Reader's choice: Top products of 2007
What are this year's hottest new products? The following innovations won the most reader clicks on our Web site.
By Noel P. Bodenburg, Managing Editor -- Modern Materials Handling, 12/1/2007
Each year, Modern and our sister publication Material Handling Product News publish nearly 1,000 product descriptions in print and online. These products span the spectrum of the industry, from cabinets and carts, to software and RFID, to lift trucks and batteries. Some products premiered at trade shows with a splash, and some quietly made their way into publication. Some are simple, and some show bleeding edge innovation.
But out of all of those products, which were your favorites?
This year, we used our new Web analytics tools to take a stab at determining our readers' picks for the year's best products. While this isn't an exact science, as there are many factors that play into what you read online, we thought it would be interesting to see how the results shook out.
The following products received the most visits on our Web site between Jan. 1 and Oct. 31, 2007. The list reveals our readers' interest in the broad range of products available.
Dematic's S-L 300 automated sorter topped the list with 806 visits. Second place was a tie, with Toyota's electric walkie truck and Boston Rack's modular shelving each garnering 700 visits.
Because some of our products were entered into the online product database and published late in the year, we've given two an honorable mention. These gained a considerable number of visits for the relatively brief time they appeared on our site.
1) Dematic: Sort 300 cartons per minute
This S-L 300 sorts 300 cartons a minute using a new parallel divert technology that places the sort shoes parallel to the centerline of the sorter. This results in better package control, minimizing the chance a package will roll off the shoes and increasing sortation rates. The linear induction motors eliminate drive belts, oiler, gearboxes, chain and related equipment.
2) Toyota Material Handling: Electric walkie, straddle stacker lift truck features adjustable baselegs
The new 7-Series electric walkie, straddle stacker lift truck's adjustable baselegs allow users to operate the same lift truck in multiple aisles of different widths. This versatility enables the reconfiguration of operations and aisle width changes without the need to change fleets. Available in 2,000- and 2,500-pound capacity models, the trucks feature a 24-volt electrical system, regenerative braking and interlocking mast channel construction. A spring-loaded control handle automatically applies the parking brake when the handle is released. The fully programmable drive system precisely controls the vehicle, reducing load damage potential.
2) Boston Rack: Easy-to-assemble modular boltless metal shelving
Easy-to-assemble galvanized, boltless, modular metal shelving is available for use in multiple configurations. Super 1/2/3 metal shelving features easy-to-assemble, snap-in beams, shelves, uprights and braces in various heights, widths and depths. The main components are a closed upright section with eight connection points on four faces. This versatile system is suitable for two-tier installations.
4) Worksmart Systems: Heavy-duty roller track holds 500 pounds
The Fleximate flow rail skate wheel rack system offers a weight capacity of 500 pounds per 60 inches of track length. The width and strength allow for assembly on a fixture or a shipping skid, minimizing non-value-added handling. A modular back leg design provides easy station positioning. The skate wheels offer low rolling resistance, while a stopper cylinder, operated by the worker, enables exact positioning of the pallet during assembly. Options include a height adjustable hydraulic lift for better ergonomics. Stations may be bolted together with a joiner to create custom and reconfigurable cell layouts.
5) Battery Filling Systems of the Americas: Automated watering system
With this single-point watering system, manual filling of batteries is a practice of the past. The system eliminates the labor-intensive task, acid spills, corrosion, over or under filling, and reduced battery life due to poor maintenance. The system consists of a series of interconnected valves, which replace battery caps. Once installed, these valves never have to be removed from the battery. When the built-in level indicator shows “low,” the user simply connects the system to a water source via the lead tube and quick connect coupling.
6) Herkules Equipment Corp: Low profile, air-operated table lifts, rotates
The Lift & Rotate air-operated lift system features a low profile of just 6.5 inches. Rotation is manual and can be locked into any position with an air brake. The standard model travels 25 inches, but users may specify a custom model that can travel 75 inches. The lift is ideal for pack and unpack operations, as it allows workers to position boxes or containers at an optimum height and angle to minimize strain. The lift's low profile permits transport of a taller pallet load. Additionally, the rotate module can be used as a stand-alone unit.
7) Magline: Powered convertible hand truck
The Gemini powered convertible hand truck reduces stress on users while increasing safety. It nearly eliminates pushing and pulling loads. It has four nitrogen-inflated pneumatic tires, a direct drive motor, and a capacity of 1,000 pounds. It can be converted easily to a two-wheel hand truck and back. The 750 watt motor runs forward and backward at 4 miles per hour and is powered by a sealed, rechargeable battery. The truck also has a folding containment arm to help keep loads in place.
8) Flow-Rite Controls: Single-point watering system
The Millennium single-point watering system replaces the battery's existing vent caps with patented valves that are interconnected by tubing that fills all cells from a single remote location. Each valve independently shuts off water flow to the cell when the proper electrolyte level is reached, allowing the batteries to be filled properly. The valve is capable of working independent of water pressure (3-35 psi), allowing use of any water supply. The new valve includes a built-in water barrier to block the propagation of a flame from entering adjacent cells in the event of accidental gas ignition.
9) Safety netting helps comply with OSHA standards
Knotted nylon netting protects people and equipment from objects falling from overhead conveyors, open floors, scaffolding and warehouse storage racks. Safety netting helps comply with OSHA standards for handling, movement and storage of materials. It is designed to be lightweight and flexible at all temperatures, while providing maximum strength and protection. Manufactured from durable, high-strength nylon in diamond or square mesh construction, safety netting is available in mesh sizes from ½-inch to 4-inch and rated capacities up to 17,400 foot-pounds.
10) Diamond Phoenix: Horizontal carousel stores large, heavy items
The Intermat heavy-duty horizontal carousel stores large goods such as cylinders, beams, rolls, cable reels and tubes. Built to accommodate unique load and facility requirements, the carousel is available in a variety of models, including gantry/bridge crane, T-bridge and serpentine. Featuring reversible drives that offer the shortest path for retrieval, the carousel gives operators fast access to contents. The carousel is offered through an agreement with the German company Intertex.
Honorable mentions
Sky-trax and Danaher: Collision avoidance system
The Indoor Collision Avoidance system for industrial vehicles reduces the number of accidents caused by collisions between automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) and lift trucks. The system improves AGV route planning by incorporating knowledge of lift truck locations. AGVs, forklifts and other free-roaming and guided vehicles are equipped with the Sky-Trax Indoor Positioning System, which determines each vehicle's position and broadcasts it to other vehicles in the network. The system forewarns drivers and AGV navigation systems of impending collisions.
Raymond Corporation: Three-wheel counterbalanced lift trucks
For dock and dock-to-stock applications, the models 4100 and 4200 standup counterbalanced lift trucks feature a three-wheel design for a smaller turning radius and easier handling in tight spaces. The model 4200 offers load capacities from 3,000 to 5,000 pounds, and the model 4100 carries loads up to 3,500 pounds. Both models include quick disconnect couplings for attachments, allowing the forks to be changed easily to a drum clamp or slipsheet attachment in less time. A single-axis multifunction control handle includes a four-way switch, while the trucks are powered by AC drive motors.
More bang for your lift truck buck
03/25/2009Lift trucks: Some like them hot!
05/18/2009Material Handling Guru is here
01/31/2003
View All On-Demand Webcasts
