to control the forks to accommodate varied loads without exiting the operator cab so often can help enhance the operator experience , making the shift more comfortable .
Lift truck considerations in metal manufacturing
Metal manufacturing can involve tough environments . Lift trucks may require specific solutions to protect the operator and the truck .
Industrial metal manufacturing operations may require a fleet of lift trucks to handle finished metal goods in production areas and warehouses . Here , noise and other distractions are factors that can represent a risk , especially if the truck is working in the vicinity of pedestrians .
These applications should consider selecting lift trucks with features to support driver awareness . For instance , blue and red spotlights , red line awareness lights , and alarms may be available to help indicate to pedestrians where a truck is , and that it is moving or working .
As in any manufacturing operation , there are time pressures , so there can be no compromise on lift truck productivity . Different semifinished or finished products must be handled with high precision and minimal damage , every shift . On these occasions , lift trucks should be selected that cater to the type , shape , size , and weight of the metal loads .
Attachments may play a part , but all-round visibility is the foundation . Operators need the ability to see their surroundings quickly and clearly .
It ’ s about more than just the operator
Where manufacturing operations are experiencing labour shortages among materials handling operators , improving user experience for operators is often a key consideration . However , operations and service managers have needs too .
As in any manufacturing operation , there are time pressures , so there can be no compromise on lift truck productivity .
Operations and service managers share common goals of maximising uptime and minimising downtime in the face of unrelenting demand . Compressed margins are reducing new equipment budgets , meaning the life of equipment in service is often extended . They must do more with less , and in some cases , operations are running on significant numbers of old and under-maintained equipment , leaving applications vulnerable to interruptions .
Overall truck maintenance and downtime can cause major operational disruptions , and when this is unplanned , it results in unforeseen costs . Hyster A
Series lift trucks offer features to help lighten the load on service managers . For instance , telematics can include systems that routinely flag maintenance requirements and instigate helpful daily operator checks , giving early warning of maintenance issues . Inspections are vital , as infractions can lead to heavy fines . Telematics also enable impacts or other issues to be automatically flagged , so problems can be addressed faster , minimising downtime .
Fine tuning forklifts for manufacturing
With so many different considerations and factors influencing the right choice of forklift , the ability to customise forklift fleets can be essential . The Hyster A Series lift trucks are designed specifically to address these challenges with A + Logic , a series of adjustable features to configure the truck to requirements . Through customising the truck at the point it is built , businesses can truly fine-tune their forklifts for their operations , supporting efficiency , uptime , and operator satisfaction .
For further information , please visit www . hyster . com
Issue 73 PECM 93