(10015) Forklift trucks (or high-lows) have been around since the 1920s. The use of such vehicles in manufacturing plants was deemed a vital necessity in manufacturing and warehousing plants. By the mid 90’s, Just-in-time (JIT) delivery practices suggested that forklift trucks might be better suited for loading docks, with carts actually carrying the bins and pallets of product to the line-side assembly area. Thus, the beginning of Forklift Truck free, or simply “Fork Free” environments came into being.

Herkules Equipment Corporation has recognized the need for Fork Free type equipment and has developed several cart lifts for that type of environment.

Although they are mostly based on standard Herkules systems, cart lifts require extensive design work to insure that the cart is able to ride upon the lift or tilt platform free from obstructions. Many of the cart lift systems Herkules designs are made to interface with carts supplied by the customer. However, the most effective application is when Herkules is able to design and manufacture the cart in conjunction with the lifting systems.

Lift Cart Positioner:

Powered by air, hydraulics or electricity, scissor lifts provide a low profile of 4” and are  available in standard and custom size. Herkules has designed lifts to handle loads from under 1000 lbs. to over 50,000 lbs.

Tilt Cart Positioner:

Tilts use the same power sources as lifts, and can incorporate such things as retaining gussets and ramps to assist the operator in tilting carts and containers. Tilt angles vary between 30 to 90 degrees, and can be used alone or in conjunction with lifts.

Rotate Cart Positioner:

These rotational devices use hi-grade bearings to assist in operator push-pull forces. Positional locking devices include air brake, ball detents or mechanical stops. The most popular use of rotate cart positioners utilizes a lift which can be mounted on the rotate or beneath, depending on the cart design.

Post Lift Cart Positioner:

If you need to roll the cart or pallet jack directly onto the lift, then a post lift cart  positioner is in order. These zero-level floor cart positioners can be powered electrically or hydraulic/electric with chain or belt-driven mechanisms or air powered.

The dimensions of the cart are critical when designing a cart lift system. While the overall length and width of the cart is important, the cart’s lowest point-to-floor and dimension between casters is of special importance because these are the items that dictate the main interface of the cart to the top of the lift. Additionally, if the front or rear casters swivel, the turn diameter needs to be taken into consideration as well.

With the use of carts and cart lifts, manufacturing plants will benefit not only from a decrease in safety related incidents, but also a higher rate of return on investment (ROI). The higher ROI is due to a reduced number of operators delivering material, reduced forklift truck capital and maintenance expenses and a reduction of on site inventory.

You can gather more technical information about Fork Free cart positioners at www.herkules.us. There are also pictures of carts, lifts, tilts and rotates that are taken from actual customer applications. To speak to a Herkules account manager about your Fork-free application, please call 1-800-444-4351.