A Forklift Truck (FLT) is a fundamental piece of MHE for any warehouse, distribution centre or manufacturing operation. One common purpose of the FLT is of course to stow and retrieve materials and loads throughout your warehouse, DC and manufacturing operations effectively, efficiently and safely. With so many options available, the choice of FLT will ultimately be guided by the product profiles, type of operation and business requirements. However, with so many different Material Handling Equipment options now available, the range of processes to be supported and the varying warehouse environments, how do you select the right Forklift Truck for your requirements?
Business Environment
Consider where you require to use the FLT application; as specifications differ between using a FLT inside and outside. If you require the FLT for warehouse, DC or manufacturing operations there are key factors to be considered. These should include, but should not be limited to how product is to be handled, operational speeds, capacity through-puts, load types, product weights, aisle widths, maximum lift heights, and any operational obstructions. One overriding consideration is to ensure the choice of MHE provides safe working operations for your business activities.
Modern warehouse design and storage media allows for safe operations at increased racking heights. These warehouses can be supported using Narrow Aisle and Very Narrow Aisle FLT’s with options for Man-Up or Man-Down operations. This type of MHE will be dependent on your specific business operational requirements and through-puts.
Requirements for external operations will require you to acknowledge tyre type, and other differing factors including terrain. Apart from the traditional Counter Balance trucks, consideration should also be given to multifunctional truck types, this is where the FLT can operate both internally and externally.
Fuel Type
The 3 types of fuel you need to research for your FLT are electric, gas, and diesel. Depending on the type of operation your facility runs, you will need to choose the most efficient to complete processes within your warehouse environment. Whilst there are benefits to all types of fuel, you need to consider which benefits resound most prominently within your own warehouse environment, as opposed to the standalone benefits.
Height
Check your warehouse height and aisle width requirements, as this will greatly impact your quest for securing the right MHE. It is important to consider the highest point the machine needs to lift to, and in turn, the closed mast height should you require the FLT to transfer between warehouses or operational areas.
Load and Capacity
Your machine should be chosen by considering the type of stock that you will need it to handle. Key considerations include the maximum weights and types, i.e. Pallets, stillages, or specific container types and sizes and other defining requirements for your business operations. In addition to this, other considerations could include researching FLT attachments and safety features, to enable your staff to complete processes safely, efficiently and effectively, with added precision.
New or Used Equipment
This option requires careful consideration of what processes you require the MHE to complete, and the actual operational hours. Whilst some businesses own their FLTs, there are many who, due to a lower demand for machine assistance, purchase lease or rent a used machine which come with full maintenance and swap out options.
A full review of your predicted and actual business processes will be required to accurately determine the best option for your business and ultimately, the overall benefit offered to your warehouse, DC, or Manufacturing environment.
When selecting an FLT or any MHE, it is important to remember, that there is no one truck to perfectly match everyone’s business requirements the most crucial factor to consider when choosing, is to remember that the specifications of a FLT or MHE need to provide an operational and cost-effective and safe solution.
As the New Year races ahead, Gideon Hillman Consulting can support your Materials Handling resource procurement requirements, learn more at www.hillman-consulting.co.uk
GIDEON HILLMAN CONSULTING
Tel: 01926 430 883
Email: info@hillman-consulting.co.uk
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