Very Narrow Aisle Forklift Spokane

Used Very Narrow Aisle Forklift Spokane - 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. Very narrow aisle solutions allow for more space to be dedicated to the storage of goods because less space is required for aisle access. These warehouse configurations are often referred to as warehouse optimization. Warehouse Optimization There are several significant benefits of implementing very narrow aisle warehouse optimization. Because very narrow forklift trucks were developed to take up less space in maneuvering, it is now possible to decrease warehouse aisle width to less than half the width required by standard 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. In most urban areas where square footage is very costly, this is a huge benefit to warehouse operations. Warehouse storage can be increased up to eighty percent with careful planning when a narrow aisle width configuration is utilized. Very narrow aisle design facilitates greater product access and more rack faces. Reduced travel time for storing items and gathering products are some of the key benefits to this warehouse layout as more products are found in an accessible location. 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. Either of these widths drastically increases storage potential. 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. Before choosing a forklift for a particular job, it is vital to know the dimensions of the aisle. Taking note of the proper dimensions will save valuable time and money by avoiding the mistake of acquiring a forklift that will not work in the intended application. Finally, it is critical that any utilities, posts or columns are taken into account before settling on a specific narrow aisle forklift design as these may affect access to aisles by some forklifts or prevent warehouse optimization. Very Narrow Aisle Forklift Trucks Very narrow aisle forklift trucks are almost always powered electrically, usually by rechargeable battery. These very narrow aisle trucks are more commonly available as stand-up riders, which helps increase productivity and operator comfort. 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. There are two types of reach trucks: the moving mast and the moving carriage. 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. Reach trucks use a pantograph system, a type of jointed framework, which allows the operator to reach for or place a load without the need to move the forklift itself. Order Pickers Order pickers have been designed and developed specifically for use in picking orders from high, typically hard-to-reach racks. 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 machines that pick loads up at floor level and move the items horizontally as opposed to lowering or lifting over numerous heights. Turret or Swing-Mast Forklift Swing-mast or turret very narrow aisle forklifts feature an articulating swivel mast that pivots. The mast swivels to enable pallets to be positioned on the right or left side 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. Thanks to the guide rails, the possibility of crashing into racks is greatly reduced. 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. Specific wheel guides are on the forklift. These slide into the rails to stop the forklift from moving out of the rail guards. Wire-guidance forklift systems install wires on the floor instead of rails and the wires run down the middle of the aisle. The wire-guides function similarly to the rail systems except the forklift has a wire-guide system to prevent the machine from traveling where it is not supposed to. Work Site Considerations Certain essential considerations need to be dealt with before using a narrow aisle configuration. Because these very narrow aisle configurations include very tall racking systems, the condition of the floor and the construction of the racks must be done properly in order to avoid potentially disastrous outcomes. Four specific areas need to be perfectly prepared before a racking system can be implemented including a level floor, plumb racks, any floor cracks need to be repaired and the floor’s load capacity must be accurate. These locations need to be maintained and monitored continuously. Level Floor Due to the racking system height, any minor floor slope can gravely impact how plumb the racks are, particularly over time if loads are placed and removed repeatedly on the racks. The height of the racking system means that any minute floor slope can have a negative impact on how straight the racks are, especially over time when loads are continually removed and placed on the racks. Without this foundation of a level floor, the stability of the racks could be jeopardized. Crack Repair When there are floor cracks found, they need to be assessed and immediately fixed for safety concerns. The level of the floor can become unstable with cracks when they are only 3/8 inches wide. They will need to be filled properly with material as hard as the rest of the floor. Floor Load Capacity The floor needs to meet specific minimum requirements prior to a narrow aisle configuration. 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 Installing the racks safely and correctly is vital for the entire system. Rack failure can happen if they are improperly installed. All racks need to be plumb and this is one of the most vital aspects of correct installation. Rack shims are recommended to make sure the racks are plumb within one inch at the thirty- foot rack height. Racking failure can happen if the aforementioned measures are not taken or implemented correctly. 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