It is quite important for several businesses to examine the method of selecting a forklift. Like for example, would your business choose consistently the same model for your warehouse or dock work? If this is so, you might be missing out on a more effective forklift. There can be various other models on the market which allow more to get accomplished because they provide less fatigue to operators. You might be able to take advantage of loading trailers in a more cost-effective way. By doing some research and evaluation, you could determine if you have the best equipment to suit your needs. By reducing operator fatigue, you can significantly increase your performance.
Some of the key factors to consider when determining forklift models that address specific problems consist of:
Trailer Loading Frequency:
If your shipping department only loads out a few semi-trailers or box trucks a week, then you probably won't require an expensive lift truck to accomplish the tasks. A less expensive walkie unit or walkie-rider will be able to handle the job if: You are not required to stack loads in the trailer, and a 4500 to 6000 lb. capacity is sufficient. Last but not least, you must consider whether or not the transition from the dock floor to the dock leveler and into the trailer is not too jarring for the operator as the small load wheels must travel over the dock plate.
If your shipping facility is consistently loading trailers on the other hand, a stand-up end control unit could make more sense over a walkie-rider or a walkie model. These battery-powered forklifts fit into a standard 108 inch trailer door without difficulty. Their masts allow in-trailer stacking. These forklifts offer a model capacity range from 3000 to 4000 lbs.
Operator Duties:
For material handling requirements, every company has a slightly different system. Several forklift operators will often unload and load products in the shipping department along with storing objects on inventory racks, handle the paperwork associated with the loads, replenish the manufacturing line, attach and scan bar codes and other tasks. Normally, the forklift operators who are always on and off of their lift trucks during their shifts find it less tiring and much quicker to exit a stand-up control model, rather than a sit down type.