The selection of vehicle models and configurations generally depends on the following aspects:
(1) Job function
The basic operating functions of a forklift are divided into horizontal handling, stacking/picking, loading/unloading, and picking. According to the operating functions that the enterprise wants to achieve, it can be initially determined from the models introduced above. In addition, special operation functions will affect the specific configuration of the forklift. For example, if paper rolls, molten iron, etc. are transported, the forklift needs to be equipped with attachments to complete the special functions.
(2) Job requirements
The operating requirements of forklifts include general requirements such as pallet or cargo specifications, lifting height, working channel width, and gradeability. At the same time, operating efficiency (different models have different efficiencies), operating habits (such as whether you are used to sitting or standing), etc. need to be considered. requirements.
(3) Working environment
If the company needs to transport goods or the warehouse environment has environmental requirements such as noise or exhaust emissions, it should be considered when selecting models and configurations. If it is in a cold storage or an environment with explosion-proof requirements, the forklift configuration should also be cold storage or explosion-proof. Carefully examine the places that the forklift needs to pass when operating, and imagine possible problems, such as whether the door height affects the forklift when entering and exiting the warehouse; when entering and exiting the elevator, the impact of the elevator height and load on the forklift; when working upstairs, the floor load Whether the corresponding requirements are met, etc.
When selecting and determining the configuration, it is necessary to describe the working conditions in detail to the forklift supplier and conduct on-site inspections to ensure that the purchased forklift fully meets the needs of the enterprise. Even after completing the analysis of the above steps, there may still be several models that can meet the above requirements at the same time. At this time, you need to pay attention to the following aspects:
① Different models have different working efficiencies, so the number of forklifts and drivers required are also different, which will lead to a series of cost changes. For details, see the discussion of costs in the performance evaluation section of this article.
② If a forklift operates in a warehouse, different models require different aisle widths and different lifting capabilities, which will lead to changes in the warehouse layout, such as changes in cargo storage volume.
③ Changes in vehicle models and their quantity will have an impact on many aspects such as fleet management.
④ Different models have different market share and their after-sales support capabilities are also different. For example, low-riding three-way stacker forklifts and high-riding three-way stacker forklifts both belong to the narrow aisle forklift series and can both operate in very narrow aisles (1.5~ 2.0 meters) to complete stacking and picking up. However, the cab of the former cannot be raised, so the operating vision is poor and the work efficiency is low. Since the latter can fully cover the functions of the former and has more outstanding performance, the market sales of the latter in Europe are 4 to 5 times higher than that of the former, and in China it is more than 6 times. Therefore, most suppliers focus on the development of high-riding three-way stacker forklifts, while low-riding three-way stacker forklifts are only used in working conditions with small tonnage and low lifting height (generally within 6 meters). When market sales are low, its after-sales service capabilities such as the number of engineers, engineer experience, and parts inventory levels will be relatively weak. After a comprehensive assessment of the impacts of the above aspects, the most reasonable plan should be selected.