Heavy-duty forklift trucks are the equipment of choice for many companies. "You can't go wrong with a truck like this" is the motto in many places. However, the alternatives on the market prove that there is potential for optimization that is not fully exploited with the use of such a forklift truck. Although a longer truck length is often required when handling heavy loads such as coils, paper rolls, converters or tools, this is at the expense of maneuverability and flexibility. This is a major disadvantage, especially in warehouses with limited space. This is where the compact stacker comes into play as a space-saving powerhouse.

Handling heavy loads in confined spaces

In sawmills or concrete plants, in metalworking industries or at ports, heavy-duty forklift trucks are predestined for outdoor use. This is because there is enough space for the large forklifts with correspondingly large turning radii. What about inside? In the warehouse or hall, the size of the forklift is an important criterion when choosing a forklift. This is because space and therefore costs need to be saved inside. This is often possible with shelving or block storage

which are lined up closely together and only offer small aisles for forklift trucks. A forklift truck that requires a lot of space and time to maneuver is a danger to the goods in the warehouse, which need to be delivered without damage. It is also an additional but avoidable effort for the driver.

What is needed for such scenarios: a maneuverable, compact and quick to maneuver forklift truck for handling long and heavy goods. This is a considerable advantage in terms of space and cost savings. In addition to the compact size, the optionally available patented compact steering also helps to save space: The single-wheel steering significantly reduces the turning circle, resulting in an additional 50 percent space saving compared to standard steering. In this case, the pivot point of the vehicle is ideally located in the middle of the drive axle.

A vehicle for indoors and outdoors

Another advantage of the heavy-duty compact forklift trucks is that they are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. For example, car manufacturers can create an interface between the two areas with just one vehicle. The compact forklift truck unloads the goods from the truck in the outdoor area and transports them to the production area for further processing. Thanks to its compactness, space is not a problem. At the same time, the combined use means that the compact forklift truck can be used in different countries with widely differing climatic conditions. What can be a great burden in addition to handling heavy goods, a compact forklift truck absorbs with sophisticated components and a solid, well-coordinated design. For example, soft tires make the compact forklift truck ideal for use on uneven outdoor surfaces.

Safely up in the air

The design of the lift mast is also very important. This is because a project-specific design is essential for lifting heavy loads and moving them safely. It is also important that the mast does not restrict the driver's view. Lifting systems are available in various designs. Three variants are common among leading manufacturers of special vehicles: The standard model is a 2-stage mast with a lifting height of 3,400 mm. There is also a 2- and 3-stage mast with full free lift (duplex and triplex). All models can also be tilted. An ideal compact forklift truck also comes with the ideal attachment for picking up individual loads. For example, rollers can be picked up using suitable roller clamps.

Energy-efficient load transportation

The driver's cab must meet a number of requirements in order to offer drivers comfort and thus ensure the safe transportation of goods. This can be achieved, for example, thanks to large window areas that give the driver an ideal all-round view from a spacious driver's cab. When choosing the ideal industrial truck, the question is not only whether a compact forklift truck is suitable. It is also important to consider the drive system. For example, an electric drive of the vehicle increases efficiency by 30 percent compared to vehicles with an electro-hydrostatic drive. In addition to low energy consumption, service costs are reduced as there are no maintenance-intensive components. Due to the low system pressure, the components are subjected to less stress than with a hydrostatic drive. This advantage can be enhanced by the modular design of the heavy-duty compact truck. This guarantees optimum access for maintenance and repair purposes. In the event of a service call, a fold-down driver's cab is a further advantage: this enables fast reaction times and a high level of ease of maintenance.

Conclusion

Choosing the right forklift truck to suit the conditions on site and the area of application is essential for cost- and energy-efficient processes. From the outset, companies should be aware of the range of compact forklift trucks available on the market from leading and internationally active manufacturers of warehouse, industrial and special-purpose vehicles. The operating costs of the electric compact forklift are favorable compared to the combustion engine. In addition, compact forklift trucks contribute to emission-free in-house processes.