handling warehouse trucks l
Drew Farrell from Barloworld Handling explains how to specify a reach truck and what factors to consider in order to achieve a highly efficient warehouse operation.
The 'perfect' warehouse I
f a reach truck is to be used, selecting the right truck and supplier combination is essential. However, it is important to first identify the exact operational requirements. But how can you do this accurately?
Warehouse design
Using warehouse simulation tools is one method to provide an accurate analysis so that different warehouse scenarios and truck types can be tested prior to any investment. The advanced 3D simulation tool from Hyster, for example, provides a realistic setting and even allows for forklift speed when cornering or when close to another truck.
To complement the simulation and ‘double prove’ the data, Barloworld’s specialists conduct audits and produce a statistical analysis of an operation using a material mapping process. This
process is done to provide the optimum solution, maximise performance and reduce capital risk.
Choosing a reach truck Energy efficiency, total cost of operation, reliability, visibility, productivity and narrow aisle manoeuvrability are all common factors to research, but what do they actually mean, how do you spot the difference and do these differences matter? In my opinion, here are six elements to check: • Productivity – look for fast lift and lowering speeds in additional to travel speed, and check there is no significant difference between speed when laden and unladen, especially over long distances. It’s not always about the fastest, it is about sustaining the speeds over a shift. Look for powerful AC technology on traction, pump and steer motors.
• Control in narrow aisles – look for 180° or 360° progressive steering, powerful acceleration and braking torque, seamless change in travel direction and automatic speed reduction on cornering. Hyster makes it easy for the driver with precise fingertip controls to initiate the lifts, enabling smooth delivery of heavy pallets to high shelves. • Energy efficiency – how long will the reach truck operate for? Features such as progressive speed control help to promote energy efficiency, but check to see if there are different energy/performance settings to suit the application. • Visibility – this is always a major part of the discussion with end users. In 2011, Hyster made further
advancements to its Matrix reach truck, including the redesign of the overhead guard. Improved visibility of the fork tips when putting away or retrieving at height, proved to reduce cycle times and minimise stock damage. Also check through mast visibility. • Driver comfort – this plays a big role in achieving optimum productivity throughout a shift. The 1,400kg – 2,500kg Hyster Matrix features a new seat, helping to reduce whole body vibration even further, with very low profile mechanical suspension, a shock absorber and an integral lumbar support. A weight adjustment range dial allows the seat to be adjusted quickly for multiple users, ranging from 45kg to 170kg. There is even a heated seat option. • Mast height – does the model lift to the right height with stability, control and speed? Hyster makes it possible to use a reach truck in racking up to 12m high with stability and control thanks
Continued on page 34 >>> 32 ShD March 2012
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