Sometimes, it pays to examine the method of choosing a lift truck. Like for example, does your business consistently choose the same models for your dock work? If so, you can potentially miss out on a more efficient truck. There might be other models on the market that provide less exhaustion to operators and allow more to get accomplished. You may be able to take advantage of loading trailers in a more cost-effective manner. By doing some research and evaluation, you could determine if you have the best machine to meet all your requirements. By reducing operator fatigue, you can significantly increase your performance.
Several of the key factors to think about when determining forklift models which 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 a pricey forklift to complete the job. A less expensive walkie unit or walkie-rider would be able to deal with the job if: You do not need to stack loads inside the trailer, and a 4500 to 6000 pound capacity is adequate. Last of all, you should think about whether or not the transition to the dock leveler from the dock floor and into the trailer is not too jarring for the operator since the small load wheels need to travel over the dock plate.
If your shipping facility is always loading trailers on the other hand, a stand-up end control model could make more sense over a walkie-rider or a walkie model. These battery-powered forklifts fit into a standard 108 inch trailer door with no trouble. Their masts allow in-trailer stacking. These forklifts provide a model capacity range from 3000 to 4000 pounds.
Operator Duties:
For material handling needs, every company has a slightly different system. Several lift truck operators would usually unload and load goods in the shipping department in addition to storing items on inventory racks, handle the paperwork associated with the loads, replenish the manufacturing line, scan and attach bar codes and other tasks. Normally, the forklift operators who are always on and off of their forklifts during their shifts find it less fatiguing and much faster to exit a stand-up control unit, rather than a sit down kind.