Introduction To Industrial Truck

Industrial Truck:

• Used to move materials over variable (horizontal) paths
• Provide vertical movement if the truck has lifting capabilities
• Used when there is insufficient (or intermittent) flow volume such that the use of a conveyor cannot be justified
  

Characteristics & Considerations:
1. Pallet/Non-Pallet: Does the truck have forks for handling pallets, or a flat surface on which to place loads.

2. Manual/Powered: Does the truck have manual or powered vertical (lifting) and/or horizontal (travel) movement capabilities.

3. Walk/Ride: For non-automated trucks, can the operator ride on the truck (in either a standing or sitting position) or is the operator required to walk with the truck during travel.

4. Narrow Aisle: Is the lift truck designed to have a small turning radius or does it not have to turn at all in an aisle when loading/unloading. For narrow Aisle, greater cost and (usually) standing operator and less aisle space is required. Counterbalance and/or straddle used for load support.

5. Automated: Is the truck automated so that it can transport loads without requiring an operator.

• Non-Automated - direct labor cost of operator is by far the largest cost to operate a non-automated truck.
• Semi-Automated - operator used to control loading/unloading, but automated transport control (e.g., the S/R machine of a Man-on-board AS/RS).
• Automated - no direct labor cost, but higher equipment costs (e.g. Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV)).

Material Handling Equipment
Transport Equipment