What are the best forklifts for the robotics manufacturing industry? Here are some of your top choices:
discover why these forklifts are your best choice for the Robotics Manufacturing industry
What Are the Best Forklifts for the Robotics Manufacturing Industry?
Today we are going to take a look at what types of forklifts are the best for the robotics manufacturing industry. You’ll discover our suggestions will apply to industries that use robotic devices to manufacture their products and those industries that manufacture robotic devices.
When choosing the best forklift for the robotics manufacturing industry and the one that suits your needs best, it is important to consider factors such as:
The size of the forklift
Its lifting capabilities
Its function
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 Robotics Manufacturing Industry
Size:
If you have any type of robotic automation in your facility then your space is probably quite limited. It’s a good idea in this situation to purchase a forklift that can handle tight corners and narrow passageways.
Just by their name, you can immediately tell that a narrow aisle forklift is going to work well in really tight spaces. Both reach trucks and order pickers are specially designed with small spaces and high shelving in mind.
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.
Reach trucks can access mich higher products than an ordinary forklift
Accessibility and Speed:
If you have already invested in robotics for your industry then you already understand that time is money. Choosing material handling equipment that is going to speed up your processes is very important to the success of your business.
Investing in a Narrow aisle order picker is another way that you can speed up your processes by giving you faster access to the products and materials that you need.
Fuel Source:
Reach trucks and order pickers are usually 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.
If you want to be environmentally friendly and get rid of the hassle of maintaining and watering a lead-acid battery, then you can choose a narrow aisle forklift that is powered by a lithium battery instead.
Narrow aisle forklifts work great in tight spaces
Why 3-Wheeled Electric Forklifts Are One of the Best Forklifts for the Robotics Manufacturing Industry
Size:
Similar to the narrow aisle forklift, 3-wheel forklifts are more maneuverable and require less space to operate than 4-wheel forklifts. Due to their slender, 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. Doing away with seating means that the dimensions of this type of forklift are even smaller, making it great for fitting into tighter spaces.
Fuel Source:
If you need your forklift to work in tight spaces and indoors, then you will also need to make sure that you choose the correct fuel source. If you choose a 3-wheel forklift that is electric instead of being fueled by propane or diesel, you will not have to worry about harmful emissions.
In addition, if you choose an electric forklift that has a lithium-ion battery, then your charging times are much faster and your maintenance will be much less complicated than if you purchase a lead-acid battery electric 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.
The following video will show you a demonstration of all of the great features of this 3-wheeled electric forklift by Hangcha:
3-wheel forklifts have a tighter turning radius
Why Electric Counterbalance Forklifts Are One of the Best Forklifts for the Robotics Manufacturing 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 lifting capacities ranging from 4,000 to 35,000 lbs.
However, the more lifting capacity a forklift has, the larger the forklift will be, so you should choose a model that will give you the best balance between power and size.
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 that would burn fossil fuels like propane or diesel.
Your only choice then for inside applications would have been a propane fuel forklift because it burns cleaner than diesel and can be used indoors as long as you 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 robotics manufacturing 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. Hangcha's XC Series electric forklift, for example, uses Li-ion power and has been designed with an IPX4 water resistance rating which means it is resistant to water splashes from any direction making it suitable to use outside.
Furthermore, 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, then an electric counterbalance forklift that is water-resistant would be a great choice for you.
If you need to use your forklift inside and outside, choose one that is water resistant
Why AGV Forklifts Are One of the Best Forklifts for the Robotics Manufacturing 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.
AGV forklifts work without an operator
Lifting Capabilities:
Hangcha's heavy-load AGV can handle loads up to 3 tonnes (6,614lbs) when the load center distance is 950mm and up to 5 tonnes (11,023lbs) when the load center distance is 600mm. Many similar AGV forklifts are only able to handle loads below 2 tonnes (4,409lbs).
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
Hangcha’s AGV can handle heavier loads and will give you genuine unmanned operation
Wayco can help you choose THE BEST Forklifts for the Robotics Manufacturing Industry
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.””
