For years, boxy, unstable forklifts and equally-cumbersome yard dogs were the only available methods of moving trailers, tanks and other heavy equipment. Even when safer, better-designed, less expensive, walk-behind caddies started coming on the market, the hefty purchase price and considerable maintenance investment forklifts required encouraged their continued use. Of course, until recently, walk-behind caddies did not have the power or design capacity to lift the extraordinary weights involved in many heavy-equipment applications. But with the recent development of heavy-duty, motorized, walk-behind trailer and heavy equipment caddies capable of lifting 15,000-pound trailer tongues and moving 50,000-pound loads has allowed more options for heavy-duty needs.

Not only is convenience and price now an important factor in why many are selecting these new generation heavy-duty walk-behind caddies, but improving worker protection has been a concern for warehouse and yard operation managers. In a job risk rating report, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ranked “forklift operator” among high-risk jobs. Forklift operators have a 52% chance of being injured on the job. Every year forklift-related accidents kill nearly 100 U.S. workers and seriously injure another 20,000, according to NIOSH report (the most-recent statistics available). The greatest number of forklift-related fatalities is caused by vehicles overturning. Pedestrian workers struck or crushed by forklifts account for more than a third of forklift deaths and the majority of forklift-related workplace injuries. Given the dangers forklift trucks pose in the workplace, it is no wonder that heavy equipment and cargo/tank trailer manufacturers, distribution centers, truck and trailer maintenance facilities, defense and government agencies, and other businesses that maintain large trailer fleets have been seeking safer material handling alternatives.

Check more details at http://alyarmookme.com