![]() ![]() “All in all, li-ion batteries allow operators to run in the freezing cold without any drop in performance. ![]() Unlike lead-acid batteries, li-ion batteries can safely be fast-charged in the cold and even in freezers,” says Don Nasca, senior business development manager, industrial electronic vehicle power solutions for Delta Electronics (Americas) Ltd., Fremont, Calif. Within the enclosure, the modules are individually heated for maximum energy efficiency, and during charging, the battery will naturally warm up and this heat is retained in the system. First, the enclosure is entirely sealed, so the cold takes a longer time to affect the internals. “Lithium-ion batteries offer an attractive alternative for several reasons. KION North America’s new MT12 model is powered by a lithium-ion battery, and offers up to 3 hours of use. Overall electric mobility is ranked extremely high, holding three of the Top 4 ranks. 5 ranking in 2016, according to a study conducted by KPMG, the Netherlands. 1 key trend, having grown in importance from its No. In fact, fuel cell electric mobility is this year’s No. While the first non-rechargeable lithium battery became available in the early 1970s, according to Battery University, sponsored by Cadex Electronics, Inc., Canada, it wasn’t until recently that lithium-ion batteries became an attractive alternative to lead-acid ones. Also, the Entry Bar Safety Switch at the compartment opening on Crown’s stand-up and counterbalance reach trucks slows the truck to a stop and sounds an alarm if operators attempt to drive the truck with part of their foot resting on the ledge.Īlso, events like National Forklift Safety Day, hosted by the Industrial Truck Association, Washington, D.C., offer lift truck manufacturers the opportunity to educate customers, policymakers and administrators on best practices and the importance of proper training. The system reduces plugging, braking and tire spin during acceleration, resulting in shorter stopping distances and longer tire life. For starters, Crown’s OnTrac Anti-Slip Traction Control on its narrow aisle reach trucks uses the forklift’s on-board control system to determine whether the truck is losing traction. “With a VR educational tool, operators can become more comfortable with all aspects of lift truck operation-from learning the controls to knowing how to navigate emergency scenarios,” says Comfort.Ĭrown also introduced a number of technology enhancements to improve forklift safety. To achieve worker safety, Raymond developed the Raymond virtual reality (VR) simulator, a supplemental educational tool that helps new and experienced operators learn and practice forklift operating skills on an actual truck in a secure, warehouse environment. “Investing time and resources to properly educate, track and train lift truck operators on appropriate safe operating procedures can benefit the entire operation.” “Companies that monitor utilization by specific truck and driver typically achieve greater profitability in the long run,” says Bell. Easy on/off access, low step height and spacious suspended floor help to reduce operator fatigue. That’s why lift truck manufacturers are reinventing the way their employees operate.įor example, Yale’s Smart Operator Sensing System takes ergonomics to a whole new “level,” as it does not require floor pedals in a stand-up lift truck. “And, some trucks with lithium-ion battery solutions have power packs that include integrated heaters for superior cold storage needs and thermal controls that reduce the risk of damage caused by environmental extremes.” Safety firstĮrgonomics, operator fatigue, labor shortage and undesirable working conditions are all factors impacting the future of forklifts. “Trucks like the high-capacity reach fork are ideal for tall cold storage and freezer applications, allowing pallet storage from 8-10 levels for potentially 25% more storage in warehouses,” she adds. “All of this will be made possible by integrating the Internet of Things (IoT) with electric vehicle, battery and charger analytics and reporting technologies under development today.”Īnd, as e-commerce continues to grow, cold storage warehouses are building up, not out, to maximize space of existing buildings, according to Susan Comfort, product manager, narrow aisle products, The Raymond Corp., Greene, N.Y. “Focusing on efficiency targets for vehicle power systems and power sources will enable significant gains,” says Lynda Stephens, senior manager, information solutions, EnerSys, Reading, Pa. Other trends include operations management programs that drive efficiency at every level. ![]()
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