breaking systems with all-wheel braking, emergency power cut-off, Linde clear-view mast design, Linde Load Control (LLC) with fingertip activation, large diameter load wheels, and Linde Digital Control (LDC) with electric regen are among the impressive range of protective features that ensure a safe and efficient work environment for the operator.

With a variety of options such as an optional camera system for driving and stacking and an optional laser pointer shows the operator the exact position of his forks and helps him to stack or retrieve pallets quickly and safely, improving the already safe working environment.

Efficiency

Becoming more efficient end goal of every business, especially where warehouses are involved, and depending on your working environment the Linde Series 1120 can help with that. With excellent stability and outstanding performance, the Linde Series 1120 can help increase efficiency throughout your operation. An ergonomically designed operator compartment provides your employees with reduced operating fatigue and an advanced hydraulics system provides smooth travel and precise load handling on all surfaces and ramps.

The sideways-seated driving position helps the operator achieve high pallet throughput. Powerful traction and lift motors guarantee high performance and productivity. Thanks to the Linde System Control (LSC) the optimum performance is calculated in real-time in relation to the load carried – a great advantage for maximum throughput.

Maintenance

All machines require maintenance, but the Linde series 1120 is designed with durable equipment ensuring long maintenance intervals and rapid service. This savings is particularly significant when compared with the more conventional pantograph reach trucks. Some of the design features include quick, easy battery charge or change, CAN bus connection streamline truck diagnostics and servicing, maintenance-free AC motor and enclosed electronics.

If you are looking for a quality electric forklift that you can rely on without breaking the bank, the Linde Series 1120 models could be a great fit for your operation. Please see a list of options on our website or for more information, please contact your authorized local dealer today.

Incentives for Purchasing Electric Forklifts

Investing in new forklifts is a huge expense for most warehouses, and maintaining and repairing the machines is also costly. However, one way to save is by taking advantage of sales and use tax exemptions. It’s important to understand each state’s qualifications in order to receive the sales tax exemption.

Today, nearly all of the incentive programs are managed at the state level. After investigating more on different types of incentive programs we found that certain states may have better incentive programs. While interstate arrangements might be difficult to create, it is possible. This will allow leverage with rebate programs, but only if you are willing to do business in other regions. The AFDC can also be of value to keep up with state environmental laws and to also determine the betterment of contrasting different kinds of fuel.

Every state has individual sales tax models and shifting incentive programs. In other words, there are sales tax incentive programs in California, Idaho, and Washington that might be suited for you in what you are trying to become more qualified for. In South Carolina, the relevance of this machine exemption varies on if the machine or sequence of mechanical powers, components, connectors, and equipment are very essential and fundamental to the manufacturing development.

You may want to ask about possible fleet enhancements, battery room infrastructure, and potential advancements that might alter your power usage. If you choose this
option, then a few of your rebates and tax incentives can undoubtedly decrease the capital costs of electric forklifts and you can begin appreciating all of the perks of fewer maintenance dilemmas, reduced fuel costs and strengthen productivity.

Also, some states may offer a partial exemption. It’s important to know a few common terms when looking into sales tax exemption. For example, “substantially” means over one-third of the time, “predominantly” means over half of the time and “exclusively” means 100 percent of the time. You, as the buyer, are solely responsible for claiming the incentives. You’re required to provide the seller with the properly completed forms claiming the sales tax exemption.

At KION North America, we understand that investing in new equipment can be expensive, so we’re here to help. If you have any further questions about how to apply for sales tax exemption, please contact our Summerville office in South Carolina at 843-875-8000. If you’re ready to purchase a new forklift, visit our website to find a local dealer.

Linde at Work: Capitol Materials, Inc.

Capitol Materials, Inc., a GMS Company, serves both commercial and residential customers and offers the largest inventory of construction supplies in the southern United States.

The company was founded in 1969 with just one location in downtown Atlanta. Today, they have 19 conveniently located yards across the south including five in Alabama, 12 in Georgia and two in Florida. Their vast product inventory and emphasis on the customer experience have allowed them to achieve their goal of becoming the region’s most complete drywall supply company.

Recently at one of the company’s Atlanta locations, they began the process of switching from diesel forklifts to electric. In a given day, this location serves 100-200 customers using a multi-shift business model to meet demand.

“We decided to use electric forklifts because the reduced fuel cost, the reduced maintenance and less emissions,” said Jamie Walker, assistant manager.

Capitol Materials chose the Linde Series 387—an electric counterbalanced forklift powered by an 80V battery with a capacity range of 4,500-7,000 lbs.

Linde is the only manufacturer that will offer two different chassis versions—low and high. Furthermore the high chassis comes in two varieties— compact and long. This allows users to tailor the machine to meet their exact needs.

The low chassis configuration is suitable for all applications that don’t require as long of run time from the battery, it also provides a lower entry point for the operator and a lower overall height; the high chassis allows for a larger capacity battery and a smaller turning radius for work in tight areas; the high and long provides even longer runtimes and superior capacity retention.

In addition to being beneficial to the company’s bottom line, Linde electric forklifts are operator friendly. Designed based on the principle that a healthy operator is a productive operator, a “floating cab” with neoprene bushings and bearings reduce the vibrations felt at the driver’s contact points with the forklift, keeping fatigue to a minimum.

“The specific features we like in our Linde products is the ease of use, the comfortability, the ergonomic design of the hand controls,” said Walker. “They’re just durable products that we can count on.”

Has your company benefited from using a Linde forklift? We’d love to hear about it. Submit your photos of our trucks at work to marketing.na(at)kiongroup.com

How to Make Battery Charging Rooms Safer

Many warehouses are beginning to switch from combustion engine forklifts to electric forklifts in order to lower operating costs and improve environmental impacts. While electric forklifts have a longer lifespan than gas forklifts, they require proper care and maintenance. Lead-acid batteries can take up to eight hours to charge fully, so it’s important that the warehouse has a safe and efficient battery charging room. Here are four ways to make battery charging rooms safer.

Proper ventilation

Forklift batteries can emit hydrogen gas while they are re-charging, and for a short time afterwards, so it’s vital that the charging rooms are properly ventilated. The hydrogen gas level in the charging room should be below two percent to mitigate possible risks of explosion. Installation of exhaust fans, or providing an opening in the roof of the warehouse, will further reduce this risk.

Acid-resistant flooring

The flooring of the charging rooms must be resistant to acid because battery acid is highly corrosive. Unfortunately, spills do happen, but if floor is acid-resistant the spill will be easier to clean up. Without acid-resistant flooring, the corrosive battery acids could result in structural damage to the warehouse.

Availability to safety equipment

All charging rooms should be fitted with a washing area and a Class E fire extinguisher. Forklift operators may need to be able to quickly extinguish an electrical fire, and/or perform an emergency wash. First-aid kits and personal protective equipment (apron, gloves and eye protection) should also be available in the battery charging rooms.

Correct installation of electrical breakers and charging points

Chargers should be mounted on the wall and fitted with an electrical breaker to stop the flow of electricity in an emergency. When charging multiple forklifts, the distance between each truck should be at least three feet. The distance between forklifts provides safe and easy access for operators.

At KION North America, we care about the safety and efficiency of your warehouse. Follow these four steps to make your battery charging rooms safer. If you’re looking to purchase an electric forklift, our Linde and Baoli brands offer solutions for every application. Have more questions? Contact us at 843-875-8000.