This Summer 2004 IVES Update Newsletter edition covers training on aerial lifts and loaders, a question on negotiating ramps using forklifts, rodeo details and more.
Beyond Forklifts
Recently, a long-time client contacted us to find out if we knew where they could go to get training on a front-end loader that was as good as our forklift training. It just so happened that we were able to direct our client to just such a place…Ives!
We were happy to be able to service our client, but we were concerned that they did not know we offered the training they were looking for. Although this may be old news for some of you, for others it may serve as notice that we may be able to do more for you than we already do.
We have operator and instructor training programs and materials addressing the following types of equipment:
Aerial Boomlift – A boom-supported, self-propelled elevating work platform available in rigid or articulating boom configurations, powered by an internal combustion engine or electric batteries. These units come with “pneumatic” (rough terrain-type) or “solid” (slab-type) tires. The platform is capable of rotating around the base, as well as moving up and down (vertically) and telescoping in and out (horizontally).
Aerial Work Platform – Commonly referred to as “scissor lifts,” these are also self-propelled elevating work platforms; however, the platform is only capable of moving up and down (vertically) directly over the base. Various models are available in “pneumatic” (rough terrain-type) or “solid” (slab- type) configurations and may be powered by internal combustion engines or electric batteries.
Front-end Loader – A large rigid or articulating-frame vehicle usually fuelled by diesel or gasoline engines, designed primarily for earth moving. Front-end loaders used for earth moving applications are fitted with buckets ranging in capacity from one cubic yard to 25 cubic yards. Smaller buckets are used to move heavy material such as rocks or iron filings, while the larger buckets are used for lighter materials such as wood chips. Models are available in rubber tired or crawler (tracks instead of wheels) configurations and may be fitted with other attachments such as grapples for moving logs, or even forks for moving loads.
Loader Backhoe – Smaller than a front-end loader, this unit typically consists of a tractor frame with small pneumatic tires on the front and larger tires at the rear. Attachments include a bucket or forks at the front and a backhoe attachment at the back. There are two operating positions depending on the job application. The forward facing position is used for travelling and general loader type operations with the bucket, while the rearward facing position is used for trenching and/or digging operations with the backhoe attachment. These units are fuelled by diesel or gasoline engines.
Skid-Steer Loader – Perhaps the most unique feature of a skid-steer loader is the steering method employed while operating. Rather than using a steering wheel, the operator uses two control levers coming up from the floor. By carefully moving these control levers forward and back, the operator can cause the two wheels on one side of the vehicle to turn at a different speed than the two wheels on the other side. This control is used to stop, start, turn and alter the speed of the vehicle. Commonly seen at construction sites and agricultural operations, skid-steer loaders are one of the most versatile pieces of powered mobile equipment in the world.
Mobile Crane – A crane that is mounted on an industrial truck frame with a boom capable of moving up and down*, telescoping in and out, and rotating all of the way, or sometimes only part of the way, around the base. Mobile cranes have a single operator position for transport and hoisting operations, are fuelled by diesel or gasoline engines, and are mounted on rubber tires. *Hook may be capable of winching up and down as well.
Boom Truck – Sometimes referred to as “crane trucks,” boom trucks have a rigid or articulating boom mounted to a commercial truck frame. The operator must drive the unit to the job site and leave the driving position to conduct hoisting operations at the crane’s control station, usually located at either side of the vehicle.
Ask Bob
Dear Bob,
What is the proper way to negotiate a ramp or grade with a loaded forklift?
Thanks,
Sandy
Dear Sandy,
When negotiating a ramp, remember to keep the load uphill. Keeping the load uphill when driving forward up the ramp will keep the load in contact with the backrest.
Also keep the load uphill when travelling in reverse. This will secure the load on the forklift should a sudden stop be necessary. If it is necessary to travel up a ramp with a load that obstructs the driver’s vision, it should be driven forward using a spotter. Remember, both the driver and the spotter must understand the signals being used.
I hope that helps,
Bob
2004 CMH&DS Forklift Rally a Smashing Success
On Saturday, May 15, 2004, the Canadian Materials Handling and Distribution Society (CMH&DS) held its 8th Annual BC Championship Forklift Rally. Over 275 people arrived at the former Telus site in the Port Kells area of Langley to watch 61 contestants representing 25 companies battle it out for bragging rights and cash prizes. The top three finishers in the counterbalanced, narrow aisle reach truck and powered pallet truck divisions were awarded a wall-mountable plaque.
Even coordinator and CMH&DS board member, John Gilder of Toyota Canada, and CMH&DS President, Dan Beers of Johnston Equipment, remarked that Ives’ participation in judging the event, lent a degree of “professionalism and consistency” missing from previous rallies.
“The driving courses were great, the judging was excellent, and the turnout was outstanding. This (rally) is getting bigger adn better every year and I’m excited about seeing where we can take it in the future,” said Gilder.
Spectators enjoyed free pop and barbequed smokies during the rally itself, as they checked out the 17 display booths set up by corporate supporters, including Ives.
Ives would like to thank the following people who volunteered their time as judges for the rally:
- Darrel Deugau – Neptune Foods
- Grant Mackenzie – Pivot Industrial Services
- Hugh Devlin – Ives Training
- John Ardill – United Rentals (Langley)
- Keith Griffith – VAE Nortrak
- Kent O’Sullivan – Ives Training
- Rob Vetter – Ives Training
Expanding Our Horizons
In our last issue of Ives Update (Volume 8, Issue 1 – Spring Edition 2004), the cover article “Business as Usual” mentioned the possible addition of several new locations for delivering open-enrollment instructor training programs.
IVES is now proud to announce the addition of new training locations at Hillsboro, OR; Denver, CO; Irving, TX; Houston, TX and Las Vegas, NV. These five new locations will provide excellent training facilities, top-notch equipment, and all the amenities to complement our Standard Forklift Instructor Certification Program. Further expansion is also anticipated at sites in southern California and eastern Canada. Watch for updates on the acquisition of these two locations as Ives continues the tradition of Excellence in Training.
New 2-Day “Express” Program to Launch in September
For 23 years, our open-enrollment 4-Day Standard Forklift Instructor Certification Program has been the industry standard that all other forklift instructor programs are measured against. As part of our ongoing efforts to accommodate our clients, we are pleased to announce the addition of the two-day Express Counterbalanced Forklift Instructor Certification Program.
On September 20 & 21, 2004, in Sacramento California (see training schedule), we will launch this new Express open-enrollment program for individuals wishing to become instructors of counterbalanced forklift operators. In keeping with our tradition of excellence, the Express program is designed to deliver the highest possible degree of technical detail, hands-on involvement and personal attention allowable within a two-day time frame. We are confident this new Express program will prove to be a worthy companion to the four-day program.
Brenda Sheen Announces Her Retirement
Brenda Sheen, Director of Training, Partner and Ives’ longest-term employee, has announced her retirement effective July 31, 2004.
Brenda was the first employee hired by company founder, Colin Ives, back in 1989. During her 15-year career, Brenda’s personable style and unwavering commitment to ethics and professionalism played an integral role in taking a relatively small company to the place it occupies today, as the leader in powered industrial equipment training solutions.
In the years to come, although Brenda will no longer be available to personally share her expertise, her legacy will remain.
Good luck in your future endeavors, Brenda. You are leaving shoes that will be difficult to fill.
Re-certification Study Guides
With the ongoing necessity of forklift operator refresher training and re-certification, we are pleased to announce the development of the Ives Forklift Re-Certification Study Guides.
These publications are easy-to-follow review tools for use as training aids during operator refresher/re-certification training classes. Each study guide contains useful information that will help jog your operator’s memory and make your refresher/re-certification training a snap!
Re-Certification Study Guides are currently available for:
- Counterbalanced Forklift
- Rough Terrain Forklift (Variable Reach and Straight Mast)
- Narrow Aisle Forklift
- Powered Pallet Truck
Study Guides are available individually or as a “Re-Certification Package” containing eight study guides (any combination) and a Re-Certification Notepad.
To order, call toll-free (800) 643-1144 and one of our customer service representatives will be happy to assist you.
7th Annual Washington State Eastern Regional Forklift Rodeo a Success
On Saturday, June 5, 2004, the Washington State Forklift Rodeo Committee of the Governer’s Industrial Safety & Health Advisory Board held the first of three annual regional counterbalanced forklift rodeos at Confluence State Park in Wenatchee, WA. Competitors from various businesses and industries came together to vie for the opportunity to become regional champion and earn a spot in the State Championship to be held at the Washington State Governor’s Conference in Spokane this September.
There is still time to register for the Eastern Regional Competition to be held in Spokane on July 24 and the Western Regional Competition to be held in Duwamish on August 14!
What’s Your Instructor IQ?
Test your knowledge by answering the following:
- Where is it written that a powered industrial truck must have a horn?
- Is it acceptable to anchor a personal fall arrest system to the guardrails of a scissor lift?
- How often do the forks of a rough terrain forklift have to be inspected?
Check out the next edition of the Ives Update for the answers. Good luck!
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