Yale Lift Truck Technologies announced a solution that provides the functionality of two pieces of equipment in one, designed to address the maneuverability and ergonomic challenges operators face in direct-store delivery (DSD) operations.
The two-part solution consists of a small sled nested in a standard pallet jack that can easily undock to facilitate easy restocking in tight retail environments.
“Rather than uniform, carefully-planned warehouses, direct-store delivery drivers have to navigate dynamic environments that were designed for retail foot traffic and automotive use – not material handling equipment,” says Kevin McWilliams, director of major accounts, Yale Lift Truck Technologies. “Such a specific use case inspired us to create an innovative new design that provides the versatility to excel in dynamic delivery applications. It provides the stability, maneuverability and ergonomic support operators need to stay efficient and productive through each stop.”
Key takeaways:
- This two-in-one solution gives operators a heavy-duty pallet jack that helps transport heavy loads on lift gates and over rough, uneven surfaces. When maximum maneuverability is required, they can detach the low-profile sled and handle deliveries to small-format customers and take care of stocking in aisles and refrigerators.
- The detachable sled is available in manual and motorized versions, both of which are designed to work with industry standard pallet designs.
- The motorized configuration features a load wheel that provides a power assist in a highly maneuverable package, giving operators a boost when navigating up inclines or traversing thresholds.
- It also includes an ergonomic lift that expedites the unloading process by raising the load platform, which helps to minimize the bending and lifting required to remove product from pallets when restocking.
