What Is an Automated Forklift? Advantages & Disadvantages
An automated forklift is a type of automated guided vehicle (AGV) that can carry loads along the floor of your facility without having a driver onboard. Learn more.
There are several advantages as well as disadvantages to using automated forklifts. Click on each link below to learn more.
Disadvantages
If you are looking for an automated forklift, contact Forklift Hub today.
There are many pros and cons to using an automated forklift
What Is an Automated Forklift?
Instead of being driven by an operator, an automated forklift is controlled by a computer. Automated forklifts use a combination of sensor-based guidance systems and computer software to control their movement.
Automated forklifts are like portable robots on wheels. They are used in industries to transport heavy loads around buildings like factories or warehouses. They can also be used to tow objects like trailers filled with materials and finished products. They can then be unattached from the trailers and move on their own.
Automated forklifts can be used to tow trailers
Advantages of an Automated Forklift
Lower Operating Costs:
An automated forklift runs on its own, so you don't need to pay a driver to operate it and you don't need to pay for the driver to be trained.
24/7 Operation:
An automated forklift can also run 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It doesn't need to take lunches or coffee breaks, making it incredibly efficient.
Pick up Unpalletized Loads:
An automated forklift that has a side clamp is able to pick up loads that aren't stored on pallets.
Limited Clearance:
Automated forklifts can safely maneuver down aisles that have limited clearance and that would be difficult for a human driver to navigate safely.
Because they don't need to have the space to accommodate a driver, they can be made smaller than regular forklifts.
This would make them a great choice for working in tight spaces.
Labour Shortages:
Reliable, permanent, and seasonal workers are sometimes difficult to find and afford. If you are having trouble filling positions due to labour shortages, then investing in automated forklifts could be your best answer.
AGV's are great for doing repetitive, low-value tasks that are difficult to hire a worker to do for you.
Disadvantages of an Automated Forklift
High Purchase Cost:
The biggest disadvantage of purchasing an automated forklift is the high price tag. However, you need to take into consideration your total cost of ownership when deciding whether or not it is a good investment.
The fact that you don't need to pay an operator and that it can run 24/7 will decrease your total cost of ownership and make it a much more attractive option.
Check out an automated forklift in action
High Maintenance Cost:
If your automated forklift breaks down, it will probably cost more to repair as you will need to take it to a highly skilled mechanic who is properly trained.
In addition, replacement parts will also be higher than traditional forklift parts. However, as this technology becomes more common, the cost of parts and repairs should decrease.
Flexibility:
In order to change the route that you want your automated forklift to take, you will have to reprogram it which could take some time. If you are using a regular forklift, your driver can quickly change routes as soon as they are told.
Automated Forklift Usages
There are many ways that you can use an automated forklift. Here are some of the more common ones:
Pulling trailers or carts with heavy loads on flat ground or ramps
Transporting loaded pallets over long distances for put-aways, load staging, and cross-docking
Pick-up and drop off, end-of-aisle, end-of-line, and conveyor picking applications
Automatically stack and take away empty pallets
Why Choose a Hangcha Automated Forklift?
If you want a forklift that is as cutting edge as your industry, then choose an automated forklift from Hangcha. They are made for industrial use and they use advanced AGV automation technologies.
Hangcha AGV based intelligent logistic systems have been used in a wide variety of industries including:
Automotive
Logistics
Rubber
Photovoltaic
This incredible technology makes cargo handling easier and smarter.
Features of Hangcha's heavy-load AGV
LIFTING CAPABILITIES:
Hangcha's heavy-load AGV can handle loads up to 3 tonnes (6,614lbs) when the load center distance is 950mm and up to 5 tonnes (11,023lbs) when the load center distance is 600mm. Many similar AGV forklifts are only able to handle loads below 2 tonnes (4,409lbs).
HIGH POSITIONING ACCURACY:
Accuracy is a key consideration when you are looking to use automation in your industry. Hangcha's heavy-load AGV has an incredible positioning accuracy of ±5mm. It can also stack and take away empty pallets automatically to help increase your efficiency.
UNMANNED OPERATION:
This AGV model has great features that will give you genuine unmanned operation including:
Laser automatic navigation
Trackless running
Wireless communication
Self-charging battery
Self-obstacle avoidance and diagnosis of faults
Forklift Hub Can Help You Choose the Best Forklift for Your Needs
Selecting the best forklift for your particular situation isn’t easy, but the experts at Forklift Hub can help. Whether you are in the market for a new or used forklift, contact the professionals at Forklift Hub
They will listen to your needs and match you up with the perfect forklift to meet those needs and your budget.
Forklift Hub also offers the best warranties in the business for both new and used forklifts. For example, we offer:
Used Forklifts: When you purchase a quality used forklift from Forklift Hub, you will receive a 30-day full warranty. That means that your forklift is covered, front to back, for a full 30 days after your purchase. If anything goes wrong with it, we will fix it for you, free of charge.
Komatsu BX50 Series: Komatsu's warranty includes:
2 years / Unlimited Hours Standard Warranty Coverage* and
60 Months / 8,000 Hours Power Train Coverage
10,000 Hours on Wet Brake Systems on Komatsu Units Equipped with Wet Brakes
Hangcha Lithium-Ion Forklifts: Many of Hangcha's Lithium-ion forklift batteries come with an incredible warranty that lasts 10 years or 20,000 hours. Now that's a guarantee!
With Forklift Hub, you can purchase a forklift with confidence! Contact us today for more details about our incredible warranties.
