M
at
er
i
a
l
H
an
d
l
i
n
g
L
I
F
T
T
RU
CK
S
WE MANUFACTURE • WE INSTALL
WE SAVE YOU MONEY
Hybrid Buildings Foundation Solutions Fabric Structures
ClearSpan.com/ADDCV1.866.643.1010
BUILDINGS OF 1,000 USES
ZERO PERCENT FINANCING AVAILABLE RES TRIC TIONS MA Y APPLY
Pro-Line's Packaging Workbenches (Model CPB) are ideally
suited for every packing, shipping and mailroom application.
• Modular and customizable, with an extensive array of
features including full width storage shelf, bin holder,
power strip, paper spool holder and more.
• Optional accessories include rotary shear cutter, scale
stand, cardboard storage stand, and more.
• Our "In-Stock"
Program lets you
get the exact bench
you need in 5 days
or less.
• All Pro-Line workbenches deliver
quality, functionality and unmatched
ergonomic design.
1proline.com
(800) 739-9067
If you are looking for the most
versatile packaging bench,
your ship has come in.
THE LEADING EDGE IN MODULAR ERGONOMICS
34 DC VELOCITY JANUARY 2017 www.dcvelocity.com
ing on pallet trucks in light of the trend toward empowering
workers with more tools to make their jobs easier and safer,
he says. That includes providing more information and
direction to the operator, making controls simpler and more
intuitive, and enhancing safety and ergonomics through
auto-assist features. “They see
opportunities to drive a reduction
in injuries and employee turnover
… by getting people away from
manual equipment,” he explains.
Changing views on ergonomics—
focusing not on the impact of a
specific activity but on the cumulative effects of warehouse work
over time—will reinforce the focus
on equipment design as a means to
reduce physical stress.
; As technology continues to evolve, walkie pallet trucks
will continue to become more energy efficient, says Ardito
of MCFA. In addition, some features that are designed to
increase operator comfort and protection, currently available as options, will eventually become standard.
; “Integration” will become an important word, says
Hyster’s Koffarnus. He foresees pallet trucks with integrat-
ed energy solutions (such as onboard chargers with wireless
connections or hydrogen fuel cells), which could dramati-
cally change their profile. He also sees pallet trucks being
integrated into automated solutions, with savings coming
from driverless operation.
Despite all those futuristic forecasts, there’s still a place for
the manual pallet jack in today’s
warehouses and DCs. They’re
appropriate for moving lightweight, compact loads over short
distances; they’re simple to operate; and they’re safest for use by
new and temporary workers. They
don’t require batteries, charging,
or maintenance, and there’s always
that low, low price—about $200 to
$500 per unit.
Furthermore says Harshbarger
of Crown, proven equipment that still has a purpose should
be viewed as “smart and functional, not old-fashioned.” As
material handling demands evolve and change, the equipment, of course, must change along with them, he says.
Ultimately, though, the focus should be on end-user satisfaction and operational efficiency. “If operators have the
right equipment to safely, reliably, and efficiently do their
work,” he says, “the age of the design is not significant.”
