There are times it pays to examine the process of selecting a forklift. Like for instance, does your company always choose the same models for your dock work? If so, you could potentially miss out on a more efficient truck. There might be various other models available on the market that allow more to get done since they provide less exhaustion to operators. You might 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 equipment to suit all of your requirements. By reducing operator fatigue, you can drastically increase your performance.
Some of the key factors to consider when determining forklift models that address particular concerns comprise:
Trailer Loading Frequency:
You probably won't require an expensive forklift to complete jobs if your shipping and receiving department loads only a few semi-trailers or box trucks per week. An inexpensive walkie model or walkie-rider 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 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 as the small load wheels must travel over the dock plate.
If your shipping facility is consistently loading trailers however, a stand-up end control unit may make more sense over a walkie model or a walkie-rider. These battery-powered forklifts easily fit into a standard 108 inch trailer door. Their masts allow in-trailer stacking. These forklifts offer a model capacity range from 3000 to 4000 pounds.
Operator Duties:
For material handling needs, every business has a slightly different system. Several lift truck operators will normally unload and load goods in the shipping department along with storing objects on inventory racks, handle the paperwork associated with the loads, replenish the manufacturing line, scan and attach bar codes and other tasks. Generally, the forklift operators who are always on and off of their lift trucks during their shifts find it less fatiguing and much quicker to exit a stand-up control model, as opposed to a sit down type.