There is a pronounced trend toward stand up forklifts replacing conventional sit downs. Let’s explore why…

Most counterbalanced forklifts are used to service the docks as utility and transportation vehicles. In today’s hectic operating environment, dock workers are not only unloading, loading and stacking products, they often have other duties to perform- like barcode scanning, dealing with shrink wrap, quality control, etc. This causes the operators to have to get on and off their trucks many times per shift. Stand up forklifts are a snap to get on /off while sit downs require the operator to climb up onto the seat and, according to OSHA, put their seat belt on. When you combine this with the need for maneuverability due to increased dock congestion and the speed with which most operators run to perform, you can see why stand up forklifts are taking over.

Amongst others, The Raymond Corporation has designed their 4150/4250 line of stand up 3-wheeled counterbalanced trucks with meeting these challenges in mind.

Stand Up Forklifts Offer:

Easy On/Off Compartment
With a step height of only 8” and a low profile deadman pedal, operators can hop on and off these lift trucks much easier than sit down units. Over the course of a shift, this will significantly reduce operator fatigue and increase productivity. Not only is this process less tiring for operators, it will encourage them to get off the truck when required instead of wanting to stay seated.

Visibility
Raymond’s operator compartment facilitates visibility during the constant back and forth driving common with dock operations. This stance and open view mast reduces the need for operators to twist when driving tractor first, further reducing fatigue and the likelihood of accidents.

Maneuverability
With a far better turning radius than sit down counterbalanced forklifts, these trucks are much more nimble and excel in close-quarter operations like boxcars, trailers and stacking areas. Dual steering wheel design allows one wheel to counter-rotate during tight turns. Their compact footprint and agile steering provide precise maneuvering in tight spaces.

Low Profile
The 4150/4250 stand up counterbalanced forklifts can be equipped with a low profile 83” overhead guard height allowing it to service most over-the-road trailers. Full-freelift mast options also allow for unloading of double stacked pallets in trailers, if required.

Alertness
Many companies are switching to stand up forklifts and dock trucks because industry studies suggest that operators are more alert when standing.

What’s your experience been?