National Forklift Safety Day (NFSD) on June 8 provided an opportunity to focus on how operators can reduce the risk of accidents when using materials handling equipment. Pedestrian pallet and stacker trucks have become increasingly prevalent in warehousing operations over the years and are replacing ride-on forklifts for a number of good reasons – a key one of which is safety – for the operator as well as for other personnel, customers or visitors who may be nearby. Their compact footprint and lower cost compared to ride-on trucks have also contributed to their popularity.

This article was first published in the June 15th 2021 issue of Warehouse & Logistics News, subscribe to the magazine by clicking here.

Combilift’s pedestrian range now includes the Combi-WR reach stacker, its multidirectional counterpart the Combi-WR4 and the Combi-CS counterbalance stacker. Another model, the Combi-PPT powered pallet truck, can be supplied with a lift capacity of 16t, to enable even very heavy and bulky loads to be safely and easily moved around the confined areas of a manufacturing facility for example. Operating at walking pace is inherently safer than the speeds that can be achieved with ride-on forklifts, and as operators are closer to the loads they are handling, they are more aware of their working environment.

Congratulations to Hyundai, whose new Stage V 9V series is equipped with a powerful 2.2L HMC D4HB diesel engine that produces 47.7 KW while complying with European Stage V environmental regulations. It also achieves impressive cost savings by delivering excellent performance with low fuel consumption rates. The new electronically controlled transmission is fully adjustable in the cluster, allowing the set-up of the machine to any application.

Well done to Transmon, which has developed a pedestrian detection system that automatically applies the brakes if a person or obstacle is detected in the path of a reversing forklift. The three-stage safety system warns with an alarm and flashing lights between 9m-5m from the object, automatically slows the forklift between 5m and 3m and on reaching 3m from the obstacle, the brakes are applied hard to perform an automatic, controlled stop.

Operators can manage pallet loads with power and ease with three new low lifting pallet truck models from UniCarriers – PLF, PLR and PLS models, available in three distinct lengths and with two different load capacities, with special focus on ergonomics and a multitude of customisation options. As well as allowing for more comfort and efficiency over longer periods of use – a new feature of the powered pallet trucks is the UniCarriers unique TDS concept.

Great to hear how the Flexi range of articulated trucks from Narrow Aisle has been developed specifically to improve storage handling and aid customer order assembly efficiency in manufacturing, logistics and eFulfilment industries. Flexi provides a more space-efficient storage solution by eliminating dead aisle space required by counterbalance or reach forklifts. Depending on the building, the product can increase usable storage space between 25% and 50% and eliminate double handling operations.

It is encouraging to see the industry take the issue of safety seriously through initiatives like NFSD.

George Simpson

Features Editor

Comments are closed.