Very Narrow Aisle Forklift Downey

Used Very Narrow Aisle Forklift Downey - Getting items from one warehouse location to another and to and from the loading docks is the focus of warehousing. Focus is often on space saving tools and the layout of the building. 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 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. Numerous narrow aisle forklifts deliver better stacking heights to increase the storage capacity on a square foot basis. 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. Most urban locations have expensive square footage; therefore, reducing costs is a benefit to warehouses and their business. 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. Either of these widths drastically increases storage potential. Using a forklift for order picking and stocking can be difficult in these aisle widths, especially when turning. 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. It is important to have the correct aisle dimensions before forklift shopping to avoid securing a machine that won’t fit its’ intended location. 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 Very narrow aisle forklift trucks are almost always powered electrically, usually by rechargeable battery. 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. This machine earned its name by its ability to reach its forks to secure a load. The moving mast and the moving carriage are two types of reach trucks. The moving carriage works by raising and lowering the carriage, along with the operator. The moving mast raises and lowers the forks as the operator remains at ground level. The moving mast reach truck is generally considered the safer of the two types 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 have been designed and developed specifically for use in picking orders from high, typically hard-to-reach racks. They are used for smaller picking items that can be lifted and 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 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 Swing-mast or turret very narrow aisle forklifts feature an articulating swivel mast that pivots. The mast swivels allowing pallets to be placed on either the left or right 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 There are a few critical considerations when implementing a very narrow aisle configuration. The narrow aisle units feature tall racking systems. The floor construction and the racks need to be carefully taken into account for everyone’s safety. 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 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. Without a level floor foundation, the rack stability could be compromised. Crack Repair When cracks in the floor are spotted, they should be assessed and, when necessary, repaired immediately. 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. 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. Extra reinforcements might be needed depending on the load requirements and the configuration. Plumb Racks Installing the racks safely and correctly is vital for the entire 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 are recommended to make sure the racks are plumb within one inch at the thirty- foot rack height. If the above measures are not taken or are improperly implemented, it is likely to cause a racking failure. Racking failure can kill or injure employees, damage equipment and result in horrible damage. These measurements are vital to the success of installing a safe and productive narrow aisle configuration. Very Narrow Aisle Forklift PDF