Safety Tips For Forklift Trucks
Just How Safe Are Forklifts?
Industrial workplaces depend on forklift trucks for
their superior ability to lift and transport just
about any load around the plant. The sheer power of a
forklift not only makes it indispensable, but also
somewhat dangerous. Often when employees get used to
operating forklifts, they tend to forget that they
could be a potential safety hazard. In the process,
they neglect to follow vital operating and
maintaining procedures.
Types Of Forklift Accidents Which Can Cause
Injuries:-
- 1. Being knocked down by a moving forklift.
- 2. Tipping over and overturning of the
forklift.
- 3. Severe collision with other vehicles or
non-moving objects.
- 4. Losing the load.
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Some Boring But Necessary Facts About Forklifts!
In
this article, let us discuss the key characteristics
of a typical
forklift, and
also its control and capability. First, let's
start by running through some of the main features of
a
forklift:-
1.
A Gasoline, LPG or diesel-powered internal combustion
engine, or an electric motor which is
battery-operated.
2. In an electric
forklift,
the large lead-acid battery serves as a
counterweight. Usually though, the counterweight is a
heavy iron mass attached to the rear of the machine
to compensate for the load.
3. The vertical assembly that does the work of
raising, lowering and tilting the load, is called
the
Mast. The
mast, which is hydraulically-operated, consists of a
cylinder and interlocking rails for lifting and
lowering operations as well as for lateral stability.
4. The L-shaped devices that engage the load are
called the
Forks.
The back vertical section of the fork is attached to
the carriage by a hook or latch; the front horizontal
position is inserted into or under the load, usually
on a pallet.
Alright, now let's move on to the Control and
Capability of a
forklift.
Forklift trucks
are available in a wide variety of models and load
capacities. Some
forklift machines
also offer a hydraulic control that enables the tines
to be shifted together or apart. This feature removes
the necessity for the operator to manually adjust for
a different-sized load. Some manufacturing facilities
operate
forklift trucks
with a clamp attachment, making it easier for the
operator to open and close it around a load, instead
of having to use the forks. Stuff such as boxes,
cartons, etc. could be easily shifted with these
types of
forklift trucks.
So there you have it! Absolutely necessary (but
admittedly boring!) facts you'd want to keep in
mind when you decide to go out and purchase your
own
forklift!
Forklifts - What You Should Know About Them
What
is a
forklift?
Well, for those of you who are in the construction
industry, the answer is obvious! However, for
ordinary people like you and I, the term may sound
somewhat familiar, but we have no clear idea of its
definition, right? So what exactly is a
forklift anyway?
(sometimes also called
forklift truck).
Well, it's a powered industrial truck used to
lift and transport materials by means of steel forks
inserted under the load. Loads stored on pallets are
usually moved by forklifts. The
forklift was
developed in the 1920's by various companies
(including the major transmission manufacturing
company
Clark Material Handling
Company,
as well as hoist company
Yale Materials Handling
Corporation.
The
forklift has
since become a very popular and indispensable piece
of equipment in many manufacturing and warehousing
operations.
There are 4 basic types of
forklift trucks:-
1.
Diesel powered
2. Electric powered
3. Gasoline powered
4. LP-Gas powered
Since different types of environments call for
different types of forklifts, you want to make sure
that you're using the
*correct*
type of
forklift for
your work area.
Finally, here are some interesting facts about
forklifts that you may be interested to know:-
1.
They are heavyweights! They often weigh more than a
car or a light truck,
2. They are power-packed! A
forklift is
extremely powerful,
3. Forklifts use rear wheel steering,
4. Maximum maneuverability - can turn in a
tighter circle than most vehicles!
LiftScience Fills Material Handling Market Void With the Introduction of the Model P130 Electric Pallet Jack
Toyota on Fortune's top 50 list of World's Most Admired Companies
This is the first time that TICO has appeared on the Global top 50 All-Star list, ranking as the 36th most admired company, tied with Lowe's. TICO achieved an additional honour, earning the number one spot in the motor vehicle parts industry ranking, moving up from last year's number two position.
Toyota is the leading supplier of lift trucks in Canada and worldwide. The majority of lift trucks sold in Canada by Toyota Canada's Industrial Equipment Division are manufactured at the Toyota Industrial Equipment Manufacturing (TIEM) plant in Columbus, Indiana.
"We are very proud that Toyota has been recognized by the business community in this FORTUNE listing for its excellence in surveyed areas including product innovation, quality and service," said Rob Reinders, Director, Toyota Canada Industrial Equipment Division. "We remain committed to serving the Canadian market and share this honour with our associates and dealers who continually propel this company forward."
Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) also was featured in the FORTUNE survey, rated number two on the World's Most Admired Companies list.
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Jungheinrich Lift Truck Corp. Retires the Multiton Brand
Richmond, VA (PRWEB) July 25, 2006 -- Effective
today, Jungheinrich Lift Truck Corporation announces
its intent to fully integrate the Multiton portion of
its business into its core product lines. A phase-out
of the Multiton name is now in progress at
Jungheinrich dealerships throughout North America and
is scheduled for completion October 2006. This
phase-out represents the final strategic stage of the
January 1, 2005 corporate merger between Jungheinrich
Lift Truck and the Multiton MIC
Corporation.
Multiton was founded in 1951 and began producing hand pallet trucks and machine moving dollies in a small workshop in Port Washington, NY. In 1976, Multiton became part of the Jungheinrich Group of Germany -- one of the largest of fork lift truck suppliers in the world -- and its brand, product line and dealer organization became an internal sales division of Jungheinrich Lift Truck Corp. This partnership allowed Multiton the benefit of Jungheinrich's extensive technical knowledge and support, resulting in an expansion of the Multiton product line to include High Lift Hand Trucks, Electric Walkie Pallet Trucks and Stackers. The partnership also enabled the development of many new and exciting product innovations, such as transistorized controllers, a brake by-pass switch and, most recently, the introduction of AC powered motors.
With the exception of the new Jungheinrich branding, documentation and model names, the units will remain identical to the original Multiton models and all product warranties will remain in force. A few products, however, will be discontinued, i.e., the Mark Series of Machinery Moving Dollies (Roller Skids) and the M50 Manual Pallet Jack. Jungheinrich also anticipates discontinuing the EME Light Duty Electric Pallet Truck.
Short-term, the brand phase-out provides centralized product and service ordering through Jungheinrich's extensive dealer base. More importantly, the quality and performance customers have come to expect from Multiton products will continue, and even improve, under the Jungheinrich name. Over the long term, end users will experience shorter lead times on product and parts delivery, and a higher level of local, factory trained service and support.
“The retirement of the Multiton brand will allow us to streamline our internal operations, enhance our communication, and promote a stronger relationship between Jungheinrich and its dealers, and our entire customer base,” says John Sneddon, President, Jungheinrich Lift Truck Corp. He adds, “This transition also dovetails with Jungheinrich's corporate commitment to responsively meet the unique needs of the North American marketplace by expanding its product scope and its service capabilities.”
For more information contact Jungheinrich Lift Truck Corp., 5701 Eastport Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23231, phone toll free 888-333-2644, phone 804-737-6084, fax 804-737-6136, www.jungheinrich-us.com.,P. About Jungheinrich Jungheinrich is the world leader in warehouse logistics technology. Founded over fifty years ago, the company has grown from its beginnings as a European manufacturer of materials handling equipment to an international supplier of industrial trucks, warehousing technology and materials-flow products. Today, it is one of the largest suppliers of forklift trucks around the globe, and offers a complete range of materials handling equipment, rack systems and services related to manufacturing logistics.
Jungheinrich's growth has been due in large part to the high value it has always placed on leading-edge design and technological innovation. This is seen, for example, in the company's proprietary 3-phase AC motor and controller technology, and in a host of productivity and ergonomic enhancements. Jungheinrich has more than 120 strategically-located service support centers and store operations in the U.S., and sales and service companies in countries around the industrialized world.
Crown Turret Stockpicker Wins Design Award
Turret trucks are designed to operate in the narrow aisles of high-throughput warehouses with rack heights to 38 in., spaces where conventional lift trucks are unsuitable. After assessing market needs, Crown's design team determined that a radically reconfigured design was required. Turret operators can now perform a wider variety of tasks with increased comfort, confidence and security. The TSP6000 offers both a front-facing and side-facing seat position, previously only available in separate truck models, to address different styles of warehousing. Reconfigured controls enable the operator to simultaneously operate all truck functions with intuitive ease. In the first six months of production, the Turret gained a 120 percent increase in market share Read More...
Handle With Care
Does your plant abuse its lift trucks? Everyday waste due to breakdowns, damage to equipment, product and facility is not uncommon. Learn how technology, operation and maintenance can crush lift truck costs.
PlantServices.com
By Paul Studebaker, CMRP, Editor in Chief
When a lift truck falls off a dock, overturns or simply runs out of juice in the middle of a critical pick, it's a black eye (or worse) for both operations and maintenance. But the costs of such high-profile events may pale in comparison to everyday waste due to breakdowns, damage to equipment, product and the facility, and repetitive injuries. Read More...
A Basic Guide to Pallet Stackers, Pallet Trucks and Electric Forklifts:
Choosing the Right Pallet Stacker
New or Used?
Since your choice of pallet stackers will impact the most important elements of your business, used or restored pallet stackers are generally not a wise purchase; you are buying someone else's problem. Remember, there is a reason they are selling a used a piece of equipment! Investing in a new pallet stacker guarantees smooth operation without the risk of time-wasting breakdowns, mechanical problems, and threats to employee safety.
Key Specifications - Lift Height and Weight Capacity
You'll want to choose the pallet stacker that fits in best with your routine and storage set-up. The most basic questions are: How high do you need to lift? & How much weight capacity?
Pallet stackers will typically lift up to a maximum of 12 feet or lower and can handle up to 3300 lbs. More than this and you should probably consider a full blown forlkift.
Manual (Push) or Electric Drive
Manual drive is the most economical in terms of purchase price and on-going repair and maintenace. A typical warehouse employee will be able to move a 2000lb pallet on a smooth warehouse floor, although if you will be handling more than 10 palllets/day you should probably consider electric drive.
Electric drive pallet stackers will be more expensive to purchase and operate than manual drive models but are better suited to high duty use, use in parking lots, and where the warehouse employees can't muscle the weight around. These models will all feature forward/reverse variable speeds and safety brakes
Stabilization Legs
There are 3 types to consider: 1) Forkover, 2) Straddle or 3) Counterweight
Forkover design is where the forks lower right on top of the stabilization legs. The advantages of this design are that it is less expensive, takes up less space and can maneuver in tight aisles. The disadvantage is since the forks are directly over the stabilization legs, you cannot pick up a closed bottom pallet directly from the floor; however, this is still an excellent choice for unloading trucks and this disadvantage can be overcome with either open bottom pallets/skids or blocks.
Straddle leg pallet stackers allow the forks to lower directly to the floor with the stabilization legs straddling either side of the pallet. Advantages of this design are it allows you to pick up closed bottom pallets directly from the floor. Disadvantages are it is more expensive to purchase/ship and it takes up more space.
Counterweight or counterbalance stacker offer some benefits of both of the previously mentioned styles but with some other drawbacks. Counterweight stackers can lift pallets direclt off of the floor since there are no stabilization legs to get in the way. The disadvantages are that the weight capacity and lift height will typically be less than the other styles.
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Modern Materials Handling
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