Warehousing Factors Influencing Lift Truck Choice

We recommend that the decision maker take the following factors into consideration:



What are the properties of the materials that have to be lifted?

Understand the properties (load) of the materials that have to be lifted. Lift truck capacity is affected by the height that the materials have to be lifted and the size of the load. It is also important to include the dimensions of the load, as this will affect the size of the truck selected.



How will the materials be stored?

The way materials are stored also plays a role in determining the type of lift truck that would be required. Potato farmers are required to store heavy loads at high levels in extreme conditions such as uneven terrain, plenty of dust and temperature controlled environments, which does not allow for much room to move. This differs vastly from a warehouse requiring storage at a high level where pickers are hoisted to break bulk in order to select merchandise.



How will the materials be received and shipped?

Shipping materials from a loading dock allows for more space than materials that have to be received and shipped from a cold room. This will affect the size, lifting capacity and maneuverability of the lift truck required.



What is the weight of materials that have to be lifted?

Bigger is not always better in the materials handling business. One could easily reason that you just get a bigger truck for heavier loads. Bigger trucks require more space to move and may cost more, making it not the most suitable solution where heavy materials in small spaces have to be moved.



At which height must the materials be stored?

Lift height and load size determines the capacity of a lift truck. A bigger load size moves the lift truckดs center of gravity, reducing the lifting capacity, making the height at which the materials that have to be stored just as important as the load.

Once the properties of the materials are determined, the capabilities and options of the lifting equipment should be evaluated. How the lift truck is powered (petrol, diesel, electric), mast options, aisle type, safety features and many more factors have to be taken into consideration when determining which lift truck supplier to use. In our next article we will take a look at the various types of lift trucks available and the features that play a role in determining the right materials handling equipment for the specific job at hand.

Darryl Shafto is manager at Goscor lift truck company, based in South Africa. GLTC distributes Crown and Daewoo lift trucks in Southern Africa. Palletrunner materials handling equipment forms part of the product range.

[tags]warehousing,forklift,lift truck,lift trucks,materials handling equipment,pallet truck,VNA[/tags]

Forklift Accidents

A forklift is piece of moving machinery that has a projecting platform shaped like a fork used to lift and move objects. Forklifts have been in use for the past 100 years, and are capable of lifting and carrying heavy loads.

Forklifts are used extensively in warehouses, factories and other places where huge loads need to be shifted on a regular basis. According to the Industrial Truck Association, there are about 856 thousand forklifts in the U.S. Forklifts are prone to accidents. The nature of accidents involving forklifts varies. The most common cases involve being crushed under tipping forklifts (42 %), coming between the vehicle and another surface (25%) and being crushed between two vehicles (11%). Some other cases involve being run over (10%), and instances of being struck by falling material (8%). Four percent of accidents are due to people falling on the forks. Over 55% of accidents occur at manufacturing units and construction sites. Studies show that mainly inadequate training given to forklift operators causes these accidents.

It is very dangerous to operate forklifts without proper training. It can prove fatal to the operator, and risk the lives of other employees working in the area. Training suggests keeping the load as low as possible to avoid tipping. Operators are also advised to remain in the lift in case of the vehicle tipping over.

Accidents happen everywhere. Forklifts accidents cannot be prevented totally, but with proper training it can certainly be minimized. Devices that stop the forklift if it lifts more than the specified weight should be installed in these lifts. This will make the lifts safer to operate.

One of the most pressing issues in the material handling industry is the safe operation of forklifts. Manufacturers, dealers and operators are involved in forklift safety promotion, monitoring and regulation.

Forklift provides detailed information on Forklift, Used Forklifts, Rough Terrain Forklifts, Forklift Safety and more. Forklift is affiliated with Freight and Shipping.

Preventative Maintenance for Forklifts

You have a lot of money invested in your forklift. In order to protect that investment, perform preventative maintenance on your forklift regularly. Whether you or someone in your shop is performing your forklift maintenance or if you are having an outside company perform the maintenance on your forklift, it is good to know the procedure to be sure that your forklift is properly maintained.

Jeff Wark is a forklift mechanic with 35 years of mechanical experience. Read on to learn Jeff’s how-to on forklift maintenance.

Start the forklift and let it run briefly while you listen to the engine performance. Listen for any knocks or misses. Listen for any squealing caused by the belts. Then listen for any exhaust leaks. Drive the forklift forwards and backwards to check for any slips and to observe any possible wheel issues. Shut the engine off.

When performing preventative maintenance on your forklift, first check the horn, gauges, safety warning devices, cab lights, outside lights, back-up lights, and overhead guard for proper operation. Check for any burnt out bulbs and if any device still does not work, check the wiring and make repairs.

Next in your forklift preventative maintenance procedure is to check the battery compartment. Clean the battery terminal, battery cables and battery connectors. Open every cell cap and check the cells for proper fill levels and fill with water as needed. Apply protectant on the connectors to prevent corrosion. Leave the battery cables disconnected.

Drain the oil from your forklift. Change the oil filter, change the hydraulic filter, transmission filter, fuel filters, and the air filter. Prior to installing the new filters, use a permanent marker to write the date on the new filter. Check all fluid levels and fill as necessary. Check the anti-freeze in the cooling system.

Visually inspect the drive axle when you are underneath the machine. If there is a grease fitting, make sure to grease the drive axle.

Check the belts on the forklift engine. Check for cracks and frays on the belts.

Perform a visual check of the forklift’s exhaust system. Look for any cracks or holes in the exhaust system.

Look at the tires on the forklift for any cracks or signs of excessive wear. On an air filled tire, check the tread. Check the differential fluid.

Check the clutch pedal on your forklift. Check the steering cylinder and the drag links. Check for any leaks or for any bends in the system.

Proceed to the hoist and look at the hydraulic lines for any leaks. If there are any leaks on the hydraulic system of your forklift, tighten the lines. If this does not correct the leaks, the fittings may need to be changed or an o-ring may need to be replaced.

While inspecting the hoist, look at the forks and mast to see if there are any visible cracks or chips. Look for any bowing or bends in the forks. Any of these should be noted on your checklist and flagged to the owner and operator as a potentially dangerous issue which needs to be further addressed.

Lubricate all the fittings on your forklift. This would include the hoist mechanism and tie-rod ends.

Checking the wheel bearings is listed on preventative maintenance checklists. However, this is normally done when replacing the brakes on the forklift. Unless there is some indication during the initial driving check out of the forklift that there may be an issue with the wheel bearings, it is not recommended to check the wheel bearings. More harm than good may be done when checking the wheel bearings.

Reconnect the battery cables and start the forklift again. Listen again for any unusual noises.

Lastly, a good preventative maintenance on your forklift will include some cleaning. Wipe down the forklift and use a spray cleaner to clean the forklift. Jeff recommends an oil based spray cleaner for the most effective cleaning of your forklift.

Always follow proper safety procedures when performing any maintenance on your forklift.

Use a good checklist when performing preventative maintenance on your forklift. Use the checklist to make sure all the work items are performed and to make notes of any issues that should be checked into further. A free checklist is available from www.GetSomeForklifts.com/articles when you subscribe to the newsletter.

Lori Steffen has over 10 years experience in the construction industry. Visit http://www.GetSomeForklifts.com/forklifts for a resource directory of information on forklifts. The audio version of this interview is available at http://www.GetSomeForklifts.com/articles. This article may be reproduced and distributed as long as all URL's and author information remain intact.

Driving Tips from the Experts

Have you ever ridden in a vehicle with someone who drove so smoothly and safely that you immediately trusted them and relaxed? Have you ever seen someone expertly driving a vehicle, and then realized they had never drove it before? Or maybe thought that some people just seem to be born with a remarkable driving skill?

I don’t know if anyone is born with any skill’s or not, but since training many different people on all different kinds of vehicles and equipment, I believe that anyone can learn to become an excellent driver.

There was one old timer that said “Ah’ve been drivin’ this truck for 18 years boy, an there just ain’t nothin I don’t know about driving this truck.” He was pretty good, but I watched another man get in that very same truck and get much more done without seeming to do anything different or traveling faster. Why was this? What was different about how the second man drove that truck?

Through studying and working with a number of professionals, I have come to realize that the best drivers are not necessarily the ones who have been doing it the longest. The best drivers are those who have learned to ‘operate’ their vehicle instead of simply ‘driving’ it.

The difference is that a driver sits in the car and tries to make it do what they want. Instead of just sitting in the vehicle, a good operator has learned to ‘put it on’. Think of it as putting on a glove – the car becomes an extension of you.
You move your hand, and the car moves. The key to remember is that you must become aware of every movement, smell and sound that the car makes.

Operating something is like a relationship – you do something, it responds. It does something, you must respond. There is a continual interaction when you are together, partly conscious and partly subconscious. The best operators include all of their senses when driving a vehicle.

Obviously, the most important sense to use is our eyes. Your eyes give immediate and consistent feedback.

Almost as important is paying attention to what it feels like. Feedback through the steering wheel is only part of it. Be aware of feelings from other places (seat of the pants).

Listening to the vehicle and even being aware of smells can play an important part of it too.

These are just a few simple things that anyone can become more aware of and learn to become a better, safer driver.

Bruce Kidd currently runs a custom farming and trucking operation. He has trained hundreds of people to operate farm equipment, trucks and heavy construction equipment. For more ideas and tips about operating equipment, send an email to optraining@canoemail.ca as his website is not complete yet.

An Introduction To Forklifts

Nearly every warehouse has a forklift – a tool capable of lifting thousands of pounds. A forklift is a vehicle similar to a small truck that has two metal forks on the front used to lift cargo. The forklift operator drives the forklift forward until the forks push under the cargo, and can then lift the cargo several feet in the air by operating the forks. The forks, also known as blades or tines, are usually made out of steel and can lift up to a few tons.

Forklifts are either powered by gasoline, propane, or electricity. Electric forklifts rely on batteries to operate. Gasoline or propane forklifts are sometimes stronger or faster than electric forklifts, but they are more difficult to maintain, and fuel can be costly. Electric forklifts are great for warehouse use because they do not give off noxious fumes like gas powered machines do.

Forklifts are most often used in warehouses, but some are meant to be used outdoors. The vast majority of rough terrain forklifts operate on gasoline, but some use diesel or natural gas. Rough terrain forklifts have the highest lifting capacity of all forklifts and heavy duty tires (like those found on trucks), making it possible to drive them on uneven surfaces outdoors.

It is important for forklift operators to follow all safety precautions when using a forklift. Drivers should be careful not to exceed the forklift’s weight capacity. Forklift operators also need to be able to handle forklift’s rear wheel steering. Driving a forklift is similar to driving a car in reverse, meaning that the driver must constantly steer to keep it moving in a straight line. The driver must be aware of the forklift’s ever-changing center of gravity and avoid making any quick sharp turns or going too fast. It is advisable that anyone who operates a forklift be fully trained and licensed.

Forklifts have revolutionized warehouse work. They made it possible for one person to move thousands of pounds at once. Well-maintained and safely operated forklifts make lifting and transporting cargo infinitely easier.

Forklifts Info provides detailed information about forklifts, including rough terrain and truck-mounted forklifts, used forklifts, and forklifts for sale, as well as forklift parts, accessories, operators, and safety. Forklifts Info is affiliated with Original Content Web.

Different Forklift Accessories

There are several types of forklift accessories that make it possible to use the forklift in a variety of different situations. Add-ons make it possible to carry metal drums filled with liquid, large rolls of carpet, or even people.

Drum handlers make it possible to safely transport liquid filled drums on a forklift. Most drum handlers slide onto the forks of the lift, allowing the operator to lift the drum handler by raising the forks off of the ground. Drum handlers hold the drums in one of two ways. The most common method is for the drum handler to clamp onto the rim of the drum in one or two places. This is perfect for keeping the drum upright and stable during transportation. Another way is to attach the drum by chaining the drum to a drum faucet from the cab of the forklift. This way, the forklift operator has the option to control the speed at which the drum contents are dumped by operating a chain pulley.

Carpet poles are long, sturdy poles that are used to carry roles of material such as carpet. They can be mounted to the carriage or to the forks. Carpet poles are useful because they allow forklift operators to safely transport carpet rolls by putting a pole through the hollow center of the roll. The carpet is not able to roll around during movement as it would if it were merely sitting on the forks.

A man basket is perfect when a person needs to be lifted off of the ground in order to perform some type of maintenance or repair. The forks of the lift slide into slots on the bottom of the man basket to provide stability. The forklift operator can then use the forks to lift the person in the man basket as high as the forks can rise. Most man baskets have a swing door and a safety chain to insure that the person doesn’t fall out. Man baskets are often safer than ladders or scaffolding.

Forklift accessories make forklifts even more versatile. It is very important to use the forklift accessories in the manner for which they are intended to avoid costly equipment repairs or serious bodily injury.

Forklifts Info provides detailed information about forklifts, including rough terrain and truck-mounted forklifts, used forklifts, and forklifts for sale, as well as forklift parts, accessories, operators, and safety. Forklifts Info is affiliated with Original Content Web.

Forklift Ramps

Forklift ramps are used to enable forklifts move to a higher work area. Forklifts are basically designed to operate on flat surfaces and its dangerous to operate on steep inclines. The ramps enable forklifts to load merchandise directly on trailers and trucks in the absence of permanent loading docks.

The ramps are made from strong non-corrosive metals and are designed to withstand the pressure of a fully loaded forklift. The basic structure consists of an elevated metal platform supported by pillars and metal crossbeams. Some even have mechanical levers to increase or decrease the height of the ramp.

Forklifts are generally small and compact. This makes them vulnerable to tipping over while negotiating an incline. The problem increases when the forklift is loaded to capacity. Ramps provide the required gradual elevation needed by forklifts. Ramps are made from steel or aluminum and are coated with special anti corrosive paint. Generally, steel is preferred as it is cheaper than aluminum. Ramps can either be portable or fixed. A fixed ramp is used where goods are loaded on lorries and trucks. A portable ramp is used for loading on specific medium such as bogies of a goods train.

Ramps have lessened the shortcomings of forklifts. They have reduced the chances of forklifts tipping over. Ramps are available to suit the needs of every type of forklifts. Customized ramps are also available for specific needs of the customer. These ramps are usually maintenance free, easy to use and portable.

Forklift ramp designs are constantly being reinvented to suit the needs of different industries like warehousing, manufacturing, construction and others. Due to the rise in sale of forklifts, the demand for these ramps is also expected to increase in the near future. This is good for the forklift ramp manufacturing industry.

Forklift provides detailed information on Forklift, Used Forklifts, Rough Terrain Forklifts, Forklift Safety and more. Forklift is affiliated with Freight and Shipping.