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
  • By ICSConsulting
  • joined 2 Dec'10 - 13 messages
  • 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
  • By joseph_h
  • joined 19 Mar'06 - 253 messages
  • 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
  • By johnr_j
  • joined 3 Jun'06 - 1,452 messages
  • 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
  • By edward_t
  • joined 5 Mar'08 - 2,334 messages
  • 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
  • By Forkingabout
  • joined 31 Mar'11 - 862 messages
  • 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
  • By joseph_h
  • joined 19 Mar'06 - 253 messages
  • Michigan, United States

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