Walk Behind Forklift Truck or a Walkie Stacker?

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Walk-behind forklifts come in several basic types, each designed for specific applications within material handling and logistics. Here's an overview of the most common types and their primary uses:

Electric Pallet Jacks/Walkie Pallet Trucks

• Description: These are the simplest form of walk-behind forklifts, designed primarily to lift and move palletised goods across short distances on the ground level. They do not have the capability to stack pallets but are excellent for loading and unloading trucks and moving goods within warehouses and retail spaces.
• Applications: Ideal for retail environments, small warehouses, and loading docks with limited space, and goods are transported over relatively short distances.

Walk-Behind Stackers

• Description: Walk-behind stackers are equipped with a mast and forks that can lift pallets to various heights, allowing for the stacking of pallets one above the other. They come in different configurations, including straddle stackers, which can straddle a pallet for better stability, and counterbalanced stackers, which have a counterweight to balance loads without straddling.
• Applications: Suitable for warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and storage areas where pallets need to be stacked vertically to conserve space. They are beneficial for businesses that require the vertical storage of goods but do not have the volume to justify the investment in a ride-on forklift.

Walk-Behind Reach Trucks

• Description: These forklifts are designed with a mast and forks that can extend forwards to reach into shelving units. This capability allows them to pick and place pallets in positions that are not directly accessible from the aisle in front of the shelving.
• Applications: Ideal for warehouses with narrow aisles and high shelving units, where maximising storage space is critical. They enable efficient use of vertical space without needing to widen aisles for forklift maneuverability.

Order Pickers

• Description: Order pickers are specialised walk-behind forklifts that lift the operator to the level of the goods stored on shelves or racks, allowing for manual picking of items at various heights.
• Applications: Primarily used in distribution centers and warehouses where individual items, rather than entire pallets, need to be picked to fulfill orders. They are particularly useful for e-commerce and retail distribution where picking accuracy and efficiency are paramount.

Each of these types of walk-behind forklifts has its advantages and is selected based on the operation's specific needs, including the nature of the goods being handled, the layout of the storage facility, and the height of storage racks. The choice of forklift impacts the efficiency and safety of material handling tasks.

Walkie Stacker & Pedestrian Walk Behind Forklift Truck - Safety Guidelines

Operators must be appropriately trained and authorised by their company before operating a walkie stacker or straddle truck. Here are some safety guidelines for using Walkie Stackers & Pedestrian Walk Behind Trucks.

• Daily Inspection

You must conduct a thorough inspection at the beginning of each shift, checking both with the key off and on to ensure all parts are secure, in good condition, and functioning properly. This includes inspecting forks, wheels, battery, chains, cables, hydraulic systems, operational controls, safety reversing mechanism, and brakes.

• Safe Operating Position

Maintain a safe distance from the equipment to avoid injury, ensuring proper control without standing too close to prevent the wheels from running over feet or legs.

• Braking and Maneuvering

Understand the different methods of slowing down and braking the truck, including pushing the handle down or up and using the throttle twist grips. Become proficient in rear steering to maneuver the walk behind forklift safely in tight spaces.

• Understanding the Straddle Principle

The load is straddled by outriggers, acting as balancing agents, similar to how legs straddle a box being lifted.

• Load Capacity and Data Plate

Familiarise yourself with the data plate, which lists the truck's load capacity and other vital information. Load capacity is based on a standard load centre of 24 inches, and for every 12 inches that the actual load centre increases, the load capacity decreases by 1,000 pounds.

• Stability and Center of Gravity

Understand the concepts of the centre of gravity, the combined centre of gravity, and the stability triangle. Know how various actions, such as lifting a load, tilting the forks, and turning, affect the truck's stability. Keep the load close to the ground when moving and only raise it when necessary to complete the job.

• Dangerous Maneuvers

Avoid making sharp turns with a raised load, as this is considered the most dangerous maneuver due to the risk of tipping over. Also, be cautious when working near loading docks and ensure the dock plate is properly installed and secure.

• General Safety Practices

Be aware of the truck's wheels at all times to avoid accidents. Keep loads above the outriggers, and be cautious of debris on the floor that can cause the truck to skid or lose control.

Following these safety guidelines ensures the operator's safety and the safety of those around them while using walkie stacker and straddle trucks. It emphasises the importance of proper training, daily inspections, understanding the equipment's limitations, and adhering to safe operating procedures.