In-depth feature articles about materials handling trends and solutions

Feature Articles

Forkliftaction News takes an in-depth look at current trends, challenges and opportunities impacting the materials handling market. Packed with insights from industry experts, you'll learn about the latest emerging technologies and new solutions on the market.

Showing items 101 - 110 of 229 results.

8 minute read

USA forklift industry prepared for recovery

Feature Article - 25 Feb 2010 (#450) It has been a cautious start to the new year with many USA forklift dealers, manufacturers and service providers welcoming the ninth consecutive month of improved economic activity. Melissa Barnett reports. Economic activity, particularly in the manufacturing sector, saw across-the-board growth for the sixth consecutive month, with both new orders and production indexes above 60%, indicating strong current and future performance. The Industrial Truck Association's (ITA) past president, Stan Simpson, says that new factory orders are up 21% for the first month of 2010 compared to the same time last year. The National Bureau of Economic Research believes the recession most likely reached its nadir in June to August, 2009 and has predicted 2010 GDP growth of 2.6% - traditionally enough of a rise to kick-start expansion in the forklift market. Many of the people Forkliftaction.com interviewed for this report predicted a conservative growth in equipment sales of between 4% and 10% over 2010. Ilidio Alves, director of marketing for Nissan Forklift Corporation, believes that the US forklift market could realistically achieve 100,000 unit sales in 2010. This is particularly encouraging given that 2009 produced sales figures not seen since the mid-1980s. Don Chance, president of sales at Nacco Materials Handling Group (NMHG), notes last year was a tough year with the overall US forklift market down more than 50% from its 2006 level. "The numbers we saw for the industry were 92,000 units for 2009, compared to nearly 208,000 units for 2006. This has made for a very challenging business environment."

8 minute read

The Versatile Multi-taskers

Feature Article - 28 Jan 2010 (#446) Telehandlers are counterbalanced forklifts with telescopic booms that can achieve tasks that are beyond the abilities of straight-masted forklifts. As Christine Cranney reports, built to traverse rough terrain and reach far and high, in and out of buildings, ships and trains, it is no mere marketing hype when their makers call them flexible and versatile machines.

8 minute read

The Indian forklift market

Feature Article - 24 Dec 2009 (#442) With the global materials handling market almost halved this year, impacting stakeholders worldwide, Christine Cranney discovers that the Indian forklift industry was affected but is still doing well.

8 minute read

Designed for dangerous environments

Feature Article - 26 Nov 2009 (#438) Explosion-proof forklifts are specialised pieces of equipment for unique applications. Melissa Barnett reports ...

7 minute read

If it's not square, it must be a sideloader

Feature Article - 29 Oct 2009 (#434) Unfortunately, not all items in a warehouse can be packed neatly into square boxes for handling. Moving unusual sizes and shapes is where sideloader forklifts come into their own. Melissa Barnett looks at the niche market for this specialised equipment.

9 minute read

Powerful future for batteries

Feature Article - 24 Sep 2009 (#429) New power sources tend to dominate the headlines, but battery-powered forklifts remain popular and constitute a large part of the global forklift fleet. Allan Leibowitz looks at developments in battery technology and their implications for end-users.

9 minute read

Keeping the industry rolling

Feature Article - 27 Aug 2009 (#425) Tyres and wheels are the only piece of equipment on a forklift in constant and direct contact with the ground. Melissa Barnett reports that while these components are crucial to the safety, efficiency and handling of the vehicle, they are often the most neglected piece of materials handling equipment.

6 minute read

Narrow aisle, wide future

Feature Article - 30 Jul 2009 (#421) Even in tough times, narrow aisle and very narrow forklifts continue their tradition of innovation, safety and efficiency, as Melissa Barnett reports.

4 minute read

Safety and savings by remote control

Feature Article - 25 Jun 2009 (#416) Businesses are all looking for ways to improve the bottom line these days. As Melissa Barnett reports, vehicle management systems help do just that and by remote control - no need to even be at the office.

8 minute read

UK market meets challenges

Feature Article - 28 May 2009 (#412) The global downturn means tough times for the UK forklift industry, but, as William Redmond reports, suppliers have a range of strategies in place in these demanding times.

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