GALLERY OF SAFETY FEATURES
We asked the forklift manufacturers consulted for
this article to provide an example or two of safety
features they’ve designed into or offer in conjunction
with their lift trucks. The examples below are just
the tip of the iceberg; there are many, many more
safety-focused products on the market from these
and other OEMs.
Yale Materials Handling Corp.’s Yale Vision wireless asset management system includes restricted
access so only properly trained operators can use
equipment. It can also be used as a coaching tool,
enabling managers to track operator behaviors and
encourage safe operating procedures. Yale has also
released a virtual reality forklift simulator that lets
operators test their skills on a stationary truck before
they start operating mobile equipment. The training
simulator can also be used to reinforce safe driving
habits for all drivers.
UniCarriers Americas offers a number of product
solutions incorporating technology that promotes
optimal operator control. Examples include:
b Operator Presence System, a seat-actuated pow-
er-interrupt system that shifts the drive system to
neutral and locks out hydraulic functions if the oper-
ator is not seated
b Lift and tilt lock, which stops any mast operation
once the driver leaves the seat
b Audible warnings that remind the driver to
engage the seatbelt before startup and to engage the
parking brake when leaving the seat.
The Raymond Corp.’s i Warehouse telematics system includes numerous safety-related features, such
as an integrated multifunction display that presents
only information that is pertinent at that time; for
instance, when lifting, the display will only present
the camera view. Text-messaging capabilities can
only be accessed when the forklift is stationary.
Raymond has also introduced a virtual reality program that converts any of its lift trucks to a training
simulator, helping new forklift operators become
comfortable with the vehicle and its controls before
operating in the warehouse.
Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America, which
also includes Jungheinrich brand trucks, incorpo-
rates numerous standard safety features into its
forklifts, such as forward LED work lights and audible
travel alarms. Other key features include its propri-
etary Presence Detection System, which activates
whenever the operator leaves the normal operating
position, and a bright orange seat belt, which allows
managers to more easily see at a distance whether
the seat belt is in use.
Kion North America, provider of the Linde and
Baoli lines of lift trucks, has designed a truck-mount-ed warning light that produces a bright blue spot on
the floor, indicating to pedestrians that a forklift is
nearby. “Invisible” safety features that are integral
to Linde’s trucks include a low center of gravity,
even weight distribution, and low vibration and noise
levels. Visible features include ergonomically driven
designs, comfortable operational controls, and a
triplex mast rail that creates less visual obstruction
than conventional side-by-side rail setups do.
The Hyster Stability System incorporates a
mechanical device that uses gravity to optimize
steering articulation and reduces truck lean, helping
to protect the operator from tipovers. Brand new this
year is the Hyster Operator Sensing System, which
uses light emitters and sensors to keep the operator safely within the confines of the truck while still
permitting free movement during truck operation.
Software interlocks confirm operator entry, positioning, and exit; if safe boundaries are violated, the
interlocks will reduce or halt truck functionality.
Crown Equipment Corp.’s standup counterbalance and straddle lift trucks have been designed with
the operator positioned in a “side stance,” allowing
him or her to maintain a clear view of the direction
of travel to avoid colliding with fixed objects, other
vehicles, and pedestrians. Floorboard pedals/sensors
independently position the operator’s feet within the
operator compartment during operation. Additional
safety is provided by the entry-bar safety switch at
the compartment opening, which slows the truck to
a stop and sounds an alarm if the operator attempts
to drive the truck with part of his or her foot resting
on the ledge.
