Page 18 - LBMAO - Reporter - Mar-Apr 2024 - web optimized

has limited the number of used trucks the truck configuration. forth-coming about electric forklifts, but
being exported to the U.S Choosing the right truck-mounted electric options are in the early stages.
Some heavy equipment suppliers such equipment can be a confusing process and Cold weather, remote use and operator
as Atlas Polar have worked to resolve needs the support of a knowledgeable training will be factors in any transition to
the equipment shortage. In early 2019, dealer. For a forklift, ask yourself when, electric.
Atlas Polar strategically decided to invest where and how the equipment will be Articulated cranes range in capacity,
even more heavily in new inventory to used, the materials you’re handling, their reach, control, safety, and performance
build and sell its most requested work- dimensions (long, wide, heavy, bulky), features to lift heavy loads and deliver
ready packages at stable pricing. They load weights and height requirements. your materials on the job site. Crane
partnered with all the major truck brands The complexity of forklifts has questions relate to the truck’s GVW,
to supply the right equipment for this. “It evolved as the complexity of the delivery usage and mounting, reach, capacity at
was a great decision for us,” said Darren increased. Options such as 4-way steering that reach, customized tools, remote
Parr, Ontario Sales Manager at Atlas and pantograph forks have become controls, and importantly, licensing. Are
Polar. “While long lead times are still more popular in the past five years. Cold your operators licensed for the chosen
the norm, it has enabled us to maintain a weather packages are almost standard crane, and do they have the training they
consistent and reliable inventory of the equipment in Western Canada, but some need? The LBMAO has a new on-site boom
most requested HIAB, Moffett and Multilift consideration should be given in Northern truck training option, as do many of the
work-ready truck packages and parts.” Ontario. A 10 ft mast is standard, but equipment manufacturers. It is critical to
many customers are choosing a 12 ft make sure you have trained and certified
Choosing the right truck and truck- mast when double-stacking lumber on operators for your crane.
mounted equipment for your application flat-beds. Many customers are asking for
Choosing what truck to buy is a back-racks to carry long loads such as Buying used versus new
subjective decision. Kenworth, Peterbilt, floor joists, which will require a 12 ft mast There are no right or wrong decisions
International, Volvo, Mack, Western Star, to reach that load. Kubota and Koehler when it comes to fleet expansion for
Freightliner, Hino, and Isuzu all build diesel engines are used in the forklifts. deliveries, but there is a lot to consider. A
quality equipment, but the crane or All engines now must be tier four, so they used truck is a new truck part way through
forklift you choose will often determine run with DEF fluid. Some information is its life cycle. While new equipment is,

18 LBMAO Reporter - March-April 2024 www.lbmao.on.ca