News - Harris Stolper

Harris-Stolper achieves key milestone with UL 558 certification

September 6, 2023By rmacdonald@harris-stolper.comBusiness Related

Harris-Stolper achieves key milestone with UL 558 certification (enclosed cabs for IC forklifts)

September 6^th, 2023, 09:12 AM Eastern Daylight Time

TORONTO, Canada – Harris-Stolper International Inc. (“Harris Cabs”), a leading innovator in the material handling world of operator cabs, announced today the launch of its new UL Certified operator cabs, further solidifying its commitment to delivering the highest standard of safety, performance, and reliability to its valued customers. UL Solutions, a global leader in applied safety science, completed multiple system-level tests on electrical accessories used in the enclosed cabin assemblies. This certification to UL 558, the Standard for Industrial Trucks, Internal Combustion Engine-Powered, includes full cab and panel cab designs for H0158UL IC series trucks rated for 12V DC and 24V DC applications.

The certification is a key milestone for Harris, as this now opens the doors for significantly more enclosed operator cab choices, in addition to the existing 143+ active cab models available. The certification by UL Solutions is a testament to Harris Cabs’ dedication to excellence and underscores its continuous efforts to provide cutting-edge solutions that meet and exceed industry benchmarks.

“We are incredibly proud to introduce our UL Certified product line to the market. This achievement is a direct result of our team’s relentless pursuit of excellence and steadfast commitment to the safety, comfort, and satisfaction of our customers, OEM partners, and dealers alike. With the UL certification, our partners can have the utmost confidence in the enhanced performance and safety of our products. This further demonstrates our commitment to safety and that our products will continue to evolve without compromising quality or reliability” said Amit N Jain, President of Harris-Stolper.

Following this achievement, Harris-Stolper will continue to pursue additional certifications from UL Solutions, including certification to UL 583, the Standard for Electric-Battery-Powered Industrial Trucks.

About Harris-Stolper

Behind the Harris Cabs brand, there’s a tremendous group of people. Arguably the hardest working team in the industry. Certainly, the most dedicated. Passionate about what they do, they bring their A-game to work. Every. Single. Day. Harris-Stolper plays an integral role in the material handling world, manufacturing operator cab enclosures, and trusted by thousands of professionals. They help forklift manufacturers and dealers maximize operator productivity. How? By keeping end users safe and comfortable, so they can extract more value from their material handling equipment.

Harris-Stolper’s Guiding Principles: Powering Success as a Unified Team

July 3, 2023By Harris-Stolper International Inc.Business Related

In today’s competitive world, I believe, it’s essential for businesses to embrace a set of guiding principles that define their culture, values, and actions. These principles attempt to serve as a compass, guide decision-making, and foster a unified customer-centric approach. The five guiding principles that Team Harris Stolper goes about customer experience are – Start with the customer, Embrace a sense of urgency, Act with intent, Challenge the status quo, and Win as one team. We believe these principles form the foundation for achieving success and sustaining growth within our organization.

Start with the Customer: Customers are the heartbeat of our business. By aligning the customer at the forefront of every decision, Harris-Stolper ensures that our products, services, and experiences align with each customer’s unique needs and expectations. This involves actively listening to customers, gathering feedback, and leveraging data to understand the customer’s pain points and desires. By empathizing with customers and consistently striving to exceed their expectations, we hope to build long-term relationships, loyalty, and advocacy.

Sense of Urgency: In a rapidly evolving business landscape, organizations must cultivate a sense of urgency. This principle emphasizes the need to move swiftly, adapt to change, and seize opportunities. It encourages Harris-Stolper’s team members to prioritize tasks efficiently, eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy, and overcome obstacles to achieve desired outcomes. A sense of urgency fosters innovation, responsiveness, and agility, enabling businesses to stay ahead of the competition and capitalize on emerging trends.

Act with Intent: Simply put, aligning actions and decisions with a clear purpose and desired outcome. It involves thoughtful planning, prioritization, and execution. This principle encourages Harris-Stolper’s team members to be intentional with work, considering the broader impact of their actions and ensuring that their efforts contribute to the overall organizational goals. By acting with intent, individuals and teams can focus their energy on high-impact initiatives and drive meaningful results.

Challenging the Status-quo: For continuous improvement and innovation, Harris-Stolper aims to foster a culture of curiosity and critical thinking. This principle encourages every team member to question existing processes, assumptions, and norms. By challenging the status quo, we collectively attempt to identify inefficiencies, explore new possibilities, and drive positive change. Questioning everything promotes a growth mindset, encourages learning, and ensures that decisions are based on informed insights rather than assumptions.

Win as One Team: Success in any organization is a collective effort. Harris-Stolper emphasizes the importance of collaboration, communication, and mutual support. By fostering a culture of inclusivity and teamwork, we leverage the diverse skills, perspectives, and experiences of our team members. Working together towards a shared vision enables teams to overcome challenges, innovate, and deliver exceptional results. When individuals unite and celebrate each other’s successes, the entire organization thrives.

By embracing these guiding principles, Harris-Stolper intends to establish a strong foundation for success. These principles foster a customer-centric mindset, drive efficiency and agility, and encourage innovation and collaboration. As we continue to navigate the ever-changing business landscape, these guiding principles help us stay focused, adapt quickly, and achieve sustainable growth. Team Harris Stolper is committed to living these principles every day and building a brighter future for our team and the customers we serve.

FAQ

July 19, 2022By rmacdonald@harris-stolper.comCab Basics

Got a question? We compiled a list of the most common questions we get:

What’s the difference between a cab and a Raingard®?

Cab

An enclosed cab is professionally engineered to protect from weather and environmental conditions. It is available in Full, Paneled, or Envelope variants depending on the Brand and Make of the truck.

Raingard^®

The Raingard^®, a budget friendly alternative to a cab, comprises of sturdy panels with optional vinyl curtain for the sides. These assembled steel panels clamp onto a forklift’s existing overhead guard, with no drilling or welding required.

Keep in mind though that a Raingard® solution is not a sealed cabin. For extensive outdoor use or extreme natural conditions, an enclosed steel cab may be a better option.

How do I know what I need?

For more information about figuring out what you need, check out How to choose the right forklift cab enclosure.

What do I need to order replacement Parts?

First step is to determine if you have a cab or a Raingard® installed.

To identify, cabs have steel doors, while the Raingard® will have vinyl curtains or nothing at all. Additionally, a Raingard® also has a Yellow Sticker on the side of the roof panel.

When identified, take a note of the cab serial number/Raingard® model number, including the truck model number.

Email us at parts@harris-stolper.com or connect with us at 905-792-3030 x 2 for Parts.

Where can I find the serial number of the cab?

The serial number of the cab is a 5-digit number that’s found inside the cab. It’s a metal plate welded onto the left-hand rear corner post, or above the left-hand door (near the roof). It’s also painted the same color as the cab.

Where can I find the Raingard® model number?

The Raingard® model number is located on the rear right-hand side of the roof panel. It’s a 4-digit number etched onto the panel, (see picture below). To order parts, we’ll need the information about your truck along with the model number of the Raingard®.

Serial Number for a Forklift Cab — 4-digit Raingard® model number etched on the rear right side of the roof panel

I can’t find the serial number on the cab. What now?

Please contact us with the lift truck information (make, model, and overhead guard height). We’ll do our best to identify the cab model and help you with the parts you need.

How do I find the part I’m looking for?

There are several ways to assist you.

Visit the Parts page of our website and filter by product category. Most of the standard inventory parts are stocked to ship in 24-48 hours (subject to availability).
Email us at parts@harris-stolper.com
Connect with us at 905-792-3030 X 2 for Parts (U.S. toll free: 1-800-387-2494). Please have your cab serial number or Raingard® model number handy and we can help you find the right part.

I need to order a cab or Raingard® for my truck. Where do I start?

We engineer our products to fit your truck. Perfectly. Since every forklift truck is different, so is the design of our cab or Raingard®. Not every customer wants the same accessories or modifications, so we quote each cab and Raingard® individually.

To start the process, we’ll need the make, model number, and overhead guard height of your truck. Upon receipt of your PO we will schedule your order for production and send you an order confirmation.

I need a quote for a part. Who do I contact?

To get a quote for a part, please email us at parts@harris-stolper.com, or call us at 905-792-3030 x 2 for Parts (U.S. toll free: 1-800-387-2494).

I need a quote for a cab. Who do I contact?

To get a quote for a cab, please email us at info@harris-stolper.com or call us at 905-792-3030 x 1 for Cabs (U.S. toll free: 1-800-387-2494).

Where can I buy replacement glass for my cab?

We offer after sales support for all of our cabs. To get a glass quote, please email parts@harris-stolper.com with your cab serial number and truck model number, or call us at 905-792-3030 x 2 Parts.

How to find a cab that will fit my forklift?

To find a corresponding Harris cab model for your truck, have your truck information handy (make, model, and overhead guard height).

Our Lift Truck Cabs webpage has an extensive list of designs you can browse, or you can email us at info@harris-stolper.com or call us at 905-792-3030 x 1 for Cabs. We’ll help you determine if there’s a compatible cab design for your
truck.

Didn’t find what you were looking for? Feel free to Contact Us, we’re more than happy to help you!

3 Booming Industry Segments Forklift Sales Reps Shouldn’t Ignore

December 29, 2021By Harris-Stolper International Inc.Business Related

The enduring effects of the pandemic have been “challenging”, to say the least.

Shipping container rates have jumped nearly tenfold.

Labor shortages continue, with 49% of U.S. small business owners stating they have job openings they can’t fill

Domestic shipping costs, via road and rail in North America, increased 43% from July 2020 to July 2021.

Delivery delays. Skyrocketing costs. Inflation.

Few industries have been left unscathed by the global supply chain chaos.

But…

If you look hard enough, there are some gems hiding in plain sight.

Here are three key industry segments you should pay attention to if you sell material handling equipment for a living:

Food Processing & Cold Storage

U.S. retail food sales exceeded $876 billion dollars in 2020.

It’s an industry segment that has been growing EVERY single year since 2009.

(And many claim the 2009 anomaly was just a result of the Great Recession. There were also 11 years of consistent growth from 1997 to 2008).

What makes this growth path so reliable?

The U.S. population is growing by 1.6 million people per year.

Human beings need to eat.

Large volumes of food get produced and packed onto pallets for road and rail transport across North America every single day.

And these same skids then require handling to move through the supply chain, making their way from food manufacturers to a retail outlet like your local grocery store.

In fact, many people don’t know that 70% of the food we consume passes through the ‘cold chain’.

These are additional temperature-controlled warehouses, containers, and trucks that can require special material handling equipment to accommodate cold temperatures in order to prevent food spoilage.

Until people stop eating, this industry segment shows no signs of slowing down.

Lumber & Building Materials

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, an estimated 811,000 new homes were sold in 2020.

19% more than 2019’s 683,000 new homes.

When you consider Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, it’s simple really. Food and Shelter are two of our most basic needs.

There’s still incredible demand for housing in many North American markets right now.

Lumber mills, retail lumber yards, and landscape wholesale distributors all require handling equipment to move material in and around their facilities.

“Are you kidding? Real estate is ridiculously overpriced right now, I’m staying put in my current residence,” you exclaim.

Good catch. You’re not the only one.

Home improvement spending also reached record levels due in large part to COVID and continuing social distancing measures.

For some, that might mean a new deck in the backyard. A kitchen reno. Or maybe finishing the basement.

All told, the Home Improvement Research Institute believes the best is yet to come for this $440 billion industry.

Pulp & Paper Manufacturing

According to Digital Commerce 360, it’s estimated that overall U.S. eCommerce sales grew to $839 billion in 2020.

That’s 40% higher than 2019’s figure of $598 billion and a LOT of corresponding cardboard boxes.

When the pandemic hit and people shifted their buying habits online, it required more packaging to safely deliver products to homes across North America.

Yes, those numbers dipped in 2021 as people resumed shopping in-person in some areas. But the web’s share of spending is still higher than it was pre-pandemic (and continues to grow).

And who can forget the Great Toilet Paper Drought? Consumer demand for toilet paper spiked 845% when COVID first hit back in 2020.

It has since stabilized, but the U.S. still produces 7 billion pounds of toilet paper per year.

Facilities like paper mills and the various warehouses these products move through require material handling attachments, and an assortment of material handling equipment in order to optimize workflows.

Conclusion

In the end, it doesn’t take much for working conditions in certain environments to get uncomfortable.

Below-zero temperatures. Extreme heat. Or just plain dirty working conditions can impede operator safety.

An enclosed operator cab minimizes these distractions, keeping operators comfortable and productive while doing this sort of work. If you need help navigating options, or with a particular application, we would love to assist you.

The 5 Most Common Forklift Cab Replacement Parts

December 8, 2021By Harris-Stolper International Inc.Technical

Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever.

Forklifts are no exception.

They’re machines built to work. And because they’re mechanical, it’s a matter of WHEN, not IF, parts break down.

Amid the many components of a truck, you may have an enclosed operator cab.

Some argue it’s not the most important part of a truck. But, it’s where your operator spends most of his/her time.

And if a replacement part is too difficult to acquire, it soon becomes a major headache that can affect operator morale and productivity.

After more than 50 years of designing and building nothing but operator cabs, here are the top five replacement parts we get asked about most often:

1-Pneumatic Cylinders

Also commonly known as Gas springs. Gas shocks. Door shocks. Shlack shlocks.

Ok, we made that last one up.

Nobody calls them that.

Not even Dr. Seuss.

What do pneumatic cylinders do? Much like how they’re used for heavy objects on your automobile (your hood, your trunk/hatchback), they provide output force and motion damping to safely open and close it.

In simple terms, they prevent the cab door from slamming on your arms or legs when getting in and out.

Under normal operating conditions, cylinders should last for years of service. Eventually though, usually between 2-7 years, they lose pressure.

Predicting how long they’ll last isn’t an exact science. It depends on the number of cycles (opens/closes), temperature, vibration, and other factors.

Otherwise, pneumatic cylinders need virtually no maintenance. They’re a long-lasting alternative to coil or leaf springs, and are most often found on forklift cabs in 30lb, 60lb, or 90lb options.

EXPERT TIP – keep your piston rods clean, and don’t open/cut/bend the cylinders. They’re under extremely high pressure. They last longest when used in operating temperatures between –35 degrees Celsius and 80 degrees Celsius.

2-Wiper Blades

This one shouldn’t come as a surprise.

It’s recommended that you change your automotive wiper blades every 6 to 12 months.

Why would you expect your forklift wiper blades to last any longer?

Wiper blades are made of rubber, which is degradable, and that means its effectiveness will wane over time (even in optimal conditions).

Considering forklifts are often used in dirty environments, they attract more muck to wipe off the windshield. More muck means more abrasion on the blades, which means faster wear and tear.

And, forklifts are shared equipment. They tend to have many operators (who don’t always share the same sense of ownership in properly maintaining company equipment). After all, it’s not their personal property.

Depending on your cab design, wiper blade lengths can vary from 14” to 24”, and can be flat or curved.

EXPERT TIP – Clean your wiper blades regularly, wiping them down with warm soapy water. Removing excess grime helps reduce streaking and annoying squeaking noises.

3-Wiper Motors

Related to the wiper blade is its cousin, the wiper motor.

Not a Clark Griswold “Cousin Eddie” type. Someone a little more competent.

The wiper motor and wiper blade complement each other. They work in tandem, considering one can’t do much without the other.

Wiper motors are intended to last for years, and with proper care they do.

But heat and moisture exposure take a toll, and your forklift wiper motor will eventually need replacing.

Again, depending on your truck model, wiper motors are typically available as 1-speed or 2-speed options, and 12V/24V/40V to match the engine.

EXPERT TIP – Don’t operate your wipers dry. The added friction puts significantly more stress on the motor, reducing its lifespan.

4-Door Straps

Maybe you weren’t expecting this one.

Maybe you don’t know what it is.

Maybe you were preoccupied with your shlack shlocks?

Ok, stop it.

The door strap is a limiting device that, you guessed it, prevents the door from opening too wide.

When the door opens too wide, it can damage things (or get damaged in the process). If the door gets damaged, it may impair the seal. If the door doesn’t seal properly, your operator gets cold and distracted.

That’s when bad stuff starts happening.

These fabric straps are most common in 8” and 12” lengths, again depending on your cab design.

EXPERT TIP – Make sure your door strap engages the door BEFORE the pneumatic cylinder does. It will extend the life of your pneumatic cylinder (and a door strap replacement is one-third the cost of a pneumatic cylinder).

5-LH Door Handle

Unlike an automobile, you can climb into the driver seat of a forklift from the left side or the right side.

In North America, the overwhelming majority of people prefer the left side.

As a result, the left-hand door of the cab gets far more use. And abuse. And needs replacing sooner.

Sometimes it’s the outside handle. Sometimes it’s the inner rotary latch. Or the striker bolt. There are many moving pieces.

Paddle handles are a common feature if the cab design accommodates them because they sit flush against the door. If the handles extend beyond the width of your truck, it can become a nuisance (particularly in confined spaces).

EXPERT TIP – Ensure your door handles come equipped with a lock and key. Some forklift-related workplace accidents can be prevented just by restricting access to your equipment.

Bottom line, your forklift cab will require replacement parts over its lifetime. Regardless of who built it, or where you bought it.

Some parts take longer to source, but many should have the common parts readily available on hand.

Be sure to do your due diligence, and seek out a reliable forklift cab supplier. Ideally one with the experience to make recommendations for your unique application.

And stop playing with your shlack shlocks.

How to Choose the Right Forklift Cab Enclosure

November 24, 2021By Harris-Stolper International Inc.Cab Basics

It’s Saturday morning.

You’re standing in the cereal aisle at the grocery store.

The kids have asked you to pick up more cereal for them, but now you’re stuck.

You want to buy something healthy, but not too healthy that they won’t eat it.

Something that tastes good, but not loaded with too much sugar, or you’ll feel guilty.

And you want good value because grocery prices keep going up, thanks to COVID and the global supply chain disruption.

But there’s so many different box sizes and choices.

What do you do?

And what the heck do forklift cab enclosures have to do with cereal??

Thankfully, choosing the right forklift cab enclosure is a little less nerve-wracking.

There are far fewer choices. And far less sugar content.

GOOD – Vinyl cover

Before you owned a car you probably took the bus. And before you took the bus, maybe you walked or rode your bicycle.

Likewise, a vinyl cover is an entry-level solution. It can give a forklift operator very basic protection from the elements.

Perhaps better than nothing, but it’s kind of like wearing a garbage bag in the rain.

They’re inexpensive, often selling for a few hundred dollars, and they typically come in a universal size to fit a host of different trucks.

Install time is less than an hour.

However, because they’re universally sized, they can be clumsy and ill-fitting.

And when the weather gets too cold, vinyl has a tendency to crack.

Some people claim vinyl covers are a safety hazard because of how they can impede visibility in the rain.

Most don’t come equipped with wipers, and if you’ve ever tried driving your car in the rain without the windshield wipers…..it gets dangerous pretty quickly.

Again, depending on your application a vinyl cover may act as a temporary solution, but be aware of its limitations.

BETTER – Hard Panels (e.g. Raingard®)

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly and durable solution to protect your operators against the rain or sun, consider leveling up to hard panels fitted for your particular truck.

These assembled steel panels clamp onto your forklift’s existing overhead guard. There should never be any drilling or welding required. Otherwise, you risk compromising the integrity of the OHG (and this voids your manufacturer’s warranty for the truck).

They’re most commonly sold in a set of three (front, top, rear), but also available individually so that replacing them is simple.

Tempered safety glass provides a solid surface for wipers, keeping visibility clear and unobstructed for your operators. Plus, if there’s an accident, shatter-resistant glass breaks into tiny pieces, keeping your operators safe.

No reason for anybody to get impaled.

Your roof panel should be fitted with a skylight, adhering to ANSI B56.1 standards, so that upward visibility remains intact.

Also, adding an optional heater, fan, or vinyl curtains can help keep operators comfortable (and productive) when temperatures dip.

Install time takes a little longer, averaging 3-6 hours.

Keep in mind though that a Raingard® solution is not a sealed cabin. If your truck gets extensive outdoor use in heavy rain, snow, or extreme cold temperatures, an enclosed steel cab might be a better option.

BEST – Enclosed Steel Cab

An enclosed steel cab is the Cadillac of the operator enclosure market.

It’s professionally engineered to withstand (most) weather conditions.
(We’ll exclude Tornadoes, for now).

An enclosed steel cab with heater can allow your operators to work comfortably for hours in below freezing temperatures.
Likewise, an enclosed steel cab with air conditioning can allow your operators to work comfortably for hours in blazing hot temperatures.

Operator safety and productivity don’t have to take a backseat to mother nature’s schedule.

The downside? Install time is the longest, averaging 8-16 hours.

But, at this level there are a host of additional options that can enhance the versatility of your material handling equipment:

Shatterproof glass alternatives like Margard Lexan to prevent glass contamination in industries like food processing
Protective cab screens and bi-fold door designs for increased operator safety in the lumber and building material industries
Special cab height accommodations for applications with low clearance
Cab heat shields for applications involving furnaces and foundries with hot rolling temperatures between 300-500 degrees Celsius
Wiper modifications, tints, LED lights, RFID mounts, and custom paint colors (among many others)

Keep in mind, beyond the initial purchase price of an enclosed steel cab, over time you may need replacement parts. Wipers, broken glass, door latches.

Forklifts are exposed to harsh environments, and even harsher treatment from some operators.

That being said, your cost of ownership will decrease with every year of use. The added capabilities often pay for themself over time.

And it’s not unusual for us to get inquiries about cabs still in use that are now 30 to 40 years old.

CONCLUSION

Still stuck?

As an example, consider for a moment the following 2 scenarios:

Mary owns a warehouse in Tennessee. It rains more than average there, but the Winters are bearable, and more importantly her forklifts stay indoors 75% of the time.
Occasionally when her forklifts go outdoors to load and unload the flatbed trucks, it rains, and her staff have had minor accidents because they don’t like getting wet. Mary could invest in 4 enclosed steel cabs for her operation, but it’s probably overkill in this case.

Opting instead for a middle-of-the-road choice, for example Raingard® panels (front & rear glass windshield, a solid top, and vinyl roll-up doors), would cost her roughly half the price, and still keep her staff dry. Problem-solved.

Bill on the other hand, runs a lumber yard in Michigan. His trucks live outdoors. Winters are a lot colder up North, and his state ranks in the top 5 for average annual snowfall. Although his guys dress for the weather, they complain a lot, morale is low, and it’s starting to hurt his customer service levels.
The enclosed steel cab, with heater and defroster fan, would be a much better option for him. Bill can quickly justify the expense and start to see results immediately.

The bottom-line is that choosing the right enclosure will depend a lot on your industry, your geography, but most importantly your application.
Need help?

We’re happy to assist, contact us today!

Worst case, maybe we can offer you some pointers for your next trip to the cereal aisle…

3 Things You Need To Know Before Buying An Enclosed Forklift Cab

February 14, 2021By Harris-Stolper International Inc.Cab Basics