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Narrow aisle forklift

Number of messages: 6

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sherm_q
Illinois, United States

I am working on a narrow aisle warehouse. Does anyone have opinions on the differences between Bendi vs. Drexel lift trucks?

Posted 24 Jan 2006 08:19 AM

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InventoryOps
Wisconsin, United States

It depends on the use of the truck. If the primary use is placing standard sized loads (48” x 40” pallets) into and out of selective rack, the Drexel swing mast allows you to have narrower aisles than the Bendi and also provides for fast putaway/extraction rates once the drivers get used to the truck.

On the other hand, the bendi offers greater flexibility since it can handle non-standard loads (wider loads) and also works well for loading and unloading trailers (you can load and unload trailers with a Drexel, but it is a little more difficult). Though I should mention that its rather wasteful to use these more expensive trucks for frequent trailer loading. A bendi also works well in manufacturing areas where its turning characteristics allow it to snake its way through the narrow zigzagging access aisles commonly found in production areas. The Drexel will probably cost more in maintenance.

In either case, I suggest making your aisles wider than the minimum aisle widths recommended by the manufacturer. You’ll find that minimum aisle widths on these trucks (especially the bendi) tend to be productivity killers.

Posted 1 Feb 2006 03:32 AM

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RPM7
Monaghan, Ireland

How does the aisle master compare to these machines.

Posted 13 Feb 2006 11:24 PM

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mike_n
Alberta, Canada

Yah, they are both only 'pretend' forklifts.

Don't consider these units if you are a high volume warehouse.
If, on the otherhand you are low-volume and really won't work the truck too hard they are both fine choices.
In my experience the drexel is the better choice if just from a mechanics perspective.
Drexels have horrible visibility at the rear.
Bendi's are awkward and don't handle grades and uneven surfaces well.

Seriously, these are only good for low-volume applications.

Posted 3 Mar 2006 01:44 AM

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