Beverage companies are some of the most frequent users of lift trucks. In fact, the 112 fleets taking part in this year’s Beverage World Annual Truck Trends survey had an average of 710 lift trucks each.

But utilizing a lift truck takes a bit more finesse than simply inserting a new one into your operation. First, it starts with buying or leasing the right one for your particular operation. Some things to consider: Which type of power system does the lift truck use? Will you be using a computerized maintenance management system for them? Have you established an effective training program? And are you staying abreast of the new trucks and features continually being introduced by industry leaders?

Training
No matter which type of lift truck you select, training and retraining is vital. The United States’ Occupation Safety and Health Association’s (OSHA) Powered Industrial Truck standard requires all employees who operate any type of powered industrial trucks to receive appropriate training. OSHA’s training involves three phases: 1. Initial training and evaluation; 2. Refresher training and evaluation as needed and 3. Periodic evaluation or recertification every three years. There are outside firms that provide this training, or will train internal company trainers.

About 90 percent of operating a safe work environment is awareness—alert drivers are less likely to have lift truck accidents. And, summer operations have a higher rate of accidents due to summer replacement drivers and part-time untrained drivers.

Here are some additional tips about operating lift trucks from Atlet USA and the Safety Center:
• Take time to perform pre-shift inspections.
• Wear appropriate clothing, including protective footware, long hair tied back and removal of rings and jewelry.
• Watch for pedestrians and other vehicles.
• Trucks are not designed for passengers.
• It’s unlawful for anyone under the age of 18 to operate a forklift.

What’s New
Here’s a rundown of some of the latest models:

Caterpillar offers the E3000-E6500 series of AC-powered lift trucks featuring Micro-Command alternating current (AC) control system, an ad-vanced Operator Presence De-tection System and improved travel, lift and lowering speeds. There are nine models with capacities ranging from 3,000 to 6,000 pounds.

Mitsubishi offers the FB16NT-FB20NT series of AC-powered, three-wheel electric forklift trucks. Its three models have capacities ranging from 3,000 to 4,500 pounds. These N-Generation trucks feature increased range of maneuverability, an advanced integrated Presence System and extended service intervals. Also, a three-wheel design and hydrostatic steering provide increased maneuverability allowing operators to navigate areas with tight aisle spacing.

Komatsu’s newest offering is the BX50 series of internal combustion engine powered forklift. There are six models ranging from 4,000 to 7,000 pounds of capacity. Their advanced EZlift hydraulic system enables lifting operation without accelerating the engine.

Yale recently introduced the Veracitor VX IC-powered lift truck line, developed to offer increased productivity with customization for individual needs and improved ergonomics. It comes in capacities from 3,000 to 15,500 pounds, with cushion and pneumatic tires, and with GM 2.4L, and Mazda 2.0L and 2.2L engines. They are billed as among the cleanest IC trucks in the industry in terms of total emissions.

Crown offers the RC 5500 Series Stand-up Counterbalanced Lift Truck with the new FlexRide suspension that the company says reduces shock and vibration by up to three times more than some other stand-up trucks. Features include the Access 123 Comprehensive System Control that monitors and controls all systems to ensure superior performance and reliability; the Intrinsic Stability System keeps the truck in a safe operating condition by monitoring the current operating environment, such as direction, speed, wheel angle, fork position and weight of the load, and the new e-Gen Braking System reduces maintenance costs by eliminating wearable parts, adjustments and fluid leaks.

Hyster’s Fortis lift trucks, in three models with preconfigured power train bundles, are sit-down, counterbalanced units that the company says are able to reduce downtime by up to 30 percent because of their durable power trains, industrial-strength electronics, exceptional cooling and enhanced hydraulics. They are available in cushion tire and pneumatic tire configurations. Powered by a GM 4.3L V6 engine, they have a DuraMatch transmission system and an Auto Deceleration System. According to Hyster, the advanced features can lower operating costs by an average of more than US$2,400.

Jungheinrich offers the EFG series 4 & 5 electric counterbalanced trucks, 5,000 to 10,000 pound capacity, that run on the company’s AC Technology. The lift and drive motors are designed and built by the company as is the software that controls the truck. In addition, the trucks have an 80-volt battery and the motors and controllers are sealed to protect against moisture. Electric trucks cost more than IC trucks, but the company says that generally after two to three years it will pay for the initial extra outlay.

In addition, the company introduced the newly redesigned 4,500-pound capacity electric walkie truck, the EJE 120, with a turning radius available at 58.7 inches (short compartment version), a 24-volt-150Ah industrial battery and the AC drive motor and controller technology.

Raymond offers the new Model 4400 three-wheel sit down electric truck with lift capacities from 3,000 to 4,000 pounds. It has a low-profile design and counter-rotating motors on the drive wheels to give a tight turning radius. In addition, it offers the 4100, 3,000-3,500 pound capacity, and the 4200, 3,000-5,000 pound capacity, stand-up, three-wheel counterbalanced lift trucks that provide a smaller turning radius for greater maneuverability and easier handling in tight spaces. The 4200 has an AC lift motor delivering improved lift-lower speeds.

The American Trucking Associations’ Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC) has issued Forklift Preventive Maintenance Guidelines, which can be obtained by calling 703.838.1763.

From Beverage World November 15, 2007