Here are 4 top considerations when renting is the better option. Depending on your situation, there may be better choices than purchasing a forklift, so we listed the top reasons why you should consider renting one instead. Here at Scantruck, we understand that it's essential for you to keep the organisation lean and mobile while balancing those busy periods in your operations that need equipment such as a forklift. But while it sounds appealing to own a forklift to increase your business' efficiency, the listed factors might help you consider renting a machine instead. 1. You're on a tight budget Suppose you need more capital to make that initial purchase or enough funds to cover the total cost of a forklift in Singapore. In that case, renting is a wise investment as it minimises your upfront investment and keeps you more liquid for other regular company expenses. 2. You only have seasonal spikes in operations or short-term projects that need a forklift Every company experiences peaks and dips in business every year. If a forklift only comes in handy during specific months, then renting is for you! Renting will help keep your business afloat during busy seasons or when completing ad-hoc projects, keeping your operations optimal during regular programming. 3. You need to address a temporary equipment requirement Let's say you're streamlining your operations, and one project requires a forklift. While owning a forklift would be convenient for this particular job, how often will you use the forklift once the project is completed? If your answer is "not often," then consider renting a forklift for the time being. 4. You need an immediate forklift replacement due to equipment breakdown When equipment breaks down, repairs can get expensive. The price of repairs plus the downtime doubles your cost. The best way to keep your operations afloat during times like these is to rent. If you want to learn more about forklift maintenance, read this article here. We at Scantruck know these factors can make or break a business, so we offer options for trade-in, direct purchase, and forklift rentals. You can rent your forklift from us for as low as $100/ month in two easy steps: Contact us at 6305 6600, and get a free consultation. We can also visit your site for a more detailed assessment. Once we provide you with our recommendation, review your options. Rest assured, we'll help you decide the best solution for your needs. We're the sole distributor of Komatsu forklifts in Singapore – a 100% reliable and Japanese-made brand. To view our catalogue, click here.

Ensure your forklift is in for the long haul with these 4 tips for top material-handling equipment in Singapore. The forklift can be considered the backbone of many industrial companies in Singapore. Capable of carrying heavy loads quickly and efficiently across distances, a single forklift can easily do the job of more than 10 men in an instant! It’s no wonder these vehicles have become a mainstay when it comes to construction, repair, and transportation. But as they say, with great power comes great responsibility. Despite their impressive capabilities, forklifts can still break due to wear and tear, improper use and mishandling, and even during on-site accidents. If they are not kept at their best state, they may become safety hazards for your personnel and result in damage costs and liability. That’s why it’s important to remember that forklifts require varying care to keep them working in top condition. Fortunately, with the right care and maintenance, it is possible to keep your forklift working properly over many years–even more than 10 years straight! So here are four effective strategies to give your forklift a long and productive life: 1. Make sure your forklift users are properly trained. When talking about heavy machinery maintenance, don’t forget about those handling them! Some on-site accidents occur due to poorly trained forklift drivers. To prevent this, implement a thorough screening for your applicants to review their background and experience. Your personnel must have the correct licences and proper training before they even step foot inside the vehicle. Your forklift drivers must also be knowledgeable about the ins and outs of the forklift. This includes basic to advance maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting. Apart from workplace safety, having a professional handle your equipment can significantly boost productivity and efficiency on-site. 2. Do daily maintenance checks. A Pre-Shift Inspection is a regular maintenance schedule done before any operating shift. The forklift driver and your technicians must go through the unit's different parts and systems before actual use. Here are some things you can check before the shift starts: • Forks – Lower and raise it without a load to see if it is working correctly • Tires – Observe if the tires are without damages or missing rubber chunks • Pistons – Should have no leaks or drainage • Hydraulic hoses – Check for holes or punctures in the tubes • Chain – Tension on the chain should be tight and secure • Carriage – Any breaks in the weld should be reported immediately • Seat belt – Ensure it is in good condition • Propane tank (if it has one) – Make sure it's securely fastened • Radiator – Check if the radiator is clean and free from debris or clutter • Emergency brake and accelerator – Test acceleration and breaks before use • Controls – Run through control systems for proper response • Safety lights, battery, alarms, & horn – Indicators should all be working • Fluid levels – All fluid levels must be in good capacity These safety checks ensure that the next shift will go without a hitch and that your equipment will work fine. However, if there is an issue with one or more systems, do not use the forklift and immediately undergo repairs. 3. Keep a regular preventive maintenance schedule. Aside from daily checks, a regular maintenance schedule can prevent wear and tear and ensure your vehicle is working properly. A trained mechanic should look at your machine once a month or every 200 hours if the unit is used regularly. These checks include: • Life and tilt cylinder operation, drive belt tension, chassis, and mast lubrication • Replacement of engine oil and other fluids • Cleaning the air filter • Checking of spark plugs, cap, and rotor • Inspection of ignition timing and idle speed's adjustment Additional maintenance checks need to be done every three months and six months for a more comprehensive look at the status of your machine. 4. Be sure to purchase the correct parts from a reliable vendor. It is also unavoidable that your machine breaks down and would need parts replacement or repairs. While going for quick and easy solutions may be faster and cheaper, we do not recommend this. If you want your machine to perform efficiently, you must go for quality parts and products. There are plenty of good options to choose from, both OEM and after-market spare parts. Take some time to study the background and feedback of suppliers so you can make the best decision on which parts to get and which supplier to purchase from. If you’re ever in the market, check out Scantruck’s wide catalog for genuine and quality material-handling equipment and spare parts here. In summary: Taking care of your forklift through these four strategies will allow your forklift to last a very long time, giving you a great return on your investment. Need help with forklift services, replacement parts, or maintenance? Scantruck is your one-stop solution for all your commercial vehicles and material-handling equipment needs. With over 36 years of experience in selling, distributing, maintaining, and repairing material-handling equipment in Singapore, you can be confident that you're getting the right quality parts from a reliable partner. Check out our services here or contact us today at 6305 6600.

Make sure you purchase the right machine by asking your supplier these questions. There are two kinds of forklift suppliers in Singapore: the big players who distribute major forklift brands like Komatsu and dealers who buy and sell used forklifts. While each has its pros and cons, the supplier you choose should be able to answer these eight questions before they sell you a machine. 1. How long have they been in the forklift industry? 2. How much inventory (including replacement parts) do they keep on-site? 3. How quickly can they deliver your machine? 4. How many mechanics do they have on staff, and do they have enough to support your forklift needs? 5. What industry do they specialise in? Make sure they supply others in your industry. 6. What are their service hours? Ask if they also include on-site service. 7. How fast can they respond to inquiries and concerns? 8. What forklift brands do they supply? If you want to learn more about the types of forklifts available for your business, read this article here. Scantruck has more than 37 years' worth of experience in selling forklifts. We're your one-stop solution in Singapore, providing you with the best material-handling equipment and other commercial vehicles. We're the sole distributor of Komatsu forklifts in Singapore – a 100% reliable and Japanese-made brand. To view our catalogue, click here. If you have any additional inquiries, contact us and request a FREE quote at 6305 6600 today!

Looking for reliable commercial vehicle maintenance? This article by Scantruck covers all the basics. Forklift maintenance and repairs can be costly. So how do we minimise that? Prevention rather than correction! Ideally, you want to identify the problem at its initial stage so it can be solved with minimum resources. That’s why Scantruck ensures you get the proper overall check-up. So, how often do you actually need to get your forklift checked? Here is a list of questions that will help you evaluate the state of your forklift: 1. What is the age of the fleet? Age will always be a determining factor in how often the units need to be inspected. The older the forklift, the more likely it is to require maintenance. • Remember: Usually, the more hours the forklift has, the standard 250-hour interval may no longer apply. How many units are in the fleet? How many forklifts do you own? Are they enough to keep your business going if one unit stops working due to a maintenance issue? If you answered no, that might just be a liability. Before anything happens, reach out to us to get your forklift inspected. 2. Is there any special attachment installed to the forklift? Understanding the kind of forklifts you have and planning ahead the maintenance will save you a lot of time and money in the long run. When you know how many forklifts use specialised attachments, you can stay on top of any issues and prevent further damage to your special forklifts. • Remember: Forklifts with attachments have shorter service intervals than regular lifts because units with attachments are made for specialised jobs. If your lifts use any special attachments, it’s better to have them maintained more often. 3. What conditions do your forklifts work in? Forklifts often operate in extreme conditions because of unpredictable worksite environments. Sudden changes in temperature, such as working in extreme heat outdoors and then moving into highly air-conditioned rooms, will affect your unit. All forklifts are tools, and they need to perform daily heavy-duty tasks. • Remember: The operational environment greatly determines the frequency of maintenance. 4. Do you have electric forklifts? An electric unit needs just as much servicing as one with an engine. If your lift is battery-powered, but you find that it isn’t keeping charge, then it’s time to have that forklift inspected. • Tip: Get a trained and certified technician to look at your battery and maintain it. (We can help you with that!) A regular operator may overcharge and damage the battery, injuring your operator and eventually costing you a lot of money. 5. Do you use your forklift seasonally? If you only use your forklift seasonally, you may forget that it still needs to be checked. Scheduling your maintenance is the best way to keep your units working in their best condition while ensuring that you don’t overspend. • Tip: Plan your maintenance during the off-season so they are good to go when downtime is over. Let our experts walk you through the maintenance your forklifts need, and call us at 6305 6600 to get a FREE quote and inspection on your forklifts! Looking for more ways to improve forklift operations? Here are 4 useful tips (it’s easier than you think!)

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.