Thursday, June 30, 2016

Stärke Material Handling Group Expands Dealer Network in Western Canada


Stärke MaterialHandling Group has officially added LTR Mechanical to its network of independent dealerships in Western Canada. Located in Calgary, Alberta, LTR Mechanical provides excellent sales, service and parts support to Calgary and the surrounding areas and specializes in new and used equipment sales.

“LTR Mechanical is proud to become the only authorized Stärke dealership in the Calgary area and are eager to develop a long and successful relationship with Stärke moving forward. At LTR Mechanical, we strive to provide the best equipment available to our customers, which is why we are we are excited to introduce our customers to Stärke’s quality line of equipment.”

The addition of LTR Mechanical furthers Stärke’s expansion into Alberta and Western Canada, becoming the second dealership added in Alberta since the start of 2016. “We are proud to announce the addition of LTR Mechanical to our dealership network in Alberta,” comments Jim Chesla, VP at Stärke Material Handling Group. “Alberta is an area of priority for our brand moving forward, as is the rest of Western Canada.”

For more information about Stärke, their products and services visit us online at www.starkeforklift.com. Those interested in becoming a Stärke dealer contact Rod Barron, Dealer Development Specialist at 1-877-435-4352 ex. 236 or via email at rbarron@starkeforklift.com.

About Stärke Material Handling Group
Beyond expanding its dealership and support networks, Stärke Material Handling Group has also expanded on its range of Class II and Class III industrial lift equipment with the release of its new XVI line of electric and internalcombustion counterbalanced forklifts, areach rider truck and order picker. With these additions to its product portfolio, Stärke continues to establish itself as one of the most comprehensive material handling equipment manufacturers in the industry.


Local: (905)-227-7554  |  Toll free: 1-877-435-4352


Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Environmentally Friendly Material Handling Solutions – The Electric Forklift


As manufacturers and end-users alike increasingly look to implement sustainability initiatives, the electric forklift has emerged as an effective yet environmentally friendly material handling equipment solution. In recognition of this trend towards sustainability, we’ve listed the top reasons behind the emergence of the electric forklift as the preferred alternative to traditional internal combustion options.

Efficient AC Power 
Unlike previous DC models, modern electric forklifts utilize highly efficient AC motors that require less power on start-up and during acceleration. The reduced power demands of electric forklifts improve energy efficiency and extend runtimes between charges. As a result, the total cost of ownership for an average electric forklift is $0.80-3.00 per hour of operation. The variable speed and torque of AC motors also enables users to adjust the operation of the forklift to their unique needs and environment, which helps to prevent excessive speeds and/or aggressive driving. 

Environmentally Friendly 
By replacing the internal combustion engine with an efficient AC electric motor, electric forklifts produce no direct emissions or exhaust fume, removing up to 20,000 lbs. of carbon from the environment for every 2,000 hours of operation. The net effect can dramatically improve the overall air quality of a facility, reduce ambient noise and vibration, and limit product damage (especially to sensitive consumer electronics). Beyond emissions, electric forklifts also eliminate many other waste products found in internal combustion forklifts including countless fluids, oils and lubricants.  

Rechargeable Batteries
With a rechargeable power source, electric forklifts consume less energy per shift than their internal combustion counterparts as the advances in battery design and technology provide longer periods between charges and require less space for storage and charging. 

Regenerative Braking Systems
Rather than waste the kinetic energy produced during deceleration, some electric forklift models recover this energy through regenerative braking technology to further reduce energy consumption and extend run-time between charges. As an operator backs off the accelerator to slow down or change directions, the electric motor acts as a generator by reversing direction to recapture the kinetic energy of the vehicle. Since this process reduces the friction and heat produced by the braking system, regenerative braking systems also reduce the wear and tear on the braking system as well.


Energy Demand Management 
Utilizing a power management plan built around an ideal usage distribution, operating hours, peak electricity rates and workloads further reduces the overall energy costs associated with electric forklifts. Here, usage distribution and charging hours are coordinated to take advantage of the lowest possible energy prices (usually lowest in the middle of the night) and maximize the savings provided by an electric forklift. 


The Stärke Energy Series features innovative and environmentally friendly forklifts including our 3 and 4-wheel models and our revolutionary mini electric forklift. For more information on our electric forklift models, visit us online at www.starkeforklift.com, email us at info@starkeforklift.com, or call us toll-free at 1-877-435-4352. Because, it makes sense to expect peace of mind at a fair price.


Local: (905)-227-7554  |  Toll free: 1-877-435-4352


Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Stärke Recognized as a Top Green Provider by Food Logistics



Thorold, Ontario – June 27th, 2016 •  Stärke Material Handling Group has been recognized for its efforts in sustainability as a Top Green Provider for 2016. Food Logistics’  Top Green Providers List recognizes companies whose products, services, or exemplary leadership is enhancing sustainability within the food and beverage industry. The list offers logistics professionals a guide to the providers, manufacturers, and software and technology companies that have found new ways to promote sustainability throughout their operations and those of their customers.

“Stärke is honoured to be included on Food Logistics’ Top Green Providers list for 2016,” says Jim Chesla, VP of Sales and Business Development. “This achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of our team and dealer networks. It also shows the strength of our products in markets that value sustainability and efficiency.” Stärke earned recognition this year for its use of highly efficient AC electric motors throughout its offering of forklifts and material handling equipment.

“The 2016 Top Green Providers reached a new record high for applicants and recipients, confirming the importance of sustainability in the global food and beverage supply chain,” says Lara L. Sowinski, editorial director, supply chain network, at AC Business Media. “Our industry’s continued focus on environmental stewardship and the role that growers, manufacturers, logistics companies, retailers and others play is driving heightened awareness and actions aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously boosting cost and energy efficiencies.”


About Food Logistics
Food Logistics is published by AC Business Media, a business-to-business media company that provides targeted content and comprehensive, integrated advertising and promotion opportunities for some of the world’s most recognized B2B brands. Its diverse portfolio serves the construction, logistics, supply chain and other industries with print, digital and custom products, events and social media.

For more information about Stärke, and their products and services visit us online at www.starkeforklift.com. Those interested in becoming a Stärke dealer contact Rod Barron, Dealer Development Specialist at 1-877-435-4352 ex. 236 or via email at rbarron@starkeforklift.com

Local: (905)-227-7554  |  Toll free: 1-877-435-4352


Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Unloading and Loading - Forklift Safety Tips


Forklifts have become an indispensable component within supply chain management and logistics. Whether it is within a retail, manufacturing or warehouse environment, forklifts perform an essential service by lifting and transport loads throughout the worksite. Since these actions are performed dozens of times every day, it is common for workers to grow accustomed to the dangers associated with the operation of a forklift. To ensure the safety of the forklift operator and those around them, try to follow these safety tips for loading and unloading a forklift:

Know Your Equipment
Before you begin operating your forklift, be sure to familiarize yourself with the vehicle. It is important to know the rated capacity of the forklift (found on the data plate), the capacity of the forks, and the recommended load center. Operating a forklift outside of these recommended restrictions seriously compromises the stability and safety of the equipment and is not advisable.

Positioning the Load
Using the information on the forklift’s data or spec plate, position the load according to the forklift’s recommended load center. Before inserting the forks, level and adjust the height of the forks relative to the pallet or load and move the mast into an upright position. If loading from a trailer or railway car, ensure that the proper supports (wheel chocks, fixed jacks, etc.) are in position to prevent the any additional movement and make sure the floors will be able to support the combined weight of the forklift and load.

Raising and Transporting the Load
Before raising the load, check your surroundings for overhead obstructions or power lines. With the brake applied, lift the load directly upwards to the required height for transport before tilting the mast. Once raised, constantly scan your surroundings for potential hazards or obstructions (keeping the blind spots in mind) as a raised load compromises the stability of a forklift. As you reach your eventual destination, come to a controlled and complete stop before returning the mast to an upright position and lowering the forks.

When working on or near a forklift, stay alert and prepare for the unexpected. For additional help, tips, advice or training, contact your local Stärke dealer today! For Canadian residents, please visit the Stärke Canada dealer page. For U.S. residents, please visit the Stärke USA dealer page.


Local: (905)-227-7554  |  Toll free: 1-877-435-4352