Forklifts: A key component in modern operations
When it comes to material handling, forklifts form a vital part of operations. Used for lifting, transporting, and stacking heavy loads, they improve efficiency and safety in warehouses, construction sites, manufacturing plants, and even emergency response operations. Global Supply Chain discusses this with Bassem Albermawy, Deputy Director – Industrial Equipment Division, Al Shirawi Enterprises LLC.
GSC: What are the different types of forklifts available?
BA: STILL offers a very wide range of material handling equipment types to suit various industrial needs and each handling application requirement as follows:
- Electric Forklifts: Ideal for indoor use, zero emissions, low noise and high performance.
- Diesel/LPG Forklifts: Suited for outdoor and heavy-duty tasks.
- Power Pallet Trucks: Used for horizontal transport of pallets, quite compact and agile.
- Pallet Stackers: Used for vertical lifts of pallets, compact and convenient for tight areas.
- Reach Trucks: Designed for high-rack storage in narrow aisles with maximised storage.
- Tow Tractors: For towing multiple trailers efficiently.
- Very Narrow Aisle Trucks “VNA”: Operate in very tight warehouse layouts.
- Order Pickers: Optimised for picking goods at different heights, low, medium and high-level order-picking.
GSC: How has forklift technology evolved over time?
BA: Material handling equipment has evolved a lot over the past decades and particularly with STILL the technology has effectively developed. Giving the below examples:
- Electrification: Shift from internal combustion engines to electric models for sustainability.
- Enhanced Ergonomics: Suspension seats, adjustable controls, and visibility-focused cabins.
- Autonomous Operation: Introduction of iGo systems for automated forklifts, especially the most advanced autonomous order picker “OPX iGo neo”
- Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs): The recent technology of no-operator that ensures highest precision and maximized handling efficiencies with zero handling errors.
- Energy Efficiency: Use of Lithium-ion batteries and pioneered system of “Blue-Q” energy-saving technology.
- Telematics: STILL’s Fleet Manager provides real-time monitoring, access control, and diagnostics.
GSC: How do forklifts work, and what are their key components?
BA: Basic working principle that forklifts use a hydraulic system to lift and lower loads and mobilise the goods from one point to another in the most efficient way, driven by electric motors or internal combustion engines (ICE).
Key components in most forklifts:
- Mast and Carriage: Vertical assembly for lifting loads.
- Hydraulic System: Pumps and cylinders for load handling.
- Power Unit: Electric (battery) or ICE (engine).
- Drive Unit & Wheels: Provide traction and steering.
- Operator Compartment: Includes steering, pedals, dashboard (e.g. the advanced STILL Easy Control).
- Counterweight: In rear, balances lifted load in front.
GSC: What are the differences between electric, diesel, and gas-powered forklifts?
BA: Electric models are most favoured in indoor application in industries like food, pharmaceutical and logistics for clean, quiet operation and highly productive operation.
While diesel and LPG forklifts are mainly used in outdoor application and extended working hours.
GSC: What are the load capacities and limitations of forklifts?
BA: STILL forklifts typically range from 1.0 to 8.0 tons in capacity in electric forklifts and up to 18 tons in diesel operated forklifts.
Limitation of forklifts are focused on:
- The load capacity to ensure handling it safely,
- The residual capacity which is the dynamic formula between lifted weight in relation to lifting height,
- Loads/goods dimensions and orientation of handling
- Area of usage where the loads/goods need to be handled, so, considering the area of manoeuvrability
GSC: What are the primary safety concerns when operating a forklift?
BA: Safety is of utmost importance. These are some concerns:
- Tip-overs (most common and dangerous)
- Collisions with pedestrians or objects
- Load falling due to improper handling
- Blind spots or poor visibility
- Battery/equipment failures (especially in electric trucks)
GSC: How can companies ensure forklift safety in the workplace?
BA:Safety can be improved by looking over the following:
- Training & Certification: Operators must be trained per local regulations.
- Daily Inspections: in Al Shirawi Enterprises with STILL we support in training our customers’ operation team on the daily checklists.
- Pedestrian Safety: Use of warning lights, mirrors and safety zones.
- Speed Control of the equipment in assigned zones where pedestrians and forklift traffic is high.
- Systems like Curve Speed Control adjust speed during cornering, which is embedded in STILL trucks as standard safety feature.
GSC: What are the emerging technologies in forklift design and functionality?
BA: Some innovations include:
- Lithium-ion battery systems: Faster charging, longer lifespan, maintenance-free.
- Fuel-cells: the most innovative and highly anticipated technology to dominate the MHE market
- Autonomous Navigation (iGo): AGVs that follow pre-defined routes without operators.
- Smart Fleet Management (FleetManager): Cloud-based diagnostics, usage stats, and access control.
- Active Load Stabilisation (ALS): Reduces mast oscillations when placing loads at higher altitudes.
- Ergonomic Enhancements: Joystick controls, panoramic roof panels, touchscreen dashboards, enhanced all-around visibility.
