Very Narrow Aisle Forklift Canada

Used Very Narrow Aisle Forklift Canada - Warehousing solutions often focus on layout and space saving solutions in order to cut down on costly square footage and decrease travel time required to transport goods throughout the warehouse and loading dock areas. Extremely narrow aisles offer more storage space since there is less space needed for aisle access. Warehouse optimization consists of warehouse configurations. Warehouse Optimization Several benefits can be enjoyed for adding very narrow aisle warehouse optimization such as more storage space for the facility. 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. When planned carefully and properly, it is possible to increase warehouse storage area by up to 80 percent by implementing a very narrow aisle width configuration. 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. Warehouse layouts usually utilize a narrow aisle or very narrow aisle plan. Narrow aisles are measured as those that use fewer than eleven feet of aisle width. Very narrow aisles reduce the aisle width further to around six-and-a-half feet. Both of these aisle widths provide significantly increased storage opportunities. Standard forklifts can have issues with turning in these aisle widths. 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. It is necessary to know the dimensions of the aisle when selecting a forklift for a certain job. 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. It is essential to take any columns, posts or utilities into account before deciding a type of narrow aisle forklift design as these can block access. Very Narrow Aisle Forklift Trucks As these units are mostly powered by electricity, rechargeable batteries are popular for very narrow aisle forklifts. 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 The reach trucks were created as a type of rider stacker forklift but can be modified specifically for narrow aisle usage. The reach trucks developed their name from their forward-reaching actions to get 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 reach truck is typically considered the safest out of the two kinds of reach trucks. Reach trucks utilize a pantograph system that is a jointed framework design enabling the driver to place and reach loads without moving the forklift. Order Pickers Order pickers were created to specifically pick orders from difficult-to-access racks. These machines are used for picking up lighter stock that can be moved by hand. They lift the operator up to reach the goods by identifying and choosing certain items to create 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 The turret or swing mast very narrow aisle forklifts have a swivel mast that pivots and articulates. Pallets can be set on either the right or left side of the forklift due to the machine’s ability to use its’ swinging mast. Guided Very Narrow Aisle Trucks Very narrow aisle forklift trucks can be guided by rail or wire down the aisles. Because the forklift is guided, thereby reducing the possibility of the forklift bumping racks while moving down the aisle, the aisles can be extremely narrow. 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. The forklift is fitted with special wheel guides that slide into the rails, preventing the forklift from moving outside the rail guards. The wire-guidance system requires that the wires be installed into the floor, along the center 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. There are four areas which must be meticulously prepared before setting up a racking system and must be continuously monitored and maintained throughout the operation of the warehousing system: 1. The floor must be level; 2. Cracks must be repaired; 3. Load capacity of floor must be appropriate; and 4. The racks must be plumb. 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. 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 The floor needs to meet specific minimum requirements prior to a narrow aisle configuration. 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 Of great importance is the proper installation of the racking system. 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. Rack shims can help the rack stay plumb to one inch at the height of thirty feet. If the above measures are not taken or are improperly implemented, it is likely to cause a racking failure. 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. These measurements are vital to the success of installing a safe and productive narrow aisle configuration. Very Narrow Aisle Forklift PDF