Very Narrow Aisle Forklift Richmond

Used Very Narrow Aisle Forklift Richmond - Warehousing needs greatly focus on space-saving techniques and layout to maximize expensive square footage and decrease travel time needed to get goods from the loading docks and from point A to point B. Narrow aisles need specific solutions to allow goods to be accessed and stored properly. More space can be given to storage as less space is needed for accessing the aisle. These warehouse configurations are often referred to as warehouse optimization. Warehouse Optimization Several benefits can be enjoyed for adding very narrow aisle warehouse optimization such as more storage space for the facility. Since very narrow forklift trucks have been designed to take up significantly less space, warehouse aisle widths can be reduced to half the width needed by traditional forklifts. Certain models of very narrow aisle forklifts can increase the square foot storage capabilities by delivering greater stacking heights. Costs can be drastically decreased with a narrow aisle forklift compared to a standard aisle configuration as less warehouse space is required for the same quantity of stock. Square footage is costly in urban areas and any way to reduce warehousing costs can save a company money. Warehouse storage can be increased up to eighty percent with careful planning when a narrow aisle width configuration is utilized. This warehouse design creates more rack faces and increased product access. This usually equates to less travel time gathering and storing product as more product is located within a smaller, more accessible area. It is common for warehouses to use a very narrow or narrow aisle layout. Less than eleven feet of aisle width is needed by narrow aisles. These widths reduce even further to roughly 6.5 feet for very narrow aisles. Storage options are greatly increased with these aisle width options. However, they also create challenges when turning within the aisles using forklifts for stocking and order picking. A variety of very narrow forklifts have been designed to easily maneuver in narrow aisles. It is necessary to know the dimensions of the aisle when selecting a forklift for a certain job. Having the right aisle dimensions will save money and time instead of purchasing the wrong forklift that won’t be able to conquer the applications. It is essential to take any columns, posts or utilities into account before deciding a type of narrow aisle forklift design as these can block access. Very Narrow Aisle Forklift Trucks Rechargeable batteries are typical for powering very narrow aisle forklift trucks and most models are electric. Very narrow aisle forklift trucks are popular as stand-up riders to help increase operator comfort and productivity. The most commonly used types of very narrow aisle forklift trucks are: 1. Reach trucks 2. Order pickers; 3. End-control riders; and 4. Turret or swing-mast. Reach Forklift Trucks Reach trucks were designed as a version of the rider stacker forklift but specially modified for use in narrow aisles. It got its name by its function of reaching its forks forward to get to a load. The moving mast and the moving carriage are two types of reach trucks. The moving carriage functions by lowering and raising the carriage and the operator. The moving mast works by raising and lowering the forks along the mast, while the operator stays at ground level. The moving mast reach truck is generally considered the safer of the two types of reach trucks. These machines rely on a kind of jointed framework known as a pantograph system that enables the operator to place a load or reach the load without moving the machine. Order Pickers Order pickers have been created to pick items from difficult, high racking systems. They are used for smaller picking items that can be lifted and moved by hand. These order pickers work by lifting the operator up to the level of goods in order to identify and pick the specific item or items necessary to fill an order. End-Control Riders End-control riders are used to pick loads located at floor level and transport the load horizontally, rather than lift or lower loads from various heights. Turret or Swing-Mast Forklift Swing-mast or turret very narrow aisle forklifts feature an articulating swivel mast that pivots. The mast swivels allowing pallets to be placed on either the left or right of the forklift. Guided Very Narrow Aisle Trucks Many very narrow aisle forklift trucks are able to be guided down aisles by wire or rail. Because the forklift is guided, thereby reducing the possibility of the forklift bumping racks while moving down the aisle, the aisles can be extremely narrow. In rail-guided models, sets of rails are placed into the floor on each side of the aisle. They run the length of the aisle and also curve around the aisles’ edge. Wheel guides on the forklift slide into the floor rails to stop the machine from traveling out of bounds. Wire-guidance forklift systems install wires on the floor instead of rails and the wires run down the middle of the aisle. These wire-guides work along the same principle as the rail guards except that the narrow aisle forklift is fitted with a wire-guide system that allows it to communicate with the floor wires which effectively steer the forklift, preventing it from straying outside of an allotted range. Work Site Considerations To use a narrow aisle configuration, there are some key considerations that need to be made. The narrow aisle units feature tall racking systems. The floor construction and the racks need to be carefully taken into account for everyone’s safety. There are four areas which must be meticulously prepared before setting up a racking system and must be continuously monitored and maintained throughout the operation of the warehousing system: 1. The floor must be level; 2. Cracks must be repaired; 3. Load capacity of floor must be appropriate; and 4. The racks must be plumb. Level Floor Because of the height of the racking systems, any slight slope of the floor is likely to negatively affect the plumbness of the racks, especially over time when loads are continuously placed and removed on the racks. A level floor is vital for the safety and integrity of the operator, employees, stock and the warehouse. Crack Repair When cracks in the floor are spotted, they should be assessed and, when necessary, repaired immediately. Safety can become compromised when flooring cracks become 3/8 inches wide. They require proper filling with a substance that is as hard as the floor. Floor Load Capacity Minimum flooring requirements must be met before considering a narrow aisle installation. At a minimum, the floor should consist of 3,000 psi concrete as well as contain evenly distributed rebar approximately 3 to 4 inches below the surface. Extra reinforcements might be needed depending on the load requirements and the configuration. Plumb Racks Of great importance is the proper installation of the racking system. There is a major chance of rack failure if improper installation occurs. Every rack needs to be plumb to ensure a safe system and work environment. If necessary, rack shims should be used to ensure the racks are plumb within 1 inch at the 30 foot height of the racks. Dangerous racking failure can occur if the above steps are not taken. Racking failure can kill or injure employees, damage equipment and result in horrible damage. Due to these potential problems, the most significant part of creating a narrow aisle configuration for warehousing optimization is the initial measurements. Very Narrow Aisle Forklift PDF