Happy Holidays from Shoppa's Mid America!

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Temporary Tax Cut - IRS Section 179 Deduction & Bonus Depreciation Ends December 31st

If you are considering the purchase or lease of equipment, now is the time to act. You may be able to lock in accelerated deductions by buying qualifying new and used equipment. We recommend that you review this information with your tax and financial advisors to determine your actual savings.

ACT NOW IRS SECTION 179 DEDUCTION & BONUS DEPRECIATION ENDS DECEMBER 31ST!

2012 Deduction Limit
Section 179 Deduction limit after adjustment for inflation has increased to $139,000.

2012 Limit on Capital Purchases
Section 179 Threshold for total of equipment has increased to $560,000.

2012 Bonus Depreciation
The law allows 50% "Bonus Depreciation" on an unlimited amount of qualified assets. Applies to new equipment only.

Hurry these incentives end December 31st. Request a quote from Shoppa's Mid America today. We have a HUGE IN-STOCK INVENTORY of forklifts, reach trucks, pallet jacks, scissor lifts, industrial floor cleaning equipment, and more! Visit our website for more information.

Toyota Launches New Interactive Fuel Efficiency App

Smartphone, iPhone and Tablet-Enables App Helps Users Analyze Fuel Savings and Productivity on the Go

Toyota, the supplier for the No. 1 selling lift truck in North America, launched its Toyota Forklift Fuel Efficiency Calculator application (app) to help users estimate fuel efficiency savings and performance for their forklift fleet. The interactive Forklift Fuel Efficiency Calculator is available on iPhones, smartphones, iPads and Android tablets.

“Mobile phones and tablets are an extension of the workplace. This app makes perfect sense to provide businesses with instant access to their potential forklift fleet fuel savings, productivity and efficiency gains,” said Trent Turner, Sales Manager at Shoppa’s Mid America.

The free downloadable app provides users with the ability to enter their detailed material handling specification. The calculator measures a number of user-specific variables including fuel efficiency, run times per cycle and speed advantage per cycle.

The app then breaks out the detailed fuel efficiency user specs into the following data options:

·         Fuel gallons per hour per unit

·         Run time improvement per LPG tank

·         Speed advantage per cycle

·         Average time per cycle

Download the Toyota Forklift Fuel Efficiency Calculator App:      iPhone     Android     Online Version

If you would like more information on the Toyota product line, contact Shoppa’s Mid America today!

Keep Out the Cold This Winter

As temperatures drop, your dock doors need special maintenance to get them ready for the upcoming winter season. Shoppa's Mid America can winterize your loading dock with our preventative maintenance tune-ups!

14 POINT DOCK DOOR PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE TUNE-UP

• Check operation of dock door
• Inspect and lubricate springs
• Adjust springs (if necessary)
• Inspect shaft/tighten coupler
• Lubricate shaft bearings
• Inspect cable drums
• Inspect cables
• Inspect and lubricate rollers
• Inspect and lubricate hinges
• Inspect and lubricate brackets
• Inspect track mounting brackets or welds
• Inspect and clean track
• Inspect and lubricate chain hoist and sprocket
• Inspect lock for proper seal

Only $65.00* each, an additional $25.00 for doors over 12x12

5 POINT DOCK LEVELER PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE TUNE-UP

• Clean out pit
• Lubricate all moving parts
• Inspect all chains and cables
• Inspect brush seal
• Inspect all warning lights, horns, etc. (if necessary)

Only $65.00 each

Contact Shoppa's Mid America today to learn more about protecting your dock doors from the harsh winter cold, or SCHEDULE YOUR WINTERIZATION SERVICE now!

Planned Maintenance Can Save Your Company More than Money

Being on a PM Program Offers Reliability and Efficiency for Your Fleet

Many people do not know the proper definition of Planned Maintenance. Planned Maintenance (PM) is often misunderstood and thought of as just a regular oil change or grease job. But in fact, it is the most vital service available to lift truck users.

Planned Maintenance programs are well worth your investment for your forklifts. A proper PM program provides many benefits including:

·         Aiding in the protection of equipment life

·         Providing safety, operational and visual inspections

·         Increasing uptime and productivity

·         Reduces “emergency” downtime

·         Increases trade-in value

A proper Planned Maintenance program can save thousands of dollars in maintenance costs over the life of a forklift. Factor in the added cost of lost productivity, calling for service, and the scramble to get the job done during downtime, and your operating costs can go through the roof.

At Shoppa’s Mid America, we pride ourselves not only on offering the best equipment available, but also giving you the best possible aftermarket service available. We have developed individual maintenance programs to make it easier than ever to maintain your equipment.

The Shoppa’s PM commitment includes quick scheduling, proper customer notification, extensive and carefully performed work by a service professional, neat and understandable paperwork, a thorough verbal explanation by the mechanic, and clean-up after the job. A written quotation of any recommended work will be presented by a customer service representative. When authorized, the additional repairs will be completed in a prompt professional manner.

“In today’s economy, companies need to operate more cost effectively by actively controlling costs,” says Scott Witt, Corporate Aftermarket Manager at Shoppa’s. “One way is to have a Planned Maintenance program on your forklift equipment. It also provides excellent record keeping and budget information on operating costs.”

Scott adds, “At Shoppa’s, we stress the many benefits of our PM program to meet your company’s needs. Our PM programs are based on action, not reaction. We strive to find minor mechanical failures before they become major mechanical problems. Our goal is to reduce your overall cost per hour to operate your forklift equipment.”

Visit our service page to learn more about how our PM programs can benefit your company, or contact a Shoppa’s Mid America customer service representative today!

How "Clean" is Your Green Floor Cleaning?

“It is imperative that the focus be on ‘cleaning green,’ that is cleaning first, cleaning for health and hygiene, as well as cleaning in an environmentally preferable manner."

 

- Cleaning Industry Research Institute (CIRI)

 

For a green cleaning solution to be truly effective, the solution must successfully satisfy both parts of this phrase: the solution must be environmentally friendly while delivering the standard of cleaning required for your application. Ideally, green cleaning will minimize environmental and human-health impacts, while maintaining or even improving cleaning effectiveness. A recent position statement published by the Cleaning Industry Research Institute (CIRI) elaborated on this: “It is imperative that the focus be on ‘cleaning green,’ that is cleaning first, cleaning for health and hygiene, as well as cleaning in an environmentally preferable manner.”

While green cleaning typically involves practices aimed at reducing chemical, water and energy use, it also means finding new ways to clean quickly and easily—saving time and money. Adding sustainability goals to green cleaning results in a program that is also designed to help maintain the life of the building so that floor surfaces (and many other components) have the longest possible useful lives—which, in turn, minimizes resource consumption and waste stream contributions.

As the industry's floor cleaning equipment expert, Advance is right where you'd expect it to be...at the forefront of green cleaning innovation and technology. Both Shoppa's Mid America and Advance support the growing movement to reduce the environmental impact of cleaning and improve the quality of life. That's why it is providing you with the information and floor cleaning equipment you need to clean green.

 

Click here to download the "How 'Green' is Your Floor-Cleaning?" white paper from Advance

 

Shoppa's Mid America is proud to offer the complete line of Advance Industrial Floor Cleaning Equipment! Visit our website for more details!



Toyota Heart of the Line 8-Series Internal Combustion Trucks Still Industry Sweetheart

There are a variety of reasons why Toyota remains number one in lift truck sales year after year. The company is committed to innovation in everything it does—and to excellence in the design and engineering process. The result is a broad range of superior lift trucks that deliver the highest levels of performance and operator safety and productivity. Rugged, durable and reliable, Toyota continues to set the standard for the industry.

The 8-Series internal combustion cushion or pneumatic tire truck features major enhancements that improve every aspect of lift truck operation. The exclusive System of Active Stability™ (SAS), electronically monitors and controls the lift truck’s operations to help reduce the risk of tip overs. In addition, innovative ergonomic design substantially improves operator comfort, performance and productivity. Both cushion and pneumatic tire versions are available in 3,000 lbs to 6,500 lbs lifting capacity, as well as gas, LPG or CNG fuel options.

8-Series IC Cushion
The 8-Series IC cushion includes the industry’s first 4-way suspension seat, easy-to-use controls, and low noise and vibration levels enhance operator comfort. The thru-mast visibility reduces fatigue while it improves safety and productivity.

Learn more about the 8-Series IC cushion tire lift truck.

8-Series IC Pneumatic
A host of innovations make the 8-Series pneumatic tire truck one of the most durable—and ergonomically engineered—lift trucks ever. Distinctive styling emphasizes operator visibility, efficiency and comfort to boost productivity. Operators will also appreciate the extra legroom and improved visibility.

Learn more about the 8-Series IC pneumatic tire lift truck.

For more information on the No. 1 selling lift truck in North America since 2002, contact Shoppa’s Mid America today!

Shoppa's Fall Garage Sale 2012

Shoppa's Fall Garage Sale - Friday, October 26th, 2012 - 6:00 AM-4:00 PM

Breakfast will be served at 6:00 AM and lunch will be served at 11:30 AM. Stop by for donuts, hot dogs, and amazing deals! Product demos will be conducted throughout the day. Available products include:

• Pre-Owned Lift Trucks
• Electric Pallet Trucks
• Manual Pallet Jacks
• Industrial Fans
• Fork Extensions
• Straps
• Electronic Forklift Scales
• Floor Cleaning Equipment
• And More!

Don't forget your COUPON for 10% off any Allied Product! We hope to see you there!

 

What You Should Know Before Buying Forklift Parts

Just as you will have to replace filters and tires on your personal vehicle, your company will have to invest in forklift replacement parts. The parts placed on your lift will play a factor in keeping production on schedule and your employees safe.

What should you consider?

Know the make and model of your lift
This basic information will ensure you get the right lift part the first time. It also prevents the wrong forklift part from being installed, which can lead to a lift failure or an accident.

Put quality before cost
While it is good to know your budget, do not buy the cheapest part without considering the overall cost to your bottom line. If the cheaper part wears out quicker and must be replaced more often, you haven’t saved money. Plus your forklift has experienced more downtime. Lost production of associates and trucks waiting on the line is often far more expensive than the cost of repairing the forklift.

Ask about alternate forklift parts
When working with a forklift dealer, a Parts Specialist’s knowledge is invaluable. Ask if another forklift part is an option. You may find another quality part that is more cost effective or a rebuilt part may be available. The Parts Specialist may also be able to advise if replacing other parts would be beneficial to the operation of the lift (i.e. water pump, gasket, fan belts, thermostat, etc).

Know the delivery schedule
If your forklift isn’t operating, having the part becomes an immediate need. During your search, ask the source if the forklift part is in stock and can be shipped right away or picked up. If the part must be ordered, confirm the arrival date is acceptable to your production schedule.

Be aware of the warranty
Is the forklift part covered under warranty and if so, how long? Although most reputable manufacturers strive for 100% quality, a warranty offers security in the event a part quickly breaks.

Inquire about extra service
When working with a forklift dealer, many offer the service of installing the part. If your company doesn’t have an in-house technician, having an expert put on the forklift part offers additional security. In some cases, the labor to install the part is also under warranty.

Learn more about forklift parts at Shoppa's Mid America by visiting our website. Need to place a parts order? Click here.

To Rent or to Buy: That is the Question

Purchasing lift equipment is an important decision, particularly when production at your company begins to gradually increase or a short-term project is undertaken. But when should you invest in a piece of equipment by purchasing it and when should you simply rent a piece of equipment to meet your needs? Use the following questions to determine if you should rent or buy.

Has the increase of business been caused by a particular event?
Almost every company has been touched by the economy and experienced a decrease in operation, so it is exciting to have an increase of business. However, it is important to research the reason for this increase and understand why it is happening. If you can’t determine with certainty that the increase is permanent, renting lift equipment is the better option. Renting lifts allows a short-term commitment, obligating your company to only a monthly, weekly or daily expense. Use a rental to maintain peak levels of productivity to ensure that your customer orders are met.

What is the length of the short-term project?
Short-term projects may be internal or brought on by a customer request. It is important to determine the length of the project and obstacles that can lengthen or shorten it. If your project is planned to be 6 months or longer, you may find it more beneficial to purchase a lift. Dollars used for the monthly rental can be invested into a purchase of a new or pre-owned lift.

Do you need a specialty lift?
While some companies have a need for a mixed fleet, your equipment may be standard for your operation. If a specialty lift is needed for a project, rental allows flexibility to have access to equipment you would not normally purchase. Only consider a lift purchase if the equipment can be used with long-term, daily operations.

Did your company budget for a lift purchase?
Most of us are being cautious about budgeting and setting aside dollars only for immediate needs. If business has been unpredictable, more than likely your company did not set aside budget dollars for a purchase. Keeping rental as your option decreases the risk of not having the cash flow you need for other projects or emergencies.

Are you concerned the need for equipment will become long-term?
If the increase to your business appears to be stable and long-term, paying for a rental may seem like a waste of money. In this case, select a Rental Purchase Option (RPO) for a new or pre-owned lift. The RPO allows you to put a portion of your monthly rental payment toward the purchase of the selected lift, but doesn’t commit you to the acquisition.

Learn more about how Shoppa’s Mid America can help you with your rental and new and pre-owned equipment purchase needs.

7 Steps to Effective Forklift Training

At any distribution center, lift trucks are essential to operation. However, they are only as safe and productive as their operators. So how can you ensure your drivers are competent to safely operate a forklift? What sort of training should you provide?

Any training program has to meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements. OSHA’s regulations what topics must be covered by a driver training program and how instruction should be provided. Topics covered during training usually consist of a bend of “how-to” operating basics and safety information tailored to the specific site.

Training is available from a variety of sources, including packaged training programs, training from dealers, third-party consultants, and in-house instructional programs. Employers interested in hiring an outside party to provide its training must remember that they are ultimately responsible for ensuring drivers receive proper training. Customer Service Representative and Operator Trainer Specialist, Dave Medley of Shoppa’s Mid America says there are a number of steps companies can take to assure they are offering a sound program. Here are a few pointers:

1. Check the credentials. Before bringing in an outside firm, make sure the trainer is qualified, both by experience and on paper. Medley urges customers to check trainers’ credentials to ensure that they are certified. Most major lift truck manufacturers and a number of third-party training organizations offer to certify trainers who complete their programs. Be wary of a training company that offers a one-size-fits-all training program, Medley warns. Since OSHA regulations require training to be both specific to the vehicle and the application, it is unlikely any one-size-fits-all program would meet OSHA requirements, he says.
2. Start with a site visit. Medley emphasizes that the first step for any trainer developing a program for a specific client is a site visit. Because conditions can vary from one operation to the next, it is important for the trainer to visit with the customer to get an idea of the challenges he or she faces. Site visits also offer an opportunity for the trainer to gather information on the composition of the fleet, what shifts it operates, and the qualifications of operators already working in the facility so it can design a program that addresses the customer’s specific needs. “Shoppa’s offers a variety of training programs including on-site training, train the trainer programs, video training, operator permits, and e-learning courses to fit the varying needs of our customers.”
3. Ensure the program is thorough. Lift truck operator training is about more than just starting, driving, steering, and manipulating forks. An effective program should also cover “off the truck” activities like pre-shift inspections and safe battery handling. For example, Shoppa’s Mid America promotes its “Train the Trainer” program that consists of one-on-one instruction and includes such topics as lift truck fundamentals, balance, stability and capacity, pre-operation inspections, safety guidelines, load handling, proper fueling, and battery charging, as well as an overview of OSHA regulations.
4. Provide time for classroom instruction. Classroom instruction can vary from a few hours to a full day, depending on the specific requirements of an operation, the size of the class, and the experience of the operators. Classes typically contain both new operators and experienced drivers taking instruction for the mandated recertification. Shoppa’s Mid America provides a monthly training session open to new and experienced operators alike, and provides instructional material in a variety of formats including videos, PowerPoint presentations, lectures, printed materials, and e-learning courses.
5. Provide the time, space, and vehicles for hands-on training. Although the basics can be covered in the classroom, there are some things that can only be learned on the equipment, such as safe load handling and maneuvering. “Give trainees the opportunity to observe an experienced person, then some time to operate on their own,” Medley says. While hands-on training can be conducted off-site or after hours, many companies end up doing it in a relatively quiet portion of an active distribution center. As for the equipment used in the training, Medley emphasizes that it is not enough to simply train drivers to operate a specific class of vehicle. Because variations in design from one make of vehicle to the next, it is important that they receive training on the specific brand of truck they will be operating. And it is not just the make and type of truck that matters; the model matters too. Even within brands, new or upgraded models of existing trucks may require some vehicle-specific training.
6. Evaluate and certify. “You need to have some kind of evaluation of the operator’s skill,” Medley says. That requires an evaluator who is not shy about stating that a would-be lift truck operator is not up to the job. It is important to note that while professional trainers will offer all of the components of a program, including a formal evaluation, the actual certification is up to the employer.
7. Train pedestrians, too. Lift truck operators are not the only workers at risk in a busy distribution center. People working around these vehicles face hazards as well. To reduce the risk of accidents and pedestrian injuries, some programs, like the one offered at Shoppa’s Mid America, include specific safety training for dockworkers and others who work around lift trucks but do not operate them.

Shoppa's Mid America is proud to help you with all of your forklift and safety training needs. For more information, visit our Training page on our website.

Shoppa's Mid America Launces New Blog!

Shoppa's Mid America is proud to launch its new blog! Please check back often for the latest news, tips, and event in the forklift and material handling industries!