Very Narrow Aisle Forklift Kent

Used Very Narrow Aisle Forklift Kent - 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. 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 Implementing very narrow aisle warehouse optimization is a huge benefit of warehouse optimization. One of the most important benefits is the increased storage space. 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. 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. Adding a very narrow aisle width system can increase storage up to eighty percent when planned properly. 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 reduce the aisle width further to around six-and-a-half feet. Storage options are greatly increased with these aisle width options. However, they also create challenges when turning within the aisles using forklifts for stocking and order picking. A variety of very narrow forklifts have been designed to easily maneuver in narrow aisles. 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. 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 Rechargeable batteries are typical for powering very narrow aisle forklift trucks and most models are electric. Very narrow aisle forklift trucks are popular as stand-up riders to help increase operator comfort and productivity. 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 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 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 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 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. Order pickers elevate the operator to the level of goods to pick and identify particular items required for filling 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 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. 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. Specific wheel guides are on the forklift. These slide into the rails to stop the forklift from moving out of the rail guards. Wire-guidance forklift systems install wires on the floor instead of rails and the wires run down the middle 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. 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 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. Cracks may affect the floor’s level and, when they are approximately 3/8 inches wide, will need to be properly filled with a material at least as hard as the surrounding floor. Floor Load Capacity The floor should meet certain minimum requirements before considering 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 configuration and load requirements, extra reinforcements may be necessary. Plumb Racks The racking system is essential to the whole process and needs to be installed properly. There is a major chance of rack failure if improper installation occurs. Every rack needs to be plumb to ensure a safe system and work environment. 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. Racking failure can kill or injure employees, damage equipment and result in horrible damage. Due to these potential problems, the most significant part of creating a narrow aisle configuration for warehousing optimization is the initial measurements. Very Narrow Aisle Forklift PDF