Very Narrow Aisle Forklift Vancouver

Used Very Narrow Aisle Forklift Vancouver - 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. Narrow aisles need specific solutions to allow goods to be accessed and stored properly. More space can be given to storage as less space is needed for accessing the aisle. 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. Many very narrow aisle forklifts offer greater stack height capability which further increases the storage capacity per square foot. 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. In addition, a very narrow aisle layout allows for more rack faces as well as better access to products. 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. Very narrow aisle layouts and narrow aisle layouts are popular for warehouses. Narrow aisles are measured as those that use fewer than eleven feet of aisle width. Very narrow aisles usually use an aisle width of approximately 6.5 feet across. Storage options are greatly increased with these aisle width options. Standard forklifts can have issues with turning in these aisle widths. A variety of very narrow forklifts have been designed to easily maneuver in narrow aisles. Before choosing a forklift for a particular job, it is vital to know the dimensions of the aisle. 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. Taking note of any utilities, columns or posts is necessary before choosing a particular narrow aisle forklift design to maximize warehouse optimization and safety. Very Narrow Aisle Forklift Trucks Very narrow aisle forklift trucks are almost always powered electrically, usually by rechargeable battery. Very narrow aisle forklift trucks are popular as stand-up riders to help increase operator comfort and productivity. There are different very narrow aisle forklift designs such as order pickers, reach trucks, wing-mast or turret and end-control riders. 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. The two kinds of reach trucks the moving carriage and the moving mast. The moving carriage works by raising and lowering the carriage and the driver. 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 use a pantograph system, a type of jointed framework, which allows the operator to reach for or place a load without the need to move the forklift itself. Order Pickers Order pickers were created to specifically pick orders from difficult-to-access racks. Order pickers are specific for lighter stock items that can be lifted 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 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 The turret or swing mast very narrow aisle forklifts have a swivel mast that pivots and articulates. The mast swivels to enable pallets to be positioned on the right or left side of the forklift. Guided Very Narrow Aisle Trucks Many very narrow aisle forklift trucks are able to be guided down aisles by wire or rail. Since the forklift truck is guided, the chance of colliding with racks while traversing down the aisles is very low. Rail-guided applications use special rails set into the floor on either side of the aisle, funning the length of the location and curving around the edge. Wheel guides on the forklift slide into the floor rails to stop the machine from traveling out of bounds. Running down the center of the aisle, wire-guidance forklifts rely on floor wires instead of rails. Narrow aisle forklifts rely on a wire-guide system to help it communicate with the floor wires. This allows the machine to be steered by the wires, stopping it from traveling outside of the specific location. Work Site Considerations To use a narrow aisle configuration, there are some key considerations that need to be made. The floor and the rack construction needs to be evaluated to avoid any issues since the very narrow aisle units have extremely high racking systems. 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 cracks in the floor are spotted, they should be assessed and, when necessary, repaired immediately. Safety can become compromised when flooring cracks become 3/8 inches wide. They require proper filling with a substance that is as hard as the floor. Floor Load Capacity The floor should meet certain minimum requirements before considering a narrow aisle configuration. At a minimum, the floor should consist of 3,000 psi concrete as well as contain evenly distributed rebar approximately 3 to 4 inches below 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. Every rack needs to be plumb to ensure a safe system and work environment. If necessary, rack shims should be used to ensure the racks are plumb within 1 inch at the 30 foot height of the racks. Dangerous racking failure can occur if the above steps are not taken. 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