Seattle, WA (PRWeb) March 12, 2007 -- New and smaller businesses are continually searching for Best Value solutions to their material handling needs and LiftScience is positioned to meet these requirements with both a complete product line of light to medium duty equipment and the tools to help them manage their businesses and reduce the cost of ownership.
The first of what will become a complete set of 3D CAD models of LiftScience equipment was released today and is the P10030 Electric Pallet Stacker Walkie Forklift and used with the various Google tools. These models, along with the other resources available will assist customers in the selection of the appropriate lift trucks and layout of their warehouses.
All ListScience products are available on-line through ForkliftDeals Material Handling Equipment and FastForklifts.
About LiftScience Material Handling Equipment:
LiftScience was established in 2004 to fill an empty market niche for high quality/best value equipment for the Internet economy, LiftScience is positioned to bring together the "Best In Class" technology and quality components from the US, Europe and Asia designed into economical medium duty material handling systems assembled in China. Key products include electric forklifts, pallet stackers, pallet lift trucks, dock plates, aluminum dockplates, steel dockplates, dock boards, dock levelers, drum deheaders, drum lifts, drum lifters, drum rotators, digital floor scales, self propelled stackers, walkie stackers, work positioners, pallet trucks pallet jacks and wheel chocks.
Showing posts with label forklifts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label forklifts. Show all posts
Friday, March 9, 2007
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
OK - Really Boring - Material Handling Equipment Industry Terms
ACTIVITY:
Number of transactions used for financial, efficiency or lean manufacturing purposes as measured by: # of picks in line items or amount shipped in dollars.
Number of transactions used for financial, efficiency or lean manufacturing purposes as measured by: # of picks in line items or amount shipped in dollars.
CAPACITY:
A fork lift truck's load capacity at a specified load center, measured in pounds at a specific fork height
CARRIAGE:
A support structure for forks or attachments on a lift truck, generally roller mounted, travels vertically within the mast of a fork lift truck. Typically made of high strength steel.
CENTER OF GRAVITY (CG):
The point at which the load mass is balanced. On a forklift truck, this is typically specified in inches from the base of the forks.
CLEAR AISLE:
Dimension in a storage aisle, from rack to rack, less pallet overhand, load overhang or other obstructions. Also, see pallet and load overhang.
COUNTERBALANCE OR COUNTERWEIGHT TRUCK:
A fork lift truck equipped to lift and transport the load in front of the load wheels. This is accomplished by putting heavy counterweights at the back end of the truck.
CROSS AISLE:
An aisle used for travel. Typically no storage is put in this aisle, which crosses the end of pick aisles and serves as the main travel route for forklifts, pallet stackers and pallet trucks.
DEEP DISCHARGE OR DEEP CYCLE BATTERY:
Batteries which are capable of being run down to less than 20% of the rated capacity of a cell or battery and then being recharged.
ELEVATED HEIGHT OR LIFT HEIGHT:
Vertical distance from the floor to the top of the forks with mast vertical, and in the case of reach trucks, with the forks extended.
EXTENDED HEIGHT OR TOTAL HEIGHT:
Vertical distance from the floor to the top of the uppermost structure of the truck (mast, carriage, load handler) in the highest position.
FORK EXTENSIONS:
Attachment that extends the load-carrying surface of the forks on a fork lift truck or pallet stacker. Extreme care must be given to realize that both the weight of the fork extensions and the increase in the center of gravity will decrease the effective load capacity.
FORKS:
Horizontal tine-like projections, normally suspended from the carriage for lifting loads. Typically made of high strength steel.
GRADABILITY:
The percent (%) of grade that a truck can ascend or descend.
GRADE:
Measure of the rate of ascent or descent of a ramp. It is calculated and is numerically equal to the vertical distance by the horizontal distance, multiplied by 100, and stated in percent (%).
LIFT SPEED:
Average speed in feet-per-minute when raising the load carriage (forks) on a fork lift truck or pallet stacker throughout its operating range, specified for empty and loaded conditions.
LOWERING SPEED:
Average speed in feet-per-minute when lowering the load carriage (forks) on a fork lift truck or pallet stacker throughout its operating range, specified for empty and loaded conditions.
MAST:
Support structure that provides vertical movement of the carriage on a forklift truck or pallet stacker. It is usually constructed out of C-Channel high strength steel uprights that provide a load path for the carriage rollers.
NARROW AISLE LIFT TRUCK:
An electric fork lift truck or pallet stacker that can operate in aisles smaller than counterbalanced or counterweight trucks, typically 8 to 10 feet clear.
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (OSHA):
US Government agency which establishes and enforces standards to maintain a safe and healthy work environment. Many states also have similar departments.
OVERALL WIDTH:
Width of fork lift truck, pallet stacker or pallet truck when measured in direction of fork width.
PALLET:
A structure usually built with wooden stringers, top and bottom decks with openings that allow pick up and transportation by a fork lift truck, pallet stacker, or pallet truck. Some pallets are also made from plastic.
SKID:
A load supporting structure, similar to a pallet with an open bottom.
STRADDLE LEG TRUCK:
A high-lift truck with a wide enough stabilization legs to straddle either side a pallet and lift the load.
STORAGE AISLE:
Aisle used to stack loads, materials or pallets.
THREE-STAGE MAST:
A fork lift truck or pallet stacker mast assembly comprised of one stationary main frame and two moving telescopic assembly. This type of mast allows for a higher lifting capability while maintaining a low minimum mast height.
TILT:
The ability to change the angle of the forks or the mast of a fork lift truck.
TWO-STAGE MAST:
A fork lift truck or pallet stacker mast assembly comprised of one stationary main frame and one moving telescopic assembly. This type of mast allows for a higher lifting capability while maintaining a low minimum mast height.
VERY NARROW AISLE LIFT TRUCK:
Forklift trucks and pallet stackers that can operate in clear aisles of approximately 5 feet.
WALKIE:
A category of fork lift trucks and pallet stackers controlled by a walking operator.
WALKIE RIDER:
Similar to a Walkie, but equipped for the operator to ride, typically on a rear platform.
Monday, February 12, 2007
I Don't Sell Forklifts-But I'm Asked All the Time About....
FORK LIFT TRUCK
A fork lift truck is a small motorized vehicle typically used in a manufacturing concern, loading dock, retail store or other operation where movement of goods or supplies is needed. Usually there is a confined space involved, although a fork lift truck can also be used outdoors in logging or mill operations.
The concept of the forklift was first developed in the 1920’s by Clark Material Handling Company and Yale & Towne Materials Handling Company. Today it is generally considered to be an indispensable piece of equipment in any warehousing or manufacturing concern.
A number of different designs and types of the fork lift truck have been designed over the years, to suit one specific purpose or another, but generally there is two different types of unit. It is either powered by an internal combustion engine fueled by LPG, diesel or gasoline, or it is powered by an electric motor with battery or fuel cells.
In addition to the power unit, a fork lift truck consists of the truck body which is propelled by either tracks or wheels, depending on the use. The mast is the part of the lift truck which does the actual lifting. The vertical assembly which raises and lowers the forks is usually hydraulically operated. The carriage is attached to the mast and is a flat metal plate moving up and down the mast as needed to position the forks. The L-shaped forks attached to the carriage on the short leg either with a hook, clasp or sometimes they are shaft mounted.
Safety features include a load back rest which prevents the load from falling onto the cab when the load is lifted and tilted to the rear before moving. The cab is protected by a steel cage for safety and contains the controls. Most, but not all fork lift trucks are rider-driven. Finally the counterweight on the rear of the fork lift truck is necessary where there is a heavy load on the forks. The battery can serve this function in electric trucks.
In a warehouse setting, a typical fork lift truck will be capable of moving one to five tons, although lift trucks capable of moving 50 ton loads have been used, depending on the application.
The operator of the fork lift truck has the capability to raise and lower the forks, to tilt the mast backward in compensation for the slight downward angle of the forks. Some units have the ability to rotate the tines or to side step the tines to allow for easier load handling. The fork lift thus equipped has some ability to work on uneven ground.
While a skilled operator understands and uses the unique handling characteristics of a fork lift truck, there are safety issues for the inexperienced operator. The entire unit and load must be considered as one whole when moving the load. The center of gravity for the loaded fork truck is low and is constantly changing. When the load is raised, a tight turn can result in a serious roll-over mishap.
A fork lift truck is a small motorized vehicle typically used in a manufacturing concern, loading dock, retail store or other operation where movement of goods or supplies is needed. Usually there is a confined space involved, although a fork lift truck can also be used outdoors in logging or mill operations.
The concept of the forklift was first developed in the 1920’s by Clark Material Handling Company and Yale & Towne Materials Handling Company. Today it is generally considered to be an indispensable piece of equipment in any warehousing or manufacturing concern.
A number of different designs and types of the fork lift truck have been designed over the years, to suit one specific purpose or another, but generally there is two different types of unit. It is either powered by an internal combustion engine fueled by LPG, diesel or gasoline, or it is powered by an electric motor with battery or fuel cells.
In addition to the power unit, a fork lift truck consists of the truck body which is propelled by either tracks or wheels, depending on the use. The mast is the part of the lift truck which does the actual lifting. The vertical assembly which raises and lowers the forks is usually hydraulically operated. The carriage is attached to the mast and is a flat metal plate moving up and down the mast as needed to position the forks. The L-shaped forks attached to the carriage on the short leg either with a hook, clasp or sometimes they are shaft mounted.
Safety features include a load back rest which prevents the load from falling onto the cab when the load is lifted and tilted to the rear before moving. The cab is protected by a steel cage for safety and contains the controls. Most, but not all fork lift trucks are rider-driven. Finally the counterweight on the rear of the fork lift truck is necessary where there is a heavy load on the forks. The battery can serve this function in electric trucks.
In a warehouse setting, a typical fork lift truck will be capable of moving one to five tons, although lift trucks capable of moving 50 ton loads have been used, depending on the application.
The operator of the fork lift truck has the capability to raise and lower the forks, to tilt the mast backward in compensation for the slight downward angle of the forks. Some units have the ability to rotate the tines or to side step the tines to allow for easier load handling. The fork lift thus equipped has some ability to work on uneven ground.
While a skilled operator understands and uses the unique handling characteristics of a fork lift truck, there are safety issues for the inexperienced operator. The entire unit and load must be considered as one whole when moving the load. The center of gravity for the loaded fork truck is low and is constantly changing. When the load is raised, a tight turn can result in a serious roll-over mishap.
Friday, February 9, 2007
When Should You Buy an Electric Drive Pallet Stacker Forklift or a Manual Drive
I get asked all of the time whether someone should buy and electrically drives or self propelled pallet stacker forklift or a manual drive (push) model.
My first reaction is - how should I know?
Manual drive models are of course less expensive, usually ~40% cheaper than a fully powered model, require less maintenance, and are more reliable - these are all good things for working in a warehouse. A manual drive model is a good choice for:
An electrically driven pallet stacker forklift is a good choice for:
My first reaction is - how should I know?
Manual drive models are of course less expensive, usually ~40% cheaper than a fully powered model, require less maintenance, and are more reliable - these are all good things for working in a warehouse. A manual drive model is a good choice for:
- small warehouse (under 5000 square feet)
- warehouses with smooth concrete floors
- used for lifting pallets onto racks or off of trucks as opposed to moving pallets
- operators who are average to above size
An electrically driven pallet stacker forklift is a good choice for:
- larger warehouses
- anytime you are planning to take the stacker out into a parking lot which might have dirt, pebbles, cracks to obstruct the wheels
- going up or down ANY incline
Thursday, February 8, 2007
Advantages of Using a Pallet Stacker Lift Truck as Opposed to a Forklift
There are many advantages to using a pallet stacker lift truck as opposed to a forklift in smaller warehouses.
Pallet stackers will probably be the preferred solution for smaller warehouses where you will be lifting up to 3000 pounds to a height of no more than 15 feet. If your pallets are heavier and your racking higher, than you should probably buy a forklift.
- A pallet stacker is smaller which means your warehouse can have smaller and narrower aisles.
- Pallet stackers are almost always electrically powered instead of propane or gas. This means they are friendlier to the environment and quieter.
- A forklift typically requires on-going training and licensing per OSHA and state authorities whereas a pallet stacker rarely does.
- The cost of buying a pallet stacker is usually lower, including lower shipping costs.
Pallet stackers will probably be the preferred solution for smaller warehouses where you will be lifting up to 3000 pounds to a height of no more than 15 feet. If your pallets are heavier and your racking higher, than you should probably buy a forklift.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
What is the difference between a Forklift and a Pallet Stacker
I get asked this question all of the time...my business has "forklift" in the name, but I don't sell any forklifts.....
Ok, here is the story. Several years ago, I needed a way to lift heavy pallets onto pallet racking so I went out and looked for a forklift. What did I know, I never worked in a warehouse or on a dock before. I called the local Crown and Hyster dealers and asked questions about buying a forklift. All I wanted was to lift a 2000 pound pallet to a height of 10 feet. The dealers were quoting me prices of $10,000, $20,000 and even $30,000 for a forklift.....I passed out. That was more money than I started my first business with.
Well it turned out, I was asking for the wrong piece of material handling equipment, I really wanted a pallet stacker. I wouldn't know the difference if I tripped over these.
I looked at several material handling association websites, OSHA, and manufacturers, but I couldn't find any real definitions. So I made my own up.
Ok, here is the story. Several years ago, I needed a way to lift heavy pallets onto pallet racking so I went out and looked for a forklift. What did I know, I never worked in a warehouse or on a dock before. I called the local Crown and Hyster dealers and asked questions about buying a forklift. All I wanted was to lift a 2000 pound pallet to a height of 10 feet. The dealers were quoting me prices of $10,000, $20,000 and even $30,000 for a forklift.....I passed out. That was more money than I started my first business with.
Well it turned out, I was asking for the wrong piece of material handling equipment, I really wanted a pallet stacker. I wouldn't know the difference if I tripped over these.
I looked at several material handling association websites, OSHA, and manufacturers, but I couldn't find any real definitions. So I made my own up.
- A forklift (sometimes incorrectly spelled as fork lift) is a lift truck used in warehouses, factories and loading docks which the operator sits down and drives. They are typically powered by either gasoline, diesel, propane or electricity.
- A pallet stacker is also a lift truck with many of the same uses as a forklift, but the operator walks behind or rides on a platform while standing up.
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