With the advancement of logistics automation, manual and remote-controlled forklifts have become complementary in warehousing scenarios. Forklifts are essential equipment for industrial warehousing and logistics handling. As common types of forklifts, manual and remote-controlled forklifts each have their own characteristics and applicable scenarios. Manual forklifts rely on manual operation for flexibility, while remote-controlled forklifts utilize intelligent control for precise operation. Below, we will compare and analyze the operating precautions for these two types of forklifts from an operational perspective to help operators better understand the safety requirements and operating techniques for forklifts.
Manual forklifts are widely used in small warehouses and for material handling, owing to their simple structure and flexible operation. When operating a manual forklift, the following precautions are particularly important:
1.1 Checking the Forklift's Condition
Before operating, be sure to inspect all components of the manual forklift, including the wheels, hydraulic system, fork arms, and handles. Ensure there is no visible damage to avoid safety accidents caused by equipment failure.
1.2 Load Control
During handling, ensure that the forklift's load does not exceed its rated capacity. Operators should avoid excessive tilting of the forklift to prevent the load from tipping or overturning.
When manually applying pressure with a hydraulic pump, ensure a uniform lifting speed to prevent the load from swaying and shifting the center of gravity.
1.3 Stable Operation
When using a manual forklift, the fork arm should be kept as level as possible, not too high or too low, to ensure balanced load distribution. Avoid sudden acceleration or sharp turns during handling. Maintain a steady speed during operation to avoid excessive impact on the load and the forklift itself.
1.4 Cornering Techniques
When turning a manual forklift, reduce speed to prevent the load from falling or causing the forklift to lose control. Allow ample space when turning and ensure the aisle is clear and free of obstructions.
1.5 Driving on Inclines
If operating a manual forklift on an incline, be careful to prevent the load from sliding. Never turn the forklift directly against the incline to avoid loss of control.
When pushing, keep the forks 10-15cm off the ground. When operating on slopes, reverse to prevent the load from sliding (assisted braking is required for slopes over 10%).
Allow a turning radius of 1.5 times the vehicle's length. Three-wheeled vehicles require extra caution (the inner wheels are more susceptible to tipping).
Overloading is strictly prohibited (e.g., actual load for a 2-ton vehicle is ≤ 1.8 tons). The fork spacing must match the pallet width (550mm is recommended for European standard pallets).
Remote control forklifts, as a relatively advanced piece of equipment in modern logistics and handling, are widely used in large warehouses and automated warehouses due to their automated and remotely controlled features. While remote control forklifts offer greater operational flexibility than manual forklifts, they also have unique safety requirements.
2.1 Pre-operation Inspection of Remote Control Forklifts
Before using a remote control forklift, check that communication between the remote controller and the forklift is stable and ensure that the remote control device battery is fully charged to avoid interruptions or loss of control.
Before starting, calibrate the LiDAR/SLAM navigation system to ensure that the path map matches the actual scene.
Check wireless signal strength (recommended ≥ -70dBm) to avoid command delays caused by industrial Wi-Fi interference.
2.2 Plan the Transport Route Properly
When using a remote-controlled forklift, the operator must plan the transport route in a remote environment and ensure that there are no obstacles or other equipment along the route to avoid accidental collisions.
2.3 Pay Attention to Field of View
Remote-controlled forklifts operate from a long distance, so the operator must always maintain a clear field of view. If there is a visual obstruction, the operator should immediately stop the operation to ensure safe operation of the forklift.
2.4 Load Adjustment and Balancing
Similar to manual forklifts, load balancing is crucial for remote-controlled forklifts. During transport, the operator should regularly check the stability of the load to prevent it from tilting or tipping during transport.
2.5 Avoid Interference During Operation
During operation, the operator must be careful to avoid interference from surrounding factors (such as other radio signals) that may affect the remote control device and ensure smooth communication between the forklift and the remote control.
Multi-vehicle coordination requires setting priorities (such as a queue-jumping function for urgent tasks) to prevent route conflicts.
Fork positioning accuracy should be regularly calibrated (±10mm standard) to prevent accumulation of deviations during high-level stacking.
2.6 Emergency Stop Function
Remote-controlled forklifts should be equipped with an emergency stop function. Operators should be familiar with this function to ensure they can immediately stop the machine in the event of an emergency and avoid accidents.
|
Features |
Manual forklift |
Remote control forklift |
|
Operation |
Controlled by manual push and pull |
Remote operation using the remote control |
|
Applicable Scenarios |
Small warehouse, short distance transportation |
Large warehouses, long-distance automated transportation |
|
Security |
Pay special attention to load and stability during operation |
Remote operation is more flexible, but signal interference must be avoided |
|
Operation requirements |
Requires manual control and consumes a lot of physical energy |
Easier to operate, but need to avoid unclear vision |
|
cost |
Relatively low |
Higher cost, but improved efficiency |
Manual Forklifts
Hydraulic System: Replace seals every 500 hours to prevent cylinder leakage.
Operation Training: Focus on practical assessment of ramp braking and load balancing (simulating cargo dumping scenarios).
Remote-Controlled Forklifts
Software Upgrades: Regularly update navigation algorithms (quarterly OTA upgrades are recommended).
Human-Machine Collaboration: Train personnel to master manual takeover procedures (e.g., switching to handlebar control when automatic mode fails).
Manual forklifts and remote-controlled forklifts each have different operating characteristics and usage scenarios. Manual forklifts are typically used for small warehouse operations due to their simplicity, affordability, flexibility, and low-cost operation. Remote-controlled forklifts, on the other hand, have become indispensable equipment in large warehouses and automated environments due to their efficiency, remote control, and standardized operation. Regardless of the type of forklift used, operators must adhere to appropriate operating procedures to ensure safe and efficient operation.
By comparing the operating precautions of manual and remote-controlled forklifts, we can better understand their advantages and disadvantages and choose the appropriate forklift type based on our needs, thereby improving efficiency and ensuring operational safety.
Through this introduction to manual and remote-controlled forklifts, we believe you have a deeper understanding of their use. If you have any questions or would like to purchase forklifts and accessories, please contact us.
