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West
Advantage Outfitters, LLC
255 West Street South
Hackensack
NJ 07606
East
Advantage Outfitters, LLC
Long Island | 107 E. Hawthorne Ave.
Valley Stream, NY 11580
A practical forklift service van setup is crucial for a productive mobile workspace. When your van is upfitted, it ensures efficiency, employee safety, and quality customer service. Here are five ways to start upfitting your forklift service van.
1. Put Shelving Units In
Putting shelving units in your forklift service van maximizes cargo space. Ranger Design shelving systems offer modular flexibility, meaning they’re easily customizable depending on the size and model of your van. Even if something happens with your work vehicle and you have to replace it with a new one, the shelves are easily transferable and can last up to two or three vehicle lifespans.
For forklift service vans, the Pro Series (All-Aluminum) and the Fold-Away Series are highly recommended. The Pro Series is minimal weight, with unmatched durability and professional appearance. The Fold-Away Series helps maximize interior space; its gas shock lock shelves allow you to put them in the up or down position, giving you extra storage on the van walls or additional cargo space for those taller items that sit on the van floor.
Our Ranger Design shelving options work in the following vehicles:
- Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana
- Mercedes Metris
- Mercedes Sprinter (Aluminum Package)
- Mercedes Sprinter (Steel Package)
- RAM ProMaster
- RAM ProMaster City
- Ford Transit
2. Insert Parts Storage Cabinets
Parts storage cabinets keep all your equipment handy and accessible inside and outside the van. These heavy duty parts storage cabinets are modular and expandable for any piece of equipment; they come as convenient carrying cases so your workers can customize their case based on the project and bring the best parts for the job.
Parts storage cabinets are an efficient and productive way to organize and store small components and universally fit in any van; they can be mounted under shelves, inset into shelving, or stack as stand-alone units.
3. Apply Van Flooring
Van flooring is a good starting point for any efficient van upfit. When you get your van from the manufacturer, they generally come with a sheet metal floor or thin vinyl mat; these surfaces are not comfortable to walk on and can be hazardous if your shoes are wet or oily.
When it comes to a sufficient machinery service van setup, Aluminum Diamondplate and Stabligrip are the most suggested van floor coverings. Aluminum Diamondplate is thick yet lightweight and durable; it has superior impact sustainability and is puncture resistant, so it retains its appearance for an extended period. On the other hand, Stabligrip flooring is anti-slip and maximizes worker safety and efficiency. It can also endure all temperatures without buckling.
4. Install Liftgates or Ramps
Liftgates and cargo van ramps make work easier and minimizes physical strain on your employees. When you transport materials to and from the jobsite, assistance is often needed to move bulky items in and out of the service van. Liftgates and ramps reduce the effort needed for these tasks and prevent potentially costly and lasting injuries.
If you frequently move lightweight loads and wheeled equipment in and out of the van, a foldable ramp is your best solution. For heavier items such as pallets and machinery, a liftgate is the perfect tool for the job.
5. Introduce Interior Lighting
Introducing interior lighting in your van’s cargo space allows you to see what you’re doing after the sun goes down or before it comes up. It saves you and your workers’ frustration from hunting for a flashlight when you need to open the back doors; it saves time and allows you to do your job as efficiently as possible. In addition, interior lighting reduces the risk of injury because your workers are able to see where they’re walking to avoid tripping hazards.
Surface-Mount Interior Lighting and Recessed-Mount Interior Lighting are the recommended interior lighting options for commercial vans. These lighting fixtures do not eliminate any cargo headroom, and they have a 50,000 hour lifespan.
Take Advantage of Your Forklift Mechanic Van Setup
A proper forklift mechanic van setup allows you and your workers to complete projects efficiently and safely. At Advantage Outfitters, we know your time is valuable, which is why we’re here to help you upfit your on-the-go workspace.
We upfit over 6,000 vans per year, and we’ve noticed many common mistakes business owners make when it comes to upfitting their commercial vehicles. When upfitting your vehicle, it’s crucial to:
Know Your Vehicle
Not all vans are built the same, so it’s vital to understand your vehicle’s model along with its strengths. Before upfitting, it’s essential to consider the van’s size as well as its capabilities, such as weight capacity and balance. Implementing heavy equipment in the cargo may uneven the vehicle, which could cause significant maintenance damage down the road.
Listen to Your Employees
Commercial van upfits intend to satisfy the needs of your team. When upfitting your vehicle, listen to your employees to get their input on what they believe would be the most beneficial to implement in the van. All and all, your service crew will be utilizing the van most, so it’s important to keep their productivity and safety in mind.
Welcome Additional Help
Upfitting work vehicles is new territory to a lot of businesses. Look to the professionals at Advantage Outfitters to steer you in the right direction. Our goal for you is to make sure you get the best service vehicle you need without overspending or purchasing equipment that you’ll never use.
Contact our upfitting professionals today to get started on your commercial vehicle upfit!
