How to Boost Your Forklift Load Times

Regardless of the industry or application, there are certain time-consuming movements and operations that are both frustrating and inefficient for forklift operators.  When considered on an individual basis, such actions are inconsequential and usually completed without a seconds thought. If performed with any kind of regularity, however, the accumulated time spent on minor movements substantially reduces both efficiency and ROI.  

Take the process of repositioning a pallet or load, for example, which requires the operator to line the forklift up with the load, drive forward, lift, reverse, adjust position, drive forward (again), lower the load and back out (I know, I know, overkill right?).  I apologize for stating the obvious, but there’s a point here: imagine performing such an action with nearly every load you lift as a forklift operator?  Think about how quickly that extra minute or two per load would add up for every forklift in a 3 shift operation?  

In these types of situations, simple and cost-effective solutions such as forklift side shifters and fork positioners will improve efficiency, productivity and ROI by completing these movements in a matter of seconds, rather than minutes.  With the addition of a forklift side shifter, for instance, forklift operators are able to shift the forklift carriage and forks (with or without a load) several inches in either direct without moving the forklift.  In doing so, the forklift side shifter dramatically improves load times, and, consequentially, both efficiency and productivity. 

Unlike the side shifter, fork positioners does not allow an operator to shift a load laterally without moving the forklift.  Rather, fork positioners enable the operator to reposition the forks in unison or independently of each other and eliminates the time and manual labor required to adjust the position of the forks when dealing with different sizes of skid entry pockets.

The ability to independently move the forks and carriage of a forklift makes the forklift side shifter and the side shifting fork positioner indispensable attachments in space starved applications, including those with narrow aisles, smaller warehouses and side-by-side pallet storage.  Overall, these attachments help to reduce fuel consumption, truck wear, and pallet damage, as well as improve load handling times, efficiency, and productivity.  For more information on Stärke attachments, please visit us online or speak to a Stärke dealer near you!

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www.starkeforklift.com

Local: (905)-227-7554  |  Toll free: 1-877-435-4352

What's the Deal with Straddles Anyways?

The internal combustion counterbalance forklift is one of the most commonly used pieces of equipment in the material handling industry and is what most people picture when they think about a lift truck.  Yet, in more confined narrow aisle applications, standard forklifts are too cumbersome and bulky to move goods and materials in a safe and efficient manner.  

In these constrictive work environments, narrow aisle alternatives to traditional forklifts are favored for their compact and maneuverable designs.  The improved maneuverability of these models – most notably straddle stackers and reach trucks – is often achieved by replacing the ponderous counterweights used in most forklifts with a set of stabilizing outriggers.  

These outriggers, widely known as straddle legs, extend from the front of the machine to prevent it from tipping forward while lifting a load.  This, in turn, substantially reduces the amount of clearance required to operate these units, making them an ideal fit for narrow aisle applications.

Manufacturers have taken full advantage of the straddled design since its introduction in the early 1950's, leading to its widespread use and popularity throughout the material handling industry.  Since then, countless models have incorporated the straddled design, with each new model addressing a new area of need, work environment or application.  With such a large number of possible variations, determining what type of stacker is best suited for your needs can be a difficult process unless you are familiar with what’s available on the market.  Taking that into consideration, we’ve created a list of the basic types of straddle lifts to help guide you through the selection process:

The Manual and Semi-Electric Straddle Stacker

The most straightforward option available in terms of straddled lifts, manual and semi-electric straddle stackers serve as an ideal entry point for first time buyers.  With either manual (hand or foot operated) or power assisted lift functions, these models are generally used in low-volume applications for their low-cost and ease of upkeep.  Among the most common uses of the manual or semi-electric straddle stacker is in smaller retail operations, where they avoid ergonomically unsound hand-bombing and/or save hundreds to thousands of dollars in tailgate fees whenever trailers are loaded/unloaded without the aid of a drop-down tailgate.

The Walk Behind or Ride On Straddle Stacker

The next step up in terms of complexity, cost and productivity are electric straddle stackers, which feature fully electric lift and push-pull functions, thereby reducing the possibility of repetitive strain injuries caused by strenuous pushing and pulling.  With optional fold-down platforms and greater lifting capacities, these powered units offer a big upgrade in terms of productivity, particularly in applications that involve high volumes or longer distances between loads.  Possible applications include warehousing and retail environments which require vertical stacking of products and/or materials.  

The Forkover Straddle Stacker

Although the straddle stacker was originally developed in an effort to increase storage density in warehousing applications, the straddle leg itself has since fallen victim to same concern it initially addressed.  With an increasing need to maximize available storage space, the development of the forkover straddle stacker and its interlocking fork and straddle setup eliminated the need for additional spacing in between loads to accommodate the side-mounted straddles.  When used in conjunction with bottomless skids or bins, the forkover straddle stacker allows for side-by-side stacking, and, as a result, provides an additional 6 inches (or more) of storage space per pallet and a 15% (or more) increase in horizontal storage density. 

The Counterbalanced Stacker

In contrast to the straddle stackers profiled above, the counterbalanced stacker forgoes stabilizing straddle legs in favor of a heavy counterweight.  This design eliminates the need for wider shelving and uniform pallet sizes, but also eliminates the need for a crossbar setup beneath the shelving to accommodate the straddles while picking up loads. Similar to the forkover design, the counterbalanced stacker is widely used in warehousing applications where loads are stacked side-by-side to increase storage density.   

As you can see, countless iterations of the straddle stacker exist, with models specifically suited to most applications.  If you're still confused about what type best suits your needs, or would like information on Stärke comprehensive line of straddle stackers and reach trucks, contact your local Stärke dealership or visit Stärke online for more information. 

www.starkeforklift.com

Local: (905)-227-7554  |  Toll free: 1-877-435-4352

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