10 tips for electric sit-down counterbalanced lift trucks

Electric sit-down counterbalanced lift trucks are the go-to workers for load handling, transport and lift activities in dock areas and for dock-to-stock applications.

By Tom Andel, Editor-In-Chief -- Modern Materials Handling, 3/1/2008

1. Check tires during inspection. Traveling on damaged tires with heavy loads over uneven surfaces, such as dock plates, affects the truck's stability and traction.
2. Look for puddles. If a lift truck has been left in the same position for an extended time (such as overnight to charge a battery) this is the best time to look for pooled oil which would indicate a hydraulic fluid leak.
3. Know the truck's capacity at all heights and load centers. Manufacturers rate truck capacity based on specific load centers and fork heights. Do not exceed the rated capacities. In fact, either request the manufacturer list multiple load center ratings on trucks you purchase or stencil net truck capacities on the counterweight yourself so the operator knows what the down rating is under various load conditions. Remember, even an attachment can change a 10,000 pound truck to an 8,600 pound truck.
4. Make sure forks have enough spread to stabilize a load. Many loads shift or are lost when cornering if the forks are not properly spaced to keep the load stable and secure. If your operations regularly handle multiple-sized pallet loads, consider using a sideshifting fork positioner. This saves the operator from having to get on and off the vehicle to reposition forks.
5. Ensure good visibility in the direction of travel. If the load is large enough to block forward vision, the operator should be traveling in a load-trailing direction. Also, be sure safety lights and backup alarms don't intrude into the operator compartment so they don't obstruct the operator's view or assault his/her hearing.
6. Keep the load in a proper position when going down ramps. Descend in reverse, with the load upgrade to the truck and secure on the forks and carriage.
7. Observe the laws of physics. Counterbalanced trucks are less stable during cornering without a load. While many trucks are equipped with systems to improve stability during cornering manufacturers cannot design against all unsafe driving practices.
8. Use an appropriate seat belt. With an inertia lock (which is standard on most lift trucks), when an operator drives forward and steps on the brake repeatedly, the belt will incrementally adjust a notch tighter each time. This makes driving in reverse uncomfortable and potentially limits field of vision without constant readjustment. Consider ordering a belt that is adjusted once to each operator's size.
9. Don't use Class I trucks where IC trucks are required. Most are equipped with tires for smooth warehouses and may not offer adequate traction for outdoor use and cornering/ramping in wet areas.
10. Buy enough batteries. This maximizes service life. Companies that don't have enough batteries end up burning them out by charging them after every shift. A good rule of thumb: buy two batteries for every lift truck to support an 8-hour charge, 8-hour cool, and 8-hour runtime cycle.