Forklift Technology Advancements and Benefits

Newer forklifts benefit from recent innovations in materials, fuels, and electrics. The latest forklift technology can help you save money, improve worker experience, and eliminate logistical pain points. Here are a few of the most important trends to hit the industry in recent years.

Sensors for Better Driving and Tracking

As wireless communication technology improves, forklifts gain new sensors that help with both performance and general management. Internal sensors now allow forklifts to sense when they are being driven around a corner or in a sharp curve, so they can automatically change their speed and acceleration parameters accordingly. This improves worker safety and keeps forklifts from wearing out too easily.

Other sensors allow you to track truck movement, impacts that suggest accidents, run time, and other important operational data. Plugged into an enterprise resource management system, this information can help you track worker efficiency and improve reporting procedures. This sensor array is particularly useful if you manage an entire fleet of forklifts or have little direct forklift supervision, but still want to ensure proper performance.

Better Braking and Control

The latest hydrostatic drives use hydraulic valves to control braking in forklifts. While hydrostatic options cost more than traditional brakes, they come with a series of benefits, too. The hydraulic option allows for faster, smoother braking, and dodges many long-term problems with mechanical brakes like wear or expensive maintenance.

Modern forklift technology also allows for brake overrides that make it easier to turn around in tight spaces before having an accident. If you are interested in electric forklifts, make sure you investigate models that have recharging brakes that replace the battery's charge every time they are used.

New Design and Fuels

Thanks to widespread customization and new engineering innovation, you may be able to purchase a forklift that is designed specifically for your work space. If this sounds a little too expensive, consider investing in new, narrow-aisle trucks that use slim designs and swiveling components to navigate even the smallest aisles, letting you maximize space. While looking at new designs, do not forget the many innovations that make forklifts more comfortable to operate. Adjustable wheels, seats, armrests, and controls are now common features on modern forklifts.

If long-term savings are your goal, then investigate the latest AC motors that get rid of some of the traditional power issues with battery-charged forklifts while increasing performance. For especially advanced fleets, hydrogen power is also an environmentally safe possibility.