Modern forklifts with lithium batteries also feature regenerative braking systems that save energy and make it easier to maneuver in tight spaces. This helps reduce maintenance and operating costs while improving efficiency and productivity.
Automated forklifts are taking on monotonous warehouse tasks to free up staff to complete more nuanced duties. But they still need fuel, space, and repairs, so they won’t soon replace humans on a large scale.
Battery Life
Forklifts are a staple piece of equipment in every warehouse and facility. High productivity is key, whether you’re handling the heaviest loads or moving products through an operation on tight margins. For thisreason, it’s vital to ensure that your material handling equipment can power through shift after shift without any interruptions in service. If you need to see the results you want from your forklifts, investing in advanced energy solutions like lithium forklift batteries may be time.
Lithium batteries not only hold their charge for longer but also recharge faster. They can be opportunity charged during breaks or other downtime and require no watering or swapping out. They also weigh less than standard lead-acid batteries, reducing ergonomic risks for operators.
When you consider that the average facility spends 15 percent of its operating budget on energy costs, it’s clear that any way to reduce that number will translate into cost savings for your business. Lithium batteries use 30 percent less energy than their lead-acid counterparts, making them a powerful tool for saving energy expenses in your facility.
It’s important to ensure that the lithium battery and charger you purchase match correctly to the forklift it will use to maximize efficiency and performance. For example, you must ensure that the forklift is rated at the same voltage as the battery and can accommodate the battery’s maximum output power.
Efficiency
The forklift is a staple piece of equipment in warehouses and distribution centers, but its versatility extends beyond that. They are also used in construction, agriculture, and manufacturing to move heavy materials and deliver loads to other facilities. The ability to transport materials between locations, stack items in high racks, and use attachments like clamps and rotators make forklifts a valuable addition to almost any facility.
Evaluating and optimizing forklift power is a critical piece of managing your operations. Your fleet’s energy costs can add up quickly, especially in environments that require a lot of travel, such as industrial warehouses. In these cases, the best way to minimize energy costs is by ensuring that your forklifts are operating efficiently.
This includes educating operators on proper handling practices, limiting idling, and limiting fuel consumption. Additionally, it may be helpful to record truck usage by shift to identify the best driver habits and correct any areas that can be improved.
Another way to enhance forklift efficiency is through cutting-edge technology, such as cameras and laser sensors, that provide an extra set of eyes for increased safety and productivity. A forklift camera system gives the operator a full view of their surroundings, including top, bottom, left, and right views, which helps them operate with more confidence. This can help to reduce accidents and damage to goods during loading, movement, and unloading.
Reliability
Whether your forklifts are the unsung heroes of warehouse operations or the lifeline for lumberyards and freight moving companies, you need them to be reliable. Unscheduled downtime can delay work, cost money, and cause frustration for your team. So, when choosing a forklift, consider the manufacturer and what other customers say about their products. Shoddy manufacturers usually receive many complaints online, while trustworthy ones will have a strong reputation for high-quality forklifts.
Consider how your forklift will be used on your worksite. Do you need it to tackle jobs indoors on smooth concrete, or will you be putting it to the test outdoors on rough terrain? The answer to these questions can dictate various factors, from the lift height you need to the tool attachments that will transform it into a more multifaceted piece of equipment.
Another important consideration is how often you need your forklift to be serviced. Regular inspections can identify issues that can become expensive repairs or even safety hazards if not addressed immediately. During a routine inspection, you’ll want to check the operating safety lights, parking brake, and horn and the fuel, radiator water, and hydraulic fluid levels. These routine checks help to preserve the forklift’s lifespan and ensure its reliability.
Safety
For all their benefits to industrial workplaces, forklifts can pose significant safety risks when used improperly. The most common forklift accidents are caused by improper operation and maintenance. Still, many other causes of injury could be avoided by following simple safety tips.
The most important forklift tip is always to be aware of your surroundings. Be careful not to veer off course and avoid driving into obstacles or over ledges. You should also check the floor for wet, slippery, or uneven surfaces and drive slowly over them. In addition, be sure to check trucks and trailer wheels before entering or leaving an indoor location.
Conclusion
It’s important to always operate the forklift at a reasonable speed. The quicker a forklift travels, the more likely it is to shift or lose control and tip over. It’s a good idea to have a supervisor set reasonable speed limits and remind forklift operators to obey them consistently.
Pedestrians should avoid forklift paths and never stand under the load. This can lead to serious injuries for both pedestrians and forklift operators. Posting signs in high-traffic areas with these reminders is a good idea. Lastly, forklifts should be used to carry only a few passengers. Adding additional weight to the forklift can cause it to tip over.
