Attachments, forks and tires: how to choose the right equipment for the type of load
The equipment of warehouse equipment is selected according to the weight, dimensions and method of cargo handling, and the tires - according to the surface and route of the machine. The length of the forks and attachments affect the load center and residual load capacity. Properly selected equipment reduces the duration of operations and allows you to use the capabilities of the machine in accordance with the actual tasks of the warehouse.
Start with the cargo characteristics
Before selecting equipment, determine the maximum weight, dimensions of the load unit, the position of its center of gravity and the method of gripping. These parameters will determine the length of the forks and the permissible load of the machine in the working configuration.
The position of the load center has a direct impact on the load of the equipment.
To illustrate: 2000 kg with a load center of 500 mm creates a conditional moment of 1,000,000 kg·mm. If the center is shifted to 700 mm, the value increases to 1,400,000 kg·mm — by 40%. Therefore, the passport load capacity is checked for the specific geometry of the load.
When selecting forklifts , immediately consider the working height.
The basic selection parameters are discussed in more detail in the forklift selection guide .
How forks and attachments change machine performance
The length of the forks is selected to suit the dimensions of the load, and the attachment is selected to suit the specific operation. The sideshift simplifies precise positioning, the positioner changes the distance between the forks, and the rotator is used where the load needs to be turned or emptied.
Attachments have their own weight and change the position of the load relative to the machine. After installing the device, check the residual load capacity at the required height. The same applies to non-standard carriages, extended forks and other components that change the working geometry.
Which tires to choose for the route
The type of tires is determined by the quality of the coating and the proportion of work inside and outside the premises:
Solid tires are suitable for intensive routes and provide high puncture resistance.
A pneumatic tire better absorbs bumps on outdoor areas and more difficult surfaces.
Polyurethane wheels are used on compact electrical equipment for a flat warehouse floor.
For a diesel forklift that regularly leaves the warehouse onto asphalt, concrete slabs, or uneven surfaces, choose pneumatic or elastic tires with a larger profile: they absorb shocks better and maintain the stability of the machine on uneven surfaces.
For an electric trolley that operates mainly on a flat industrial floor inside a warehouse, polyurethane wheels are advisable: they have low rolling resistance, compact dimensions and work well on short routes between zones. If the route passes through slab joints, ramps or thresholds, when choosing wheels, check their diameter and the permissible obstacle height separately.
How to assess the economics of equipment
Additional equipment is evaluated due to the time savings on operations and the annual machine load.
If the device reduces the cycle time by 20 seconds and there are 180 operations per shift, the savings are 3600 seconds, or 1 hour per shift. For 250 shifts, that's 250 machine hours per year.
According to this principle, the equipment of warehouse equipment can be compared with its operational effect in money. Also include service and wear of components in the calculation - the corresponding indicators are analyzed in the material on warehouse equipment maintenance .
Before purchasing, check the weight and load center, fork length, attachment, residual capacity and tire type. This specification provides a complete set for real operations and the projected load of the machine.