Whether
you’re looking to purchase your first forklift or simply replacing old, worn
out equipment, it is critical to conduct a proper site survey. Even if you think you’re certain of your
options and only want to replace the equipment you already have, a proper site
survey and assessment by a reputable dealer is well worth the time prior to
purchase. This is because a site survey
offers a chance to double-check your measurements, review your application, and consider the
possibilities offered by new technologies with potential to increase efficiency
and capacity while minimizing safety risks and costs.
Double-checking Measurements:
To determine the optimal
equipment selection for your business and facility, the inspector will pay
close attention to the physical characteristics of the space itself. Among the primary objectives of a site survey
is to verify that all of the listed load and height requirements are accurate
and consistent with expectations. Known
as the “four by three” rule, a reputable dealer will closely measure the three
dimensions (length, width and height) of four key areas: doors, aisles, pallets
and racking/storage space. Since it is
unlikely you’ll find consistent measurements throughout the facility, it’s
important to measure all aisles and doors individually as a difference as
little as 1-inch (2.2 cm) can present a serious safety issue down the
line.
Next, the inspector should
determine what kind and size of pallets in use, any overhanging loads, the
distance travelled between loads, and the total weight and height requires of
the loads. Since lifting capacity is
based on a 24-inch load center and is exponentially down rated as height
increases, inaccurate measurements may result in insufficient lift capacity at
a given load centre or lift height.
Reviewing Your Application
After establishing the
physical requirements, the next step is a careful consideration of your application
and usage environment. Here, the site
surveyor will assess a number of factors that combine to determine the type of
equipment that’s best suited for your application. Depending on the load frequency and distance
travelled, for example, a reputable dealer will recommend either a walk behind
or ride-on model to optimize between production and costs. Engine type and power source is another key
consideration that largely depends on the characteristics of your
application. For indoor or combined
indoor-outdoor applications, emission-free electric models are used. For applications that take place outdoors or
in facilities with adequate ventilation, internal combustion models are generally
preferred.
New Technologies
Finally, a proper site assessment may present you with the
opportunity to improve your productivity and efficiency with the addition of
new technologies or equipment approaches.
Here, you may be able to reduce the number of lift trucks you require by
purchasing a new type of unit, reduce your reliance on additional batteries with
opportunity charging or eliminate some manual labor with the addition of a
specialized attachment.
As you can see, a proper
site survey from a reputable dealer offers a number of benefits including improved
efficiency, reduced costs and removing potential safety hazards. So, if you’re in the market for a new piece
of material handling equipment, reach out to your local Stärke dealer today!
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Local: (905)-227-7554 | Toll free: 1-877-435-4352
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