W.D. Matthews Machinery

Modula Lift, the solution. WD Matthews, the partner

2011-09-23T13:54:00.001-04:00

WD Matthews Machinery is pleased to announce that we are now exclusive regional partners with System Logistics in offering their advanced storage and retrieval products. We’re incredible excited by this technology and are focused on helping our customers achieve even higher levels of productivity and efficiency by utilizing systems such as the Modula Vertical Lift Module.

Modula, the next generation vertical storage system from System Logistics is the ideal storage solution for items normally housed on shelves or drawer cabinets. It is a fully automatic vertical storage system designed for high capacity storage, ergonomic product handling, and pick/put-away speeds up to 500 lines per hour. If your company utilizes push carts, bins or drawers to pick product, the Modula Lift will be an efficiency breakthrough for your company. This is truly a natural evolution from conventional material handling and has the ability to consolidate over 9,000 square feet of static storage into a footprint of only 158 square feet while simultaneously offering cost savings, product security and safety.

Modula Lift units feature a color graphical touch screen console designed specifically for industrial environments, enabling the operator to access all of the unit’s functions quickly and intuitively.

Modula WMS allows for interaction with user’s existing business management and inventory systems to boost efficiency even further. Give us a call if you’d like to learn more, or see the Modula VLM in action!

Lull Telehandlers

2011-05-23T12:39:00.000-04:00

WD Matthews is pleased to announce that we have recently become Maine and New Hampshire’s official Lull Equipment Dealer. WDM Technicians have been factory trained, Lull parts are on the shelf, and we have machines for rent and demo. We can offer scheduled maintenance and breakdown repair at your job site and are equipped with a GPS Dispatch System to support your equipment and your productivity.

Since 1959, Lull® telehandlers provide precision load placement to help you in the field. The Lull horizontal load placement system offers you 80 inches of boom travel for more precise placement capabilities. Whether you’re landing loads on scaffolds, positioning steel, or transferring loads, you can trust a Lull telehandler to help make the job go faster and easier. Plus, with the patented Stabil-Trak® stability system and a wide range of optional attachments, Lull telehandlers can help you get the job done.

The End Of Another Year

2010-12-30T11:44:00.000-05:00

As we prepare to end another year, we would like to thank all of our employees for their dedication and hard work. W.D. Matthews Machinery Co. has been a family owned business for 70 years. Although there have been many changes, one thing remains the same, our appreciation for a great team.

Through it all we’ve had committed employees who have helped with our progress and success. We would like to recognize the following employees who have contributed to that success for more than 25 years:

Larry M. – 43 Years
Roger P. - 42 Years
Russ M. - 41 Years
Dale B. - 41 Years
Ronnie M. - 39 Years
Linda P. - 38 Years
Dennis L. - 37 Years
Stan H. - 36 Years
Craig P. - 35 Years
Greg G. - 34 Years
Marianne L. - 33 Years
Arthur L. - 32 Years
Alan H. - 32 Years
Devon D. - 32 Years
Robert B. - 27 Years
Joanne G. - 27 Years
John P. - 27 Years
Stephen E. - 27 Years
Timothy B. - 27 Years
Ronald B. - 26 Years
George B. - 26 Years
Sylvie B. - 26 Years
Robert S. - 25 Years
Keith J. - 25 Years

A heart felt thanks goes out to all of our employees whether they have been here 43 years or 43 days. We hope the New Year brings in a time of good health and prosperity for you, your family, your co-workers and friends.

ANSI Standards for Clamps.

2010-09-28T11:41:00.001-04:00

Those of you who utilize lift truck mounted clamps in your facilities should take note that ANSI Standards are changing and it will affect you. If you are using Paper Roll Clamps, Carton Clamps, Bale Clamps, Fork Clamps or other specialty clamps, listen up… Beginning October 7, 2010 ANSI B56.1 Section 7.25.7 requires that an operator make two distinct motions to open a load bearing clamp. For most manufacturers, this will take the form of a small button that an operator will need to depress before the auxiliary open function is activated. The standard takes effect for all trucks manufactured after 10/7/10 and such a “release interlock” will be mandatory.

This new standard will obviously improve safety in your workplace and should also improve product damage from falling loads. While any NEW fork trucks will be fitted with this safety device, WD Matthews is not alone in recommending that existing units in operation be retrofitted with a Clamp Release Interlock to achieve the same benefits of this feature on new equipment. Let us know if we can help…

Some info on retro-fit packages is available here.

A Little History

2010-06-25T06:58:00.000-04:00

WD Matthews Machinery Co… That’s a strange name for an equipment dealership, huh?

Well, meet Walter D. Matthews, our founder. He passed away some time ago, but his beliefs still run strong here at WDM. WDM was founded in 1939 as a woodworking equipment business by Walter, our current owner’s grandfather. The company grew by leaps and bounds and in 1955, began supplying forklifts and other industrial equipment to New England Area Customers. Since then, we have become one of the area’s dominant players in the industrial equipment marketplace and have built a customer list, one by one, that spans every major sector of the New England Economy. Through the years, WD Matthews has always been a family business and prides itself on exceptional customer service and forming long lasting relationships with our business partners.

WD Matthews Machinery – Environmental Initiatives

2010-06-11T11:10:00.000-04:00

WD Matthews is committed to recycling as much of our waste as possible. We work diligently to implement this initiative within our company and statistics for 2009 appear below…

    Industrial Battery Recycling Program
        Lead Recycling – 181,280 lbs
        Acid Recycling – 14,497 lbs

    Scrap Metal Recycling Program
        Steel and Other Metals – 285,320 lbs

    Tire Recycling Program
        Rubber Recycling – 101,200 lbs

    Waste Oil Conversion to Heat in Shop Areas
        Waste Oil – 3,800 gallons

    Antifreeze Filtration and Re-Use
        Green Antifreeze Re-claimed – 200 gallons

    Recycling of Office and Warehouse Products
        Paper, Cardboard, Toner, Computers and related accessories

We are committed to making improvements to our facilities to reduce energy consumption at WD Matthews Machinery Co. We’ve made the following investments in 2009.

Installation of a new High Efficiency Waste Oil Burner
Installation of new electronic ballast lighting in office areas
Installation of a new High Efficiency EnerSys HFIQ Charger for shop use
Conversion to new water-based parts washers for shop use

New Toyota 8 Series

2010-03-05T15:51:00.001-05:00

Toyota Material Handling announces new 8 series electric forklift line.

One of the biggest changes to the new Toyota Electric forklift line is the addition of a 5,500 lb capacity truck, the 8FBCU28. Other models that have been redesigned are the 8FBCU20, 8FBCU25, 8FBCHU25, 8FBCU30, and 8FBCU32.

Highlights of the improvements of the new Toyota 8 series four wheel electric forklift include:

Performance -

Travel Speed has been increased by as much as 21 percent.

Lift Speed has been increased by as much as 7 percent.

Ergonomics -

Larger dual operator assist grips for use while traveling in reverse.

Wider & lower first step for easier entry.

Increased floor space.

Full suspension seat is now standard.

Increased forward & backward seat adjustment positions.

Parking brake is now activated by foot pedal.

Parking brake release is located on steering column.

Increased fork tip visibility while sitting in a natural position.

Seat swivels 16 degrees to the right and 17.5 degrees to the left for traveling in reverse and easier entry/exit.

Standard anti-cinch seat belt

Mini Levers with ergo shift and fork leveling.

Relocated dash display.

Lowered free lift cylinder for increased visibility.

Operation -

Momentary hold for starting on inclines.

Auto height selection option.

Touchpad, keyless entry option.

Shock sensor option.

Auto power off option.

For the full press release, visit Toyota Material Handling USA.

They love their Toyota Forklifts

2010-01-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

Just an update on the customer that purchased a Toyota 8FGCU32 with a Bolzoni Single/Double Pallet Handler (original post here).
They loved their Toyota Forklift and attachment so much, they bought another one. This one is a Toyota 7FBCU32 with a Bolzoni Single/Double Pallet Handler.

New Clark CGC50 forklifts in action

2010-01-18T09:06:00.000-05:00

Tough application?

Demanding duty cycle?

Reliability a must?

WD Matthews has you covered. With a broad range of products and in-house customization, we strive to meet our customer’s most demanding applications. We just delivered four new Clark Forklifts to a premier warehousing and transportation leader in Northern New England whose goal of flexibility and cost efficiency matches our own.

These trucks have been tailored to tackle the tough job of moving pulp and paper from trucks and rail year after year. From specialized cooling packages for high intensity use to just plain rugged design, these Clark CGC50's were “Built to Last”

(Electric + Forklift) x W.D. Matthews = Success

2010-01-12T09:28:00.000-05:00

I remember being broken down in Kentucky, laptop plugged into the salad bar of a truck stop, co-worker bursting into tears when she considered the absurdity of the situation and I was thankful for the ability to get work done on the road. Back then my laptop was great although I needed to be near an outlet if I wanted to work for more than an hour.
My wife got an IPOD for Christmas and I remembered the above scene, my 29 pound laptop, the power cord, the waitresses scowl as she cleaned “her” salad bar. Now in the palm of her hand, my wife has more mobile computing power than I could have even imagined then and she work for hours and hours!
A similar paradigm shift is occurring in the world of forklifts. While it has largely gone unnoticed by many in the manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution worlds, we forklift geeks are ecstatic about the revolution of batteries and chargers and our ability to offer cleaner, greener, less expensive power for materials handling operations.

Old concerns about battery swapping, gassing during charging, exposure to acid, connectors arcing, and more are still prevalent in the materials handling world. I received an e-mail today expressing these reservations and would like to cover several here.

1.My operation runs 24 hours a day and I do not have space to dedicate to spare battery storage.

Today’s opportunity & Fast Charge systems allow operations to run extended shifts on the single battery that stays in the lift. Taking advantage of High Frequency charging technologies to “read” the status of the battery allows the charger to continuously adapt and prevent the damage caused by older chargers when used to opportunity charge.

2.I do not want my employees exposed to battery acid.

Today’s batteries are designed to run and extended time between watering intervals and combined with single point watering systems and Smart Blinky water indicators virtually eliminate the need for employees to open vent caps and access the acid portion of the battery.

3.Electric lifts are slower and can’t do the work of my LP powered lifts.

Fact is new AC powered electric lifts deliver equal or even better performance than IC forklift. So unless you just love the vibration, noise and fumes; this is a hard argument to win.

Now let’s look at some of the advantages of electric lifts.

1.Drastic reduction in fuel costs. LPG cost more and the market volatility should scare the daylights out of anyone charged with operating a fleet of fork lifts. Electric rates are more controlled and predictable from year to year.
2.Improved operational cleanliness. Electric units reduce dust and do not produce the film often found on shrink wrapped products in the warehouse. Also fewer fluids to leak or spill resulting in a cleaner operation.
3.Improved operator health and safety. Eliminating noxious fumes, engine vibration and noise will improve the safety and well being of forklift operators and all those who work around the warehouse.
4.Reduction in maintenance costs. Simply put, electric lifts have fewer components and moving parts. No engine-oil changes, no radiators, no transmissions leads to greatly reduced maintenance costs and down-time.
5.Realizing “Green Initiatives” in the materials handling process. Reduced emissions, less carbon footprint, and lower reliance on foreign oil to power daily operations. A great bonus for running a more cost effective facility.

Overall there are fewer applications that demand an IC powered forklift. More of our customers are educating themselves and realizing the benefits of converting to an electric powered forklift.

If you have any questions or would like to see how your company could benefit by switching to electric powered lifts, feel free to contact me directly.

Michael Brandt
Account Representative
Southern Maine & New Hampshire Territory
WD Matthews Machinery
866-WDM-LIFT

Happy New Year

2009-12-31T12:22:00.002-05:00

Whew… We’ve been busy! Now it’s time to party. There’s been a flood customers placing end of year orders to take advantage of current tax laws and bonus depreciation for 2009. We’ve delivered several new fleets this month and below you’ll see an example of what it looks like for WD Matthews to deliver productivity to your business. These trucks are replacing 3 old yellow ones, and they’re sure to increase safety, comfort and uptime for our customer and make the new year a happy one. Who wouldn't be happy with 3 new Clark CGC50 Forklifts. Be safe and we’ll see you in 2010.

South Portland Historical Society

2009-12-01T15:40:00.001-05:00

WD Matthews Machinery Co would like to congratulate the South Portland Historical Society on tremendous progress thus far in relocating and renovating their new home in the Historic Cushing’s Point House. It appears that this project has galvanized local citizens and businesses to ensure that the historical society succeeds in preserving an historic South Portland waterfront home and a relic of the area’s WWII shipyards. The Cushing’s Point House which was located on Madison St, was donated to the Society by the Portland Pipe Line Corporation and the City of South Portland has provided a parcel of land at Bug Light Park for its relocation. The Society plans to expand the park and new headquarters with landscaped flower gardens and paved walks, and is encouraging contributions through a “Buy-A-Brick Campaign”. WD Matthews is pleased to have helped through the donation of an aerial lift to install new windows in the house. Other donations from companies that we are pleased to be able to call our customers include…

New Windows – Paradigm Window, Applicators Sales and Service

New Heat Exchange System and Installation – Mechanical Services

We wish the South Portland Historical Society the best of luck in their effort to preserve Maine’s history and thank them for their work with the Cushing’s Point House.

Other Major Contributions Made By: See List here

Visit Cushings Point House on Facebook

Buy a Brick

Save a Turkey, Eat a Lobster

2009-11-25T09:36:00.001-05:00

Forget about the Tur-Duck-In and what in the heck is a Tofurkey??? Our friends in the Maine Lobster Industry remind us every year that just because it’s Thanksgiving, doesn’t mean we have to eat turkey. There are people a whole lot smarter than me that claim Lobster, Clams and Cod were as big a part of the first thanksgiving as Turkey and Beans. If you believe the historians, the first thanksgiving didn’t even include sweet potatoes, corn on the cob, cranberry sauce or pumpkin pie. Other foods that were apparently present on the dinner table at Thanksgiving #1 were Swan, Seal and Acorns. Though we’re not suggesting those…

With lobster prices near rock bottom and bait and fuel at near record highs, our local lobstermen could use the help. Each bite supports the state’s economy and rewards the hard working lobster families along our beautiful coast. They have worked hard all season providing the world with fresh Maine Lobster and now it’s time for us to honor tradition and feast on an authentic Thanksgiving treat.

Be sure to check out www.mainelobstermen.org

Higher Efficiency and Lower Operation Cost

2009-11-24T08:54:00.000-05:00

WD Matthews and EnerSys introduce the EnerSys HF IQ, a state-of-the-art industrial battery charger with tremendous capability that can increase productivity and save money. The HF IQ defies conventional wisdom in that it’s now OK to opportunity charge your forklift batteries.
Remember the days when you had to remove a battery from operation to charge it? How trying to get thru a shift on one charge would be difficult? With the Enforcer HF IQ you can add increased run time by taking advantage of a forklift operator’s break time, lunch time, or shift change to charge a battery without the detrimental effect usually associated with opportunity charging. Also, this charger is multi-voltage capable and will charge 24 volt pallet jack batteries, 36 volt reach truck batteries and even 48 volt rider truck batteries.
Add one to your operation and you can use it as a “gas tank” for all of your electric equipment. Furthermore, the HF IQ is extremely energy efficient and your company can reduce electricity cost by 20% or more. This translates to an ROI of less than one year over the purchase price of a conventional charger in a single shift operation. W.D. Matthews Machinery and EnerSys will gladly set up a demonstration so you can compare the cost savings available with the HF IQ charger. Let us know if you’d like to try one…

It takes all kinds to make the world go round... Finale

2009-11-20T14:34:00.003-05:00

We’re closing up the week with a Toyota 7FGU25 5,000lb pneumatic tire forklift from our used equipment inventory. As you can see, this isn’t like other Toyota 7FGU25 trucks. It’s straight from the brain of a guy who must have watched a ton of Knightrider as a kid, or it could be that someone just mislabeled a can of paint. We’re not really sure, but we think it looks damn cool.

The truck is 100% black with custom chrome decals, and we think it would look great in your warehouse. Give us a call if you want to see it up close, it looks better in person.

Specifications:

Toyota 7FGU25

5,000lb Capacity

LPG Powered

189" Triple Stage Mast

Sideshifter

Dual Headlights

Amber Strobe & Backup Alarm

Toyota SAS (System of Active Stability)

Active Mast Function Controller

Full Hydrostatic Power Steering

More pictures on our Facebook fan page.
Video on our YouTube Page

It takes all kinds to make the world go round III

2009-11-19T09:24:00.000-05:00

Keeping with this week’s theme of solving unique material handling issues, I thought we’d post some pictures of a truck we recently sold to a paper recycling operation. This company was handling 5,000lbs loads in a warehouse that was completely blanketed in scraps of paper about 3/8” wide by 1” long. These scraps blew around everywhere and got lodged into every corner of the forklift.

Working together with CLARK, we were able to provide a solution that would minimize the amount of paper that got sucked into the engine compartment and also into the radiator. As you can see, CLARK provided this truck with a sealed belly pan to minimize the air drawn from ground level and cut massive vents into the cowling on the machine in order to draw cooling air from a higher level where there was little loose paper. The truck was also fitted with a radiator screen to make periodic screen cleaning easy and fast. This truck fit the application to a “T”, and it was a great learning experience for the WDM team. Give us a call with your material handling challenge and let us take a stab at it.

It takes all kinds to make the world go round Part 2

2009-11-18T07:39:00.002-05:00

Does your Material Handling Business have needs that Toyota doesn’t offer as a “Standard Factory Option?” W. D. Matthews can help. Toyota has a TSDR Program that can add Non Standard Options such as steel cabs with door locks, air conditioning, and AM/FM Radios equipped with CD player. They can make the truck wider, narrower; taller or lower, they can do any paint color scheme, not to mention Mini Levers for Ergonomics. You name it they can pretty much do it! We work with a team of Engineers that turn these ideas into reality.

Let’s talk Attachments! For a lower cost to the customer we can, order any needed Attachment factory installed from Toyota. The various attachments can include a wide range of clamps, rotators, scales, forks and side shifters.

How about Electrical? They can set speed control, install shock watch systems to monitor driver “Incidents”, and can provide a unique ignition key in place of the standard ignition switch. There is even a Lift Interrupt that allows the operator to stop the mast at a predetermined lift height that is specified. The list goes on and on!

W. D. Matthews has trained professionals that will work with you and Toyota to provide the perfect equipment for the job. If you have a need give us a call.

It takes all kinds to make the world go round...

2009-11-17T08:46:00.002-05:00

We’ve been at this “forklift” thing for awhile… And we’ve come to realize that no two material handling operations are identical. Companies may move similar products in similar fashions, but without fail, there is always a special circumstance that is unique to each and every customer. Whether that circumstance entails an aggressive ramp, an especially tight corner or overhead obstructions we always do our best to find the right fit for our customers.

Having been in the business as long as we have has allowed us to team up with some excellent vendors that can help us make modifications to equipment, provide specialized attachments and components that help you get the job done. Recently we supplied this pallet jack to a company that handled paper rolls lying on the floor, or in the “bilge” position. This custom pallet jack helped them move their product quicker, safer and with less product damage. Not to mention the pallet jack came in well under the budget amount allocated to conquer this material handling challenge. Chalk one up for the customer. Stay tuned tomorrow for our blog on Toyota Special Design Requests, or TSDRs that can help your business solve difficult material handling issues.

Triple A for your yard truck

2009-11-13T08:53:00.001-05:00

Want a quick and easy way to save money and increase up time for any yard equipment with pneumatic tires? Next time you're up for tire replacement, call us to put a set of solid pneumatic tires on your forklift or skidsteer.

As you can see from the pictures, a solid pneumatic tire is exactly what it sounds like, solid rubber all the way through. This style of tire will decrease downtime from flats, keep costs down by eliminating flat repair calls and the best part is that the operators won't hardly notice a difference. Yes, they do cost more, but next time you make a call to fix a flat tire, take a note of the amount billed. You'll see that a set of solid pneumatics will pay for themselves. If the forklift with a flat is essential to your operation, you also have to calculate in the lost time that occurs while waiting for the repair.Our service technicians may be quick, but you will still experience some downtime.

If you have a fairly new set of pneumatic tires on your forklift, skid steer or loader, give us a call to see if they can be foam filled. This is the same idea, but rather than inflating the tire with air, we'll inflate it with a foam that cures to a solid in a matter of hours. Similar benefits for less cost.

Contact us if you have any questions...

Why buying a forklift is like getting married...

2009-11-06T12:25:00.001-05:00

At first, this statement might seem odd to you. But the more we think about our customers and our company, we realize that what we have is a committed relationship, where one party relies upon the other for specific responsibilities. When both parties hold up their end of the bargain, the relationship becomes mutually beneficial and grows as a result. When a company endeavors to buy a piece of equipment, they are relying on the dealer to do many things. These “dealer duties” include treating the customer fairly and honestly, recommending the correct equipment specification, and supporting that piece of equipment and that customer for years to come.

The job doesn’t end here. When a company buys a forklift they are relying on that piece of equipment to help them successfully move their product and if we fall short on spec, then we’ve not held our end of the bargain, and the relationship fails. A customer spends upwards of 10, 20 or even 30 thousand dollars or more to gain productivity and help them run their business more successfully. As with any equipment, regular maintenance and an occasional breakdown is part of ownership. Whether we’re performing warranty adjustments or making repairs to a “down” machine, we understand that our first loyalty and responsibility is to the customer. We act in their best interest by dispatching trained technicians with the right parts. Our customers rely on us to perform this maintenance quickly, efficiently and honestly. WD Matthews relies on our customers for obvious reasons, if it weren’t for them, we wouldn’t even be here. Furthermore, every time we work with a customer on a specific issue, we learn something. Our customers allow us to grow personally and professionally. As the equipment ages and long after the checks are cashed, our representatives continue to work with the customer to provide solutions and suggestions to improve their material handling operation and as a result, their bottom line.

Our sales and customer service staff pride themselves on their knowledge of material handling efficiency, and who better to make suggestions than someone who routinely sees material handling operations from every sector of the New England economy? When our customers realize that buying a forklift from WD Matthews allows us to add value to their business, they begin to understand that we are a business partner, and that we’re here for the long run. A large percentage of our existing customers have been with us for decades, and they realize that WDM Representatives aren’t salespeople, they’re trusted advisors. Consider this a proposition...

Best if used by...

2009-11-05T11:07:00.001-05:00

Every morning when I get up and pour myself a bowl of Lucky Charms I glance at the date stamped on my gallon of milk. Nine times out of ten things are ok and I can continue on, enjoying my sugary sweet breakfast. Occasionally, I notice that the milk has “passed” and I like to have a heads up before I get a spoonful of nasty.

Same goes for Liquid Propane or LP Tanks. If you look carefully at all those little stamped numbers on the top of the tank, you’ll notice that they might actually mean something. LP Tanks are manufactured to withstand extreme pressure of filling and discharging over and over again. They, like anything else, have an expiration date on them. When manufactured, typical LP Tanks have a useful life of 12 years. Look closely at these pictures and you’ll see the stamp date that I’m referring to. After this date has passed, they need disposed of or re-certified by an authorized and trained person, and re-stamped. Not to mention that using expired tanks is a OSHA Violation and extremely dangerous. The re-certification process takes time and money.

If you’re already working with a LP Vendor they’re most likely taking note of this date for you, but it may behoove you to double check. If you’re filling your own tanks, this information is critical in helping to avoid a major workplace accident. Please do not ignore one of the more explosive components of your forklift. Contact us if we can offer any assistance to get your LP Tank inventory in check.

It's a long fall from up there...

2009-10-30T15:16:00.001-04:00

As we all know, safety is the most important issue on a jobsite and the only way to maximize safe operation of Aerial Lifts is to be “in compliance” with National OSHA and ANSI Standards. Does your company own and operate aerial access equipment of any kind? According to ANSI, this includes powered scissor lifts, powered boom lifts and even manual, trailer mounted or push-around lifts. The folks at ANSI issued guidance on aerial lift dealer, owner and operator responsibilities in the form of “Manual of Responsibilities - ANSI/SIA A92.3, 92.5 and 92.6” that you need to be aware of. According to the 2006 standard, a copy of the appropriate manual of responsibilities must be present and stored with the machine. If you need one, just give our parts department a call at (866) WDM-LIFT. The manuals sell for about $5 each.

As long as you have the manual, you might as well take some time to read it. When you do, you’ll notice that ANSI has outlined exactly what an owner or operator is responsible to do to ensure that the machine is safe for use. In addition to making sure that your people are trained to use the equipment, you’ll need to make sure that the Quarterly and Annual Inspections are up-to-date. ANSI specifically states,

“The owner of an aerial platform shall ensure that a frequent inspection is performed with the manufacturer’s instructions,… 1)That was purchased Used… 2)That has been in service for three months or 150 hours, whichever comes first… The owner of an aerial platform shall ensure that an annual inspection is performed on the aerial platform no later than 13 months from the date of the prior annual inspection. The inspections shall be made by a person qualified as a mechanic on the specific type of aerial platform or one having similar design characteristics.”

Additionally, there is specific language outlining specifications on Fall Protection, Minimum Safe Approach Distance, PPE. Training and Record Retention among other things. Give us a call if we can answer any questions on the new requirements or if you would like to be scheduled for the WD Matthews Quarterly and Annual Inspection Program. Should you decide to participate in our program; WD Matthews will track and schedule the inspections on your entire aerial lift fleet regardless of size. If training would benefit your company, see the blog from 10/20/2009 for information on Aerial Lift Operator Safety Training and Aerial Lift Train the Trainer Programs offered by WD Matthews Machinery Co.

· Boom Lift ANSI Book – P/N 31779

· Scissor Lift ANSI Book – P/N 44163

· Manual Lift ANSI Book –P/N 31587

Industrial Battery Lead & Acid Calculation

2009-10-28T07:24:00.000-04:00

Does your company operate electric forklifts? Does your state, municipality, environmental certification or corporate guidelines require you to report lead and acid quantities on-site? If the answers to both of these questions is yes then you’ll need to know how to calculate the amount of these substances present in your fleet of forklift batteries. We’ve worked with EnerSys for decades and find that they produce the best batteries and chargers in the marketplace. They’ve provided us with guidelines on calculating these reportable numbers. Take an EnerSys Workhog 18-E125-11 Battery as an example. You’ll need the battery weight to perform the calculations, which is stamped on the side of all industrial forklift batteries.

Breakdown:

Lead in lbs: 73% of Battery Weight

Total Acid in lbs: 8% of Battery Weight

Free Acid in lbs: 15% of Total Acid

Total Electrolyte in lbs: 21% of Battery Weight

Free Electrolyte in lbs: 15% of Total Electrolyte

Example:

18-E125-11 weighs 1,796 lbs

Lead = 1,796 x .73 = 1,311 lbs

Total Acid = 1,796 x .08 = 144 lbs

Free Acid = 144 x .15 = 22 lbs

Total Electrolyte = 1796 x .21 = 378 lbs

Free Electrolyte = 378 x .15 = 57 lbs

To Find Volume in Gallons:

Weight in Lbs / (8.345 x specific gravity)

Total Acid = 144 / (8.345 x 1.300) = 144 / 10.85 = 13.3 Gallons

Free Acid = 13.3 x .15 = 2.0 Gallons

Total Electrolyte = 378 / (8.345 x 1.300) = 378 / 10.85 = 34.8 Gallons

Free Electrolyte = 34.8 x .15 = 5.2 Gallons

Clear as Mud? Contact us if you have any questions and if we can’t give you an answer, we’ll find someone who can.

2009-10-27T09:02:00.001-04:00

After a month filled with hard work at W.D. Matthews, the annual tire sales promotion comes to an end. We’ve offered discounted forklift tire pricing to any and all of our customers for the entire month of October, and it has been a tremendous success. WDM teamed up with Clark and GPX to organize the tire promotion and representatives from the two companies rode with our Customer Service people last week to visit customers, solve tire issues and have a great time. We’ve all worked hard, made a lot of friends, and have some funny stories to tell. To recognize the hard work of the Parts and Customer Service departments during the past month, Clark Material Handling Company treated us to a great dinner at Marco's Restaurant in Lewiston, Maine.

Awards for Top Performers were presented to: Larry Macdonald, Tom Olko, Jon Vincent, Steve Estes, Todd Stetson, Dave Cloutier and Paul Lunn.

For more information on the products and services that W.D. Matthews provides, please visit or website or call us @ 866-WDM-LIFT

W.D. Matthews Machinery Training

2009-10-20T13:26:00.002-04:00

On Average, 119 Fatalities are reported annually as a result of working around forklifts.

O.S.H.A. continues to report that injuries associated with the operation of powered industrial trucks are often attributed to the following items:

1)Lack of safe operating procedures within a company

2)Insufficient supervisor and management training

3)Insufficient operator training

For these reasons, O.S.H.A and W.D. Matthews agree that the most effective method of reducing accidents and injuries in the workplace is though training of company management, supervisors and operators based on O.S.H.A operator training regulations. We believe that having a trained safety instructor on your staff is the key to helping your operators reduce their risk and exposure to accidents and reduce your cost of operation.

Meet Dennis Richardson. WD Matthews’ full time safety trainer. Dennis offers both “Train-the-Trainer” and Operator Safety classes to keep you and your company safe and in compliance. We offer classes on all types of forklifts from Walkie Pallet Jacks to High Capacity Rough Terrain Telescopic Machines… Contact us to schedule a class.

Toyota Forklift with Double Pallet handler

2009-09-03T14:01:00.002-04:00

We are preparing to deliver a Toyota 8FGCU32 with a Bolzoni Single/Double Pallet Handler. Take a look at the pictures and video of this machine in action.

A Single/Double pallet handler allows you to carry twice the load in half the time. The forks can also be moved from the double to single position via the hydraulic control which allows your operator more time to get the job done.

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2002 Toyota 7FGU25

2009-08-26T12:04:00.000-04:00

We have a used Toyota 7FGU25 that is ready to go.
5,000 lb base capacity
198" Triple Stage Mast
Sideshifter with 42" forks
Pneumatic tires.
Contact Ryan @ 866-WDM-LIFT for more information.