Truck options explored

Examine cost / benefit ratios carefully, cautions Jim Hammond of Hubtex

There are many ways to save space when a company needs to store standard sized pallets which could include a narrow aisle racking system but also double deep, push back, drive in and even mobile racking.

The cost of all these options varies but generally, the more expensive the system, the more benefit it will be to the customer. For example, mobile racking is the most expensive but in a cold store, this system is the most cost effective as the cost per cubic metre of space to keep cold (down to minus 23Deg C). On all of these options, there is a cost/saving equation to consider in depth.

However, when it comes to handling long loads, enormous savings in space and therefore cost can be made when handling the goods sideways rather than on the forks of a counterbalance truck and this is easily attained using a sideloader. Timber yards generally use this kind of equipment for the indoor/outdoor storage of their long products which can be up to 6 metres long but for an indoor only application where the cost of space and heating a building has to be considered, the cost savings overall can be huge.Whereas a sideloader for handling timber is predominately two way, the best indoor truck is widely considered to be an electric sideloader which can have 4 way or multidirectional steering.

Other benefits of such trucks are zero emissions; comparatively lower running costs, better manoeuvrability and the trucks are also very quiet.

The chosen truck has to work in perfect harmony with the racking system which is necessary if the space allowed for storage is restricted. A properly designed racking system and truck creates a safe and efficient space saving storage system. For example, a 1200mm deep racking system needs only an aisle of just over 2000mm to allow a sideloader with a long load to work, provided it is guided.

Choosing a truck to handle long loads in a tight indoor environment is not too difficult. Although there are not so many manufacturers of this type of equipment to choose from, they all generally offer and understand the requirements for a given application. Investigating their background and seeing applications with happy customers is equally important, though.