Adaptation Selection Points of Electric Reach Trucks for Beam Racking and Drive-in Racking Scenarios

Electric reach truck manufacturers design various kinds of reach trucks for efficient operations in the warehouse. These trucks are designed to carry and maneuver loads through narrow aisles and place heavy loads on high racks. However, it becomes challenging for the buyer of an electric reach truck to decide which one works best for efficient and smooth operations for beam racking and drive-in racking scenarios.

Whether you have a large warehouse, distribution centre, or any other indoor storage facility, it is critical to make the right decision when purchasing a reach truck to make the investment valuable. This article provides you with tips to select the right truck for your warehouse or storage facility.

Beam Racking and Drive-in Racking

Beam racking and drive-in racking are two techniques used in warehouses for goods storage. Racking beams are basic elements of metal racking systems used in warehouses. Beam racking consists of horizontal steel beams connected to vertical frames to support the load in a storage facility. This technique is used for storage of different kinds of products in a warehouse. Drive-in racking is an affordable and simple high-density storage system where an electric reach truck enters the lanes to load and unload the racks. This storage system is useful where space efficiency is a top priority as there are no aisles between rows of racks. This is useful for inventory with a low turnover rate and Last in First Out (LIFO) management principle.

Selecting the Right Electric Reach Truck for a Warehouse

You must consider many factors when selecting the electric reach truck for beam racking and drive-in racking for your warehouse. These factors include the layout of the warehouse, load requirements, operator comfort and ergonomics, safety features of the machine, battery type used in the truck and its runtime. These factors are briefly explained below.

Warehouse Layout and Design

Warehouse layout and design is the first and most important factor to be considered when selecting the right electric truck for efficient operations in the warehouse. Not all electric reach trucks work efficiently in every warehouse due to space constraints and warehouse layout. So it is important for you to take into consideration the dimensions of your storage facility.

Aisle Width: It is important to note the dimensions of the narrowest aisles in the warehouse and select a reach truck accordingly. Some trucks are designed by electric reach truck manufacturers to work effectively in the narrowest aisles, while others are designed to work smoothly in relatively wider aisles. Selecting a truck that is compatible with aisle dimensions of the warehouse enables smooth operations and easier maneuverability with low risk of accident and damage to walls and racks of the storage facility.

Rack Height: Rack height is an important dimension of a warehouse facility, and it determines the maximum lift an electric reach truck needs to achieve to effectively access the racks and pallets. You need a model of reach truck which would be able to access the highest racks of the storage facility without any trouble. Ignoring the rack height factor for the reach truck creates difficulties in accessing the highest shelves and reduces the efficiency of truck operations. In this case, you would need to buy a new tall truck which meets your requirements in the warehouse.

Turning Radius: Turning radius is the smallest space an electric reach truck requires to make a complete turn. This is measured from the centre of the circle to the farthest tyre of the machine. For warehouses with narrow aisles and corners, an electric reach truck having a small turning radius is required to pass through obstacles easily, increase the productivity of the machine, and reduce the chances of collision and accident.

Load Capacity Requirements of Machine

After warehouse layout, the load capacity requirement of the machine is the second most important factor you must consider before choosing the right reach truck for beam racking and drive-in racking. Electric reach truck manufacturers have designed different models of trucks which can handle different loads. You need to match the load capacity of the reach truck with your average and maximum load of warehouse. To ensure smooth and safe operation, the load capacity of the truck should be slightly greater than the maximum load of the warehouse. It is important to note that the higher load the truck handles, the lower the lift height of the truck. So it is important to take into consideration this compromise between load and height of truck according to your needs. Choosing a truck with a load capacity much higher than the maximum load of the warehouse would incur unnecessary expenses.

Battery Life and Runtime

Battery life is an important factor in choosing the right reach truck for warehouses involving double shifts and long shifts. Li-ion and lead-acid are commonly used types of batteries in reach trucks. Li-ion batteries are preferred to lead-acid batteries for electric reach trucks these days because they have high charge density, less charging time, higher discharge time, and require less maintenance than traditional lead-acid batteries. Li-ion batteries are more expensive than lead-acid batteries, but these are a good option for long-term investment due to low operating costs. Lead-acid batteries are cheaper and reliable, but they have higher operating costs. You need to choose a battery that has maximum uptime and minimum downtime for warehouses operating 24/7.

Operator Comfort and Ergonomics

Operators’ comfort and ergonomics play an important role in the selection of reach trucks. Electric reach truck manufacturers design trucks ergonomically, which reduces operators’ stress and fatigue and increases safety. Features like adjustable seats, armrests, and adjustable control positions enhance operators’ comfort and peace. Elevated seats and specially designed angle masts on reach trucks improve visibility for the operator and thus enhance safety.

Safety Features

Safety features must be considered carefully to protect workers, infrastructure, and goods when selecting a reach truck for warehouses. Safety features like automatic speed slowing, stability control systems, alarms, warning lights, and horns prevent collisions and reduce truck downtime.

Conclusion

Electric reach truck manufacturers have designed various trucks to meet the needs of warehouse users. Meenyon, being a professional electric reach truck manufacturer, provides you with support in selecting a reach truck according to your requirements. Upon receipt of your OEM/ODM requirements, we, Meenyon electric reach truck manufacturer, will immediately set up a project team to serve you.