Narrow aisle lift trucks: operator friendly and more

• Published in: Material handling engineering Vol. 53; no. 6; pp. 58 - 63
• Main Author: Schwind, Gene F
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Endeavor Business Media LLC 01.06.1998
• Subjects: Design and construction; Forklift trucks; Industrial equipment and supplies industry; Product development
• ISSN: 0025-5262

When you look at the models of lift trucks designed for narrow aisle applications that were introduced in the last 18 months, certain common features stand out, such as keeping the operator safer and more comfortable - and thus more productive. These features can be found not only in the category of Class II Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Trucks but also in the new models of counterbalanced lift trucks designed to work in narrow aisles. Take the basic element of the operator's compartment, for example. It's being made roomier, with greater attention being paid to the kind and location of padding. Equipment designers are also boasting about how well the flooring under the operator's feet is being padded, or even suspended, to protect the driver from the impact of poor surfaces. Operator choice is another common feature. Would the operator prefer to stand, sit or lean? And how about a choice of looking straight ahead or sideways in a sit-down model truck? You'll see examples of these operator-choice features in the new models presented in this article.