All posts in Material Handling

How To Know When Your Forklift Tires Need Replacement

by Kent Powell on June 17, 2013
tires

The life of the tire on a forklift is a difficult one. A forklift does not have suspension, so the tires alone are responsible for softening the ride for the cargo and the employee driving the vehicle. Forklift tires will have to traverse over some truly rough terrain at your factory or worksite and on average they will carry more than 9600 pounds at one time. In addition to all of the stopping, turning, reversing and accelerating that the forklift will do, the tires take quite a beating.

This is why it is important to keep a close eye on the tires of your forklift and to replace them when needed. Driving with damaged tires on your forklift can cause a lot of issues, because the wear on the tires will not be even and will cause the vehicle to become unstable. Also, when the tires are low this means that you run the risk of hitting a dock plate or running into debris on the floor. Furthermore, the damaged tires will contribute to the greater vibration of the forklift, which results in increased driver fatigue and also wears out the forklift faster. The worn out tires will also be more likely to shake and jolt on harder surfaces, which can make the driver lose control or cause the load to become unstable.

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Steel Price Update – June 2013

by Kent Powell on June 10, 2013
Steel Price Update

While the US domestic scrap market appeared poised to weaken slightly in June, prices are now beginning to settle at prices that are sideways to slightly up in some regions.  As other cities, including Chicago and those in the East Coast, began to negotiate, it became evident that demand for busheling is stronger this month than it has been recently, and prices for prime scrap grades could even settle slightly higher in comparison to May.

As predicted, while mills try and push scrap prices down, if they are unable to secure their requirements, it would force a backlash from dealers and prices would reverse course.

Read the rest of the article on SteelOrbis.com


Featured Client: Gorman Company

by Kent Powell on May 22, 2013
Featured Client - Gorman Company

Gorman Company was founded in 1939 as a plumbing supply business in Jacksonville, Florida. Since that time, Gorman has grown from one location, to a company consisting of over 35 locations.  Gorman’s product lines include supplies for plumbing, pool, and septic & well systems.

Gorman has come back to SJF several times and placed orders for wire mesh bins to hold plumbing supplies in a storage area of their facility.  They have found these bins to be useful in keeping PVC parts neatly stored, organized, and ready for use when needed.

Additional Photos

  • Featured Client – Gorman Company
  • Parts Storage Bins
  • Plumbing Supply Storage
  • Wire Mesh Bins

New Product: Maximum Density Flow Rail

by Kent Powell on May 14, 2013
Pallet Flow Rack System

Maximum Density Flow Rail is designed to provide all of the benefits of traditional high-density pallet racking (drive-in, push-back, pallet flow) with none of the drawbacks. This flow rail system can easily store pallets up to 10 Deep!

Here are just a few of the benefits a maximum density flow rail system can provide you.

  • Can be installed/retrofitted on most existing racks & drive-in rack systems
  • No power necessary – No motors to maintain or batteries to charge.
  • No incline necessary – Not gravity feed. No rail incline needed.
  • Can be operated with a fork truck to store & retrieve pallets
  • Rails are Horizontal – Not angled or gravity fed
  • No flow rail brakes to adjust or troubleshoot
  • Each lane can hold a different product SKU
  • Rail is Maintenance Free and Rust Proof!
  • Can be used in low temperature environments
  • Easy to modify track length

Read more about this revolutionary new system & view photos and videos of its operation on our website.

Max-Density Flow Rails : Read More


Guest Post: Modern Machine Control Systems

by Kent Powell on May 13, 2013
Excavator Control

Machine controls are used in the construction industry to monitor and accurately position excavator and backhoe booms and buckets, grader blades and more. Many different systems are available and offer 2D or 3D measuring and monitoring of the position of the bucket, boom and/or blade to different accuracies. The recorded measurements are displayed on a computerized panel mounted within the cab.

The goal of these different control systems is to allow the operator to accurately dig without ever leaving the cab. The difference in the available systems is how accurately the information is displayed, machine automation and how much training or experience is required to use the system properly.

History of Machine Control Systems

For years, companies have developed machine control systems. They use different methods of measuring and reporting including mounted sensors, lasers, and even GPS. But in the early 90s, before this modern technology was available, companies used analogue technologies to measure things like bucket depth.

Companies like Novatron began developing GPS systems in 1999. New technologies like digital screens, GPS, laser measuring tools and mounted sensors were introduced in the start of the 21st century. Companies like Moba, Excavator solutions and Novatron are now leaders in 3D machine control systems.

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SJF Among 100 Best Companies to Work for in MN

by Kent Powell on April 24, 2013
MN Business Magazine 100 Best Companies to Work For

SJF is honored to be named on the 100 Best Companies to Work for in MN for 2013.  This list is compiled by Minnesota Business Magazine based out of Minneapolis, MN.

About the Nomination (From MN Business Magazine)

[this award salutes] Minnesota organizations setting the standard for employee well-being. The 100 Best are chosen using data gathered from an anonymous employee satisfaction survey administered by an independent research group. Only the top Minnesotan companies, as judged in areas such as work environment, employee benefits, employee happiness, and leadership, are selected for inclusion in the list.

There will be an award ceremony to honor all of the companies on the list on Thursday, June 6th.

Thanks, MN Business Magazine and thank you SJF employees for making this possible!

You can view the full list of nominees here.


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