Discussion:
Articulating Forklifts, Good or Bad

My last post questioned required training on these somewhat new to the U.S. forklifts (articulating) due to the fact that much of what we teach when authorizing "conventional" forklift operators would not apply to these front wheel drive articulting lift trucks. Other than the new developed training I started to look at the "Advantages" and "Disadvantages" of bringing these trucks into the workplace. The "Advantage" is obvious, you get more storage space because you reduce the ailse space between pallet racks thus more rakcs. I stopped there, I couldn't see any more advantages. As for "Disadvantages", a brief list may include: Developing and implementing "New Training" requirements, most are electric so now you will need a charging area and comply with all safety and health issues associated with battery charging, re-tooling and training for all maintenance personal if you are going to maintain and repair the unit in-house, ensure you have enough units to place and retrieve stock in the event of a break down because once you re-design your storage area (smaller aisles) conventional lifts will not be able to retrieve the stored pallets. Bottom line is I simply don't see the advantage of these units in a mid to large production facility. If I am wrong or missing something, I would love to hear from someone. Thanks for the time.
  • Posted 11 Aug 2011 23:02
  • Discussion started by ICSConsulting
  • Ohio, United States
John P. Leseganich, CPEA
Showing items 1 - 5 of 5 results.
ICSConsulting -

The following web site may be of interest.

Google: narrowaisleinc.com/operation.html
  • Posted 19 Aug 2011 02:53
  • Reply by joseph_h
  • Michigan, United States
ed t is right. One way to determine the value of the saved square footage is to survey the rental cost of the same space size from various local warehouses - make certain they are similarly climate controlled - heat, air, etc).
  • Posted 17 Aug 2011 06:29
  • Reply by johnr_j
  • Georgia, United States
"Have An Exceptional Day!"
the part you are missing is a real estate course that covers $ cost per atmospherically controlled square foot of ground space per year.
if your product is something you could leave on the ground out where property is very inexpensive, you would never consider any sort of VNA/articulating forklift.
if the square foot and or atmosphere control is 'high dollar' then you NEED to use the ground area as effectually as possible.
  • Posted 16 Aug 2011 21:41
  • Modified 16 Aug 2011 21:42 by poster
  • Reply by edward_t
  • South Carolina, United States
"it's not rocket surgery"
Articulating forklifts - Are we talking full VNA or are we talking Bendi's?
  • Posted 16 Aug 2011 21:16
  • Reply by Forkingabout
  • england, United Kingdom
ICSConsulting -

Try searching the Forkliftaction.com Forum: Warehouse storage and handling.
  • Posted 16 Aug 2011 12:42
  • Modified 16 Aug 2011 12:45 by poster
  • Reply by joseph_h
  • Michigan, United States

Post your Reply

Forkliftaction.com accepts no responsibility for forum content and requires forum participants to adhere to the rules. Click here for more information.

Having trouble using the Discussion Forums? Contact us for help.

PREMIUM business

Yale Lift Truck Technologies
Yale offers a full line of forklifts to help customers adapt to today's demanding supply chain.
Global Industry News
edition #1234 - 12 June 2025
As a journalist focussed on the materials handling sector, it is difficult not to notice the regularity of news stories that detail injuries to – or worse still the deaths of – forklift operators... Continue reading
Your Focus
Fact of the week
The Michelin Guide with its star rating system originated in France in 1900. The guide was created as a marketing tool to encourage more car travel and consequently increase the demand for tyres. It initially contained maps, tire repair instructions, and lists of restaurants, hotels, and mechanics.
Your Focus
Latest job alerts …
Johnston, IA, United States
St. Louis, MO, United States
Jefferson, WI, United States
Upcoming in the editorial calendar
WIRELESS CHARGING
Aug 2025
MANAGING MIXED FLEETS
Oct 2025