11/30/21

What You Should Know About Testing Requirements for Tires

The construction equipment industry has evolved many times over in the past century. It continues to strive to provide the best solutions to help our world move ahead efficiently and safely in all aspects of construction equipment use.


A significant portion of the industry relies on a long-time mainstay that keeps vehicles moving - tires. While tires may seem to be a relatively simple component compared to other equipment technology, they play a crucial role in keeping the vehicle productive, reliable, and safe.

In recent years, tire technology has continued to evolve with new concepts in tires introduced. They look much different than what most of us think of as traditional tires and require no filling medium. Much of the discussion here will apply to any tire technology, though some points will be for specific technologies.

Tires are selected for use on vehicles based on many criteria – traction / braking, speed and load rating, ride ergonomics / vibration, ground pressure, maneuverability and packaging, wear / reliability, surface marking, and stability characteristics.

The filling medium(s) chosen to occupy internal voids or spaces within a tire and how they are applied is also an important consideration. The most prevalent choices for filling construction tires are air, foam (urethane), foam and crumb rubber mixture, and rubber. Each tire fill type can affect multiple properties of a tire’s performance which we will examine below.

Traction / Braking

Tire traction can be somewhat subjective and may vary widely for vehicles covering multiple applications and markets. Testing involves subjecting tires to and operating vehicles on differing terrains and surfaces and in a variety of environmental conditions to understand how well they grip those surfaces. The ability of the tire to expel material such as rocks and mud from the tread pattern is critical to performance. Voice of the Customer (VOC) trials are often sought as feedback for new designs. Tires also directly affect vehicle braking and therefore must be carefully considered and tested to satisfy compliance with all applicable regulations.

Speed and Load Rating

Tire manufacturers rate their tires for speed as well as load carrying ability - key to meeting the primary use of many construction use vehicles. They utilize guidelines from organizations such as the US Tire and Rim Association (TRA) and the European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation (ETRTO). Tire ratings are based on a combination of Empty Vehicle Weight (EVW) and Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) (empty vehicle + payload) and their respective travel speed duty cycles.

    Tire ratings are based on a combination of Empty Vehicle Weight (EVW) and Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) (empty vehicle + payload) and their respective travel speed duty cycles.

Many construction vehicle tire offerings serve a multitude of vehicle applications, making it difficult for tire suppliers to publish use guidance for every application. Tire fills can also have a significant effect on the speed and load rating of tires. As a result, bench testing and / or vehicle testing is often performed that combines expected loads, speeds, tire fills, and application profiles with construction site road hazards to assure the tire performs on the vehicle as required and expected.

Ride Ergonomics / Vibration

Tires should support and enhance the vehicle driving experience. The tire design as well as the type and amount of tire fill can affect ride ergonomics and vibration. Vehicles are tested to understand adverse frequencies, vibration, or other effects that may be transmitted into the vehicle. Measurements are often collected at sensitive components and the operator’s station to quantify the effect of the entire vehicle dynamics (including tires) on those systems.

Ground Pressure

The width and diameter of tires, the tread type of tires, the type of tire fill used, and the compliance of tires all factor into how much force will be directed onto any operating surface by the vehicle. Ground pressure is important in understanding vehicle flotation with respect to soil compaction, vehicle flotation with respect to surfaces such as mud and sand, vehicle transportation floor loading considerations, and floor loading where vehicles are operating on constructed surfaces. Ground pressure is determined generally through testing and calculation to determine what percentage of each tire surface area is supporting the vehicle load on a given terrain.

Maneuverability and Packaging

Tires must allow the vehicle to achieve vehicle design requirements dimensions in width, length, turning radius, height, and steering. Wide tires can adversely affect vehicle width, the maximum steer angle possible, as well as resistance to steering due to ground contact friction. Large diameter tires can affect vehicle overall length and height dimensions of the vehicle. Tire fill types may affect how well the vehicle can maneuver. Vehicle dimensional analyses as well as multiple performance tests are conducted to assure targets of maneuverability and packaging are met.

Wear / Reliability

Tires and their filling medium must exhibit wear and structural integrity characteristics that are in line with intended industry expectations. Vehicles with tires that consume the available working tread too quickly or become damaged too easily (chunking treads, bulges / broken belts, punctures, fill compromised, etc.) will not meet customer’s expectations. Vehicle testing is undertaken on a variety of construction surfaces, applications, and road hazards to assure the wear rate is reasonable and that the tire and it’s filling medium survives structurally to reasonable expectations.

Surface Marking

Some use applications require vehicles to not mark the surfaces on which they are operating and therefore require unique tire compounds. Special applications such as this may create unique tire testing considerations for tire and vehicle manufacturers.

Stability

Of significant importance is how well the tires and their associated fill maintain their structural shape when loaded in various configurations – ultimately affecting the stability of the vehicle. Every tire option offered on a vehicle must adequately support the vehicle to meet all applicable regulations and the published load carrying capability of the vehicle. Tire type (bias ply, radial, solid, etc.) as well as fill medium can significantly affect the sidewall and overall stiffness of a tire when subjected to a combination of vertical and transverse loading. Significant testing and simulation is performed on vehicles to assure the tire options offered can adequately support the base vehicle weight and any required payload according to industry regulations, standards, and published load diagrams.

Tires are, and will remain for the foreseeable future, an integral and important component of many construction vehicles today. Their selection and use influences multiple aspects of vehicle performance that must be confirmed through a combination of calculation, simulation, and test.

Source:  https://www.jlg.com/en/direct-access/2018/04/13/what-you-should-know-about-testing-requirements-for-tires

11/27/21

Safe Use Standard

 


 ANSI A92.22 & CSA B354.7

This standard governs the safe use of MEWPs by specifying proper application, inspection, training, maintenance, repair and safe operation. One of the main requirements is developing a safe use program to guide MEWP use as it relates to job site safety.

Whats Changed

Step 1:
To develop an effective safe use program that complies with new requirements, it’s important to perform a site risk assessment before starting a job. This assessment should:
  • Define the task, location and timing of the work
  • Inform MEWP selection
  • Evaluate MEWP-related, job-specific and additional risks
  • Identify controls like proper training and rescue planning

Step 2: Once a safety plan has been developed, it should be shared with everyone who will be on site during the work. The updated standards outline new requirements for many roles as they relate to a safe use program.
  • Operator: Is trained and authorized to operate the MEWP
  • Occupant: Has knowledge of MEWP use and safety, including fall protection systems
  • Supervisor: Monitors use of MEWP to ensure safety plan is followed
  • Technician: Performs MEWP maintenance in line with manufacturer’s requirements
Learn more at:  https://www.jlg.com/en/destination/ansi/safe-use

11/24/21

Happy Thanksgiving!


An attitude of gratitude brings great things. 
-Yogi Bhajan

Tour the JLG® High-Capacity 2733 Telehandler


The JLG® high-capacity 2733 telehandler helps you lower project costs by delaying or eliminating the need for wheel loaders in certain applications. Its 26,600-lb capacity allows it to tackle heavy loads, while advanced technology and a best-in-class cab enhance the operator experience. Watch the video to see how this telehandler brings more versatility to industries like construction, wind, oil and gas, mining and more. Get the full specs at https://www.jlg.com/en/equipment/tele..

11/20/21

Forklift Safety Checklist

  
Forklifts should receive adequate safety checks . There are various hazards associated with forklift operation and a complete check before daily forklift operation will ensure forklift driver safety and safety for other employees and company assets.

A forklift safety checklist will ensure its safe condition. It will help you identify any potential problem with the forklift. Having a forklift safety checklist is essential.

A safety checklist should be completed with a "Yes or No" complete with a comment for "No" answers.

General information should be provided:

Name of workplace
  1.     Division/Department/Section
  2.     Running location
  3.     Identification of forklift
  4.     Work description (brief)
Workplace conditions
  1.     Is the operating area completely separated from walkers?
  2.     Are there clear and adequate safety signs warning walkers against forklift traffic?
  3.     Are walker pathways and zebra crossings marked?
  4.     Are workers warned about  crossing forklift pathways?
  5.     Are convex safety mirrors present at blind spots?   
Forklift part check
  1.     Does the forklift specification meet the operating requirement?
  2.     Is a clear forklift load chart provided?
  3.     Is a seat belt provided?
  4.     Is there a speed controller?
  5.     Do the horn, reversing beeper, proximity indicator and flashing light function properly?
  6.     Is there a protective structure provided on the forklift to prevent injuries during roll=overs or from falling objects?
  7.     Is the maintenance performed regularly?
  8.     Are forklift maintenance and repair records maintained?
  9.     Is there enough fuel inside forklift?
  10.     Is forklift battery charged?
  11.     Are the forklift tires fully inflated?
  12.     Are the tires pressure enough and safe?
  13.     Are the tires in good conditions?
  14.     Do the forklift brakes work?
  15.     Is the steering functioning correctly?
  16.     Does the gear shift work?
  17.     Are the left and right mirrors available and clear?
  18.     Do all indicators and gauges function properly?
  19.     Are there any liquid leaks from the forklift?
  20.     Are fuel, oil, hydraulic fluid and coolant levels full?
  21.     Is there a portable fire extinguisher fitted on the forklift?
  22.    Are hard hats required for forklift operators?
  23.    Is personal protective equipment such as eye goggles, ear plugs and safety shoes available to operators?
Forklift Operators/Drivers
  1.    Are  forklift operators or drivers certified?
  2.     Does the driver understand the load chart?
  3.     Is appropriate training provided?
  4.     Have forklift drivers been given adequate training?
  5.     Are the drivers familiar with the workplace layout in the plant site?
  6.     Do forklift drivers follow the pathways correctly?
  7.     Are forklift drivers or operators in good health?
  8.     Does the forklift driver know the maximum speed?
Working system
  1.     Are there speed limits for powered equipment on site?
  2.     Are there appropriate traffic management plans at the plant site to prevent collision of forklifts with people and other mobile equipment by separating them in time or space?
  3.     Are all safety procedures related to forklift inspection, operation, clean up and maintenance established, maintained and communicated to operators?
  4.     Is there a monitoring and supervision system for ensuring all safety procedures work?
  5.    Are work schedules adequate to move materials without operating the forklift at excessive speeds?
  6.     Are only certified drivers allowed to operate a forklift?
  7.     Is load checking always performed for load stability?
  8.     Is load weight always checked before loading to avoid overloading?
  9.     Is the load always lowered prior to the forklift being in motion?
  10.     Are safe distances provided  from the edge of ramps, docks, drains, gutters, floor openings and any other opening and obstacles established to prevent forklift accident?
  11.     Are all ramp or dock edges safeguarded and visibly marked?
  12.     Is the forklift allowed to lift workers using forklift to do certain job?
  13.     Is the forklift allowed to be used for doing other jobs instead of lifting?
  14.     Is the procedure for the safe battery charging or fuel filling established?
All these questions must be completed to ensure forklift safety.Countermeasures and follow up are required before the forklift can be used. Follow up must be made for NO' answers to any of these above questions in the safety checklist.

By Lukman Nulhakiem

Lukman Nulhakiem is a chemical engineer who has experience in hazard recognition and hazard control studies. Visit his blog at  cemicalplantsafety.net to learn more about safety in chemical plant and workplaces in general.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lukman_Nulhakiem

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5056035

11/18/21

Genie® Lift Pro™ Training | Rescue Plans


Every organization that operates MEWPs needs to develop a safe use plan and having documented rescue plans is a requirement. Learn more about rescue plans in this article from Genie® Director of Training Scott Owyen: https://www.genielift.com/en/aerialpr... #ANSI #Safety #GenieTogether

11/15/21

JLG Compact Crawler Boom Hits Homerun at Camden Yards



The foul poles at Baltimore’s Camden Yards serve two functions. As transplants from the old Memorial Stadium, they bring more than three decades of prior history to the now 22-year-old baseball stadium. As vertical extensions of foul lines on the field they help umpires determine whether a fly ball is fair or foul during gameplay. For this reason, it is important that the poles are regularly painted and highly visible for day and night games. But the crisscross ironwork poles are 70 feet tall, which can present a challenge to those tasked with painting them.

Last year, Maryland Stadium Authority turned to Rentals Unlimited, Inc. in Clarksburg, Maryland, and the JLG® X700AJ Compact Crawler Boom for help. According to Jim Joyce, sales manager of the equipment and truck rental company and long-term JLG customer, painting the foul poles challenged his company to recommend a piece of equipment with a footprint small enough to fit on the ball field’s warning track and offer enough reach to access the top of the poles.

“Running a machine across the actual playing field was out of the question,” he said. “So, we measured the warning track and were confident the Compact Crawler Boom would easily fit on the track and provide access to the poles.”

Boom’s compact size meets challenge
With a width of just 3 feet 3 inches, a 440-pound platform capacity and non-marking tracks, the X700AJ proved to be the perfect choice for the ballpark application, enabling contractors to apply two coats of yellow paint top to bottom on each of the two poles.

“Everyone who saw the machine before we put it to work was surprised by its capabilities,” said Joyce. “I think it was the boom’s size that threw them. It weighs just 7,000 pounds, but extends to 70 feet, and it’s easy to operate.”

The compact size and vertical reach of the X700AJ has made it a profitable addition to the fleet at Rentals Unlimited. “The crawler is a unique piece of equipment. Its compact size means it’s easy to transport and once on the job site, it will go through 39-inch doorways and fit into other hard-to-reach areas. The machine is self-leveling, so if it’s on uneven ground, it will level itself. And, it’s able to climb up and down steps, with rubber tracks that won’t harm sensitive flooring or landscaping.”

In addition, the X700AJ is environmentally friendly with an optional Lithium-ion battery for cleaner, greener operation. Dual power onboard—gas or electric engines, accompanied by an electric AC motor—are standard to reduce noise and emissions in public spaces. Other features include a hydraulic jib for greater reach, rotation of platform and a zero-turn radius with counter rotation.

Versatility leads to interesting assignments
The versatility of the machine has taken Joyce and his company on some interesting assignments beyond the Camden Yards application. “We took it down a flight of steps and through some doors at a facility that housed an Olympic-size pool in the Washington, D.C., area,” he said. “Once inside, we drove the boom down inside the empty pool and used the leveling feature so we could safely position the machine on the sloped bottom of the pool. This provided access to the roof about 60 feet above the pool and enabled workers to replace several rusted roof panels.”

Joyce described another application in which the machine climbed a long flight of stairs and drove through a 42-inch door in a large medical facility. “And then there was the large retail store in Virginia. The Compact Crawler Boom was the only piece of equipment small enough to fit through the front doors and still offer enough reach to allow workers to wash the large windows positioned well above the doors. This machine just opens up a whole avenue of opportunities for the rental business, and its success seems to have a snowball effect.

“That’s the story here,” Joyce continues. “Expand your fleet with the purchase of a Compact Crawler Boom and open up new doors. And the great thing is, they don’t have to be big doors – just 39 inches and you can move right through them.”

11/12/21

Running a night shift that is using a forklift?


Don’t get behind schedule because of an unexpected break-down. Let Interstate 80 Forklift be your back-up plan. Call and schedule an “on-call" mechanic for those off hour times.

Our technicians are factory certified and have many years experience in the field. We fix it right the first time, so you can get back on schedule.

In most cases we can have a mechanic on-site for emergency repairs the same or next day. Our repairs cover from minor part to complete engines. We can do everything from Basic Preventative Maintenance to 1000 Hour Full Services.

Repairs and servicing can also be done at our facility yard.

Parts: Depending on part

Repairs: $125.00 per hour

We fix it right the first time so you can get back to work.

Based in Solano County, centrally located between the Bay Area and Sacramento, Interstate 80 Forklift is your top choice for all your forklift needs. Interstate 80 Forklift offers competitive pricing on new and used forklifts. As well we have a large inventory of parts ready to ship or be installed. We employ top-notch mechanics who are experienced and ready to serve you.

Repairs and servicing can also be done in our shop conveniently located in Vacaville, California.

Interstate 80 Forklift, Inc. – Serving the Greater Sacramento and Bay Area 

Interstate 80 Forklift, Inc.
70 Union Way
Vacaville, CA 95687

Phone: (707) 451-5100

Fax: (707) 451-5101

11/09/21

Product Walk-Around: SX™-135 XC Telescopic Boom Intro - ANSI


The Genie® SX-135 XC™ self-propelled telescopic boom delivers industry-leading outreach and capacity through the full working envelope for incredible operational versatility and accessibility. 

The SX-135 XC model is the perfect choice for your customers to work on challenging jobsite applications while giving you the quality and reliability you have come to expect from Genie.

Check out more information about the SX-135 XC at: http://www.genielift.com/en/products/....

11/06/21

Similar, Not the Same

 

You can settle for a scissor that does the job. Or you can choose from two JLG® scissor lines that do what other brands can’t. Consider our full range of machines—from the value R to the premium ES—and get the performance you expect with smart, simple technology that maximizes your uptime.

Learn more:  https://www.jlg.com/en/destination/similar-not-same


11/03/21

DaVinci All-Electric Scissor Lift Made Simple

 


THE INFORMATION YOU NEED IS HERE

The DaVinci™ All-Electric Scissor Lift is sophisticated technology made simple. With the comprehensive brochure at your fingertips, understanding the ins and outs of this industry-defining machine is even simpler.

 

When you’re ready to dive in for an even closer look, visit allelectricscissor.com to view the machine from different angles as you scroll through each of its features or watch the walk-around video, among others, in our video gallery.