Warehouses on industrial manufacturing sites may face unique challenges. Hyster® warehouse equipment solutions are ready for the demanding operating conditions and difficult loads that truck operators encounter.
We speak to Monica Radavelli, Product Manager Warehouse for Hyster Europe about the ways that different Hyster warehouse trucks can support operator comfort and productivity.
Monica, what makes Hyster equipment so well suited to warehouses for industrial manufacturing businesses?
Hyster offers a wide range of equipment that not only delivers on performance but has also been developed for the user experience. Hyster Reach Trucks, VNA, Order Pickers, Pallet and Stacker trucks are all designed to help operators feel more protected and comfortable when working in intense warehouse conditions.
Other than counterbalance lift trucks, what types of Hyster trucks usually support industrial warehouses?
Most warehouses, including those on industrial manufacturing sites, will be using pallet and stacker trucks at some point in their operations. Though these may be some of the smallest trucks in an industrial application, operators should not have to compromise on comfort and ergonomics. We understand this challenge so Hyster Pedestrian Pallet Trucks and Stackers have a range of features that can help.
How does something like a Pallet Truck support operator comfort in really rugged environments?
A good truck choice for these applications is the Hyster P2.0-3.0S Platform Pallet Truck. It features an adjustable tiller head which moves to different heights to enable the operator to select the position that is the most comfortable for them.
It also includes the Intelligent Lift function. With this, when the truck starts to move, it automatically initiates the lift to help complete the operation. One push and it will start lifting. So, operators can focus on riding or moving the truck and can complete the task with less physical movements.
Also, this truck has different options for working lights, both manual and automatic. In dark environments, such as loading trailers, this helps operators to more easily see what they are doing, enhancing comfort and helping reduce eye strain.
An important feature of this truck is also the platform.
Why might an operator need a platform to be more comfortable?
The platform, as well as the drive wheel, are suspended on the P2.0-3.0S Hyster Pallet Truck. So, when the truck is on ramps or uneven floors in tough warehouse conditions, shocks are better absorbed and the operator experiences less vibration.
This truck comes with the option of a fixed or foldable platform. Either can help reduce operator fatigue. Operators can be working in challenging conditions across long shifts. Riding the truck on a platform reduces an operators step count across the day and can make the working day more comfortable over sites with long distances to travel.
For operations where travelling long distances is part of daily operations, a Hyster Rider Pallet Truck or Rider Stacker also may enhance operator comfort. The compartment is designed so that the operator can decide whether to sit, lean, or stand on the truck. Sitting may be more convenient for long runs, where leaning may be a better position when operating the truck in the back of a trailer.
In warehouses where trucks need to reach higher, can the operator still have an ergonomic experience?
Very high racking is less common in industrial manufacturing, but many will still find Hyster Reach Trucks to be a valuable part of their fleet. Hyster has optimised these models for operator comfort.
They are designed with good visibility as standard through the overhead guard and they offer comfortable and quick access, with 3 point access and a low step height. The trucks emit a low noise level and are designed to minimise vibration and rocking movement too, creating a more comfortable environment for operators to work in.
On board, operators can benefit from a fully suspended seat option, while the contoured arm rest promotes the ideal body posture for enhanced operating comfort and reduced fatigue. Control comes from a choice of either ergonomic mini levers or an anatomically shaped joystick.
Some warehouses might also choose Medium or High Level Order Pickers from Hyster to support their operations. These trucks are designed with a wide, obstacle free operator platform for easy access and optimum visibility. To ease strain on the operator during frequent picking or when picking large and bulky loads, there is a walk on pallet option. There are also several options to assist drivers, such as a choice of lights or cab fans.
In some applications, warehouse space is becoming scarcer. Can operators still be comfortable when working in equipment designed for tight confines?
Where space is at a premium, some industrial warehouses are opting to use Hyster Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) trucks. Though this truck is designed to maximise space, it has been designed so as not to negatively impact the operator’s experience and comfort level.
The cabin has a wide operator space as standard, with a generous amount of room for the operator’s knees and shoulders. The innovative, fully adjustable seat design includes a weight capacity of 165kg and a 20 degree rotating seat to support reversing. The patented presence switch design also means operator can place their feet in a comfortable position. The truck can also be used in stand-up or sit-down position, so operators can choose whichever is more pleasant for them.
With a Hyster VNA truck, there is also superior visibility of the forks from a seated position and the patented turret head design provides stable load handling. Plus, the mast design reduces sway and increases stability, which can contribute to operator comfort too.
How can industrial manufacturing businesses select the right trucks for their particular application?
The right choice of trucks depends on many different factors. Every application has different challenges. However, in industrial warehousing, we find that businesses consistently demand trucks with the toughness that Hyster offers.
We recommend that businesses speak to their local dealer who can offer lots of advice and support on selecting a durable warehouse fleet that keeps operators comfortable at the same time. You can also find out more about Tough Trucks for Tough Jobs here.
