Very Narrow Aisle Forklift Concord

Used Very Narrow Aisle Forklift Concord - 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. Very narrow aisle solutions allow for more space to be dedicated to the storage of goods because less space is required 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. 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. 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. 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. Either of these widths drastically increases storage potential. 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. When selecting a forklift for a job application, it is essential to know the aisle dimensions. It is important to have the correct aisle dimensions before forklift shopping to avoid securing a machine that won’t fit its’ intended location. 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. 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 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 and the driver. 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 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 can pick up loads along the floor level and transport goods horizontally instead of transporting items over 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 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. Thanks to the guide rails, the possibility of crashing into racks is greatly reduced. 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. 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 There are a few critical considerations when implementing a very 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. Without this foundation of a level floor, the stability of the racks could be jeopardized. 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 load requirements and configuration, additional reinforcements may be needed. Plumb Racks Of great importance is the proper installation of the racking system. Rack failure can happen if they are improperly installed. 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. Dangerous racking failure can occur if the above steps are not taken. Racking failure can kill or injure employees, damage equipment and result in horrible damage. 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