Just In Time
Just-In-Time Manufacturing: The Black Equipment, Hyster, and Yale Advantage
In the fast-paced world of manufacturing, the Just-In-Time (JIT) approach is crucial for maintaining efficiency and competitiveness. Black Equipment, in partnership with industry leaders Hyster and Yale, offers comprehensive solutions that cater to the unique demands of JIT manufacturing. Our approach is not just about providing equipment; it’s about delivering a suite of services and technologies that enhance every aspect of JIT operations.
Streamlined Material Handling with Advanced Equipment
Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) Man-Up Turret Trucks
With aisle requirements under 6 feet, VNA turret trucks efficiently maneuver at lift heights over 50 feet. Their slim sideways chassis minimizes their footprint. Automatic 180-degree rotation, wire guidance systems, and built-in sensors enable fast, confident storage and retrieval without rack contact, maximizing space usage.
- Capacity: 3,000 – 3,500 Lbs.
- Hyster models: V30-35ZMU
- Yale models: NTA030/035SB
Narrow Aisle Reach Trucks
While wider than VNA models, narrow aisle reach-trucks require aisles of only 7-8 feet. Models with double-deep reach can extend forks deeper into storage locations, increasing density. Rapid lift/lower & traverse speeds, programmable acceleration profiles, and laser-assisted fork positioning enable fast, confident storage and retrieval in tight spaces at height.
- Capacity: 3,000 – 4,500 Lbs.
- Hyster models: N-ZR3-ZDR3, N-ZRS3-ZDRS3
- Yale models: NR/NDR-DC/EC
Order Pickers
Order pickers lift operators to “pick” items from racks up to 30 feet high. Compact chassis widths, tight turning radii, and obstacle detection systems allow maneuvering in narrow pick slot alleys. Forks automatically center picked loads for damage-free handling.
- Capacity: 3,000 lbs.
- Hyster models: R30XM3, R30XMA3, R30XMF3, R30XMS3
- Yale models: FS030BF, OS030BF, OS030EF, SS030BF
These machines are designed for rapid, efficient material handling and storage, enabling quick movement of materials from receiving to production.
This ensures that components are available exactly when needed, a cornerstone of JIT systems. Here are some examples of Counterbalanced Forklifts that excel in high-density storage and rapid retrieval, essential for JIT operations:
ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) Counterbalance Trucks – Cushion Tire
- Hyster Models: Hyster S40-70FT, S80-120FT
- Yale Models: Yale GC040-070VX, GC080-120VX
- Features: Designed for indoor environments, cushion tires allow for operation in confined spaces.
CE Counterbalance Trucks – Pneumatic Tire
- Models: Hyster H40-70FT, H80-120FT
- Models: Yale GP40-70UX, GP80-120VX
- Features: Suitable for outdoor or rough terrain use. Pneumatic tires provide better traction on uneven surfaces.
Electric Counterbalance Trucks – 3 Wheel
- Models: Hyster J30-40XNT
- Models: Yale ERP030-040VT
- Features: Great for narrow aisles due to their tight turning radius and agility.
Electric Counterbalance Trucks – 4 Wheel Cushion
- Models: Hyster E45-70XN
- Models: Yale ERC45-70VG
- Features: Versatile for both indoor and outdoor applications, balancing maneuverability and lifting capacity.
Enhanced Operational Efficiency
Telematics and Fleet Management:
Hyster Tracker and Yale Vision are advanced telematics systems that provide real-time insights into equipped lift trucks. These systems enable truck usage to be monitored so that maintenance can be proactively planned and help optimize fleet size based on asset usage patterns. This level of scrutiny is helpful for JIT operations where equipment downtime can disrupt production efficiencies. Unneeded equipment with mismatched capabilities can occupy space that could otherwise be used for additional inventory.
Customized Solutions:
Each manufacturing facility has unique processes and workflows. Black Equipment specialist can survey your operation and make recommendations for things like:
- Better racking layouts
- A more appropriate mix of equipment to better match your unique challenges
- Special attachments available from our suppliers or in extreme cases, we can project manage the design, manufacture, installation, and training on attachments customized to your unique demands.
Our team works closely with clients to help keep their operations as efficient as possible.
Rapid Response and Ongoing Support
Priority to Breakdowns:
In JIT manufacturing, equipment downtime is takes a toll on productivity and keeping your promises. Black Equipment prioritizes customers with breakdowns that are seriously hampering their businesses. Our nimble approach, network of 10 locations, and rental fleet of over 1,500 units mean we can quickly mobilize the necessary resources to address issues promptly.
Comprehensive Maintenance and Support:
Regular maintenance is key to limiting unexpected equipment failures. Black Equipment offers preventative maintenance services that support JIT operations. Help keep your equipment running smoothly, minimizing the risk of unplanned downtime. Please see our Service FAQ to learn more.
Along with 24-hour emergency service, we help keep your fleet up and running with our mobile tire service and mobile battery service.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Solutions
Energy-Efficient Models:
Sustainability is an increasingly important aspect of manufacturing. Hyster and Yale offer a range of energy-efficient electric models that not only reduce your carbon footprint but also lower operating costs. These models are particularly suitable for indoor environments where emissions and noise levels are a concern. Modern Motive Power Options give you the flexibility to keep certain models running three shifts a day utilizing only opportunity charging.
Training and Operator Efficiency
Operator Training:
Efficient and safe equipment operation is critical in JIT manufacturing. Black Equipment provides OSHA operator training as well as Train-the-Trainer training so you can continue to train new hires in-house.
This helps ensure that your operators are equipped to handle the equipment safely and efficiently.
Black Equipment, along with Hyster and Yale, provides a holistic approach to addressing the challenges of JIT manufacturing. Our focus on efficient material handling, operational efficiency, rapid support, sustainability, and operator training gives manufacturers the peace of mind that we’re committed to their success.
