Lift trucks tough as steel

Human civilizations have been making steel for almost 4,000 years due its strength and versatility. In modern times, it's used in such a wide range of applications that every steel manufacturing site is unique, with its own processes and challenges. On top of that, steel production takes place in demanding environments, where dust, dirt, debris and extreme heat push manufacturing equipment to its limits.

What are your needs? How often do you experience lift truck downtime? Choosing lift trucks for the steel industry is a delicate task, as they need to be just as tough as the steel they carry.

Minimize downtime with durable lift trucks
High production costs means that downtime must be minimized. Steelworks frequently operate 24/7, and their lift trucks can easily log 5,000 operating hours or more per year. Even in the best factory conditions, this takes its toll on long-term performance.

To ensure continuously high levels of productivity, lift truck specifications often need to go beyond standard. A high-quality lift truck with extra options or custom-made adaptations makes it ready to handle any of the demands of a steel manufacturing plant. But it isn’t only the lift trucks that matter - protecting your people and providing a safe work environment are just as important. Drivers in good health are also needed to maximize both efficiency and productivity.

Attachments for heavy lifting
So, what can you do to get lift trucks ready for the demanding environment of steel production? First, go through your specific needs. Considering all your different requirements helps to identify your core needs, which makes your decisions easier.

• Do you handle heavy loads, such as steel and wire coils, slabs or blooms? A reinforced mast, carriage and forks will help you to increase the uptime and lifetime of your equipment.
• Do you need your lift trucks to handle different kinds of loads? Specially designed forks offer flexibility, allowing forklifts to carry both standard pallets and specialized goods.
  Does the driver need heat protection? An extra heat shield keeps the driver safe from extreme heat, and appropriate ventilation in the cabin gives a more comfortable working environment.