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	<title>Trucktruth &#187; Fleet Management</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.trucktruth.com/c/tt-fleet-management/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.trucktruth.com</link>
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		<title>Hyster FleetSmart Seminar</title>
		<link>http://www.trucktruth.com/2009/06/fleetsmart-seminar/</link>
		<comments>http://www.trucktruth.com/2009/06/fleetsmart-seminar/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:28:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Trucktruth.com</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Fleet Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Maintenance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parts and Equipment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Purchasing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://trucktruth.com/?p=677</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Hyster FleetSmart Seminar educates material handling equipment owners and informs them of proper fleet management practices.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-681" title="fleetsem_img" src="http://trucktruth.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/fleetsem_img.png" alt="fleetsem_img" width="558" height="182" /></p>
<p><strong>Compressing Costs and Improving Productivity Through Intelligent Fleet Asset Management.</strong></p>
<p>Trucktruth.com, an online resource for lift truck manufacturers, buyers, operators, and dealers, announces Hyster FleetSmart Seminar 2009. The seminar was created to educate material handling equipment owners and inform them of proper fleet management practices. The next invitation-only event will be held on June 18, 2009 in Dallas, Texas. Companies, both large and small, are effectively utilizing fleet management to help eliminate non-value–added costs tied to maintaining their fleets. Hyster FleetSmart Seminar topics include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Identifying opportunities for compressing costs</li>
<li>Basic principles of Fleet Management</li>
<li>Fleet Management system reporting capabilities</li>
<li>Aftermarket solutions to maximize productivity</li>
<li>Single-sourcing all of your OEM equipment</li>
<li>Technology-based products to further minimize your cost of operations</li>
<li>Financial advantages of leasing</li>
</ul>
<p>In addition, you will have the opportunity to view several technology products on display and speak with knowledgeable experts in the field of telemetry.</p>
<p><strong>Future dates include:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Billerica, MA &#8211; Oct 1</li>
</ul>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>Becoming Hyster FleetSmart</title>
		<link>http://www.trucktruth.com/2009/05/becoming-fleetsmart/</link>
		<comments>http://www.trucktruth.com/2009/05/becoming-fleetsmart/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2009 19:37:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Trucktruth.com</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Fleet Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parts and Equipment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Purchasing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://tt.illkd.com/?p=420</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Deploying a single-source fleet management solution for lowering operating costs and improving productivity...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Deploying a single-source fleet management solution for lowering operating costs and improving productivity</strong></p>
<p>Hyster FleetSmart <em>is</em> …subscribing to centralized fleet maintenance and analysis programs to effectively maintain, monitor, and optimize your material handling fleet.</p>
<p>Hyster FleetSmart <em>is</em>…relying on a web-based Fleet Management software to generate the greatest cost-savings potential for you.</p>
<p>Hyster FleetSmart<em> is</em>…taking advantage of value-added parts and service programs to deliver best-in-class fleet maintenance at the lowest possible cost.</p>
<p>Hyster FleetSmart<em> is</em>…maximizing productivity by relying on a strong and experienced dealer network to efficiently service and support your fleet.</p>
<p>Hyster FleetSmart<em> is</em>…tailoring a Fleet Management Package that is right for you.</p>
<p align="center"><strong> </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Value-added Services to tailor a Hyster </strong><strong>FleetSmart program that best fits your material handling operations</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>A National Fleet Maintenance Agreement, Several options, one affordable solution</strong><br />
A wide-array of parts and service programs to save you money through cost compression and improved productivity.</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Full Maintenance</span></strong></p>
<ul type="disc">
<li><strong>A comprehensive      Maintenance Plan </strong><strong> </strong></li>
</ul>
<p>With Full Maintenance, coverage typically includes all parts and service cost for both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance.  Arrangements can be made to bill you for Full Maintenance service at a fixed monthly cost or by run time hour.  Some coverage exclusions may apply.<strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Power by the Hour</span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Power by the Hour Full Maintenance Service plan</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>If your asset utilization varies from month-to-month, then you may want to consider our Full Maintenance Power-By-the-Hour plan.  With “Power-By-the-Hour???, you can be assured that each lift is being maintained in accordance with recommended scheduled hourly intervals, and should an unscheduled breakdown occur, it can be covered in a Full Maintenance Plan. At the end of each month, a device on the truck will remotely transmit the number of hours used from the truck and only bill you based on the actual hours used.</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Time &amp; Material Services</span></strong></p>
<ul type="disc">
<li><strong>The      added flexibility of paying for each service</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Some customers would rather pay for service by labor hour and parts replacement.  A time and material plan provides you the alternative to pay for worked performed on each asset.  There is no fixed monthly cost for a time and material service plan.</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Maintenance Assurance</span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Reduce those unexpected  repair bills</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>This type of maintenance program focuses on reducing surprise service bills so you can focus more on your core business and less time explaining unscheduled downtime and unbudgeted expenditures.  One of the best opportunities for you to reduce unscheduled downtime and costly repairs on your fleet is to subscribe to a maintenance program that offers both sound periodic maintenance service coupled with additional parts and service coverage at a fixed monthly cost.</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Customized Periodic Maintenance</span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Improve the reliability of your fleet</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>With a sound periodic maintenance plan, you can minimize unscheduled downtime and help prolong the effective life of your fleet.  Based on each assets application, usage, and operating environment, you can customize PM programs to help ensure your fleet is operating at peak performance at the lowest cost possible.</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Aftermarket Parts programs </span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>For all makes of equipment</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Hyster FleetSmart dealers have immediate access to over 2 million part numbers to help support their wide-range service capabilities.  Through an all makes program, you have access to the parts that keep your equipment up and running.  From aerial work platforms &amp; man-lifts, to personnel carriers, to sweepers, and yes, nearly every lift truck brand you can name.</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Service for All Makes of Equipment</span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Hyster </strong><strong>FleetSmart technicians have the experience you’re looking for</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>As single-source service providers, FleetSmart dealers hire only the best technicians. They typically have the skills and experience to efficiently repair other makes of equipment to keep your downtime to an absolute minimum <strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Extended Warranty Coverage</span></strong></p>
<ul type="disc">
<li><strong>Added      protection at a fraction of the cost</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>An excellent service coverage program that can complement any time and material or Full Maintenance service plan.  Coverage can extend to 5 years or 10,000 hours and helps protect against costly repairs.</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Fleet Parts Pricing</span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Best available pricing on all makes of equipment</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>As a Hyster FleetSmart customer, you should automatically receive preferred parts pricing.  Depending on the size of your fleet, this could represent additional savings in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Preferred Labor Rates</span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Why pay more for Best in Class Service?</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>As a Hyster FleetSmart account, you are eligible to receive special labor rates.  These Preferred rates are exclusive to FleetSmart customers and combined with all makes parts support, gets you well on your way to maximizing productivity at the lowest possible cost.</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Centralized Billing</span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Minimize invoices and Administrative costs</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Recent surveys indicate this can range anywhere from $25 to $90 per invoice.  A centralized billing process is a streamlined approach utilizing the latest software technology to effectively manage your account.  By minimizing the number of invoices you process on a monthly basis, you can save you thousands of dollars each and every year.</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Fleet Web Portal Access</span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li> <strong>Reports and savings at your fingertips!</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Rely on the most innovative software to help effectively manage your fleet. Through a secured, web site, FleetSmart customers can view such data as hour meter readings, equipment inventory, and maintenance history to name a few.  A user-friendly customer web portal should provide you 24/7 access to important up-to-date information on your fleet.</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Basic Fleet Reporting</span></strong><br />
With Hyster FleetSmart Maintenance software, you can easily export basic data such as equipment inventory, maintenance history and work order summary by s/n.  These basic reports can make it easy for you to track and report maintenance cost for each asset.</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Enhanced Fleet Reporting</span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Identify costs per hour and utilization history</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>In addition to Basic Reports, you can also export more detailed reports such as cost-per-hour and utilization.  With enhanced fleet reporting, you can make more intelligent decisions such as most effective and economical placement of assets.<strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Dedicated Program Manager</span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>On-demand access to someone who is there to help</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>To provide you the personalized service you deserve, Hyster FleetSmart customers have access to dedicated Program Managers.  These Program Managers are the most knowledgeable about your account and are there to support your every need.</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Centralized Service Dispatching</span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Access to a dedicated toll-free 24/7 service hotline or web-based call center </strong></li>
</ul>
<p>If you’re looking for a single point of contact for service requests, then you’ll want to take advantage of a centralized dispatching service.  Through a centralized Hyster FleetSmart dispatching service, service calls can be accepted from all your locations and personally dispatched to a technician at the touch of a button.</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Threshold Repair Management</span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Eliminate those surprise repair bills</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>For those customers who elect to have repairs performed on a time and material basis, they can also elect to be notified should a repair estimate exceed a dollar threshold amount.  The customer can then decide whether to have the service performed or request alternative solutions.  A dollar threshold is typically determined with the assistance of a Program Manager.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Value-Added FleetSmart Programs &amp; Services</strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Survey &amp; Analysis</span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Maximize savings through Fleet optimization</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>An essential first step for optimizing your material handling fleet.  Customer’s typically lack this valuable information yet find it difficult to make intelligent decisions without first having a survey and analysis performed.  Identifying maintenance costs, vintage of assets, actual usage, and condition of each asset are just some of the basics that can analyze.</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Operator Training</span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Reduce the risk of injuries and accidents</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>It is an OSHA requirement that all lift truck operators receive the proper training and certification to help ensure they can safely operate a lift truck.  The training is not only truck specific, but site specific as well.  A Hyster FleetSmart Management provider, in conjunction with its supporting dealer network, can provide the proper training for your operators to minimize any risk of injury or accidents.</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Web Access to Technical Parts Manuals</span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Identify part numbers at the click of a mouse!</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>This value-added tool can be an asset for those customers who are contracted to have service performed by technicians on staff.  With this access, customers should be able to view, at the touch of a finger, all parts data by serial number.</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Technician Training</span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Do your technicians have the proper skill set?</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Some customers have contractual obligations with in-house maintenance technicians.  In those situations, a FleetSmart dealer can offer technical training classes to help ensure your in-house technicians have the skill set to efficiently service lift trucks.</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Basic Fleet Telemetry </span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>How do you retrieve hour meter readings?</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>The retrieval and subsequent logging of hour meter readings can be a laborious task. Hyster FleetSmart is equipping your assets with a device that can remotely retrieve hour meter readings on a daily basis and automatically transmit them to a web site for viewing or exporting.</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Enhanced Fleet Telemetry</span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Real-time, 2-way access and communication with your fleet and operators</strong></li>
<li><strong>Additional improvements in productivity and downtime </strong></li>
</ul>
<p>One approach for Wireless Fleet Management is a RFID-based wireless architecture that provides remote, automated, cost-effective fleet management of lift trucks, man-lifts, and other industrial equipment.  The advanced radio frequency (RF) architecture is custom-designed for cost and functionality needs of industrial fleet management.  From OSHA checklists to system monitoring, to location tracking, a wireless Fleet Management solution can maximize productivity and further optimize your fleet size.</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">RFID-Warehouse Management Integration</span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Cost-effective solutions to streamline and automate warehouse processes</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Technology-based solutions continue to help improve operational efficiencies and drive costs out of a customer’s operation.  Equally as important, is the ease of integration of RFID hardware into existing warehouse management systems.  From forklift mounted computers, scanners, and readers, to handheld scanners, Hyster FleetSmart is using wireless mobile computing options to solve data collection problems.</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Battery &amp; Charger Maintenance program</span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Lower the operating cost of your motive powered vehicles</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>One of the most effective methods to maximize productivity on motive powered vehicles is to have your batteries and chargers on a sound maintenance program.  Results have shown that an effective maintenance plan can also extend the life of your battery and charger up to 25% thus saving you money in the long run.</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Attachment Maintenance</span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Expand your coverage to include special attachments</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>To help reduce unscheduled downtime, it is recommended that special attachments are set up on a regularly scheduled maintenance plan.  A Hyster FleetSmart dealer network has years of experience in helping prolong the life of various types of front-end attachments.</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Fleet Financing/Leasing Programs </span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Economical alternative to purchasing</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Whether you are acquiring 1, 5, 10 or an entire fleet of lift trucks, a Hyster FleetSmart capital solution provider can offer leasing programs to meet your needs including convenient, flexible and economical alternatives to an outright cash purchase. From ownership type lease arrangements to true lease options that address tax and financial reporting concerns.</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Rental &amp; Loaner Programs</span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Help safeguard productivity </strong></li>
</ul>
<p>To help ensure you are able to quickly respond to spikes in your material handling requirements, a Hyster FleetSmart dealer network can provide you what you need from their rental fleet inventory.  In addition, should a lift truck experience unscheduled downtime for an unacceptable length of time, a loaner can be provided to you.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Charger Purchasing Decision Criteria</title>
		<link>http://www.trucktruth.com/2009/05/charger-purchasing-decision-criteria/</link>
		<comments>http://www.trucktruth.com/2009/05/charger-purchasing-decision-criteria/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2009 19:29:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Trucktruth.com</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Fleet Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parts and Equipment]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://tt.illkd.com/?p=416</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The promise of new, low cost chargers is appealing if you are not aware of the increased operational costs that they can cause...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The promise of new, low cost chargers is appealing if you are not aware of the increased operational costs that they can cause. Some of these low cost chargers have design deficiencies, lack of service support, and are indifferent to lifetime battery health.  Price, recharge time and full charge are just a few of the many factors that should be considered when purchasing a charger.  Trucktruth explains in detail how to purchase the right charger for you.</p>
<p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/scr_charger_purchasing_decision_criteria.pdf" target="blank"><img src="http://trucktruth.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/pdf_icon.png" alt="SCR Charger Purchasing Decision Criteria" align="center" /><strong>Download the Article</strong></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>OEM to OEM Parts Comparison</title>
		<link>http://www.trucktruth.com/2009/05/oem-to-oem-parts-comparison/</link>
		<comments>http://www.trucktruth.com/2009/05/oem-to-oem-parts-comparison/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2009 16:35:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Trucktruth.com</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Fleet Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parts and Equipment]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://tt.illkd.com/?p=414</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[How do the MSRP’s of replacement parts compare? Use these OEM to OEM replacement part comparison charts...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>How do the MSRP’s of replacement parts compare? Use these OEM to OEM replacement part comparison charts to identify how you can save money when ordering new parts for your lift truck fleet, and see how Hyster<sup>®</sup> parts stack up against comparable parts from Crown™ and Raymond.<sup>®</sup></p>
<p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/parts_comparison.pdf" target="blank"><img src="http://trucktruth.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/pdf_icon.png" alt="OEM to OEM Parts Comparison Guide" align="center" /><strong>Download the Charts</strong></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>Lift Truck Inspection</title>
		<link>http://www.trucktruth.com/2009/05/lift-truck-inspection/</link>
		<comments>http://www.trucktruth.com/2009/05/lift-truck-inspection/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2009 16:21:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Trucktruth.com</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Fleet Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Maintenance]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://tt.illkd.com/?p=399</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A typical lift truck has hundreds and hundreds of moving parts that can wear to the point of failure if not lubricated...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Programs to cure your lift truck pains</strong></p>
<p>A typical lift truck has hundreds and hundreds of moving parts that can wear to the point of failure if not lubricated, adjusted, or replaced on a regular basis. A good inspection program, some inspect as many as 200 points, is designed to expose those neglected areas of a lift truck to help ensure you get the life expectancy out of your lift truck components.</p>
<p>Customers who need comprehensive inspection programs for their lift trucks are typically experiencing</p>
<ul>
<li>Increases in unscheduled downtime</li>
<li>Expensive repair bills on a regular basis</li>
<li>Unsatisfactory service from their current provider</li>
</ul>
<p>These companies are also typically the ones who elected to save money on scheduled maintenance by choosing a local service provider who could save them a buck or two on maintaining their lift truck.</p>
<p><strong>Why bother to invest the time inspecting a lift truck? </strong></p>
<p>Because these areas, when not inspected on a regular basis, can lead to more expensive, unforeseen repairs. You should do everything you can to ensure your lift trucks are being maintained properly and in accordance with the manufacturers recommendation. At the conclusion of an inspection, the company should take the time to review a detailed report identifying those areas, or components of the truck that can lead to additional unscheduled downtime, larger issues and ultimately higher repair bills if left undetected.</p>
<p><strong>Do your trucks have what it takes?</strong></p>
<p>Are your lift trucks tough enough to handle the application and operating environment your operations demand? Take a look at some of the the areas that should be inspected on each internal combustion lift truck.</p>
<p>Operational Check<br />
• 7 key components<br />
General truck Visual Inspection<br />
• 13 key components<br />
Steering System<br />
• 9 key components<br />
Steer Axle<br />
• 8 key components<br />
Engine<br />
• 24 key components<br />
Cooling System<br />
• 9 key components<br />
Fuel System<br />
• 5 key components<br />
Gasoline System<br />
• 6 key components<br />
L.P. Gas System<br />
• 8 key components<br />
Ignition System<br />
• 8 key components<br />
Brake System<br />
• 11 key components<br />
Parking and Seat Brake Cable<br />
• 4 key components<br />
Electrical System<br />
• 12 key components<br />
Instruments<br />
• 11 key components<br />
Electrical Accessories<br />
• 5 key components<br />
Transmission-Powershift<br />
• 16 key components<br />
Transmission-Manual<br />
• 5 key components<br />
Wet Clutch<br />
• 5 key components<br />
Gear Box<br />
• 3 key components<br />
Drive Axle<br />
• 13 key components<br />
Differential<br />
• 5 key components<br />
Hydraulic System<br />
• 27 key components<br />
Mast Mechanical<br />
• 17 key components<br />
Hose Take-Up and Attachments<br />
• 3 key components</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Periodic Maintenance</title>
		<link>http://www.trucktruth.com/2009/05/periodic-maintenance/</link>
		<comments>http://www.trucktruth.com/2009/05/periodic-maintenance/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2009 16:14:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Trucktruth.com</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Fleet Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Maintenance]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://tt.illkd.com/?p=396</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A well maintained lift truck fleet can improve the productivity of your material handling operations...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>A well maintained lift truck fleet can improve the productivity of your material handling operations</strong></p>
<p><strong>Achieve fleet performance goals</strong></p>
<p>Best practices in maintenance can make your lift trucks more productive by reducing unscheduled downtime. Your service company should have skilled technicians with years of experience servicing all makes of lift trucks. By committing to a maintenance schedule recommended by a professional service compan , you can ensure that your fleet is in top shape with maximum uptime.</p>
<p>You have a number of options when choosing a service provider for your material handling equipment. So how do you choose the one that is right for your business needs? Choosing a service provider to do your scheduled maintenance by price alone can leave you paying more in the long run through additional unscheduled downtime and more costly, major repairs. Look for a plan that ensures each and every truck on your agreement receives a thorough inspection, from fork to counterweight, to help ensure little problems do not turn into big, expensive ones.</p>
<p><strong>Comprehensive Record Keeping </strong></p>
<p>Controlling the quality of service is the utmost importance. In order to ensure that your fleet’s maintenance needs are being fulfilled, make sure your service company has a procedure checklist that is completed by the technician for every lift truck in your fleet. This checklist will then become a permanent record of your lift truck fleet’s maintenance and condition.</p>
<p><strong>Breaking with Tradition, Flexibility is the Key</strong></p>
<p>Any periodic maintenance plan should be based on each lift truck’s application, make, model, and operating environment. Some of the items that should be included are:</p>
<p>A periodic maintenance program should include different services based on the number of hours of service throughout the year</p>
<p>An example plan would include:</p>
<p>Every 250 hours or 6 weeks for IC units or 350 hours or 2 months for electric units:</p>
<ul>
<li>System lubrication and general inspection</li>
<li>Operational evaluation</li>
<li>Engine oil and filter change</li>
<li>Wheels and tires-check for damage</li>
<li>Hydraulic lines-check for wear or leakage</li>
</ul>
<p>Additional items performed every 1000 hours or 6 months of operation:</p>
<ul>
<li>Complete tune-up</li>
<li>Fuel filter change</li>
</ul>
<p>Additional items performed every 2000 hours or 1 year of operation:</p>
<ul>
<li>Antifreeze coolant change</li>
<li>Transmission fluid and filter change</li>
<li>Hydraulic oil and filter change</li>
<li>Clean and repack wheel bearings</li>
<li>Brake system inspection</li>
</ul>
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		<title>Fork Maintenance and Inspection</title>
		<link>http://www.trucktruth.com/2009/05/fork-maintenance-and-inspection/</link>
		<comments>http://www.trucktruth.com/2009/05/fork-maintenance-and-inspection/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2009 16:10:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Trucktruth.com</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Fleet Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Maintenance]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://tt.illkd.com/?p=392</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Ignoring the condition of the forks on your forklifts can cost you time and money! If you’re not inspecting your forks at least every 12 months...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Ignoring the condition of the forks on your forklifts can cost you time and money! If you’re not inspecting your forks at least every 12 months, you are not in compliance with ASME/ANSI B56.1-2000. This could result in unsafe operation of a lift truck that results in lost loads or serious personal injury to your employees.</p>
<p>Lift truck forks are often mistreated and forgotten. Forks last a long time if treated properly, but they can look as good when they are used as when they were new – minus a little paint. Here are a few examples of how lift truck forks can show damage:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Surface cracks</strong> – these can be determined by visual inspection or subjected to a “nondestructive crack detection process.??? The forks should never be returned to service if surface cracks are detected.</li>
<li><strong>Bent Blade or Shank</strong> – If deviation from straightness exceeds 0.5% of the length of the blade or height of the shank, the fork should never be returned to service.</li>
<li><strong>Fork Angle</strong> – Any fork with a deviation of greater than 3 degrees from the original specification should never be returned to service.</li>
<li><strong>Difference in Fork Height of Fork Tips</strong> – If the difference in tip heights exceed 3% of the length of the blade, the set of forks should never be returned to service.</li>
<li><strong>Wear of Fork Blade and Shank</strong> – If the thickness is reduced to 90% of the original thickness, the fork should never be returned to service.</li>
<li><strong>Wear of Fork Hooks</strong> – If there is substantial wear to an extent that the clearance between the fork and the fork carrier becomes excessive, the fork should never be returned to service.</li>
</ul>
<p>Also, worn forks can reduce the capacity of the lift truck. If the forks remain in use and it’s assumed that they can lift the same load as usual, there is a risk of losing the load in a fork breakage costing you considerable money… not to mention the time needed to get a new set of forks on order and replaced. The Industrial Truck Association recommends that forks be withdrawn from service when the fork blade’s thickness has been reduced by 10%; however, few users understand that a 10% reduction in blade thickness results in capacity reduction of 20%. This translates to a 20% reduction in the safety factor of the pair of forks.</p>
<p>Fork inspections should be performed by the manufacturer or an expert of equal competence. Your local Hyster dealer has such an expert who can perform these free inspections on a regular basis. At the same time, the dealer can make recommendations to keep your forklifts up and running with no loss of time and money, thereby providing a safer work environment for your employees. Contact your local Authorized Hyster dealer today to schedule your free fork inspection.</p>
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		<title>Outsourced Maintenance</title>
		<link>http://www.trucktruth.com/2009/05/outsourced-maintenance/</link>
		<comments>http://www.trucktruth.com/2009/05/outsourced-maintenance/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2009 16:03:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Trucktruth.com</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Fleet Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Maintenance]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://tt.illkd.com/?p=389</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Today, companies of all sizes and types are outsourcing lift truck maintenance to professional service providers and focusing more on their core business...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Comprehensive coverage to ensure uptime and control costs</strong></p>
<p>Today, companies of all sizes and types are outsourcing lift truck maintenance to professional service providers and focusing more on their core business operations. Whether you have one truck or a fleet of trucks, a outsourced maintenance agreement (OMA) will help you spend less time worrying about your lift truck productivity and more time on growing your business. Not only does it help minimize downtime, but the monitoring of maintenance expenses and productivity per vehicle helps in planning your operational costs and simplifying fleet budgeting.</p>
<p>An OMA can provide you with a fixed cost per run time hour for each truck in your fleet. Additionally, your lift trucks can be performance benchmarked to other trucks in your fleet as a productivity guideline.</p>
<p>Each lift truck operates under unique conditions. To handle this, look for a customizable program to meet your specific maintenance requirements. An OMA should begin with a site inspection to help ensure your fleet meets your specific needs. Look for skilled technicians trained for various lift truck repairs that can handle repairs on all makes of lift trucks. Access to an extensive parts program helps ensure mixed fleets are supported properly.</p>
<p><strong>Peace of Mind </strong></p>
<p>Any good OMA covers virtually every repair on a lift truck, excluding such components as seats, tires, forks, and batteries. Exceptions to a typical OMA would include customer misuse or neglect. It should provide scheduled and un-scheduled, Periodic Maintenance (PM) and breakdown repairs, for a set monthly fee.</p>
<p><strong>Your customers depend on you. </strong></p>
<p>Your ability to provide excellent response to your customer needs can be dependent on having your lift trucks up and running when you need them most. The best way to assure this is with an OMA.</p>
<p><strong>A solid OMA features:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Site equipment evaluation</li>
<li>Routine, comprehensive analysis of maintenance and repairs performed on each lift truck</li>
<li>Complete maintenance coverage for your lift truck fleet, from scheduled PM to breakdown repairs</li>
<li>A fixed monthly cost</li>
<li>Response time guarantee</li>
<li>Uptime guarantee options and back-up equipment</li>
<li>Coverage for all makes of lift trucks</li>
<li>Application consulting and solutions for improved lift truck effectiveness</li>
<li>Periodic reporting</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Prevention costs less</strong></p>
<p>The smart program for servicing lift trucks is based on proactive, preventive maintenance. Don’t leave anything to chance. Unfortunately, many companies’ bad experiences have taught them to catch potential problems before they can become bigger problems. A comprehensive, scheduled maintenance program helps ensure your fleet is operating at peak performance. Look at an OMA as an uptime policy for your lift trucks. If you’re looking for a more reliable and profitable fleet with guaranteed uptime, reduced and easily budgeted maintenance costs with optimized overall fleet performance, look into an OMA.</p>
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		<title>Optimizing Your Fleet</title>
		<link>http://www.trucktruth.com/2009/05/optimizing-your-fleet2/</link>
		<comments>http://www.trucktruth.com/2009/05/optimizing-your-fleet2/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2009 15:52:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Trucktruth.com</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Fleet Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Maintenance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parts and Equipment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Purchasing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://tt.illkd.com/?p=384</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This white paper explores relevant fleet management solutions that can be tailored to address specific material handling needs.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>A Business Case for Thriving in an Economic Downturn</strong></p>
<p>This white paper explores relevant fleet management solutions that can be tailored to address specific material handling needs. With a step-by-step process on how to implement a successful fleet management program, the white paper aims to help businesses emerge leaner, stronger and poised to take advantage of the economic recovery.</p>
<p>The information focuses on opportunities to reduce operating expenses and improve productivity in material handling operations through proper fleet management. These opportunities, explored in full detail within the white paper, are:</p>
<p>1) Initial Assessment through Survey and Analysis<br />
2) Centralizing Your Services<br />
3) The Value of Maintenance Reporting<br />
4) The True Value of Lift Truck Replacement…Even in a Difficult Economy<br />
5) Implementing a Fleet Optimization Model<br />
6) Maximizing Productivity and Cost Compression through Telemetry Technology</p>
<p>Within each section are a variety of charts and examples to explain the importance of each individual area.</p>
<p><a href="/download"><img src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/pdf_icon.png" alt="-A Business Case for Thriving in an Economic Downturn" align="center" /><strong>Download the White Paper</strong></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Effectively Managing Your Fleet</title>
		<link>http://www.trucktruth.com/2009/05/fleet-management/</link>
		<comments>http://www.trucktruth.com/2009/05/fleet-management/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2009 12:47:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Trucktruth.com</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Maintenance]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://tt.illkd.com/?p=345</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Operating a lift truck fleet is a reality of your business, but managing a lift truck fleet in addition to focusing on your core business responsibilities can get complicated.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Are You Effectively Managing Your Lift Truck Fleet?</strong></p>
<p>Surveys estimate that fewer than 6% of companies can accurately identify their lift truck operating expenses. If you don’t know what your costs are, how can you manage them?</p>
<p>Operating a lift truck fleet is a reality of your business, but managing a lift truck fleet in addition to focusing on your core business responsibilities can get complicated. Trying to keep tabs on service schedules is tough enough. When you add in the varying degrees of usage of each unit, multiple facilities in different locations, and the possibility of several service providers and parts suppliers, it gets even trickier.</p>
<p>When lift truck fleets are not maintained appropriately or utilized efficiently, downtime increases, productivity is reduced, and you end up with more equipment than you really need. This all affects your bottom line when more and more money is being spent on an aging fleet that doesn’t perform as cost effectively as it should. Does your company have any one of these issues with your fleet? Then an effective fleet management program might be the answer.</p>
<table style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="2">Issues Resolved by a Sound Fleet Management Program</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Issue</strong></td>
<td><strong>Fleet Management Benefit</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Underutilized or excess equipment	</td>
<td>Comprehensive fleet and facility analysis determines optimum fleet size and best use of each unit.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>High operating costs	</td>
<td>Outsourced maintenance programs and parts consignment programs offer cost effective solutions for immediate and long-term fleet expense reduction.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Specification / configuration inconsistencies	</td>
<td>Fleet surveys identify opportunities for commonality of specifications and configurations to provide flexibility for fleet rotation and relocation.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Aged fleets	</td>
<td>Planned replacement programs keep lift truck fleets operating within the optimum economic life cycle.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Low productivity	</td>
<td>Maintenance programs and planned replacement strategies maintain fleet productivity and reduce downtime.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mix of makes and models; range of service plans and providers	</td>
<td>A single source solution for service and parts, no matter the make or model of lift truck.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Short-term rentals used to supplement fleets long-term	</td>
<td>Improved equipment uptime helps reduce the need for short-term rentals; competitive leasing programs can help address acquisition issues.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Inability to determine and review fleet operating costs 	</td>
<td>Continuous monitoring and analysis of fleet data ensures strategy remains relevant.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>No formal training programs	</td>
<td>Comprehensive operator and technician programs help increase productivity and cut down on equipment repairs, product damage and risk of injuries due to accidents.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>A well-defined fleet management program helps determine your overall materials handling costs and identifies ways to reduce them through lower service expenditures and increased productivity. This can accomplish several goals, including:</p>
<ul>
<li>Lower operating costs</li>
<li>Reduced fleet size</li>
<li>Improving or eliminating on-site parts inventory</li>
<li>Monitoring costs</li>
<li>Reduced supplier base</li>
<li>Maximized fleet efficiency</li>
</ul>
<p>Research has shown that only 20% of the total cost of materials handling is associated with the price of acquisition. The other 80% is directly related to operator and maintenance expenses.</p>
<p>Consider also that on average, companies have 10 to 20% more units in operation than are necessary to do the job. This adds up to a large expense that can be avoided with a well-structured fleet maintenance program.</p>
<p>It is estimated that fewer than 6% of companies are able to accurately identify their lift truck operating expenses. The bottom line is that if you don’t know what the problem is, you can’t manage it.</p>
<p>Most companies deal with fleet maintenance on an as-needed basis rather than having a formal periodic maintenance (PM) program. A comprehensive PM program is the best way to identify and correct problems while they are small rather than waiting until repair issues have reached crisis mode.</p>
<p>Proper fleet management begins with selecting the right lift truck for the application &#8211; tough enough to handle your most difficult loads easily, without giving you more truck than you need.</p>
<p><strong>Planned Replacement Is the Key to Success.</strong></p>
<p>A key component of any successful fleet management program is a planned replacement strategy. As a general rule, lift trucks have an economic life of approximately 10,000 to 12,000 hours. This varies based on maintenance practices, operating conditions and the type of equipment used.</p>
<p>The chart below illustrates an example of the total costs (operating and ownership) associated with owning and operating a lift truck for a period of 20,000 hours compared to the total operating costs for 20,000 hours with a planned replacement at 10,000 hours. Substantial cost savings are available through the execution of a fleet management program that incorporates the philosophy of planned fleet replacement once a unit has reached its Optimum Economic Life Replacement Threshold.</p>
<p><img title="Productivity Cost Cycle" src="http://trucktruth.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/graph.gif" alt="Productivity Cost Cycle Graph" width="434" height="388" /></p>
<p>You’re Only Steps Away from a More Efficient Fleet.</p>
<p>Fleet Management is a step-by-step process that can’t be taken lightly however. A long-term commitment by your company is vital to your success. Follow these steps, and you’re on your way to managing your lift truck fleet.</p>
<p><strong>Step 1: Survey</strong><br />
A complete study of your current fleet helps identify your maintenance costs. Gathering information on the age, specifications, application, usage and condition of each lift truck provides the necessary information to conduct a detailed analysis of your fleet.</p>
<p><strong>Step 2: Analyze</strong><br />
Once the initial survey is complete, utilization studies should be prepared to determine baseline costs and projected service needs. Maintenance history is combined with these results to estimate the opportunity for potential cost savings.</p>
<p><strong>Step 3: Propose</strong><br />
Based on the conclusions drawn from the fleet study, gather recommendations for equipment configuration and replacement, fleet redeployment and maintenance options. Your proposals should also include recommendations for training, parts capabilities, and possible financing alternatives.</p>
<p><strong>Step 4: Implement</strong><br />
Determine a final action plan based on the product recommendations and a product supply strategy. Schedules for training, maintenance and the disposal and replacement of equipment are implemented, and finance options are resolved. Commitment and support are the keys to successful implementation. Effective fleet management programs are not one-time events, but rather are a long-term commitment that provides year-over-year cost savings for your company.</p>
<p><strong>Step 5: Monitor</strong><br />
Each element of the plan is reassessed at regular intervals to ensure your materials handling equipment remains in optimal condition and that hours and usage are reflected appropriately in service schedules. This also enables us to make any necessary adjustments due to changes in your business needs. Ongoing tasks include continuous fleet size review and replenishment, maintenance cost analysis and management reporting.</p>
<p>If this all seems too complicated, or too much to take on, Hyster dealers use the five-step process outlined above everyday to create individualized fleet management programs. From conducting a comprehensive survey of the existing fleet to continuous monitoring of the final strategy, they are a constant source of information, support and service. Here’s how we’ve helped others:</p>
<p><strong>Planned Replacement and Central Purchasing Benefit Food Processor.</strong></p>
<p>A major food processing company with more than 300 locations and 3,000 units needed to centralize material handling procurement and implement a fleet management program. After exploring several options, they turned to Hyster Fleet Services. As a result, the company now has an effective planned replacement program. With central purchasing, they are able to achieve savings through economies of scale and enjoy the benefits of a dedicated account manager.</p>
<p><strong>Fleet Analysis Reduces Paper Company’s Costs.</strong></p>
<p>To help improve corporate return-on-investment, a major paper industry company sought the expertise of Hyster Fleet Services. An annual survey and analysis of their entire lift truck fleet was implemented. The company reduced the average age of its fleet by 50% and trimmed fleet size by nearly 20%. Savings of approximately $800,000 were realized in the first year, with projections of over $4,000,000 in cost reductions over the next 5 years.</p>
<p><strong>Comprehensive Program Provides Auto Manufacturer with Substantial Savings.</strong></p>
<p>Both immediate and long-term savings were the goal of a major automotive manufacturer who turned to Hyster Fleet Services for a fleet management program. A recommendation was made for a planned replacement program, alternative financing solutions, centralized billing and maintenance outsourcing. The result was annual savings of more than $3,000,000.</p>
<p>Hyster Company offers several maintenance options through the Hyster® Dealer network that provide a cost effective solution to meet your fleet maintenance needs. The goal of each program is to improve your productivity and uptime while reducing fleet management costs.</p>
<p>Hyster Company also offers the right truck for your job. With more than 130 lift trucks to choose from – from small-capacity pallet jacks to container handlers capable of lifting more than 115,000 pounds – we offer the right materials handling solution for any application.</p>
<p><strong>Maintenance for All Makes.</strong></p>
<p>As much as we’d like for your entire fleet to be Hyster, we know that’s not always going to be the case. But just because you operate other brands doesn’t mean we can’t help handle all your maintenance needs. Through our UNISOURCE™ program we can supply the parts to cover just about any brand of lift truck you might have. Our trained technicians can provide the service support you need to keep your units up and running.</p>
<p><strong>How You Finance is Up to You.</strong></p>
<p>Once your fleet management plan is in place, we’ll assist you in reviewing alternatives to financing your future lift truck acquisitions. Your local Hyster dealer offers competitive financing and leasing options through Hyster Capital and other dealer-specific sources.</p>
<p><strong>It’s Not Just About the Lift Trucks.</strong></p>
<p>Any company worth its weight knows success has just as much to do with the support before and after the sale as the sale itself. Hyster Company takes great pride in being more than just a lift truck manufacturer. Through our Hyster Dealer network we are also fleet managers, parts suppliers, capital procurement specialists and trainers. You’ll find that when it comes to your fleet management needs, there’s not much we don’t do.</p>
<p>For more information, a Fleet Management brochure or cd, contact your local Hyster dealer or call 1-888-FLT-SVCS.</p>
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