Materials handling operations are diverse across the timber supply chain. No two lift truck operators or businesses face identical challenges. That means that the right choice of materials handling equipment will always depend on the application’s needs.

OVERCOMING WORKFORCE SHORTAGES

Many timber sector businesses are challenged by workforce shortages, facing a limited pool of suitably qualified candidates for roles, and high staff turnover. With low overall unemployment rates in many markets, job seekers are not drawn to forklift operator positions where the work is demanding, and conditions are unappealing.

The voice of the operator is louder than ever. Ergonomics and lift truck operators are therefore key factors in selecting a lift truck. What an operator achieves across a shift equates to productivity and efficiency, which has an impact on operational profitability. Businesses are acutely aware that drivers need to feel comfortable, so they can operate precisely and productively.

However, wood handling operations also face the challenge that many employees are new and inexperienced. Without the right training and equipment, this may lead to more product and facility damage, in turn increasing costs and maintenance.

To address these issues, businesses should look to lift trucks that give operators in tough industrial applications a comfortable workplace. Businesses should always start by selecting a lift truck that is ergonomically optimised as standard.

PRIORITISING COMFORT

For example, the new Hyster A Series lift trucks feature attention to design that makes the lift truck comfortable and convenient to operate, helping to increase productivity across the whole shift. The Hyster 2.0-3.5A lift trucks are well suited to applications such as wood distribution centres or sawn timber handling, for lifts up to 3.5 tonnes.

Factors such as a spacious cabin with ample foot space and head and shoulder clearance, give the operator greater freedom of movement to help reduce strain on the body. There is also a large step size, providing a comfortable and secure platform, a flip-up arm rest that offers unobstructed access, and a contoured hood allowing the operator more room for entry and exit.

On the Hyster H2.0-3.5A models, a foot-activated, hand-released parking brake requires less effort than a hand-applied brake and minimises lean and strain on the operator’s back. Meanwhile, a standard, full-colour touch-screen display provides quick and easy access to vital truck information.

SCALABLE SOLUTIONS

However, the new Hyster A Series is also built with A+ Logic, a series of scalable and adjustable features to further configure the truck to the specific needs of different wood handling environments.

Take a timber storage and distribution centre, for example. This will commonly comprise in/out operations. For example, unloading a trailer parked in a yard and bringing the load inside, or moving loads from one building to another across a yard or outdoor area.

To maximise comfort for operators, these applications can opt for their truck to be built with a suitable cabin option for hot or cold climates. For instance, a full weather-proof cabin may help keep operators comfortable and productive in outdoor areas in colder or wetter climates. Full cab options include front, top, and rear screens as well as wipers and steel side doors, plus heating, air conditioning, or heated screen options. Sunshades can also be selected with A+ Logic.

To support operator confidence and handling precision, the Hyster A Series lift trucks also offer the Dynamic Stability System (DSS) as an option. This helps reduce the likelihood of forward and lateral tip overs and reminds operators of safe operating practices by monitoring operating conditions and automatically limiting truck functionality when potentially unsafe conditions are detected.

A range of lift truck attachments are also available, to support operators in confidently and accurately handling a wide variety of load types, including unpalletised goods and oversized loads.

MEETING ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES

The right choice of lift truck power will always depend on the particular application. For some, an internal combustion (IC) lift truck will match their needs and their budget and transitioning to electric equipment is more of a long-term goal. However, the Hyster A Series lift trucks can help applications opting for IC lift trucks to work towards their environmental objectives. The A Series lift trucks help deliver reduced emissions, leading to lower costs. The H2.0-3.5A diesel trucks consume up to 13% less diesel than some competitor models, and LPG trucks use up to 9% less fuel.

That said, parts of the timber industry are looking to alternative forklift power. Those looking to switch from IC to electric lift trucks may be focused on eliminating exhaust emissions and improving air quality. However, electric forklifts also bring the benefits of few moving parts, requiring less maintenance. For operator comfort, electric trucks can also produce less noise and vibration.

Lithium-ion batteries are of particular interest, with a useful life of up to three times longer than a lead acid battery. From an environmental perspective, this is helping to decrease recycling waste. Another key draw is that charging time can be quicker, energy usage can be lower, and running times can be extended.

Robust electric lift truck solutions from Hyster can handle at higher capacities, with built-in operator comfort. For example, the Hyster J7.0-9.0XNL series offers lithium-ion powered electric counterbalance trucks for up to 9-tonne loads, which deliver excellent manoeuvrability and a low cost of operation by combining energy efficiency and performance. For even heavier handling, the Hyster J10-18XD is well suited to intensive wood industry applications, for lifts up to 18 tonnes. With exceptional traction power, acceleration, and visibility, it has ICE-like performance and features an ergonomically optimised Hyster XD cab.

OPTIMISING TIMBER FLEETS

Selecting the tough materials handling equipment for wood supply chain applications can help overcome ergonomic and environmental challenges. With a scalable design philosophy, the Hyster A Series with A+ Logic provides a way for wood handling applications to get a fine-tuned materials handling solution that suits their budget, and their operator needs.