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If you’re in the manufacturing industry, your business is likely dependent on reliable material-handling equipment. Anything related to the production, movement, and control of materials or products is filed under material-handling. For example, in manufacturing, the entire process of delivering raw materials and finished products out of the factory relies on what is referred to as material-handling equipment. This incorporates several automated, semi-automated, and manual machines supporting the company’s supply. That said, it’s clear that the roles of machines are integral. Forklifts and pallet trucks help your business become more efficient. Here, we outline the 2 key functions of material-handling equipment: 1. Applications of Material-Handling Material-handling aids in the entire process of manufacturing through operations involving: • Product planning flow • Process management • Resource allocation • Forecasting • Customer delivery • Control and management of inventories • After-sales services and support If you properly plan material-handling, you’ll find that your company sees shorter delivery times, lower costs of manufacturing and improved customer service. 2. Material-Handling Functions The main functions of material-handling equipment are to keep your warehouse moving safely and efficiently. They also help reduce the overall costs of planning the layout for assisting production machinery. Proper material-handling equipment will benefit you by: • Increasing the movement of equipment, assisting with mechanical aids, and eliminating manual labour. • Moving the maximum amount of pieces possible in one unit. It should be highly efficient! • Reducing the transport involved in the production of a material. • Minimising duplicate handling and backtracking of materials by changing the production sequence • Better organisation of the process so that there is less distance for movement between products in the warehouse Immediately, you will see how big of a role material-handling equipment plays in the manufacturing industry. You can also see how it makes the daily functions of the warehouse so much easier. Where Can I Get Quality Material-Handling Equipment? You don’t need to look far for top-quality material-handling equipment. Scantruck is the sole distributor of the Komatsu forklift in Singapore and West Malaysia--a 100% Japan-made, reliable brand. We’ve been helping thousands of commercial vehicles for over 38 years and partner with the best global brands for spare parts to give you the best value for your money. Get your material-handling equipment up to date. For more information and a FREE quote on our Komatsu forklift, contact us at 6305 6600 today!

Ensure your fleet is in good condition by performing these inspections. When your truck breaks down, it slows down your operations and risks endangering your employees. The best way to lessen the need for repairs is through preventive maintenance. Here's a list that you can go through to ensure that your fleet is in its best condition. 1. Brake inspection • Ensure that your brake systems are working, especially the emergency brake • Measure the width of the brake pads. If they are ⅛ inches thick or less, replace them immediately 2. Interior inspection • Test the horn to make sure that it is working and is loud enough for vehicles to hear from a distance • Check that the following are working properly: ‣ Seatbelts ‣ Defrosting system (especially in cold weather) ‣ Cooling and heating systems are working properly • Keep emergency equipment inside the vehicle, such as: ‣ Flashlight ‣ First aid kit ‣ Fire extinguisher ‣ Shovels ‣ Chains ‣ Reflective jackets ‣ Warning triangle 3. Lights inspection • Make sure that the high and low beams can light up the road and are free of condensation and cracks • Check that the following are functioning properly: ‣ Taillights ‣ Brake lights ‣ Both turn signals ‣ Emergency flashers ‣ The bulb that illuminates the licence plate • Ensure that the reverse lights automatically flash when you back your vehicle up 4. Mirror Inspection • Check that the driver-side and passenger-side mirrors do not have cracks or heavy scratches • Make sure that both the exterior and interior mirrors are secured properly 5. Tyre Inspection • Check the condition of the tyres to ensure that they: ‣ Match the wheel in size ‣ Are free from cuts, breaks, embedded objects, and excessive wear • Ensure that the wheels are aligned • Keep the proper tools to change a tyre and a good condition spare tyre within the vehicle How do you know if it's time to replace a tyre? Here are 4 signs. 6. Under the Hood • Inspect the battery, all hoses, and all fluids present like wiper fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and oil 7. Windshield and Accessories • Test that the following are working properly: ‣ Window wipers ‣ Window controls (ensure they go up and down correctly) ‣ Check that the windshield and back windows do not have cracks or scratches To maximise efficiency, compile all of these into a checklist, so it's easy to run through them daily. This way, you can ensure your commercial vehicles maintain the best quality for a long time. Learn more about how preventive maintenance helps your trucks in the long-term here. If you need a comprehensive look at your commercial vehicle's condition, Scantruck is your one-stop solution for all your commercial vehicles and material-handling equipment needs in Singapore. We've been helping thousands of commercial vehicles for 38 years and partner with the best global brands for spare parts to give you the best value for your money. Call us up at 6305 6600 to get a FREE quote for your fleet servicing needs!

Avoid vehicle breakdowns with these preventive fleet maintenance tips. Commercial vehicles are a crucial part of business operations for most companies. It's costly when those commercial vehicles break down in the middle of the road. However, it's much wiser to follow preventive maintenance than waiting for an expensive breakdown to occur. Here we share seven tips for maintaining a healthy fleet in Singapore: TIP 1: Conduct regular check-ups to avoid engine problems. Check your vehicle regularly to reduce the risk of engine and drivetrain issues that affect your bottom line. Look for excessive smoking, loss of oil pressure, and decreased power. These could indicate an unhealthy engine, which means it’s time to take action. It's best to partner with a reliable supplier to perform routine check-ups and keep track of your commercial vehicles' maintenance and repair history. Scantruck's check-ups include inspecting the following items: • Engine • Engine coolant • Exhaust temperature • Oil and boos pressures • All rubber parts under the hood • Wheel alignment • and many more! TIP 2: Check for body problems. Due to the harmful effects of salt and other chemicals, fire trucks and buses often retire earlier. As a result, they're susceptible to body corrosion, which causes a lot of rust. Despite Singapore's high humidity, rust isn't inevitable. However, you can slow down the spread of existing rust and extend your vehicle's life with these four tips: • Watch out for paint chips bigger than the tip of a pen. These are the perfect places for rust to begin. Your regular maintenance company in Singapore should scan your vehicles and address these spots thoroughly. • Washing your vehicle every ten days preserves a clear coat, paint, and primer and protects bare metal from corrosion. • Regularly keep drains clear of debris and wipe down door jams to prevent foul odours. • Spray door locks with a lubricant such as WD-40 before parking your vehicles. The oil protects the lock from moisture and ensures that it works properly. • Wash your truck immediately following rain. In the rainy season, rain collects pollutants and deposits them on the body of your car in "acid rain." When you trust your trucks and buses to Scantruck, we take a look before any issues happen. We spot body problems and other common repairs BEFORE they get severe and expensive. TIP 3: Check for any electrical issues. Do you keep experiencing electrical problems but can't find the source of the problem? For example, if you checked everything and couldn't find anything wrong, there might be an electrical short. Holes in connectors and wiring insulation are a breeding ground for electrical problems. Sometimes disconnecting and reconnecting the connectors will solve the intermittent issue quickly. But, other times, more is going on with the wiring than you initially realized. Taking a more thorough inspection is your best option. However, if you're short on time, we suggest a staged approach to make it easier: • First, visually inspect it. Look for signs of wear and tear around areas with a lot of heat or movement. You may also need to check if it appears stiff or worn down. Remember that the resistance in the wire can increase as temperatures rise. • Second, look closely at the connectors near those areas and other areas exposed to water or battery residue. If any look suspicious, disconnect them from the connector before checking the connectors inside. Electrical problems are some of the hardest to deal with, but these simple steps will provide a more accurate and long-lasting repair. When doing preventive maintenance on your vehicle, it's our goal to check for any electrical problems that have the potential to break down. We also offer a repair and maintenance package that can help with any electrical issues before they happen. TIP 4: Have a plan prepared to reduce brake wear and failure. Brake failure is one of the most common causes of accidents, often resulting in vehicle damage, injury, and lawsuits in Singapore. To avoid this, ensure your brakes are inspected by a professional as part of your maintenance routine. Brake service has different recommended schedules depending on the distance a truck can handle. But as a general rule, it's safest to have your brakes checked and maintained during every oil change. Brake pads wear out, and you need to replace them regularly. The brake light will tell you WHEN you need to replace them. Your workshop partner should also install new brake springs, pins, and bushings. Finally, the technician should return the drums simultaneously to avoid the formation of heat cracks. You must apply pressure to the brake pedal to ensure your truck can move. The ideal range is 100-125 psi before putting the truck to work. However, if you see a consistent pressure under 100 psi, you should have your brakes inspected as soon as possible. Brake maintenance is crucial for a vehicle to continue operating correctly. Have your workshop partner grease the slack adjusters and check the grease, S cams, linings, hoses, and more when you avail of our brake service at Scantruck. TIP 5: Look out for parts that are due for replacement. Over time, all sorts of parts will naturally wear and break. The good news: Scantruck can provide you with replacement parts. The bad news is that some manufacturers have stopped making parts for older models, so you'll gradually need to find a new manufacturer. Ensure that the parts you need will be on-stock, and buy parts with more extended warranties. For example, brake pads, alternators, oil seals, and other common spare parts typically come with warranties. Make sure to add them to your list of inventory. Stockpiling may cost more upfront, but it's well worth the peace of mind of knowing that you have the parts you need. At Scantruck, we offer a consignment program for commercial vehicle parts to help keep your business running smoothly. TIP 6: Change your commercial vehicles' oil regularly. On average, a truck's engine deteriorates every few thousand miles. But, on the other hand, fresh oil prevents your engine from wearing down prematurely. Engine friction increases with use, leading to the risk of total engine failure. Most manufacturers in Singapore recommend an oil change every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. Some mechanics recommend more frequent oil changes for trucks used for heavy-duty work. TIP 7: A coolant system malfunction can be dangerous, so make sure to stay on top of it. Another cause of premature engine failure is improperly maintaining your vehicle's coolant system. It's essential to know the different kinds of coolant and their functions. Manufacturers will also specify what type of coolant you should use. In addition, you need to keep your cooling system clean and replace damaged or corroded components, so the car doesn't overheat. Scantruck provides a comprehensive look at your commercial vehicle's condition. Whether you need preventative maintenance, testing solutions, or repair services for material-handling equipment, Scantruck has everything in Singapore. We've been serving commercial vehicle owners for 36 years and partner with the best spare part brands worldwide to give you the best value for your money. If you have fleet servicing needs, call us at 6305 6600 for a FREE quote!

Forklifts are imperative to any growing business as they're used to lift and transport cargo and loads. While most material handling equipment is considered safe, there will always be risks when operating any vehicle. Some of the most common causes of forklift injuries happen when: • A forklift overturns because a load is off-balance. • A worker's foot gets stuck inside a forklift. • Workers fall while operating a forklift. • Forklifts fall between docks and unsecured trailers or are driven off-loading docks entirely. • Other forklifts strike workers. Workers should be aware of these common causes of injuries and be highly trained in operating forklifts. If an accident does happen, the worker should report it to their supervisor immediately with the following information included: • An explanation of the work being performed during the time of injury. • A play-by-play of how the accident happened. • The presence of any witnesses. • A medical diagnosis from a professional. • The precise cause of the injury. Remember, forklifts are not dangerous! However, keep these in mind. Training workers is the key when operating forklifts to avoid accidents. Prevention is always better than a cure. Scantruck is the sole distributor of the Komatsu forklift in Singapore and West Malaysia—a 100% Japan-made, reliable brand. We've been helping thousands of commercial vehicles for 36 years and partner with the best global brands for spare parts and material-handling equipment to give you the best value for your money. Want a FREE quote on our Komatsu forklift? Simply call us for one at 6305 6600 today!

Is preventive forklift maintenance worth it? Here are 5 reasons to convince you! When it comes to keeping trucks and forklifts in good shape, it’s best to think of it like you’re maintaining your own body. Yes, they’re machines, but just like how it is with people, good health reaps more benefits in the long run. Keep reading for 5 reasons why you should invest in preventive forklift maintenance: 1. First, the less your machine breaks, the longer it will last. If there is little to no wear and tear, a healthy vehicle’s lifespan can last much longer than one that frequently breaks. (Ideally, a well-maintained forklift can last up to 10 years and more!) 2. Remember, prevention is always better than a cure. Sometimes, repairing a broken vehicle can shoot costs up, especially when purchasing replacements for expensive parts. This means maintaining your vehicle from the beginning ends up being more cost-effective. 3. Preventive maintenance is a factor you can always keep under your control. You schedule these appointments. Thus, you can streamline it into your company’s workflow. Unexpected breakdowns, however, are not under your control. If your vehicle is not functional and you cannot account for it, you will suffer from backlog and delays, leading to profit losses. 4. Vehicles don’t drive themselves–maintaining them makes it easier for those who do. A well-maintained machine that is smooth to operate makes it much easier for drivers and will make them more productive workers. 5. Lastly, you never know for how long you’ll keep these machines. An instance may arise where you’ll need to rent it or even sell it to somebody else. Healthy vehicles naturally have better resale value, giving you more returns. Looking for a comprehensive evaluation of your forklift? Scantruck is your one-stop solution for your commercial vehicle needs. We’ve been delivering commercial vehicles and material-handling equipment needs for Singaporean businesses for over 35 years! Plus, we partner with the best global brands to give our partners the best value for their money. So if you are looking for a reliable commercial vehicle provider, call us at 6305 6600. We’ll even throw in a FREE quote for your workshop needs!

Considering that buying a forklift in Singapore can cost around SGD 20,000 to SGD 300,000, these four things may help you decide what forklift fits your budget. Buying and owning a forklift can be an expensive proposition. Knowing what factors affect a machine's price can help you narrow your choices and pick a forklift that best suits your needs. 1. Capacity A machine that can lift heavier loads will cost more than a forklift that lifts comparatively lighter weights. This is because larger machines require heavier parts to do their tasks safely. So before buying a forklift, consider the load requirements of your project before opting for a heavier, more-expensive machine. 2. Quality Not all forklifts are built the same. Machines from well-established manufacturers will cost more initially but may make up for it in reliability. A forklift made with better parts will not break down as often as a lower-quality machine and will require less maintenance and repairs. Our recommendation: Komatsu forklifts 3. Maintenance and operating costs On a related note, forklift expenses continue beyond their purchase. Once you acquire a machine, you must factor in maintenance, repair, and part replacement costs. As said previously, buying a high-quality machine may help minimize these costs in the long run, but the initial cost may be comparatively higher. If you want to know more about forklift maintenance, check out this article. 4. The Warranty When buying a forklift, the seller may include a warranty with your purchase. While this adds to the initial price, a warranty may save you money on troublesome repairs or parts replacement. Always consider the coverage of your warranty before paying for a machine. Where to buy forklifts in Singapore? Explore our selection. Scantruck has a variety of options for your business. Browse them here. We've partnered with the best global brands, like Komatsu, to provide the best value for all your material-handling equipment needs. For the Komatsu catalogue, please click here.

Maximize your costs, increase speed, and be more efficient when you streamline your operations with the right MHEs. Knowing what equipment you need during your day-to-day operations is key to growing a successful business. In this article, we’ll discuss three things you should know and consider before buying MHEs ( Material Handling Equipment), which include forklifts, pallet jacks, and other machines. 1. Evaluate your needs first Before purchasing an MHE: • Be aware of the needs of your operations first. Remember that the initial cost of an MHE is only 20% of its total cost; the rest goes into maintaining your newly-purchased equipment. • Factor in the needs of your operation, and consider how many MHEs you’ll need – or if you’re unsure, you may opt for short-term rentals to reduce the chances of incurring additional costs. Check out our rental catalogue: Equipment Rental 2. Choose the correct MHE Knowing the needs of your operation is key to choosing the right MHE. Before you buy, consider the following: • Your operating environment • Your operators (If experienced or inexperienced) • If the equipment’s specifications are built to handle the load of your operations Purchasing machines not built to handle the requirements of your project may lead to equipment breakdown or workplace accidents, not to mention injuries if the person operating your machine is inexperienced. 3. Invest in new tech and equipment New technologies are constantly being rolled out so it's also a good idea to check new MHE innovations. For example, electric pallet jacks, riders, and tuggers, may be more efficient for your operation than sit-down trucks. However, older technologies have proven their reliability, so always do your research before investing in a cutting-edge machine. Scantruck has partnered with the best global brands to provide the best value for all your material-handling equipment needs. Check out our new electric MHEs here or request a FREE quote from us at marketing@scantruck.com.sg!

Check these tell-tale signs of a forklift tyre nearing the end of its life span. Maintaining your forklift requires you to monitor its tyres constantly. A machine with worn-out tyres may malfunction, break down, or cause accidents during your operations, costing you a lot of money. 1. Check the tyre lettering An easy way to guess the remaining life span of your tyre is by checking the lettering on its side walls. If your tyre doesn’t feature a safety line, you can check if there is more than an inch of space between the edge of the tyre and the lettering. If the tyre has worn down to an inch or less, it may be time to replace it. 2. Check the tyre’s safety line Some tyre brands include a safety line which, like the example above, indicates when a tyre is meant to be replaced based on how close the tyre’s edge is to the line. If your tyre has a safety line, check if the edge is near or has completely worn down to the safety line before replacing it. 3. Check for chunking, cracking, or tearing If your forklift’s tyres have visible chunking, cracking, or tears in certain spots, you should probably start replacing them. 4. Check for flat spots Flat spots on a tyre indicate internal damage. A damaged tyre is dangerous to machine operators and may cause accidents. Replace your forklift’s tyres immediately if you notice a flat spot forming. Check out our article on forklift maintenance here. For material handling equipment spare parts in Singapore, go to Scantruck. We offer tyre replacement services to keep your forklifts in top condition. Along with a one-to-one Wheel Exchange Program, these services come with primary on-site care and breakdown services. If you’re interested in availing of our services, email us at marketing@scantruck.com.sg for a free consultation!

Forklifts are heavy machinery that allow us to move and organise massive or oversized items within our area of operations. If not properly handled or driven without proper training, your forklift may cause severe injury or even death. In this article, we'll give you five safety tips to help you use your machine safely. Tip 1: Train your operators. The first step in practising safe forklift operations is training your operators. Even before they touch your machine, your workers need to be prepared to operate your forklift safely and be guided on how to act accordingly if the machine moves or manoeuvres unexpectedly during emergencies. It will also help if you familiarise your operators with handling different types of forklifts to build their skills. Tip 2: Maintain your forklift. A faulty machine can be the cause of serious injury. Make sure you and your operators check the status of your forklift before and after use to ensure breakdowns are mitigated, and safety is maximised. Regular check-ups for these areas are a must. • Seat belts • Tyres • Lights • Horns • Brakes • Backup alarms • Fluid levels • Moving and load-supporting parts If you or your workers find worn-down signs and faults during your inspection, wait until it is fully repaired before resuming operations. Tip 3: Observe the rules while operating. Your operators must always abide by safe operating habits while using your forklift. During their training, you must educate them on proper operating procedures like driving at the appropriate speed, using mirrors and spotters for visibility, and using headlights when operating at night or in dimly-lit areas. Tip 4: Remember the "stability triangle." Forklifts operate on a three-point suspension system. These support points form what is known as a "stability triangle", which starts at the two front wheels and ends in between the rear axle. To avoid tipping over, operators must always stay inside this triangle and keep their loads within or near it. While operating your forklift, keep in mind these five things: • Always check if your load is stable and safely secured before driving. • Do not carry loads that are too heavy or beyond your forklift's carrying capacity. • Drive slowly, especially when the floors are wet and slippery. • Turn corners with care. • Try to avoid making any abrupt stops and starts. Keeping your load within the stability triangle is crucial when carrying heavy loads with your forklift. Always take care and observe these tips to avoid tipping your machine. Tip 5: Load your forklift safely Proper loading can be the most crucial part of operations. Improper loading can cause you to break or lose your products or even cause workplace accidents and death if done incorrectly. Before loading, always assess the dimensions of your load, the terrain's stability, and your machine's. Some useful loading tips include: • Slightly tilting your forklift's upright backwards. • Moving the forks apart before loading. • Lifting the load at least 4 inches above the lowest stack. • Keeping the heaviest loads at the bottom and the lightest on top. • Lowering the forks first while placing the load before backing away. For more tips on forklift safety, read this article. With these five tips, you can start using your new forklift safely and securely! Scantruck delivers all your forklift needs in Singapore. For recommendations, please view our catalogue of Komatsu forklifts here. For more information, please email us at marketing@scantruck.com.sg for a free consultation!

Implemented in 2006, the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Act of Singapore holds stakeholders and business owners accountable for keeping their workers safe. This act covers all workplaces except those exempted, hazardous substances like explosive, corrosive, flammable substances, and machinery and equipment, like MHE, such as forklifts. Four key features mark the WSH act: 1. The placement of all responsibility on its stakeholders to ensure safety at the workplace. 2. A focus on the outcomes of these measures, not mere compliance or observance. 3. The proper enforcement through the issuance of remedial orders. 4 . Imposition of higher penalties for violators. To give you an idea of some of the higher penalties, here is a list of offences and their corresponding fines: 1. For general penalties: • Individuals must pay $200,000 after their first conviction and $400,000 for any repeat convictions – they could face up to 2 years imprisonment, too. • Corporations must pay $500,000 after their first conviction and $1,000,000 for any repeat convictions. 2. For refusing to comply with an order: • For refusing to comply with remedial orders, the initial fine is $50,000, with an additional $5,000 for each day. • For refusing to comply with stop-work orders, the initial fine is $500,000, with an additional $20,000 for each day. • Both could result in up to 12 months of imprisonment. The WSH ensures that businesses under this act will keep their workers safe and avoid injuries while operating their equipment, such as the forklift. Being the sole distributor of the Komatsu forklift in Singapore and West Malaysia, Scantruck understands the advantages and costs of owning and operating material-handling equipment such as the forklift. That's why we offer a forklift service contract to all our partners that include: • Discounted prices for spare parts • Regular maintenance checks • Repairs and breakdown services at lower prices – we'll coordinate all the necessary transportation! Contact us for a FREE consultation! We’re more than happy to help you get the service or products that you need.