Lift trucks get smarter

Regardless of the style, lift truck suppliers are developing technologies that drive productivity improvements for users. With emissions control regulations and an increasing desire among users to be more environmental and cost-conscious about energy use, a number of trends have surfaced in the industry.

“Suppliers are looking at technology to improve productivity,” says Jeff Bowles, product marketing manager for Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America (MCFA, 713-365-1000), manufacturer, marketer and distributor of CAT, Mitsubishi and Jungheinrich lift truck brands. “Typical truck and warehouse designs, as well as regulations, can limit things like maximum truck speed, for example. So the trucks have to become smarter to become more productive.”

Developments include increased use of AC and alternative power sources, green technologies, better monitoring of fleets and outsourced maintenance. Here are five of the hottest trends in lift trucks.

About the Author

Sara Pearson Specter
Editor at Large

Sara Pearson Specter has written articles and supplements for Modern Materials Handling and Logistics Management as an Editor at Large since 2001. Based in Cincinnati, Specter has worked in the fields of journalism, graphic design, advertising, marketing, and public relations for 15 years, with a special emphasis on helping business-to-business industrial and manufacturing companies. Specter graduated from Centre College in Danville, Ky., with a bachelor’s degree in French and history.

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