The selection of models and configurations should generally be based on the following aspects:
Operation functions
The basic operation functions of forklifts are horizontal handling, stacking/picking, loading/unloading, and picking. According to the operation functions that the enterprise wants to achieve, it can be preliminarily determined from the models introduced above. In addition, special operation functions will affect the specific configuration of the shipping container forklift. For example, if the forklift is carrying paper rolls, molten iron, etc., it is necessary to install accessories on the forklift to complete special functions.
Operation requirements
The operation requirements of heavy forklifts include general requirements such as pallet or cargo specifications, lifting height, operation channel width, climbing grade, etc. At the same time, it is also necessary to consider the requirements of operation efficiency (different models have different efficiencies) and operation habits (such as whether to sit or stand).
Operation environment
If the goods that the enterprise needs to transport or the warehouse environment have environmental requirements such as noise or exhaust emissions, they should be considered when choosing the model and configuration. If it is in a cold storage or in an environment with explosion-proof requirements, the configuration of the forklift should also be cold storage type or explosion-proof type. Carefully examine the places that the forklift needs to pass through when operating, and imagine possible problems, such as whether the door height affects the forklift when entering and exiting the warehouse: the impact of the elevator height and load on the forklift when entering and exiting the elevator: whether the floor load meets the corresponding requirements when operating upstairs, etc.
When selecting and determining the configuration, the forklift supplier should be given a detailed description of the working conditions and conduct on-site inspections to ensure that the purchased forklift fully meets the needs of the enterprise. Even if the analysis of the above steps is completed, there may still be several models that can meet the above requirements at the same time. At this time, the following aspects need to be paid attention to:
① Different models have different working efficiency, so the number of forklifts and drivers required is also different, which will lead to a series of cost changes. For details, see the discussion on costs in the performance evaluation section of this article.
② If the forklift is operating in the warehouse, different models require different channel widths and lifting capacities, which will bring changes in the warehouse layout, such as changes in the storage volume of goods.
③ Changes in models and their numbers will have an impact on many aspects such as fleet management.
④ Different models have different market ownership, and their after-sales guarantee capabilities are also different. For example, low-driving three-way stacking forklifts and high-driving three-way stacking forklifts belong to the same narrow channel forklift series, and can complete stacking and picking up in very narrow channels (1.5~2.0 meters). However, the cab of the former cannot be lifted, 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 better performance, the market sales of the latter in Europe are 4~5 times that of the former, and more than 6 times in China. Therefore, most suppliers focus on the development of high-driving three-way stacking forklifts, while low-driving three-way stacking forklifts are only used in small tonnage and low lifting height (generally within 6 meters) conditions. When the market sales are small, its after-sales service engineers, engineer experience, spare parts inventory level and other service capabilities will be relatively weak.
After a comprehensive assessment of the impact of the above aspects, choose the most reasonable solution.