No call out fee for all new services in Auckland which will save you up to $85*

We will send a Forklift engineer out to your business and service your forklift to make it reliable and safe again.

Forklifts need servicing and as they are an important part of your business we recommend you get your forklift serviced regularly.

Included in our service is a full 58 point checkup and this includes brakes, and hydraulics.

Need to get your Forklift serviced?

We change the oil in the engine and replace all filters and hoses that need replacing.

At Portstar Forklifts we service the Ports of Auckland forklifts and straddle carriers so we are a trusted company with many years of experience in servcing forklifts.

Don’t put off that service any more and be sure to ask Ian for the no call out fee service saving you up to $85

* Conditions apply. Please ask at the time of making your booking to service your forklift as some areas are not covered by our free call out fee

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These pallet jacks are robust and very strong.  Portstar can supply an extensive range of manual and electric pallet jacks including specialised lines such as braked, hi-lift and weight measuring models.

A wide range of heights, widths and capacities are also available. Electric pallet jacks  are available with both AC or DC motors

Below is a photo showing the range of pallet jacks for you

Pallet Jack

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Todays Specials

3 Wheel Electric *                 5 Tonne Diesel *

We have a wide range of second hand and new forklifts designed for any budget. From small forklifts to travel lifts PortStar Forklifts has the solution for your company or business.

Service

Spare Parts

Sales

Leasing

Hire

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We are on call to repair forklifts and provide general service for all forklift enquiries.

Also we have access to the parts overseas and can order these in if required for that hard to ger forklift part.

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Choosing a forklift truck

To see how to choose a forklift truck please click the live link. We discuss in detail how to choose the correct unit and how we can make your budegt work for your business

To find out more about our forklift trucks please contact us here

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It is critical to select the correct forklift to meet your specific business needs.

Choosing the best forklift for your business is not rocket science but it is crucial that you get it right. The consequences of an incorrect decision can be disastrous and costly to your business.  At Portstar Forklifts we can help you with a forklift that will suit your needs and last for many years. It will do the job and will be cost effective

Things you need to consider when buying or leasing a forklift are;

• working environment
• exhaust requirements
• hygiene requirements
• health and safety requirements
• temperature
• load and reach requirements and limits
• height requirements and limits

The team at Portstar have the experience and knowledge to assist you here. Give us a call and we will provide you with a free assessment of your needs and a recommended solution.

Portstar offers a full range of forklifts, including;

• Petrol
• LPG
• Diesel
• Electric – 3 wheel
• Electric – 4 wheel
• Pallet lifts

Free Phone: 0800 88 04 88
Mobile:  021 273 4212
Phone:  +64 9 369 1700
Fax  +64 9 369 1724
Emai:  sales@portstar.co.nz

If you wish to find out more about us, our forklifts and service please click here

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a Forklift

Most forklifts used in warehouses are propane powered. These tanks have a limited operating time and need replacement often. The tanks of propane mount behind the driver and are similar in shape to beer kegs.

Extreme care is required when these tanks are removed and replaced with full units.

Handling tanks of compressed gas can be dangerous as the gas is flammable and caution is needed at all times.

How to change the tank on  forklift

Step 1.
Stop the forklift with the engine still running and turn off the valve on the propane tank. Allow the forklift to continue running until the engine dies. This ensures that no gas is still contained in the transfer hose from the tank to the engine. Make sure you have the proper safety equipment before continuing. You must wear leather gloves or vinyl to protect yourself from the extreme cold of the compressed gas.

Step 2

Disconnect the hose from the propane tank and remove the holding straps on the tank. Remove the tank and replace with a full tank. Reattach the holding straps. Position the hose at the valve of the tank and tighten the nut.
Step 3

Open the valve slightly and check for leaks with a soapy water solution. If any bubbles form then there is gas leaking. Check the area around the valve, along the connection hose and at the connecting nut itself. If you find any leaks in the region of the valve, use a wrench to tighten the connecting nut more. Recheck for leaks. If you again find leaks, then replace the connecting hose and nut. If this doesn’t solve the leak problem replace with another full tank.

Step 4

Undo the valve fully and let the gas fill the connecting hose to the engine. Restart the engine and continue working. For forklift sales and service click here

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Steering

1. Most operators drive a forklift backwards as this is the safest option for the driver and the surrounding people and property. Driving the forklift backwards means you have better vision and less chance of hitting somebody or some thing with the metal forks that stick out. The forks on a forklift are a hazard and need care and attention when driving. This is due to the hazards associated with driving a forklift facing forward which exposes people to risk and possible personal injury or death. With the steering location it makes sense to drive backwards for safety and ease of use

Lifting

2. The forklift derives the meaning from the the two forks that stick out the front of the machine. These two forks can be used for lifting pallets and material handling by being lifted and lowered vertically, but also by tilting the forks downward and upward. These movements are propelled by a hydraulic system that enables large weights to be lifted by a forklift. Forklifts  hydraulic system applies pressure against a metal bar equipped with roller chains. The roller chain is attached to a frame at one end and the forks at the other.

Hazards

3. The hazards with forklifts are from the fact that forklifts can topple if the weight being lifted is not centred or is counterbalanced by the  front wheels which are acting essentially as a fulcrum. The counterbalance that keeps the forklift from leaning or tipping over over is the weight of the forklift  itself and a counterweight that is built into the forklift. This is why it is important to contact Portstar Forklifts to ensure you choose the correct forklift.

Power

1. A forklift can be powered by a variety of fuel sources including petrol, diesel, LPG gas and battery and electricity. The tyres can be  solid rubber tires or normal high pressure pneumatic tyres. The inflatable  forklift tyres generally  reserved for larger load-bearing lifts such as a straddle lift or very large tonned forklifts that lift containers etc.

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Step one in learning to drive a forklift

Driving a forklift is easy when you know how but takes a bit of practice to get used to it. Once you are up and running, driving a forklift is rewarding and interesting. It is important to learn the most difficult part first in driving a forklift which is the steering. Learn how to steer a forklift safely.

How do forklifts steer?

Forklifts are steered by their rear wheels which makes for an interesting experience to a novice as the machine will change course alot quicker than a vehicle

Forklift driving tip

Use the steering wheel with caution. Quick movements are dangerous.  Be gentle with the steering wheel when turning at all times

Safety tips for how to drive a forklift

Step 1. Look around the forklift for any damage to hydraulic hoses and tyres. Ensure there are no leakages from the hoses or that the tyres are not damaged.

Step 2 Familiarise yourself with the controls and practice with the forklift stationery. Start the forklift using the key and start button. Move it through basic operations. There will be knobs and levers that move the forks up and down, steer the vehicle and control the speed. Get a feel for the controls with the motor running. Lift the forks up (also known as the boom) and then push the forks to the left and then push the forklift forks to the right. Try tilting the forklift and then put the forks onto the ground safely

Step 3.  Make sure the forks are set to the proper width to carry what you are about to lift. If you are lifting pallets with your forklift then ensure the forks are not too close and not too far apart.

How to lift a pallet safely

Step 4.  Make sure their are no people or vehicles in the way of where you wish to drive the forklift to. Ensure also that the work surface for the forklift is not wet and slippery or otherwise unsafe for working in. Keep in mind if you have a heavy load on you may slip across the floor and damage somebody or some one

Step 5.   Practice driving the forklift in an open area. Try lifting empty pallets or bags of sand to get used to the controls. Also try to put a pallet into a pallet rack safely and away from other busy work areas. Once you are comfortable you can try using a  pallet with heavy items on it such as 20 lit drums filled with water.

Step 7 Park the forklift with the forks resting on the ground when you are finished.

Tips & Warnings

1. Keep the load as close to the ground as possible and don’t drive any faster than you need to. The higher the load when moving the more problems will occur. Never try to squeeze between the forks and the load

Never try to squeeze between the forks and the load

2. The forklift is designed to lift heavy objects, and is not a toy. Treat the forklift with respect and it will give you years of good service

3. Practice with the controls in an open space. That way no-one is close to get hurt while you learn

4. All forklifts have rear-wheel steering, but have different instrumentation. Familiarise yourself with the controls of your forklift by asking an experienced operator about the specific model you’ll be using before practicing.

5. Operating heavy machinery is not something to be taken lightly. If you’ve never used a forklift before, make sure you’re with someone who is experienced. If you start to operate this machine with no knowledge beforehand, it’s likely you could injure yourself or someone else.

6. Do not attempt to lift any weights until you are confident

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