Viliari

Viliar pripada skupini manipulacijskih strojeva koji se u praksi koriste u velikom broju. Ako se postavi pitanje postoji li u suvremenim transportnim procesima alternativa viliaru, odgovor je negativan. Na dananjem stupnju razvoja tehnologije prometa postoje i koriste se razne vrsti i tipovi viliara. Njihova primjena i uloga gotovo je nezamjenjiva u veini proizvodnih procesa, na terminalima i u skladitima. Pri opisu znaajki viliara najee se kae da su to strojevi sa suvremenim ekonomsko-tehnikim rjeenjima i znaajkama koje im osiguravaju pouzdanost i ekonominost u primjeni. U strukturi zastupljenosti najbrojniji su runi viliari kojih ima oko 85%, a nosivost im je i do 2000 kg. S obzirom na konstrukciju i mjesto djelovanja, viliari se mogu razlikovati po skupinama, tako da se, na primjer, s obzirom na irinu djelovanja istie da postoje tri generacije viliara.

Viliar

U prvu se generaciju svrstavaju viliari sa slobodno noenim teretom, u drugu "hibridni" viliari, a suvremeni viliari u skladitu pripadaju treoj generaciji. "Hibridne" konstrukcije ukljuuju dobra svojstva prethodnih konstrukcija i imaju mogunost pomicanja teita tereta koje je pri zahvaanju i ostavljanju izvan baze viliara, a u kretanju unutar baze, to im daje prednost pri djelovanju u zatvorenim prostorima ogranienih dimenzija. Viliare tree generacije karakterizira mogunost slobodno noenog tereta zahvaenog specijalnom zahvatnom napravom koja omoguuje rad bez manevriranja. irina operativnog prostora je u tom sluaju jo manja. Ako se promatra operativni prostor za djelovanje navedenih skupina viliara, uoava se npr. da druga generacija viliara, za razliku od prve, tedi irinu prostora za oko 23%, a trea za oko 55%. Rast proizvodnje viliara u Njemakoj je kontinuiran. Za nae uvjete nema podataka o manipulacijskim sredstvima, a u okviru toga ni o viliarima i prognozi njihova razvoja. Ako se analizira mjesto primjene viliara u praksi, uoava se, takoer vana spoznaja, daje samo oko 6% viliara u vlasnitvu velikih pogona a ostalih oko 94% je u malim i srednjim proizvodnim pogonima. Za viliar budunosti oekuje se da udovoljava sljedeim osnovnim zahtjevima: - lakoa upravljanja - sigurnost pri radu - minimalan utjecaj na okoli - lakoa odravanja - mogunost nabave rezervnih dijelova - standardiziranost konstrukcije - tipizirani konstrukcijski dijelovi - minimalan gubitak vrijednosti. S obzirom na vrstu pogona, razlikuju se viliari s dizelskim motorom, viliari s Ottovim motorom ukljuujui i one s pogonom na plin, i viliari s elektromotorom. Brzina kretanja u operativi moe biti razliita to zavisi od konkretnih uvjeta. Mogu se nai i podaci o brzini kretanja veoj od 20 km/h. U dizelskih motora snaga je u funkciji namjene i u rasponu je od 15 kW do 75 kW, ali moe biti i znatno vea. Viliari na elektropogon napajaju se s 12, 24, 36 ili 48 V. Viliari se uglavnom proizvode serijski za trite i nepoznatog kupca. S obzirom na vrstu pogona, sve vie dolaze do izraaja viliari s elektropogonom, prije svega zbog poznatih ekolokih prednosti. S obzirom na nosivost, standardni se viliari mogu svrstavati na razne naine. Tako se npr. nailazi na podjelu elnih viliara po sljedeim skupinama: - nosivosti do 0,8 t, - nosivosti od 1 do 1,6 t, - nosivosti od 2 do 2,5 t, - nosivosti 3 do 3,5 t. Radna sposobnost klasinih viliara je do 5000 kg, ali postoje i viliari znatno vee nosivosti (120 t). Najvei viliari na svijetu su oni nosivosti od 120 t. Manipulirao je teret od 110 t na razmaku teita od toke oslonca 1,2 m. Ako se takav viliar optereti sa 80 t, tada teite tog tereta moe biti i na 2,3 m od toke oslonca. Vilice tog viliara dugake su 3,65 m, a iroke 350 mm svaka. Viliar je opremljen dizelskim motorom snage 399 kW. irina viliara je 350 mm, a duina 365 mm, a proizveden je u seriji od 10 komada. Viliari s jednostupnjevitom diuom konstrukcijom ili simpleksom mogu dizati terete samo do svoje visine. Visina viliara se ne mijenja u tijeku dizanja. Takav viliar nije prikladan za dizanje na vee visine, ali je vrlo jednostavan. Rabi se za dizanje tekih tereta, ak do 12 tona. Dvostupnjevita se konstrukcija naziva dupleks. Pri dizanju tereta gabarit viliara se ne poveava pa je stoga vrlo praktian, a uvelike se primjenjuje u proizvodnom i transportnom lancu. Konstrukcija s tri stupnja naziva se tripleks. Viliari s takvim mehanizmom mogu prolaziti kroz nie otvore i dizati teret na vee visine, sve do 6 m, ali samo manje terete. S obzirom na poloaj tereta u odnosu na viliar, razlikuju se dvije skupine: - boni i - elni viliari. Pri usporedbi radnog prostora, to se smatra jednim od osnovnih obiljeja, vidljivo je da klasini viliar moe djelovati u znatno uem prostoru ako duina tereta ne prelazi 2 m. Jedinice manipuliranja u primjeni viliara U praksi se pojavljuje veliki broj jedinica tereta pakiranih na razne naine po obliku i dimenzijama. Moemo ih svrstati u skupine koje imaju zajednika svojstva s obzirom na manipulaciju i transport. Najbolje su za transport viliarom paletno-paketne jedinice raznih vrsta i dimenzija, ovisno o vrsti i tipu palete. Osim paletno-paketnih jedinica, postoje druge jedinice tereta, npr.: - cilindrinog oblika (koturi, ice, role papira, betonske cijevi i dr.), - u vezovima (cijevi, ipke, eljezni profili u vezovima i dr.), - valjkastog oblika (balvani, bave i dr.), -u tekstilnoj i papirnoj industriji, - u drvnoj industriji (rezana graa, sanduci, celulozno drvo i dr.), - u ljevaonikoj industriji, - rasutih materijala, i dr. Ti se tereti, osim vilicom, zahvaaju i raznim drugim vrstama ureaja ili zahvatnih organa. Najbrojnija su razna klijeta: za ciglu, za bale i za roto-papir, hidraulika rotacijska ploa za bono okretanje i istresanje razliitih tereta (rasutih i tekuih), klijeta za betonske blokove, mehanika lica, klijeta za bave, kao i druge varijante i oblici. to se tie operativne duine djelovanja (relacije manipulacije) viliara, ona u viliara na elektropogon iznosi do 50 m, a u viliara na pogon s motorom s unutarnjim izgaranjem do 100 m.

U istraivanju provedenom u radnim uvjetima, podruju djelovanja viliara (relaciji prijevoza) pridana je znatna pozornost, pri emu se upozorava na potrebu da se pronae gornja granina vrijednost relacije manipulacije na temelju trokova koje zahtijeva pojedina varijanta. Elektroviliar nije prikladan za rad na neravnoj podlozi zbog mogunosti prekida napajanja. I nagib operativne zone utjee na izbor pogona pri emu se daje prednost pogonu s motorom s unutarnjim izgaranjem. Doputeni uspon ne bi trebao biti vei od 15%, a pad ne bi smio biti vei od 7 do 10%. Kad je rije o radnoj sposobnosti klasinog elektroviliara mogu se nai podaci da viliar nazivne nosivosti 1,5 tjednim punjenjem baterija moe ostvariti uinak od oko 300 t u smjeni pod pretpostavkom da manipulira na prosjenoj udaljenosti od 20 m, pri nagibu od 5% i dizanju tereta na visinu 1,2 m. elni viliari, posebice oni male i srednje nosivosti, imaju mali razmak osovina s uskim kolotragom. Ako bi se razvrstavala znakovita obiljeja viliara, tada bi ta obiljeja trebalo promatrati s etiri osnovna aspekta: - s aspekta konstrukcije viliara, obino se razlikuju nain djelovanja (kontinuirani ili diskontinuirani), oblik putanje kretanja s mogunou mijenjanja ili bez mogunosti mijenjanja putanje, stupnjevi slobode kretanja radnog ureaja gdje se mogu razlikovati putanje s jednim ili vie stupnjeva slobode; s obzirom na vrstu pogona, moe se govoriti o runim i motornim pogonima, a s obzirom na kapacitet - o malom, srednjem i velikom kapacitetu; - s aspekta relacije prijevoza - manipuliranja obino se razlikuju tri tipa relacija: male, srednje i dulje relacije pri kojima se moe djelovati i u sprezi s prikolicom; - s aspekta supstrata ijem manipuliranju je namijenjen, obiljeja viliara su uvjetovana agregatnim stanjima supstrata pri emu se supstrat moe promatrati u funkciji oblika supstrata i njegove prilagoenosti procesu djelovanja viliara; - etvrti se aspekt odnosi na subjektivni imbenik i u okviru njega bi trebalo govoriti o priuenosti operatora. Boni viliar namijenjen je manipulaciji svih vrsta tereta u kojih je zbog velike duljine otean prijenos. To su npr.: trupci, grede, daske, cijevi, sanduci, limovi, profilirano eljezo i ostali glomazni dugi tereti. Nosaem tereta, s pomou teleskopskih hidraulinih cilindara, obavlja se uvlaenje i izvlaenje vilica kao i podizanje, sputanje i odlaganje. Osnovni elementi izbora viliara Izbor viliara u pravilu je funkcija dvaju elemenata: tehnolokih zahtjeva i trinih mogunosti. Analizirajui kriterije podobnosti viliara, obino se spoznaju vrste kriterija: - mogunosti zahvaanja manipulacijske jedinice, - brzine rada, - zahvaanja prostora te preglednosti omoguene operatoru. - povoljnijim uvjetima odravanja, - veom sigurnosti djelovanja, - smanjenim tekoama u razradi planova nabave viliara i rezervnih dijelova, - smanjenjem zaliha, - rezervnih dijelova, - veom iskoritenosti viliara i dr. Veina od navedenih imbenika su globalna oekivanja koja bi trebala omoguiti suvremenije konstrukcije viliara u budunosti. Ova oekivanja su prisutna i u radovima autora iz ovog podruja u razvijenijem svijetu. Vie reda u podruju primjene viliara u praksi ve danas je potrebno i zbog injenice to najvei broj njih djeluje u sredinama koje ne raspolau kadrovima koji mogu nametnuti kvalitetne promjene, ako se one uope i oekuju. Specifinost disperzije vlasnitva nije samo obiljeje naeg gospodarstva, nego i najsuvremenijih privreda u kojima se na primjer mogu nai podaci da oko 94% viliara u praksi djeluje u malim i srednjim poduzeima za koje se takoer moe pretpostaviti da ne obiluju kadrovima za detaljniju strunu, a osobito ne znanstvenu analizu, pa i u tim okolnostima treba promatrati potrebu podizanja spoznaja o opoj metodolokoj obradi ovog problema, jer gotovih metodolokih aplikativnih rjeenja nema. Ako se i nadu nuno ih je prilagoditi naim konkretnim uvjetima.

Viljukari ili viliari su neophodni za rukovanje paletama. Viljukara ima mnogo razliitih tipova, koje moemo podjeliti prema: vrsti zahvata nosivosti nainu pogona Prema vrsti zahvata postoje viliari sa elnim i sa bonim zahvatom. elni je daleko vie u upotrebi, pa gotovo svi viliari imaju vilice sprijeda jer su praktiniji u radu zbog manevriranja i bolje preglednosti vozaa kojem se glavna zbivanja deavaju pred oima. Boni viljukari su rijetki i uzimaju se za specijalne potrebe sve operacije se vru bono jer su vilice sa strane. Prikladni su za rad s veim teretom 5-30 t. Prikladni su za rad s dugakim teretom i imaju platformu na koju mogu staviti teret za vrijeme vonje. Nosivost viljukara je najee 10-30 KN jer je to u skladu sa potrebama paletizacije. Za rad na otvorenom prpstorima koriste se viljukari vee nosivosti 50-80KN na drvnim terminalima a za kontejnere 300 KN. Obzirom na rad viljukara vlastita teina viljukara nebi trebala biti vea od 1500-2000 kg zbog prijevoza liftovima i optereenja podova. Uz nosivost viljukara vana je dopunska karakteristika visina dizanja tereta to jest granica dohvata. Visina dizanja tereta postie se mehaniki ili hidrauliki pomou okomitih vodilica. Najjednostavnij i najei su viljukari sa simplex izvlaenjem dizanja sa jednom vodilicom. Njihov dohvat je 2 m, no ima ih i do 2,5 m. S obzirom na vrstu pogona postoje viliari s pogonom na plin, elektromotorni, viliari s ottovim motorom i viliari s dieselskim motorom. Sve se vie preferiraju viliari s eelektromotorom, i to iz ekolokih razloga S obzirom na konstrukciju postoje simpleks(jedan stupanj), dupleks (dva stupnja) i tripleks (tri stupnja). Simpleksom se teret die na njegove visine. Kod dupleksa se pri dizanju paletne jedinice njegovi gabariti ne mijenjaju, a tripleksi viliari diu manje terete na visini od 6 m.

Is a Forklift a Safe Substitute for an Aerial Platform? By Rory S. McLaren - Director Regulatory groups and manufacturers have developed, what they refer to as, safe methods for lifting personnel with a forklift (ref. OSHA 1926.602) or if you will, licensing forklift owners and operators to use their forklifts as crossover vehicles, i.e. in addition to transporting cargo, they can be used as aerial platforms. These committees did however, make a few stipulations, some of which are extremely vague: 1. The work platform must be equipped with standard guardrails or equivalent means, and must be firmly secured to the lifting carriage or forks. 2. The hydraulic system must be designed such that the lift mechanism will not drop faster than 135 feet per minute in the event of a failure in any part of the system. 3. The operator must be in the driving seat while workers are on the platform. 4. The operator must be in the driving seat while raising or lowering the platform. 5. The forklift must not travel from point to point with the work platform elevated at a height greater than 4 feet while the platform is occupied. When necessary, an occupied platform can be moved as long as the forklift is inched at a very low speed. 6. The area between the personnel on the platform and the mast must be guarded to prevent contact with chains or other pinch points. The preceding stipulations are well founded. However, could the regulatory groups and manufacturers have overlooked a number of critical elements associated with forklift design and ownership, which could either cause, or contribute to, the uncontrolled descent of a forklifts lift or tilt mechanisms while the mast is elevated? 1. From a design point of view forklifts compared to aerial platforms are like apples compared to oranges! The fundamental purpose of a forklift is to transport cargo with the added convenience of self-loading and unloading with the aid of hydraulics. Conversely, the fundamental purpose of an aerial platform or mobile personnel elevator is to elevate and transport personnel (transport within the guidelines of safe operation). Both forklifts and aerial platforms share similar hydraulic components from an operational point of view. However, an aerial platform designer has an additional design responsibility to make sure the platform cannot fail under any circumstances. Needless to say, an aerial platform has a number of hydraulic safety valves, which are not usually incorporated in conventional forklift hydraulic system design. This makes a forklift inherently unsafe for use in elevating and/or transporting personnel; and, forklift manufacturers arent shy about warning of the consequences of using their products for this purpose. There are always inherent risks associated with riding outside the confines of a mobile vehicles frame. Forklifts do not have redundant safety components and/or systems for the specific purpose of protecting the rider in the event of the unexpected failure of a critical hydraulic or mechanical component. On the other hand, aerial platform designers focus very heavily on platform reliability and machine stability, which makes safety the nucleus of aerial platform design. Accordingly, aerial platforms do have redundant safety components/systems for the specific purpose of protecting the rider in the event of the unexpected failure of a critical hydraulic component. What the regulatory groups and manufacturers have apparently done is to give industry permission to use a forklift as a crossover vehicle in addition to it being used as a forklift; it can also be used as an aerial platform. Unfortunately, due to conventional forklift design objectives, a forklift cannot perform the latter with any guarantee of safety and thus, there are, and always will be, inherent risks associated with using a forklift for any purpose other than what it was specifically designed to do transport cargo. 2. Education and training arguably the weakest link! The issue of forklift safety extends beyond the boundaries of forklift design. It relies heavily on the qualifications and training of forklift maintenance personnel. The most powerful argument against using a forklift as an aerial platform has to do with the education and training or the lack thereof of maintenance personnel. Equally as critical is the poor state of maintenance, in general, in the forklift industry. These issues will be addressed separately. Safe and predictable forklift operation (Ref. OSHA 29CFR1910.178O) can only be achieved if a forklift is expertly maintained. The safe and efficient operation of any machine can only be realized through the implementation and execution of a world-class proactive maintenance program, which is only effective if executed by well-trained technicians; the one cannot exist without the other! It is virtually impossible to meet these requirements if the people who are responsible for performing the maintenance services are untrained - especially on critical systems like hydraulics. Ironically, over 98% of the people in the US who maintain, service, and, repair hydraulic systems and components are not properly trained. OSHA has passed a law (ref. OSHA 29CFR1910.1780) that makes it mandatory for a forklift operator to be certified in the safe operation of a forklift. Moreover, the law requires them to receive both hands-on and formal classroom training. Ironically, the people who have the lions share of responsibility for the safe and proper operation of a forklift - the mechanics - are completely ignored by all regulatory groups, including the owners and operators of forklifts. So, why arent mechanics held to the same standard as operators? Moreover, why do the regulatory groups and manufacturers look the other way with respect to the training and certification of mechanics?

Flying is a relative term! An airplane and an aerial platform share a fundamental similarity they both fly people! To avoid an unimaginable toll on human life due to crashes born of poor repair and maintenance practices brought about by untrained personnel, the federal government the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) passed into law a bill that made it a federal crime for untrained/unauthorized personnel to perform any service or repair work on an airplane. The flying public feels safe thanks to Uncle Sam. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the aerial platform industry its a veritable free-for-all. Literally anyone, regardless of training or experience is permitted to service and repair all types of personnel lifting mechanisms including forklifts, cranes, basket trucks, etc. When a person is elevated by means of a forklift, basket-truck, or an aerial platform, that person is, for all intents and purposes, flying. Ironically, the life and limb of these pilots is generally in the hands of people who have little or no training! Needless to say there has to be a reason why the regulatory groups and manufacturers the people whom never in the course of their work have to risk their lives flying these unreliable and unsafe machines cow-towed to corporate America and allowed them to make a forklift a crossover vehicle. Could the reason be green in nature money? The vast majority of people who maintain, service, and repair forklifts, and especially forklift hydraulic systems, have absolutely no formal training. This leaves the majority of forklifts; regardless of how much training the operator receives, highly susceptible to accidents, which could result in severe injury, death, or substantial property damage. In our opinion, the regulatory organizations and manufacturers made a very serious oversight when they ignored a critical aspect and safe and reliable forklift operation the mechanic. 3. Forklifts are generally maintained on the basis of if it aint broke dont fix it. Needless to say, the quality and consistency of any maintenance program cannot rise above the level of competence of the maintenance workforce, or maintenance management, for that matter. Another compelling reason why a forklift should never be used to elevate personnel the maintenance is less than adequate! Here are just a few of the problems: 1. The vast majority of forklifts operate on the basis of if it aint broke dont fix it! In a nutshell, forklift maintenance is generally performed on the basis of crisis management! They are typically run into the ground and only then do they get the attention they need maybe! Repairs are seldom properly done because maintenance personnel are generally not empowered to make decisions on the quality of their work. Supervisors usually dictate how repairs are executed with the main objectives being cost and time rather than quality and reliability! 2. Less than 1% of the hydraulic components on a forklift are removed on a proactive maintenance basis. They are maintained on a fail-first basis. NOTE: This problem is not unique to the forklift industry. The vast majority of hydraulic systems operating in plants and on mobile machines operate on the basis of run-to-destruction. 3. When a forklift is sidelined due to an unexpected problem, production is usually unaffected. Besides, most plants have a fleet of forklifts there is usually a back-up. If all else fails a telephone call to the local rental facility solves the problem. Maintenance and production supervisors and managers are usually well aware of their options so their attention is focused on the squeaky wheel. They are usually so busy putting out fires on production machines that little time is left to schedule service on the non-critical production machines such as forklifts! 4. Forklifts are generally very badly abused. A visit to most truck loading facilities is tantamount to visiting a forklift proving ground. Forklift operators routinely spin the tires, select reverse (or forward) while the vehicle is traveling in the opposite direction, overload, etc. Most forklifts exhibit severe body damage from constant collisions with whatever is in their respective paths. In short, a forklift is arguably one of the most neglected and abused machines in a plant. The term unreliable is synonymous with neglect. Neglected machinery will inevitably break down unexpectedly. These arent the types of machines electricians, painters, pipe fitters, etc., should be flying in the course of doing their respective jobs. 5. OSHAs 135 feet per minute descent rate rule for failure to any part of the system is preposterous. -

Weaknesses in forklift design, makes them relatively safe for transporting cargo, but inherently unsafe as work platforms.
According to OSHA regulation (ref. 29CFR1910.178) a forklift may be used to lift personnel on condition that the user follows a number of guidelines. One of those guidelines being, the lift mechanism will not drop faster than 135 feet per minute in the event of a failure in any part of the system. This rule is baseless because it is impossible to control the descent rate of the lift mechanism in the event of a failure in any part of the system. Here a few examples (Figure 1) of failures which could lead to the unrestricted descent of a forklifts lift mechanism: 1. Lift chain failure 2. Cylinder retaining pin failure 3. Cylinder internal seal failure 4. Cylinder rod failure 5. Mast guide wear-plate wear. 6. Hose failure. There are also additional factors that could cause an accident, such as brake failure, inattentive operator, etc. NOTE: The vast majority of these types of failures are caused by poor/inadequate maintenance training, substandard/nonexistent service and repair, and/or forklift abuse.

Figure 1

6. Riders life is in forklift driver's hands! Another distinct disadvantage of using a forklift as an aerial platform is the fact that the riders life is in the hands of the forklift driver. An inattentive driver can cause the rider to "suffer" numerous types of accidents which could lead to severe injury or death. A conventional aerial platform is designed to permit the rider to control all vehicle functions including wheel drive and steering. CASE HISTORY: An electrician asked the forklift driver to hoist him to the ceiling to attend to a defective light, which was at an elevation of approximately 20 feet from the factory floor. He used a pallet as a work platform. The driver was sitting in the forklift receiving instructions from the electrician. While the electrician was busy attending to the light, the forklift driver apparently struck up a conversation with a colleague. A short while later, the electrician shouted to the forklift driver to lower him to the ground. The driver, without looking up, responded by activating the lever to lower the platform. However, he continued with the conversation. A minute or so went by and the electrician repeated his request for the driver to lower him to the ground. This prompted the driver to glance forward. To his horror, the lift mechanisms cylinder rod was completely lowered while the platform remained aloft. The forklift driver, realizing the gravity of the situation, (the slightest movement could cause the platform to come crashing down) immediately activated the control valve hoping to raise the cylinder rod to meet the platform. Unfortunately, the electrician became impatient and turned around to see why the operator was not responding to his commands. His moving caused the mast sections to realign. The driver watched in Figure 2

horror as the platform came crashing down to the concrete floor below (Figure 2). As a result of the fall the electrician suffered severe back injury and multiple bruises. NOTE: On certain forklift models mast wear guides can wear out and cause the mast section(s) to temporarily seize while the lift-mechanism is at maximum elevation. This situation can leave the rider vulnerable to a serious free-fall accident because the lift-mechanisms lift cylinder(s) can lower independently of the lift-mechanism. The OSHA descent-rate rule appears to apply to all forklifts regardless of type, age, or condition. Many forklifts do not have hydraulic safety valves (velocity fuses) integrated in the lower port of the mast cylinder/s. Consequently a hose failure, for whatever reason, can cause the lift mechanism to free-fall, leaving the rider susceptible to severe injury or death. The regulatory groups and manufacturers appear to have overlooked problems associated with an unexpected failure of a forklifts mast tilt mechanism, which also operates with hydraulic cylinders. A forklifts tilt angle averages 3 forward and 3 backwards from center. The distance of lateral travel at the top of a fully raised mast is approximately six feet (varies according to maximum lift-mechanism height and maximum tilt angle) The unexpected failure of a tilt cylinder hose or mechanical part could result in a very serious accident. For example; a forklift is being used to elevate a person to a height in a building to replace a broken light bulb. While the person is working overhead one of the hydraulic hoses in the tilt cylinder circuit unexpectedly fails causing the mast assembly to lurch forward uncontrollably throwing the lift mechanism against the structure. The person cannot be thrown from the device because, according to OSHA regulation, he/she is securely harnessed. However, his/her body is thrown against the side of an adjacent structure violently, which could cause severe injury or death.

7. Dont be fooled by dual cylinders! -

People who dont fully understand how a forklifts hydraulic system works might be led to believe that two cylinders provide a safety net, i.e., in the event of a transmission line failure and certain types of mechanical failures in one cylinder, the good cylinder will keep the platform upright. Not true! The transmission lines, which supply oil to the cylinders, are connected in parallel (Figure 3). This simply means that the failure of ANY transmission line which transports oil between the control valve and the cylinders will result in a total loss of that systems motion control leaving the riders fate up to the laws of gravity! The same applies to certain types of unexpected mechanical failures.

Figure 3

CONCLUSION Based on the facts, the Fluid Power Safety Institute cannot agree with the regulatory groups and manufacturers decision to permit forklifts to be used as substitutions for aerial platforms, and thus offers the following warning: "Using a forklift as a "work platform" is inherently dangerous and can lead to accidents, which could result in severe injury, death, and/or substantial property damage. The regulatory groups and manufacturers appear to have ignored critical safety elements in their haste to cow-tow to industry. There are, and will always be, inherent risks associated with using a forklift for any other purpose than what its designers intended it to be a cargo carrying vehicle - unless, of course, it undergoes an extensive design change and incorporates all the bells and whistles needed to make it fail-safe.

Moreover, it is high time the regulatory groups and manufacturers focused on the pathetic state of forklift, crane, and aerial lift maintenance training to mention just a few areas that need urgent attention! It doesnt take a rocket scientist to figure out that regardless of how well a vehicle driver is trained, his/her safety, and the safety of those who work around the equipment, lies squarely on the shoulders of the maintenance mechanic. A forklift is as safe and reliable as the people who service and repair it, regardless of how well the operator is trained! The Fluid Power Safety Institute invited (via e-mail) two major forklift manufacturers to participate in this safety alert, specifically on the issue of descent rates in the event of an unexpected failure to-date, they have ignored our attempt to open dialogue on these critical issues: Toyota - no comment (e-mail sent 10/18/07) Hyster - no comment (e-mail sent 10/18/07)

Fluid power safety doesnt just happen, it has to be pursued."

The Fluid Power Safety Institute presents safety-based hydraulic workshops on a regular basis. You can find our training schedule at www.fpti.org Rory S. McLaren Founder/Director Fluid Power Safety Institute The Fluid Power Safety Institute welcomes constructive dialogue regarding our safety bulletins. Your comments are welcome

Buying a used forkliftwisely

By Bill Buckhout April 15, 2002

When purchasing a used forklift truck carefully look at maintenance records, give the vehicle a thorough inspection, and a test drive. The article features an in-depth inspection checklist.

Purchasing powered industrial trucks does not have to be a monumental capital expenditure. In certain material handling situations, a used forklift truck makes fiscal sense. Consider buying a used forklift if:

The truck will be used only for a single shift. The forklift will be used for no more than five hours a day. The forklift will work no more than five days per week. The operation is not a high-throughput, nonstop type.

What to Look For

If one or more of these criteria fit your company's situation and you decide to purchase a used forklift, you need to know how to spot used equipment with a troubled past. Here are four tips to help you select a used forklift truck that will add to your bottom line instead of draining it. 1. Availability. The principal sources of used forklift trucks are other end users and dealers (either trade-ins, former rental fleet units, or lease retirements). In general, a used rental truck is often the better buy, because owners of new engine-powered forklifts run them, on average, for seven years before trading them in. Electric-powered forklifts usually are kept for eight to 10 years. Typically, both types are operated for 1,500 hours per year in single-shift operations. Over the past five years, availability of retired trucks that were leased three to five years has increased. This means companies have more low-hour machines to choose from.In addition, a short-term-rental forklift truck accumulates about 1,000 hours of use per year and usually is replaced every three to five years. However, this lower use level carries a higher price. Rental forklifts and lease-retired forklift trucks usually sell for 10 to 15 percent more than other used forklift trucks. 2. Maintenance. When you find a likely candidate, be sure to evaluate its condition. Consider how well it has been maintained. Ask to review the forklift's maintenance records, if they are available. If maintenance records are not available, make sure a thorough mechanical inspection is performed prior to purchasing the vehicle. 3. Inspection. Now it is time for a hands-on examination. Make sure a mechanic comes along to give the prospective investment a thorough evaluation. Start by checking mast operation, both without a load and with the forklift's full rated load. Only a qualified operator should do this inspection. Look for smooth operation and lack of binding. Tilt the mast forward and back fully to see if there's excessive play (3/8 in. or more) between the mast channels, as well as between the carriage and the mast. Also check for excessive side carriage play.If the forklift truck has an attachment, such as a paper roll clamp, put it through its paces to make sure it will do the job it was designed for.

Look for leaks from the transmission, differential, mast and tilt cylinders, engine, and radiator. It's best to do these checks after the forklift truck is fully warmed up. Be aware, even small leaks are warning signs. Carefully examine the extent of the leak and its source to determine the cost of the repair before purchasing. Inspect the brakes while carrying the forklift's rated load. Remember that when it's traveling at 5 miles per hour, a forklift should be able to stop smoothly within one to two truck lengths. 4. Test Drive. Before road-testing a forklift truck, take a moment to examine the vehicle's appearance. Badly dented or gouged body panels may signify rough or careless operation. Now it's time to put the prospective acquisition through a road test. Drive it through a tight figure-eight pattern in both forward and reverse gears. The forklift truck should have a quick response to the steering wheel and accurate tracking. Although kicking the tires is not necessary, don't forget to check them. If they have not been replaced recently, look for uneven wear. This may signal axle misalignment.

Take a Closer Look

If the prospective forklift truck passes these four tests, your search for a good used truck may be over. However, the inspection should not stop there. Make sure a mechanic covers the 14 points on the in-depth inspection checklist. Inspection of these areas can help you ensure your company gets a truly good deal on a used forklift.