Best Forklifts for the Automation Industry

 
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Find out why these are the best forklifts for the automation industry

 

What Are the Best Forklifts for the Automation Industry?

Today almost every type of industry uses automation including factories, automotive plants, manufacturers, etc.

When choosing the best forklift for the automation industry and the one that suits your needs best, it is important to consider the size of the forklift, its lifting capabilities, its function, and its fuel source.

Here are some great options and why they would make a good choice.

Why Narrow Aisle Forklifts Are One of the Best Forklifts for the Automation Industry

Size:

Just by their name, you can immediately tell that a narrow aisle forklift is going to work well in really tight spaces. If you have automation in your facility then your space is probably quite limited. Choosing a forklift that can handle tight corners and narrow passageways is a great option for these situations.

Lifting Capacities:

Narrow aisle reach trucks usually have lifting capacities of 2,500lbs to 5,000 lbs. Roof and rack heights vary between facilities. You want to purchase a forklift that can reach high enough to accommodate for your highest racking.

The great thing about a reach truck is that they are able to reach much higher than an ordinary forklift, so if you need to access products or materials at great heights then a reach truck is a great choice.

Fuel Source:

Reach trucks are often electric, which makes them the perfect choice for indoor applications as they don't give off harmful fumes. If you choose one with an onboard charger, then you can also greatly reduce any downtime for recharging your battery..

 
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Narrow aisle forklifts work great in tight spaces

Why 3-Wheeled Electric Forklifts Are One of the Best Forklifts for the Automation Industry

Size:

3-wheel forklifts are more maneuverable and require less space to operate than forklifts with 4 wheels. Because of their 3-wheeled design, they have a much tighter turning radius than a traditional 4-wheel forklift.

In addition, you can choose a stand-up version that has the operator stand up instead of sitting in a cab which means that the dimensions of the forklift are even smaller, making it great for fitting into tighter spaces.

Fuel Source:

Because they are electric, they are a safer choice for indoor applications, unlike propane and diesel forklifts. If you choose an electric forklift that has a lithium-ion battery, then your charging times are much quicker and they are less complicated to charge than a lead-acid battery powered forklift. You will also save on the space required for a forklift battery charging station.

cushion tires:

Make sure you also choose an electric forklift that has cushion tires. Cushion tires are smaller than pneumatic tires, which means that your forklift will be lower to the ground, thus decreasing its turning radius even further. In addition, cushion tires are better suited for indoor flooring as well.

Check out this 3-wheeled electric forklift by Hangcha in action:

 

3-wheel forklifts have a tighter turning radius

Why Electric Counterbalance Forklifts Are One of the Best Forklifts for the Automation Industry

Lifting Capabilities:

If you need more lifting capacity for your forklift, then an electric counterbalance is a great choice. You can get models that have capacities from 4,000 to 35,000 lbs. However, the more lifting capacity a forklift has, the larger the forklift will be, so it may not fit in your facility.

Fuel Source:

In the past, in order to get a forklift with higher lifting capacities, you would need to purchase one with an internal combustion engine. Your only choice then for inside applications would have been a propane fuel forklift that would require you to have proper ventilation to counteract any emissions.

However, with the advancement of technology and the use of lithium-ion batteries, it is now possible to get electric forklifts that are safe to use inside and have the strength to handle heavier loads.

Indoor/Outdoor Versatility:

If your automation industry requires your forklift to operate both indoors and outdoors, an electric model can work quite well, especially if it has been designed to work in wet and cold conditions.

For example, if you need your forklift to pick up raw materials that are stored outside of your facility and then bring them into the production line, an electric counterbalance forklift will do the trick.

 
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If you need more lifting capacity, choose an electric counterbalance

Why AGV Forklifts Are One of the Best Forklifts for the Automation Industry

If you want a forklift that is as cutting edge as your industry, then why not consider an automated guided vehicle (AGV) forklift. These intelligent forklifts operate without an operator.

They are made for industrial use and they use advanced AGV automation technologies. Hangcha AGV based intelligent logistic systems have been used in a wide variety of industries including:

  • Automotive

  • Logistics

  • Rubber

  • Photovoltaic

This incredible technology makes cargo handling easier and smarter.

 
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Hangcha’s AGV can handle heavier loads with incredible accuracy

 

Lifting Capabilities:

Hangcha's heavy-load AGV can handle loads up to 3t (3,000kg) when the load center distance is 950mm and up to 5t (5,000kg) when the load center distance is 600mm. Many similar AGV forklifts are only able to handle loads below 2t (2,000kg).

High Positioning Accuracy:

Accuracy is a key consideration when you are looking to use automation in your industry. Hangcha's heavy-load AGV has an incredible positioning accuracy of ±5mm. It can also stack and take away empty pallets automatically to help increase your efficiency.

Unmanned Operation:

This AGV model has great features that will give you genuine unmanned operation including:

  • Laser automatic navigation

  • Trackless running

  • Wireless communication

  • Self-charging battery

  • Self-obstacle avoidance and diagnosis of faults

 
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AGV forklifts work without an operator

 

NEED HELP CHOOSING THE BEST Forklifts for the Automation Industry? CONTACT WAYCO

Selecting the best forklift for your particular situation isn’t easy, but the experts at Wayco can help. Whether you are in the market for a new or used forklift, contact the professionals at Wayco.

They will listen to your needs and match you up with the perfect forklift to meet those needs and your budget.

Wayco also offers the best warranties in the business for both new and used forklifts. For example, we offer:

Used Forklifts: When you purchase a quality used forklift from Wayco, you will receive a 30-day full warranty. That means that your forklift is covered, front to back, for a full 30 days after your purchase. If anything goes wrong with it, we will fix it for you, free of charge.

Komatsu BX50 Series: Komatsu's warranty includes:

  • 2 years / Unlimited Hours Standard Warranty Coverage* and

  • 60 Months / 8,000 Hours Power Train Coverage

  • 10,000 Hours on Wet Brake Systems on Komatsu Units Equipped with Wet Brakes

Hangcha Lithium Ion Forklifts: Many of Hangcha's Lithium-ion forklift batteries come with an incredible warranty that lasts 10 years or 20,000 hours. Now that's a guarantee!

With Wayco, you can purchase a forklift with confidence! Contact us today for more details about our incredible warranties.

 
 

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING…

“I have used Wayco twice, and both times I experienced excellent customer service. They had the right forklift for my needs at a reasonable price. I will be using their services in the future and recommend you do as well.”
— Gabe Gartner
 
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