Sometimes, it pays to examine the process of selecting a forklift. 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 could be other models on the market that allow more to get accomplished because they offer less fatigue to operators. You may be able to take advantage of loading trailers in a more effective way. By doing some evaluation and research, you can determine if you have the best equipment to suit all your needs. By reducing operator fatigue, you could significantly increase your performance.
Some of the important factors to think about when determining forklift units that address particular issues comprise:
Trailer Loading Frequency:
You probably won't need a pricey lift truck to complete tasks if your shipping and receiving department loads only a few semi-trailers or box trucks per week. An inexpensive walkie-rider or walkie unit would be able to handle the task if: You are not required to stack loads in the trailer, and a 4500 to 6000 lb. capacity is enough. Last but not least, you need to consider whether or not the transition to the dock leveler from the dock floor and into the trailer is not too jarring for the operator as the small load wheels should travel over the dock plate.
If your shipping facility is consistently loading trailers on the other hand, a stand-up end control unit may 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 needs, each company has a slightly different system. Some forklift operators would usually load and unload products in the shipping department along with storing things on inventory racks, handle the paperwork associated with the loads, replenish the manufacturing line, scan and attach bar codes and other jobs. Generally, the forklift operators who are always on and off of their forklifts in their shifts find it much faster and less fatiguing to exit a stand-up control model, as opposed to a sit down type.