(ThyBlackMan.com) Operating a manufacturing facility requires having the right equipment for just about any work related task. When it comes to forklifts, there are several designs on the market. Rather than assuming you can purchase a single lift and always be covered, it pays to invest in multiple lifts and make them slightly different in design. Here are a few of the reasons why a little diversity will keep your production quotas on track.
Task Specific Choices
Some lift designs are better suited for certain purposes than others. Maybe you have tasks that require something a little smaller and easier to maneuver. Perhaps you need something with more load bearing qualities. By having lifts that are capable of performing specific tasks on the production floor and in the warehouse, you will be covered at all times.
For example, think of what could be done with one or more Aislemaster.ca narrow aisle lift trucks. In the warehouse, it will be easier to get to any finished goods that happen to be at back of an aisle and not have to move everything that’s in the front. Inside the plant, you will find that the smaller form factor of this lift allows you to get into tighter spots and extract a machine that needs to be taken off the floor for repairs.
Viable Backup Lifts
While the lifts may be somewhat different in design, they can be pressed into service for other tasks if necessary. Maybe your basic two prong lift is in the shop for repairs, but you still need to load finished goods. Instead of allowing the loading dock to get backed up, why not press the squeeze-lift into service? While you normally use it to haul bales of raw materials to different departments, it is possible to use those squeeze blades to pick up packed containers of finished goods and load them on to the waiting trailers.
Lifts for Multiple Departments
Depending on the size of your operation, having a different lift for each department could be a good idea. Certainly you need lifts that the shipping and receiving departments can use to load and unload goods. Once the inspection and packing department has prepared containers of finished goods, having a lift to transport them to the warehouse will keep things moving along. A lift or two that hauls raw materials to different departments ensures no one has to wait until the trailers are loaded to get materials and keep the machines running.
Dealing With the Unexpected
No matter how well you plan, there will be a time when something out of the ordinary arises. Perhaps the lifts you normally use for unloading new machine parts are not quite right for removing and transporting a new machine to the right department. You’ll find that one of the counter balance forklifts on the market will make it easier to ensure the machine is properly secured during the trip into the plant, and that setting it in the ideal position will be a little easier.
Learn more about different lift designs and what they can do for your business operation. There’s a good chance that adding at least one new lift with certain features and design elements will. save time and make the production process more efficient.
Combilift
320 Clarence St
Brampton
ON
Staff Writer; Jerry Parker
