How to Improve the Safety and Productivity of Your Forklift in 2021?Best Forklift Parts to Improve Safety & Productivity
The pandemic has finally started to wither away, and as businesses gradually find their way back, safety and productivity will be the topmost concerns. This holds true not only with respect to the employees but also in regard to the machinery that an enterprise relies upon.
We, at Large Lift Trucks, have a thorough understanding of this fact and are therefore dedicated to helping your business make the most of the current situation. And what better way to do that, than ensuring that your lift trucks fulfill their share of responsibility with full vigor.
Pro Tip – It is strongly recommended that before choosing or buying any forklift parts or attachments for your forklift, you get in touch with the Original Equipment Manufacturer, or our team of trained experts at Large Lift Trucks, to ensure that the chosen attachment is ideal for the configuration of your lift truck.
Best Forklift Parts and Attachments for Safety
Since safety has been the catchphrase of the pandemic, let us start with some of the most prominent parts and attachments that help ensure the safety of the operator, the people and product in the vicinity as well as the forklift itself. All forklifts must comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines so, it is wise to invest in any related attachments.
Seatbelts
As is the case with a car, or an airplane, the seatbelt is of utmost importance when it comes to the safety of a forklift. If not fastened properly, the driver may be at risk of serious injury in case of any sudden movement of the forklift.
Backup Alarms
A large vehicle like a forklift should always be equipped with a backup alarm also known as a reverse buzzer. Since the driver may not be able to see everything in clear view while backing up the vehicle, the alarm can alert the people around, thus ensuring there is no mishap. Of course, it is essential that the backup alarm is not just present but is fully functional as well.
Forklift Accessories
The forks in a lift truck can often be made safer simply by adding runner attachments. Not only do they give a better grip for the load, but also ensure improved stability. They are often available in the form of specially designed rubber mats.
To enhance the visibility of the forks, many operators make use of bright caps made using a high-visibility yellow compound, which can be bonded to the steel frame with ease.
Laser Guidance
In case your facility requires drivers to maneuver their forklifts through tight spaces, it is highly recommended that you install guidance lasers to their forklift, making it easier for them to drive while averting any possible collisions.
Blue Lights and or Strobe Lights
If your facility is too noisy for people to be aware of a forklift in their vicinity, installing blue lights or even strobe lights on the truck that floods the floor at the front and the back of the vehicle can prove to be a great idea. While workers may miss out on the sound and vibration of the lift truck, they will certainly notice the light and make way.
Illuminated Signs
If there is sufficient space in your facility, you can earmark the forklift’s path using illuminated signs. This will ensure that foot workers stay out of the way of these vehicles, thereby leading to streamlined work, enhanced safety, and increased efficiency.
Blind Spot Cameras
Some forklifts are particularly large, which may make it hard for the drivers to maneuver them through the facility. An easy way to combat this issue is to install specialized cameras that can support the driver with better views of any blind spots that might come along on the way, making it easier for them to search for potential hazards as they drive.
Forklift Parts/Attachments for Productivity
Now that you’ve got all your bases covered as far as the safety of forklift operation is concerned, it is time we get talking about forklift parts, attachments, accessories that can help enhance productivity.
Side Shifters
A side shifter can prove to be nothing less than a boon for your forklift, considering the fact that it can help move pallet loads from side to side. Not only is this attachment ideal for increasing speed and reducing fuel consumption, but it also works wonders when it comes to minimizing damage to pallets during racking.
Fork Positioners
As the name suggests, fork positioners are specially designed forklift part that enable operators to change the alignment of their forks hydraulically, eliminating any need for manual interference. This attachment comes in rather handy when there is a wide array of pallet configurations that a single operator needs to manage. Needless to say, it helps save time, and reduces the risk of injury to the operator!
Multiple Load Handlers
When it comes to moving single pallet as well as two pallet loads side by side, multiple load handlers can help do the trick with minimal effort. This attachment helps improve efficiency to a large extent, while also reducing fuel consumption.
Fork Extensions
These are essentially sleeves that can be put over the forks for easy handling or large or irregularly shaped pallet loads. While fork extensions can prove to be of great help, it is recommended you opt for larger loads if you need to use the extensions rather frequently.
Push/Pull Attachments
If your facility handles beverages, or any products from the FMCG industry, making use of push/pull attachments can help your forklift enjoy a better grip of the slip sheet. This eventually leads to hassle-free loading and unloading of larger volumes of goods!
Push/pull attachments are frequently seen in the beverage and consumer packaged goods industries. To use this attachment, products are loaded on a slip sheet to increase shipping volume. The push/pull grips the slip sheet to easily load and unload an increased volume of goods.
We hope that you are now well-aware of some of the most easily available forklift parts and accessories, that can help improve the safety and productivity of your operations on a day-to-day basis.
While some of these attachments may seem expensive to begin with, trust us, they will prove worthy of every penny you spend on them! And if you happen to have any doubts or queries regarding which forklift part to go for, you know our team at Large Lift Trucks always has your back.
Frequently Asked Questions about Forklift parts
Which is the best place to get Forklift parts repairs in Houston?
You can get the best repair and maintenance services for your lift trucks in Houston from none other than Large Lift Trucks. You can do so, either by giving the team a quick call at 1-866-918-3372 or filling up the service request form. Either way, you can rest assured of the quick,hassle-free and trustworthy service of your forklift, every single time.
What is the most important safety part of forklift equipment?
There isn’t one but actually, five parts that are crucial to the safety of forklifts. These include –
- Brakes
- Seatbelts
- Overhead guards
- Lights
- Horn
How can I improve the efficiency of my forklift?
In addition to using some forklift parts such as Side Shifter, Fork Positioners, Multiple Load Handlers, Fork Extensions, and Push/Pull Attachments you can improve the efficiency of your forklift by increasing the overall efficiency of your facility. This can be done by
- Improving the design of your warehouse
- Increasing the width of the aisles
- Segregating the segments within the warehouse
- Removing obstructions, if any
- Training your drivers and operators
While modern-day forklift equipment is intrinsically designed to be truly safe and exceptionally productive, there are certain attachments, accessories, and fittings that may help enhance their functionality even more! And it is no secret that increased safety and productivity lead to enhanced profitability.