Very Narrow Aisle Forklift Manitoba

Used Very Narrow Aisle Forklift Manitoba - 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. Extremely narrow aisles offer more storage space since there is less space needed 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. Using narrow forklift trucks instead of traditional forklifts can enable the warehouse width of the aisles can be lessened to half. Certain models of very narrow aisle forklifts can increase the square foot storage capabilities by delivering greater stacking heights. Very narrow aisle forklifts can greatly reduce costs compared to traditional forklifts since the same amount of stock takes up less space in the warehouse. Square footage is costly in urban areas and any way to reduce warehousing costs can save a company money. Warehouse storage can be increased up to eighty percent with careful planning when a narrow aisle width configuration is utilized. In addition, a very narrow aisle layout allows for more rack faces as well as better access to products. This usually equates to less travel time gathering and storing product as more product is located within a smaller, more accessible area. It is common for warehouses to use a very narrow or narrow aisle layout. Narrow aisles are usually those that use less than 11 feet of aisle width. Very narrow aisles usually use an aisle width of approximately 6.5 feet across. Both of these aisle widths provide significantly increased storage opportunities. However, they also create challenges when turning within the aisles using forklifts for stocking and order picking. To meet these challenges, several different types of very narrow forklifts have been specially developed for various types of tasks to allow easier maneuvering in narrow aisle widths. Before choosing a forklift for a particular job, it is vital to know the dimensions of the aisle. Having the right aisle dimensions will save money and time instead of purchasing the wrong forklift that won’t be able to conquer the applications. 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 Rechargeable batteries are typical for powering very narrow aisle forklift trucks and most models are electric. Stand-up riders are a popular design for very narrow aisle forklift trucks. The most popular kinds of very narrow aisle forklift trucks include turret or swing-mast, end-control riders, order pickers and reach trucks. Reach Forklift Trucks Reach trucks were designed as a version of the rider stacker forklift but specially modified for use in narrow aisles. This machine earned its name by its ability to reach its forks to secure 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. While the operator stays at ground level, the moving mast is responsible for raising and lowering the forks. The moving mast reach truck is generally considered the safer of the two types of reach trucks. These machines rely on a kind of jointed framework known as a pantograph system that enables the operator to place a load or reach the load without moving the machine. Order Pickers Order pickers have been created to pick items from difficult, high racking systems. Order pickers are specific for lighter stock items that can be lifted 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 used to pick loads located at floor level and transport the load horizontally, rather than lift or lower loads from various heights. Turret or Swing-Mast Forklift Turret or swing-mast very narrow aisle forklift have a pivoting articulating swivel mast. The mast swivels allowing pallets to be placed on either the left or right of the forklift. Guided Very Narrow Aisle Trucks Very narrow aisle forklift trucks can be guided by rail or wire down the aisles. Since the forklift truck is guided, the chance of colliding with racks while traversing down the aisles is very low. For rail-guided systems, a series of rails are installed into the floor, on both sides of the aisle, and run along the floor for the length of the aisle, curving around the end of the aisle. The forklift is fitted with special wheel guides that slide into the rails, preventing the forklift from moving outside the rail guards. Running down the center of the aisle, wire-guidance forklifts rely on floor wires instead of rails. These wire-guides work along the same principle as the rail guards except that the narrow aisle forklift is fitted with a wire-guide system that allows it to communicate with the floor wires which effectively steer the forklift, preventing it from straying outside of an allotted range. 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. There are four main locations that need to be ideally prepared before any racking system can be installed. These areas need to be monitored continuously including fixing cracks in the floor, ensuring the racks are straight, a level floor and an appropriate load capacity of the floor. Level Floor Because of the height of the racking systems, any slight slope of the floor is likely to negatively affect the plumbness of the racks, especially over time when loads are continuously placed and removed on the racks. A level floor is vital for the safety and integrity of the operator, employees, stock and the warehouse. 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 Minimum flooring requirements must be met before considering a narrow aisle installation. The floor should have three thousand psi concrete minimum and contain evenly distributed rebar at three to four inches under the surface. Depending on the load requirements and configuration, additional reinforcements may be needed. Plumb Racks The racking system is essential to the whole process and needs to be installed properly. If installed improperly, there is a great chance of rack failure. All racks need to be plumb and this is one of the most vital aspects of correct installation. If necessary, rack shims should be used to ensure the racks are plumb within 1 inch at the 30 foot height of the racks. Racking failure can happen if the aforementioned measures are not taken or implemented correctly. Such failure is likely to result in costly damage to goods, the warehouse facility, forklifts and, worst of all, employees could be significantly injured or even killed. Because of these reason, these measures are the most important part of implementing a narrow aisle configuration for warehousing optimization. Very Narrow Aisle Forklift PDF