Daily heavy load operations involve lifting many heavy things, like cars, machines, and debris. Your hydraulic jack may not be able to handle the weight, and there’s not enough room to put it in.
The worst possible thing that could happen is that the safety of your coworkers may be at stake if businesses do not get the latest lifting technologies for moving heavy loads. You need a quick and easy solution that fits in small places. Air lifting bag is one of the best solutions to deal with heavy loads in workplaces.
Mounting the air bearings or not handling them correctly can lead to early failure. As a result, correct selection, use and proper handling are essential.
Air pallets used during international shipping are either wood or plastic, which meets international requirements. Food and beverage companies, publishing houses, and textile merchants are just a few businesses that employ these pallets. The worldwide pallet market reached USD 78 billion in 2020, and the prediction is that it will touch USD 110 billion by 2027.
Pallet costs are frequently the first factor a shipper considers when deciding whether to use pallets or floor-loaded crates. The decision to transport pallets depends on several variables. The speed and efficiency of installing air pallets are essential factors to check whether they can minimize the shipping air freight costs. Moreover, sustainable and reusable air pallets are other vital factors.
For any mechanical engineer, bearing technology has been the first concern. It was not until rolling element bearings were introduced and were used in automobile wheels and electric motors. Soon after, the same bearings were tested for their technical limits with increased use in high-resolution scanning, high-speed machinery, and semiconductor manufacturing. It seems like air bearings are the next best bearing design with plenty of applications.
If you have small space in your garage, industrial facility, or manufacturing unit using industrial turntables can you make it a lot more spacious? Turntables are highly practical rotational solutions to make the most of any given space.
Whether you want to improve your customer service, improve inventory management, reduce product delivery time or mitigate the product handling costs, you need to invest in high-quality material handling equipment. If you run a warehouse or a showroom, you need high-quality and automated devices and machinery to move, protect, store and control your inventory or vehicles throughout the production, manufacturing, distribution, consumption, and disposal processes. Regardless of which industry you belong to, you need high-quality equipment.
Only manufacturers and professional transporters know the pain & risk involved in shifting heavy equipment from one location to another. It’s absolutely one of the challenging yet dangerous tasks for people who load, unload or transfer multifarious heavy goods. However, an advanced world with growing technologies has gifted us various safe options that have transformed this stressful task into a simplified one. For a heavy machinery transporter, protection is a must-considerable aspect. The heavy machinery comprises potential dangers and substantial risks to workers. Not only this, the close environment or near surroundings are unsafe too in such loaded lifting.
What Are You Supposed To Do During The Heavy Duty Transporters?
Keeping all the safety precautions, you need to ensure that you and the close surroundings are risk-free. For this party, the best consideration is to implement the task using the right transporting strategies. Here are some factors or measures that you must never avoid, mainly when involved in a potential work like heavy-duty transporters.
Prior & Safe Planning:
It is always safe not to proceed with loaded transportation until considerable planning is done. One should instead inspect the hauling needs deeply and in detail. For this part, a potential transportation expert can help you out. Such a step is crucial because it eventually helps determine how to eliminate potential harms involved in the transportation process and make it risk-free. This alleviates the expected obstacles in transferring heavy machinery and reduces the chances of complexion. Ultimately, you will be having a smooth, risk-free, and quick transformation if you plan considerably and accurately. Therefore, it’s more relevant to spend plenty of time preparing a map encompassing everything from start to finish. A little rush or hurry in the prior planning may make the entire process unproductive with substantial dangers.
Get Yourself A Suitable Transporting Carrier:
The light or heavy-weighted equipment needs to be transferred from one location to another; proper transportation is necessary. For the safe and quick-moving of an agile or unique product, you need to optimize the carrier from a more comprehensive selection of vehicles. Also, not all transportation carriers are the same. Therefore, you can narrow down the choices from a list of options considered for a heavy machinery transporter.
You can find a suitable vehicle from the transportation automobile selection with high care and dedication. A person also needs to find the potential carrier for successful transportation because dependable support makes it easy. Furthermore, extended trailers are also recommended for this risky work because they come with spacious spares and sizable loads. Above all, you must also not overlook the size of the equipment because a too-small vehicle for massive machinery or a big carrier for a minor product can make the overall transportation damaged.
Consider The Best Loading Practices:
For consistent & flawless heavy-duty transporters, you need to regard the equipment as a focal point. Its safety is ultimately the safety of the overall process. To get this critical job done efficiently and safely, you can inspect the asset onto the vehicle before the vehicle makes its way. Also, you have to make sure that the machinery is tightly packed, stable, and secured inside the carrier. If the position of the equipment is not appropriate or loose, the chances are high that the asset gets damaged during transportation. In such scenarios, stop the process and take care to arrange the heavy instrument correctly. You need to opt for all the necessary loading practices for safe, quick, and adequate transportation. A minor ignorance in any of the safety aspects can cause significant damage or a severe injury.
The Bottom Line!
Above all, a heavy machinery transporter is a crucial task that needs high assistance and professional guidance to be implemented well & safely. Therefore, a transporter must not consider it a soft or handy task. A carefree way of transporting always results in unwanted outcomes that are terrible. Not only this, you might end up harming others too in your surroundings if not pursue the proper support on time. That’s why you should always choose a professional service with intense patience. They are the perfect hands for these crucial tasks and perform them exactly the way you desire. For other details about the ultimate guide, please reach out to us at Hovair Systems.
Turntables are intended in a way that fits the requirements of a wide variety of users. These can be personalized to fit a definite state taking record of parking and car size, exit gateways, transport weights, and quantity. Personalized car turntables can be constructed with your preferred substances that blend in with current surroundings, like hardwood, concrete, tiles, paver, and other materials. These models are intended to provide the overall floor design of your garage/ commercial space/ auto show.
Turntables are installed in a couple of versions, namely the Above-ground Version, which does not require excavation to install, and the In-ground Version demands the garage floor be excavated. The above-ground Version is not flush with the garage pad or driveaway. In-ground Version flush with the driveway or garage pad. The types of vehicle turntables are as follows:
All About Types of Car Turntables Available in the Market
Residential Turntables
Homeowners fix residential turntables within your home, where they might have a little area for their multiple cars. This will facilitate your departures if they own a narrow driveway, and it will additionally generate an appealing appearance for their garage. The turntable will also guarantee they maximize their parking space by putting the cars even in tight driveways. The turntable makes parking a breeze for homeowners by eliminating the need to maneuver the vehicles or drive in reverse to come in & out of the driveway. Residential space-saving solutions are helpful to vehicle drivers when they are ready to leave as they can rotate the car turntable 180 degrees.
Heavy-Duty Turntables
Logistics are laid out well in the manufacturing sector, and every step is strictly planned to keep the process smooth. Still, it can be disputing in a company that employs multiple heavy-duty vehicles to distribute and carry. Parking the wagons or trucks for loading and later driving out is a hectic process, primarily if the driveways are confined and the vehicles are gigantic. With the evolution of heavy-duty turntables, commercial owners can now install heavy-duty turntables at their factories, warehouses, facilities, etc., to ensure the vehicles are strategically placed, loaded, and proceeds to the desired destination soon.
Moreover, the installation of a heavy-duty turntable ensures that the supply chain would be running without delays, ultimately saving time and money. The business owner can put multiple vehicles on the same rotating platform by installing a giant turntable, facilitating the easy loading of multiple trucks simultaneously. Heavy-duty turntables assure the safety of staff members, goods, and vehicles by preventing collisions caused by reversing, thus ensuring the loading, transport, and delivery processes are improved. Apart from a turntable, installing Aluminum Transporters at your facility is also the best bet as it is ideal when applied to standard-sized load moving. Moreover, they provide a swift means of moving things across a factory or warehouse floor.
Automotive Display Car Turntables
When cars are meant for commercial purposes, including car auctions, or car shows, the car owners need to have a display turntable. Potential buyers love motion, and all the eyes will be at your cars as they rotate. The motion explicates the brilliant pictures of the car from each angle, and the potential buyer need not walk around the car to see it. In auctions, most people buy cars following the looks. Installing an automotive display turntable can showcase your vehicles correctly. Besides, you can get this turntable installed on a temporary or permanent basis, plus you can customize it to your personal needs or fit your business brand.
Motion Control/ Photo Booth Car Turntables
Want to capture appealing photos of your cars for commercial or internet use? To serve the purpose, a photo booth turntable is your resort. It’s not always easy to click excellent pictures from your parking lot or street, especially when you own multiple similar models. By getting yourself a turntable, you can rotate your vehicle and click some appealing photos from any or every angle. This turntable enables you to rotate your vehicle without rotating it manually to click some good shots, which, in turn, saves time, and you will get good shots of your cars.
Conclusion
Now that you have learned the types of Vehicle Turntables, installing them at home, facility, warehouse, or any other commercial space with tight driveways is always ideal. Also, it is helpful in vehicle auctions. We at Hovair Systems offer a series of products, including Aluminum Transporters, that can help you reap more profits.
Let it be the car’s safety or prevention during heavy loading; Air Lifting Bags have always been valuable to people in diverse ways. If you are working in a commercial sector compassed by loaded equipment or heavy machinery, such bags act as treasures. The works that mainly encompass lifting the heavyweights comprise huge risks & dangers. Airbags are responsible for eliminating such risk of injuries & harms and ensure comprehensive safety every then and now. There are still many facts that everyone needs to know because these airlifting carriers are valuable in preventing serious injuries.
Whether it’s machinery, debris, vehicles, or any other loaded stuff, the challenge comes off to lift them. But, the load is sometimes too heavy to lift by hydraulic jack as the equipment has limited space. Here comes another center of concern which is employee safety. Employees or lifters may get seriously injured due to lifting such excessive quantities. To eliminate such critical yet risky situations, airbags with inflation accessories ease the process with much comfort & prevention. It’s such a dependable solution that it is easy to deploy and efficiently processed. This guide will take you to the accurate usage of this ideal product for your equipment. Here are some steps that one has to follow for using the lifting bags with complete safety.
Connecting The Accessories For Heavy Loads To The Air Lifting Bag:
The airbag kit comprises several accessories like a control box with a joystick, an inflation line for a single airbag, etc. Practically, the kit comes in diverse forms with different accessories depending on the need for the loaded weight or the type of application you are using. You will eventually perceive the accessories in the kit according to your selected product. So, now you have the accurate accessories needed to lift the load carefully and comprehensively. What you first have to do is plug all the accessories altogether with the bag. Primarily, connect the hose coupler to the bottom of the lifting bag. Afterward, you have to connect the different ends of the inflation line from the control box’s top. For completely preparing the connections, join the air supply to the nozzle at the end of the control box.
Place The Pneumatic Lifting Cushion:
Now since you have connected all the necessary accessories to the airlift bags, your device is ready to lift the loads. Now, you don’t have to strain your arms or risk your life as the equipment’s airbag will safely take care of everything. But, here, you need to identify where to place the equipment to lift the load securely. The best solution is never to put the equipment in a place that has a sharp surface. Such a place is prone to warping with pressure. Above all, you can use two lifting cushions to adjust the pressure when gravity’s point is not at the weight center. For listing the loaded parts, place the lifting bags at the sides of them.
Safely Lift The Weight:
The next step compassed safely lifting the loads. To avoid dangers, you first need to back off at least 10 meters from the lifting place. This distance will save you if any load falls from the equipment. By this time, one can even have a general view of how the application lifts the burden. By pressing the green button on the plus button cabinet or opening the valve, the process will begin to lift the load. Above all, install a jack stand if the road is slippery to avoid unwanted harm.
Detach & Remove The Air Lift Bag:
The last but not the least careful step that you have to follow when detaching the air carrier bags is ensuring no objects under the road. You can simply push down the joystick by staying in the safety zone. Next is to disconnect the air supply to deflate the air lifting equipment. At last, when the load is lifted successfully on the ground, safely disconnect the accessories and detach the airlift bag.
The Bottom Line!
We hope you have precisely understood the safe procedure of lifting the heavy load with air lifting bags. With the above details, one can surely adhere to the proper implementation and usage of airbags. It’s high time to ensure your and the employee’s safety by following the above instructions correctly. We are here to meet your standards securely and desirably at Hovair Systems.
Heavy machinery forms a substantial part of the everyday operations in every notable industry around the world. Whether you run a manufacturing company, construction business, manufacturing sector, pharmaceutical, or beverages, machinery and equipment remain vital for production.
Companies take great care and consideration when deploying machines to ensure the best placement possible. That said, there comes a time when businesses call Machine Movers to relocate such heavy equipment for various situations.
Machine moving is not an easy activity, as it requires professional knowledge and expertise to prevent damage to delicate parts. With the advent of technology, new machine moving equipment like air bearings and other heavy-duty transporters have made the job relatively easy. Still, companies that want to relocate heavy machinery must have a strong reason for such high scale movement. They need to consider various factors like state laws regarding the use of moving equipment and route usage.
Here we will discuss some major scenarios that compel companies to consider massive machinery relocation. We will also try to give some tips for professional machine movers to consider adding their relocation expertise:
Major Reasons for Machinery Movement
Replacement or Removal
Like other systems, machines also have a lifespan. After crossing that threshold, machines need part replacements or, in some cases, complete removal. The equipment also needs replacements when it becomes obsolete or damaged beyond repairs. Running any damaged or old machinery will do more harm than good. As it will not only hamper the production time and costs, it will also pose hazardous threats for everyone. At this point, businesses need professional machine movers to remove the machinery and bring in new equipment.
In-House Movement
Sometimes businesses need an in-house movement of various machine parts and equipment to accommodate space. Businesses have limited space to perform their operations and sometimes undergo massive redesigning to enhance efficiency and production. For such movement, companies usually have their equipment like forklifts or air bearings and moving teams that they use for in-house movement. In some other cases, companies erect new buildings to accommodate the machinery. The in-house movement also carries out for such phase to transfer anything heavy. This idea is also applicable for companies that manufacture machine parts, as they need to move them from production to warehouse and further.
Cross Country Movement
While this is a rare scenario, companies sometimes transfer their operational and production hubs across the country. While they may have their relocation reasons, such as operating costs or taxes, they cannot buy new machinery when moving. They want to have their old equipment transported to the new place, and they call professional machine movers like Hovair for the job.
Discarding Old Equipment
Just as a machine reaches its performance level and starts to lose its efficiency, companies have to decommission and discard them. However, the size of discarded parts may vary, and they need removal from the facility before scrapping. Such large-scale movement needs professional movers so they can take it out for proper discarding.
Upgrades
Machines and their parts need regular upgrades for optimum performance. The size of upgrade parts may vary, from small size like a screw to large ones like dynamos and generators. Companies need all the upgrades transported and unloaded with utmost care to avoid any damage. Movers use equipment like air bearings or crane systems to load and unload, depending on the part size.
Sold Equipment
Companies downsize, relocate or make changes regularly, and take care of their old equipment by discarding or selling. Discarding takes place when the machine has complete its life cycle and has outlived its usability. However, if the machine is still working or needs a few repairs, companies take the best action by selling. Once they sell the machinery, they need professional machine movers to take it to the new owner’s facility.
Risks Involved
Companies have various reasons to move heavy machinery and equipment wherever needed. They call in professionals for the job with expertise and experience. However, as the activity involves working with equipment like air bearing, forklifts, etc. there is always a potential risk present.
Some Common Risks include:
Certain machines have sensitive parts that need careful considerations during transportation. Failure to exercise caution will result in damage to the machinery.
Workers involved in machine moving need to take precautionary measures to avoid sustaining injuries during operations. Machines can crush a person if any body parts are stuck inside or have sharp edges that can give a lethal injury.
There is always a chance of burns or shock damage due to extreme heat or the presence of open electrical circuitry.
Risks and accidents can cause serious injuries or, in worst cases, deaths if proper precautions are not taken into consideration. The best bet here is to have professional machine movers like Hovair to perform the activity. They have skilled and trained personnel to handle heavy equipment with ease.
Tips for Effective Movement
Although professional movers have the skill and expertise to carry out heavy machinery transport, they can still use some tips for making their job easier. Companies that hire such professionals can also take these points in focus for an accident-free movement.
Planning
Planning before any activity is a recipe for success and is the first step. Have a clear plan of moving the machinery and the equipment to use like Air bearings or pulleys etc. Professional companies with a reputation in the industry take the planning phase very seriously for efficient machine transportation.
Scheduling
Keeping a clear schedule makes the process transparent and east for both the company and movers. With the plan in hand, you need to place a deadline for machine transportation. Having an exact schedule ensures that the transportation completes before the deadline without disrupting production operations.
Consider the Costs Involved
Just like everything, machine movement requires a sum of money because it involves heavy parts and equipment. Companies need to have a clear budget in mind with an idea about the amount that machine movers usually charge. Also, keep any extra carrying cost in mind and include them in the budget before commencing the activity. Movers also have various costs to consider as they use equipment and personnel for the job. Both companies and movers should negotiate the price and fees involved to avoid any inconvenience later.
Using The Right Means
Movers need to add the means of carrying out the transportation activity in their planning. They need to use different resources for various size parts and equipment. In addition, they need to take care of if they transport any fragile item. Once loaded, movers have a responsibility to transport the machine in the right condition without damage.
Open Communication
Communication is a necessary part of every industry, and this idea applies to machine movers. Always keep the channels of communication open at all times to have everyone in the loop. Communication will guide the movers about the correct location while giving companies a peace of mind knowing their machinery has reached its destination.
Precautionary Measures for Movers
Always have trained personnel for the job with skills and experience to handle heavy machinery movement
Ensure that the equipment used for the job, such as air bearings, have a perfect working condition to complete the task
Make a habit of checking safety features like locks, grills, or guardrails for protection during movement
Wear appropriate safety gear like goggles, helmets, gloves, etc. at all times
Carry a safety device that can raise alarms in case of any emergency or accident
Always Avoid:
Using machinery with danger signs attached and have a concerned person certify it before usage or transportation
Wearing loose clothes, jewellery, chains or have open hair that moving machine parts might pull and cause fatal injuries
Never distract a person operating loading, unloading, or equipment handling activity
Removing safety grills or locks before reaching the destination
Final Word
Professional machine movers take every bit of care and professionalism to carry out a transportation activity. However, it does not hurt to have some extra knowledge to equip themselves for a job better. Professional like Hovair, have all the necessary resources and expertise to carry out heavy machinery transportation with ease. They use concerned equipment like air bearing, pulley system, etc. that suits the transportation needs. Rest assured, with such professionals on the job; you would receive a quality transportation job unmatched by anyone in the industry.
When it comes to the visualization of bearing, an immediate image of ball bearing comes in mind. This simple device has movable and static parts separated by small-lubricated balls that rotate the shaft. In contrast, air bearings are the heavy-duty caster wheels that replace balls with bags or cushions of air. The device has a thin layer of pressurized air film that supports the weight or load. It provides a low-friction load-bearing interface between the surfaces. The surfaces do not touch, thus eliminating friction as well as the need for constant lubrication for effortless working. These bearings mostly apply for use in heavy precision or high-speed machinery.
Ball Bearing Vs. Air Bearings
A conventional ball bearing system cannot deliver the high-speed industry demands while maintaining precision, thermal stability, and service life. This is because of the contact between mechanical parts with bearings and friction production that opposes the speed. The generation of excessive heat at a high ratio can also cause a loss of accuracy and bearing failure.
On the other hand, Air Bearing has no metallic balls present to cause friction. Instead, it uses air films for a friction less movement resulting in smooth, linear movement.
Advantages of Air Bearings
The following are the most prominent advantages of using air-supported heavy-duty caster wheels:
Friction less Performance
The most beneficial factor of using air-supported bearings is that it delivers low friction or friction less performance. The lack of friction and contact means there is a lesser chance of reversal. Friction is a non-linear effect that affects the servo controls and movement. The absence of friction gives a higher static and dynamic functioning with better performance.
Higher Moves Per Second
With the elimination of friction, motor controls achieve a higher rate of moves per second with air bearings. This is because the absence of friction provides a shorter settling time and no waiting time for eliminating friction. In this way, the feed forwarding can apply directly to the servomotors with better accuracy.
Servo Tuning
The presence of air-supported bearings does not have contacting parts that allow better servo tuning for any given stage. The resulted tuning is a robust and smooth performance. Stages with the same mass of payload do not need fine-tuning every time, as they remain identical to match unit-to-unit variation. The simple yet effective design leads to a high-performance servo tuning.
Low Count of Particles
With the absence of friction in air bearing, every stage is a perfect result from the perspective of particle contamination as long as the air used in bearings remains dust-free.
Straight Motion
The absence of friction means that there is nothing to block the straight motion and smooth velocity. Processes like surface profiling or inertial sensor testing work best with the air bearing system.
Low Maintenance
As there are no movable parts for contact that results in wear and tear, air-supported bearings require low maintenance. With the high stability of the system, the performance cannot change throughout the life cycle.
Clean Functions
With no generation of airborne particles, air bearing is a clean system to operate. In some cases, the use of nitrogen gas can give about 99% cleanliness function.
Major Industries Using Air Bearings System
Flat Panel Display (FPD)
The standard application of air bearings in Flat Panel Display is for non-contact material handling in Automated Optical Inspection (AOI). AOI input and output system uses air pressure for floating glass. For other areas like inspection or coating, a combination of air pressure and vacuum happens for greater control and precise positioning.
Optics
Many precision tools and machinery, including grinders and lathers, use air-supported bearings for optical lens production. With no need for lubricants, these bearings provide ultra-positioning and movement ideal for the application.
Aerospace
The aerospace industry uses air bearings to make a simulation and replica of a friction less environment. This feature helps design and develop testing parts needed for satellites and other parts critical for mission success.
Unsuitable Environment for Air Bearings System
Even though air bearings have become a part of significant industries, some operating environments still cannot utilize the system. These settings include:
Environments with Vacuum
While this air-based Heavy Duty Caster wheel system can operate in vacuum environments, the process is a highly challenging one. For vacuum environments, ball or magnetic bearings should replace the air support system.
Dusty Setting
Environments with high dust, dirt, and debris are not suitable for the air-bearing system. This is because a dusty setting causes accidental punctures, causing failure in system functions.
Inconsistent Air Pressure
Avoid using air bearing in areas where operators cannot provide constant air pressure. The constant air supply is a necessary aspect of this system, and without it, the system fails in functionality.
Final Word
The air bearing is a highly efficient and effortless system that results in precise machine functioning. The functions and benefits of this system are highly sought in the modern-day application of various industries. However, the system does have its drawbacks, but the high resulting function always mask their shortcomings.
Transport of equipment and heavy machinery requires skill, experience, and knowledge. Not only do you have to take care of the loaded equipment, but you also need to take precautions and avoid accidents during transit. Heavy machinery is an indispensable part of every industry today, and adhering to safety standards will save you from any serious offence. Additionally, you need to take safety measures to limit other road users’ risks during the machinery movement.
Skills and expertise are necessities to operate equipment involved in the loading and unloading process. Equipment like Air Bearings, pulley systems, forklifts has a specific purpose during transit procedure. Therefore, observing machine moving’s best practices becomes critical for the safe transportation of heavy machinery and equipment.
You need to take some aspects and consider them as best practices for safe delivery. These practices include:
• Prioritize Safety Measures
Before commencing the transport of heavy machinery equipment, the first factor to consider is taking safety precautions. Use every means of protection at your disposal to ensure that workers, machinery, and on-road people stay safe. Workers involved in the loading/unloading process should have safety gear (goggles, helmets, gloves, and boots) at all times. Heavy machinery varies in size and hence has different safety needs for handling. Have the right protective equipment present that adheres to safety rules and regulations.
• Appoint The Right Person
Appoint the right personnel for the transportation job with the necessary skills and training to handle every phase. For instance, the use of loading equipment like air bearings requires expertise, and a person trained specifically for the purpose will likely provide better results. Similarly, appoint a team that has the expertise of handling every phase from start to finish. Careful planning before the job will guide the team regarding which equipment to use and the expertise required.
• Inspection
Have the appointed team inspect the surroundings to identify any potential hazards or obstruction that may affect the procedure. Once identified, take care of the issue first and then commence transportation. Everything and everyone involved in the transportation job is prone to accidents or any other hazard. A prior inspection of the area before the job will give an easy time to handlers to perform effectively. Handlers can also notify the owner about the current machinery condition through inspection and inform them of any issue present before loading. In short, a prior review will save much time and hassle for both owners and movers.
• Consider Loading Capacity
Always have an idea about the loading capacity of your equipment and vehicles. Equipment as air bearings and forklifts have specific weight capacity and overloading it will disrupt the whole process. Similarly, overloaded vehicles will increase the time taken for transportation and enhance the risk of potential failure. The best solution for such a problem is prior planning, giving you an approximate weight for loading. You can then proceed to appoint the team, equipment, and vehicle needed for the activity.
• Always Secure the Machinery
Always have the machinery for transit reinforced and secured using support equipment like belts, grills, steel rails, etc. Whenever you transport equipment and machinery, there is always a chance of a possible accident due to the negligence of safety standards. Always strap the loaded machinery with support equipment and commence movement when the security feels satisfactory. Machinery movement is a necessary aspect of the business, and to ensure timely delivery, provide secured support for the machinery. Additionally, have all the open machine parts that you feel have sensitivity against rain or sunlight covered. Vulnerability to elemental damage will make the whole effort useless.
• Consider Owner’s Manual
Professionals hired to Transport Equipment and heavy machinery have the necessary expertise for the job. However, consulting the owner’s manual before loading will give them added knowledge regarding handling specifications. You can find specific details regarding the preparation, securing, and movement of equipment. You can also find out about weight and dimensions to appoint respective expertise. Safety Tips for Machine Haulers Just like best practices, machine haulers and transporters need to consider some safety tips.
These tips include:
• Wearing safety gear at all times to secure themselves against potential hazards. Once the workers feel secured, they can focus on all the other phases of the transportation process.
• Always have updated training ready for handlers who work with specific equipment like air bearings. Every equipment needs a different type of expertise, so always have them trained and prepared to tackle any situation.
• Train the workers in exercising emergency procedures in case of any mishap during the process.
• Have the transport equipment and vehicles inspected and maintained regularly for maximum efficiency and performance.
• Have clear visibility for transporters during transit and use helpers if necessary.
• Travel at safe speeds and maintain distance between other moving objects, vehicles, and people.
Transportation Checklist
Before Transportation
• Verify the weight handling capacity of air bearings, forklifts, and vehicles.
• Consult owner manual for determining handling requirements.
• Balance the weight distribution.
• Inspect the surroundings and machinery for identification of issues.
• Maintain low friction between the machine parts or use the material to lower friction.
During LoadinG
• Let the person expert in operating machinery handle the activity. Avoid operating equipment if you have no training.
• Always confirm support attachments to reinforce the machinery loaded.
• Use covers and edge protection to prevent any environmental damage to transported machinery.
• Use extra tie downs to support loaded machinery.
After Loading
• Remove all the equipment, cranes, hydraulics, air bearing, etc., after loading the machine.
• Confirm the actual height and weight of the machinery.
• Have all the route permits ready and follow all the necessary state regulations for heavy machinery movement.
Final Word
Transportation of equipment and heavy machinery is a difficult task that only professionals should handle. However, professionals also need a checklist with which to determine whether they remain on the right course. The safety tips and brief checklist will give you an idea about carrying out the transportation job efficiently. Remember to adhere to all the necessary rules and regulations to prevent any mishap during transit and ensure a safe delivery or the owner.
On how many occasions have you looked into renting or buying a tool or equipment? Still wondering if there is a right or wrong decision? Well, there isn’t.
The construction industry is so competitive now that even the smallest additional cost can bring you down from that top bidder spot. Construction equipment and tools are bought and/or rented in certain cases; however, the final decision is dependent on the frequency and methods by which you can allocate some of these costs.
Should you rent or buy construction tools and equipment? Let’s look at some intriguing points of view for you to consider.
Benefits of Buying
A general rule of thumb is that if you are utilizing a tool or equipment more than half of the time, then you should think of buying it.
Purchasing a tool or equipment is a choice that ultimately impacts your immediate opportunities for providing a lesser price to your consumers. If you are buying the equipment, consider the tax benefits it can offer and how the cost is depreciated or amortized through a straight line or compound declining balance.
are regarded as assets adding to your balance sheet and which can always be sold in case of hard times. If you’re the owner of the material, it is easy to direct the pace and decide when to use, but remember to account for its transit costs.
Finally, there is an idea of joint ownership, when different companies join forces to purchase large equipment, so it can be available to all the parties, and the cost gets divided into many shareholders. Usually, loan installments are only a small fraction of rental rates, as this also includes fuel, maintenance, transport, and many other costs.
Renting Benefits
If you’re indecisive still, start by renting the material required for the job as it can give information about the cost and maintenance to estimate a payback period. Additionally, the rental experience is used to find out the efficiency of your production when the tools are used continually rather than being an option. Using rental tools such as heavy-duty caster wheels, industrial Turntables, lifting jacks, will normally bake the cost in and pass to the consumer as overhead or indirect costs during the project execution.
Rental costs are thought of as business expenses and deducted yearly. Renting is profitable when you don’t have plenty of funds to invest, and by renting it, you will gain access to the latest equipment while not carrying the burden of insurance or maintenance.
Buying or Renting Equipment
If we are examining heavy equipment, then it should be viewed a little differently. Reduced interest rates, tax, and other incentives (money) are making the buying decision more appealing than ever. But, be aware that the storage and upkeep costs can hugely affect your cash flow when the tools are not used efficiently.
There is the option of renting your material too, but you will have to ensure the appropriate insurances are in place, and there is sufficient money to cover operational expenses. Larger equipment demands extra analysis during the buy-or-rent equipment process, and distinct models and options should be considered. Don’t forget that every equipment maintains a different value over time, so do some research and compare the costs of used tools before purchasing.
Along with all of these items, be aware of the transportation costs and permits needed to move the equipment from one location to another, and consider if the storage space will be affected by road postings. If your material is rented within 100 miles, then minimum costs are associated with it, but when it’s used in remote places, remember to add travel expenses, repairs, maintenance, and fuel if it needs to be serviced.
When to Buy and When to Rent Construction Tools & Equipment
The gist of this question can be obtained after you evaluate the following points:
If you are using the machine 176 consecutive hours or 22 days for more than 8 months a year, consider buying it.
If your tools are required by a specialty contractor that you are planning to employ temporarily or if only required for a single project, then simply rent it.
Whenever a project or a group of projects in your facility requires the same equipment over and over, just buy it.
Multipurpose tools such as drills, generators, rotary hammers, or tools like diggers, backhoes, or front-wheel loaders, needed constantly, buy them. Rental costs will accumulate quickly.
If your cash flow is not big enough or if creditworthiness is an issue for your business, rent it.
How do you go about getting your equipment and tools? Do you buy or rent? Spark a conversation down in the comments.
When it comes to carrying, moving, and lifting a wide variety of objects in a warehouse or work site, some numerous devices and attachments can make the work more easy and efficient. The majority of work in conjunction with forklifts, expanding the uses of these already versatile machines.
In a warehouse, forklifts, a MatJack, industrial casters, and skate machines are exceptionally useful pieces of equipment, but there are novelty accessories and products that expand a machine’s level of functionality. This is where the specialty attachments, extensions, and accessories come in, like self-dumping hoppers, drum handlers, and man-baskets, which increase your forklift’s safety and make it more versatile, for increased efficiency and higher productivity. The return on investment on this specialized equipment is very fast, with the majority paying for themselves within a bunch of uses.
A few of the most highly recommended accessories, extensions, and attachments for your needs of lifting, carrying, and Moving Heavy Objects include:
Carpet Poles: Rolled carpets are usually quite difficult and heavy to bear. In certain situations, they might also be stored on high or elevated shelves, making them dangerous for workers to pull down. Carpet poles or forklift rug rams allow the forklift’s driver to slide the pole into a rolled carpet’s center, lifting the carpet from its shelf and moving it to a different location.
Drum Handlers: If you utilize a steel, fiber, or plastic chimed drum, a drum handler is a perfect tool for you. They typically come in light, mid-size, and heavy-duty models with capacities that range from 750 pounds to 4000 pounds scale.
Forklift Forks: Forged forklift forks are produced in twin sets, giving you the confidence that every pair of forks you buy will be even in tip density and blade height. A standard locking pin kit comes along with a forklift replacement fork to hold the blade in place on the lift truck. They are normally available in several classes, such as Class 2 or Class 3 mount, in varying lengths of up to 96 inches.
Forklift Extensions: A forklift fork extension enables the handling of odd-shaped loads with greater stability and less product damage. Just slip the extension over the fork, and it will lie on top of your fork and secure to the fork hanger.
Boxed Fork Extensions: A boxed fork extension is designed for extended capacity, handling 4,000 pounds per set, opposed to the 2,500 pounds capacity on regular extensions. They are intended to be used on shaft-mount forks but can be applied to almost all types of forklift forks.
Lift Jibs: Lift Jibs allow flexibility in the lifting of big, bulky loads, like bar stock, tubes, and pipes. The forklift lift jib glides over forks and attaches to the lift truck with a safety chain. Multiple hole spots and two standard swivel hooks with shackles offer you different lifting options.
Self-Dumping Hoppers: When you are striving to keep your job site clean or maintaining a plant, consider a self-dumping hopper. These inexpensive units help in collecting, storing, and transporting bulk materials, and it’s easier for a forklift driver to transport them by slipping forks into their fork pockets. When it has been moved to the right place, open the safety latch, and the hopper will tilt forward and let its contents loose. After that, the self-dumping hopper will return to its position, and it is reusable for a new load of materials immediately.
Load Backrests: Steel load backrests are manufactured to secure the load from falling toward the equipment operator. This allows the product to lay against a flat, square surface that makes loading processes safe.
Forklift Man-Baskets: These safety man-baskets are designed to lift employees above the ground with a forklift.
Snow Bucket: These are made for forklift use and are easily attachable with a safety chain. The snow bucket is a fast attach snow plow, usually with a self-dumping mechanism that activates with just a pull on the release cable by the forklift driver.
Trailer Mover: A fork-mounted trailer mover is a perfect way to make use of your forklift for moving towable trailers around in a facility. No more time is wasted in acquiring a tow vehicle connected to a trailer; simply insert your forks into the trailer mover, wrap the safety chain across the carriage, and voila! You are ready to go!
Industrial caster: An Industrial Caster is a heavy-duty caster that is manufactured and designed to carry heavy loads, in some instances up to thirty thousand pounds. These casters may have either a rigid caster design or a swivel
MatJack: MatJack can offer you high-pressure air lifting bags, medium pressure lifting cushions, low pressure lifting cushions with which you can lift several tons, with only a click of a button.
In one big sweep, automation improves quality, safety, and productivity. It can make your company more competitive and can even prove as an effective marketing tool, just like the robots from Amazon all over YouTube.
Yet, when thinking about an automated solution, the drawbacks need to be considered too. One of these possible downsides is flexibility. It is essential to fully comprehend the impact automation will make on the flexibility of your operation, as well as recognize the importance of this flexibility to the operation’s mission.
The Relationship between Flexibility and Technology
As an imaginary experiment, think of the 3 following situations for a pallet-level warehouse:
It doesn’t get more flexible than in a wide-open warehouse; you can do all things you want but will probably have a lot of wasted space overhead and extended drive times.
High-bay racking restricts our footsteps a little, but otherwise stores what you need. You can have some quite good storage density and no more digging in bulk bays for you to retrieve buried loads.
ASRS offers tons of speed, the storage density is incredible, and is extra labor efficient, but can only perform particularized processes and the inputs have to be exactly right.
3 varying levels of technology – racking, floor storage, and ASRS. All of them have their place on the flexibility scale. Due to the risk of oversimplifying, the number of options a management team has generally declined as the automation increases.
Price and complexity vs. flexibility
We’ve established that the equipment used in your operation affects how flexible your operation will be; that isn’t terrible. Sadly, there is another bigger impact on the flexibility that is related to automating a facility, and it involves the investment that is linked to the project – both human and financial.
Below are some examples of how the operation’s flexibility is affected by capital investment:
Don’t mess this up: There is a much higher price to failure with automation vs. a plain MHE-based picking process. As the expense for a trial iteration of a new process increases, a team will begin to lose the experimental ground that would allow them to try as many sequential iterations required to dial a process in. For projects with bigger investments, you practically have to get it right on the first try. At Hovair, we employ best practices and simulations to reduce the impact of this issue. It is one of the best Material handling Industry.
Good things take time: To get truly invested in automation, your team will have to pass through capital approvals, delivery installation, purchasing processes, testing, and on goes the list! This situation is immensely different when comparing to a small or zero capital project where you can execute a good idea within the day. At times, the ideal situation for automated solutions sounds like “I think we can squeeze it in next quarter IF we just concentrate on it.”
Sounds like a great idea but…: Causing to the nature of automation, it is extremely difficult to incorporate all of the little adjustments and process improvement initiatives that users find by working the process. Surely, you could include some, but often some great ideas are left behind because it’s too expensive to make the automation or equipment work in harmony.
Finding a balance
Flexibility and automation don’t have a linear relationship. Automation can be planned to maximize the inherent flexibility of the solution– however, you have to plan it in that manner! Consider a collaborative robot vs. a traditional robot cell.
Automation moves on a spectrum. Not only are there multiple levels of automation for one process, but you can choose specific things to automate and not others. The intrinsic flexibility can be found in apparently unexpected places (imagine a full-scale WMS with pickers on pallet jacks). There are great opportunities for the physical process, but it may not be so for software.
Return on investment: A business aims to make money. This should go without saying, but two factors heavily influence the return on your investment from automation; the return and the investment. An innovative engineer would approach this by searching for an inexpensive type of automation to generate the same return, while a competitive operations manager would milk every ounce of return out of an investment. Looking at only half the picture limits the available tools.
When reviewing the unique challenges of operations, and the best type of solution or automation, it’s crucial to look at the entire effect of each option– including on flexibility. What might work for one business may not fit for another in a similar market. Whatsoever your challenges, Hovair has a lot of expertise with operations and engineering methods, plus we can hook you up with vehicle turntables, rigging systems, and shipping container casters to suit your needs.
The highest rates of fatal accidents are recorded while moving industrial objects to and from large-scale workstations. Most of these accidents happen while operating the Heavy Equipment Movers. Even a minor oversight can turn the situation from bad to worse. In a nutshell, the transportation of heavy equipment is a complicated task and performed only after gaining necessary awareness about the type of movers.
Which Heavy Equipment Mover should I Buy?
The most crucial part of the process while you move the heavy equipment is to look around the inventory and choosing the right equipment that suits the job. Every other thing comes later. If you are using the wrong equipment, your personnel are most likely to get injured or damage the equipment. Using the right inventory is essential to ensure stress-free and safe transportation. Here are some commonly used heavy equipment movers, along with some of their potential benefits.
1: Air Bearings/Air Casters
In a plain environment, there is often a need to move heavy machinery to either optimize the floor space or for maintenance purposes, this is where the air bearings come in handy. Also known as the air casters, the Air Bearings are zero friction lifting devices that work similarly to the hovercrafts. These air bearings are used to lift and move heavy equipment on non-porous surfaces. They use compressed air to lift the equipment and help to move them around a flat surface with minimal force.
Benefits
Easy motion: Unlike the wheel casters, the loads carried on air bearings are way easier to maneuver because of the minimal force that is required to move them around. You just have to apply force in the direction that you want to move.
Compact: Air Bearings can fit and move comfortably in tight and compact spaces, saving a lot of time and effort.
Minimal Damage to Flooring: Loads carried on air bearings are suspended into the air with no contact to the ground. There is no friction, which greatly reduces the chances of damaging the floor.
2: Machine Skates
The load-moving or machine skates are quite popular and most frequently used in nuclear workplaces. They typically use nylon or steel wheels. This is an economical equipment option. If your business goes ahead with this option, your personnel would only have to transfer the load on the skates by lifting it with jack, heavy machinery can be transported with minimum input.
Benefits
Easy to Operate: The machine skates are quite easy to use as no specialized training is required to operate them. There are, however, straightforward safety checks that you need to keep in mind. An added advantage is that the steering can be easily controlled by the steering bar.
Versatile: There is a wide range of machine skates available in the market. They are designed to carry overweight machines and other loads. Machine skates can also be combined in a setting to carry heavier loads or to make tricky moves.
3: Moving Casters
This heavy equipment mover contains a wheel and caster. It is fitted at the bottom of the machine or equipment that is meant to be moved, and then the force is applied. It is a straightforward device that is highly effective, especially when it comes to transport heavy machinery within the intended workplace.
Benefits
Time-effective: With the frequent need to move around equipment in a facility or a working space, moving casters save a lot of time as the loads can be moved faster using them.
Durability: The most notable advantage of a moving caster is the durability, and industrial casters can handle up to 100,000 pounds of weight. They are known to last longer than the alternatives.
Multipurpose: almost anything can be moved once a wheel is attached to it.
Frequent use: if you have a business where moving is a norm within your organization or to newer places, then this is the best option.
It is also a good idea to talk to a consultant or book or free appointment when you plan on investing in heavy equipment movers. They usually have trained staff, and often, certified personnel to look into these matters. Whether you plan on moving machinery from the construction industry, to and from a factory, a powerhouse house or anywhere else, it is always better to gain some insight about the weight of the objects you intend to move and then choose a mover. Not only do they have the right amount of knowledge, but they understand which equipment can be transported hassle-free with their complementary movers. Remember that heavy equipment movers are massive, of course, and prone to accidental damage. When your moving is in process, make sure the task is done with safety standards above everything.
Pneumatic systems are tools that use compressed air as a source of energy. Through capturing air, they carry it around a circuit and, in doing so, complete designated tasks with the generated energy. Making their presence felt, pneumatic systems are found to be effective in different industries. These systems are operative in moving around heavy loads around an assembly floor, a logistical warehouse or a manufacturing unit. Referred to as the fourth utility within industrial settings, pneumatic systems offer tremendous lifting power, without any of the drawbacks associated with electromotive systems.
Being highly useful tools, machine movers such as a skating machine is a modern take on moving around machinery. Fitting snugly underneath a load, a skating machine works to assist industrial locations in a comprehensive manner. The powerhouse of the entire process is the black diaphragm fitted at the bottom of each load.
With compressed air creating a film or seal between the load and the surface, the load virtually floats across the assembly floor. Such tools typically outperform overhead cranes and forklifts, as they offer versatile applications. Be it an awkwardly shaped load or be it uneven load distribution, moving casters cover all grounds.
The Reasons for This Sustained Dominance
Workplace Safety: Given how industrial units operate, there is a huge score of personnel working on the ground at any given time. Due to lacking an electric-drive motor, pneumatic systems are more compact and safer for working around with. Being reliable and durable, there is no possibility of explosions and sparks when operating such systems. Reducing user fatigue, or any potential injuries that may arise from fatigue, air-powered systems work to uphold the standards of workplace safety. Additionally, air-powered systems deter the development of hand-arm vibration syndrome, which is caused by exposure to vibrating tools.
No Maintenance: Unlike other systems, air powered systems such as machine skates don’t require regular lubrication and don’t entail a maintenance schedule. Less likely to overheat or cause any glitches, these systems typically tend to have a longer service life when compared to electrical systems.
Potential Savings: Air-powered systems don’t cause any damage to the flooring of the manufacturing unit. Saving the operator hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, air-powered systems work to cut down costs. Requiring no electrical source and operating purely on compressed air, the operator gets to benefit from a limitless energy source.
A Clean System: With compressed air flowing through, there are no possibilities of blockages occurring. Such a system keeps the instrument free from containments, which can play a part in breaking down the system.
Inexpensive: Saving the operator or manufacturer the initial cost, pneumatic systems are relatively cheaper than their counterparts. This leads the operator to not just save the initial cost, but also save ensuing costs that arise with other electromotive systems.
Requires No Specialized Training: At the end of the day, the operator aims to increase the productivity, profitability, and efficiency of its manufacturing unit. Facilitating this need, unlike other systems, pneumatic systems don’t require specialized training. Along with this, such systems also increase a unit’s productivity, as the job carried out by several people, can easily be carried out by one person.
No Dangers If It Leaks: If working within a food-processing unit, it is extremely important for the manufacturer to ensure their unit is squeaky clean. Thus, even if a pneumatic system leaks, it won’t cause any harm to the external atmosphere. Being a cost-effective and hazard-proof system, an operator gets to benefit immensely.
Pneumatic systems play an instrumental role in ensuring an assembly floor stays safe, efficient, and resourceful. Owing to this, they have continued to dominate industrial spaces for ages now.
Why Choose Hovair?
Hovair understands the science behind harnessing compressed air for powering systems. Experienced in providing the material handling industry with air bearing systems for the past 50 years, Hovair works to provide innovative and quality pneumatic systems. Be it industrial turntables, vehicle turntables, or air handling systems, Hovair is well-aware of all matters pneumatic systems.
Improving and supplementing manufacturing floor changes, pneumatic systems work to optimize processes. With profitability and productivity being the key concern for most industries, possessing heavy equipment movers is paramount for manufacturers. Assisting in completing production processes and logistical procedures, a pneumatic system seamlessly adapts to the ever-evolving manufacturing configurations. Loading off loads with their own footprint, pneumatic systems use compressed air to create a seal between heavy objects and the floor for moving around heavy equipment.
With today’s assembly and production plant floor becoming increasingly dynamic, it is important to adopt the use of reconfigurable manufacturing systems. Entailing the following benefits, a pneumatic system extends its functionality and flexibility across the board for different industries.
It runs solely on compressed air. Having no dependency on an electrical power source, they eliminate the fear of causing any sparks or facing down-time due to power outages. With certain industrial spaces facing frequent power outages, pneumatic systems allow manufacturers to continue working, without facing any negative impact on their productivity or manufacturing ability.
If operated in an appropriate manner, pneumatic systems are one of the safest systems for moving around heavy loads. Facilitating manufacturers to move around an awkward-shaped and uneven load, they don’t expose the operators to any toxic hydraulic fluid or lubricants. Eliminating the possibility of electrical shocks, equipment moving casters are an efficient and safe option for everyday use.
Helping the manufacturer incur a low-initial cost for setting up their facility, pneumatic systems don’t cost as much as other technologies. With small companies or industries being uncertain about their ROI, these systems are a cost-effective option.
Involving no significant troubleshooting or a consistent maintenance schedule, these systems spare the manufacturer the cost of having them repaired and looked after. Moreover, entailing no specialized training, such as required by forklifts, operators get to operate these systems with relative ease and convenience.
Working continuously with no hassle of overheating, these systems allow manufacturers to keep up their productivity. Designed in a simple and robust manner by Hovair, operators get to customize any configuration to fit the framework of their needs.
Being environmentally-friendly, such systems are optimal for clean-room operations, e.g., a food processing unit.
With their storage and utilization being easy, they seamlessly fit into a production unit. Moreover, unlike forklifts, they do not cause damage to the floor, leading the manufacturer to not incur any unnecessary renovation charges. Proving their efficacy through moving objects on uneven flooring, a pneumatic system is truly an ingenious invention.
The Use within Different Industries- Pneumatic Systems
Formulated with aluminum by Hovair, these systems play a unique role in each unique industry. Moving at the speed of light, different industries produce different products. Hence, they accordingly use these systems to their advantage.
With the following tools assisting in differing scenarios, a pneumatic system is a cost-effective and time-effective solution for all industries.
Air Planks: This tool allows for the fast transfer of products with large variations in lengths and small variations in widths.
Air Pallets: This tool allows for the entire load to be loaded on top of the surface for moving around.
Rigging System: This tool is specifically used for equipment and machinery where height distribution, width, length, and load sizes fluctuate drastically. Being a key role within the aviation industry, this tool harnesses its excellent maneuverability and helps in moving a load of up to 100 tons and beyond.
Industrial & Vehicle Turntable: Specifically used by the automobile and exhibition industry, the industry uses this rotating platform to complete the production process or to exhibit vehicles during a convention. Equipped with a foot pedal and pedestal panel, operators get to rotate this system forward and backward accordingly.
Skate Machine: Outperforming an overhead crane or a forklift, a skate machine is ideal for moving around heavy machinery. Generating immense lifting power, these systems carry off loads with differing weight proportions.
Involving expedited processes and increased efficiency, the operator gains complete autonomy when operating moving casters.
Have you ever moved from one house to another? If yes, then you must be aware of all the work that comes along with it. It involves moving heavy furniture, making sure that everything is moved safely, double-checking the fragile stuff, and a lot more. Now imagine the same, but it’s your business that is moving. The tasks just go multiplied by 100.
When you’re moving your business, is usually requires moving heavy machinery, and you can’t just throw all that stuff in a moving truck. You have to make sure that everything is moved carefully because these heavy machines could be your business’ most valuable and, at times, irreplaceable assets. Therefore, handling your heavy machinery adequately becomes a priority when moving your business.
If you’re moving your business for the first time, then you might consider the following things before moving your heavy machinery as you don’t want to take any chances.
Make a strategy
The first thing that you should do is make a strategy. You exactly need to know how things should be moving from one place to another. Make a plan a stick to it; what equipment goes in the first batch and goes in the later ones should already be decided by you. Make sure to transport the heaviest and most important machinery first, and what comes later will only make things easy.
Moving such heavy machinery will require heavy equipment movers, which you won’t find lying around. We advise that you contact moving companies as they will help you out with your transportation needs.
It is important to note that if you DIY everything, then there is a risk that you might end up mismanaging a lot of things. That’s why we advise you to contact a reputable moving company who are experts in moving heavy industrial machinery. Having people around who know what they’re doing is always a good idea, especially for first-time movers.
Time is money
Done with making a plan? Good, now let’s set some timelines for all the decided tasks. What you need to do is assign a time for every machine you move. The time should start the moment your machine is loaded in the truck until it is delivered to your location. Why are we emphasizing on time? Because most first-time movers make the mistake of allotting a single time slot for the entire transportation. This is where it all goes wrong; you could have many things that can up unexpectedly like a flat tire, traffic, or even setting up your machinery could take more time than you might’ve assumed. Therefore, assigning individual time slots for every machine movement gives you more flexibility.
Get to the details
If you think you’ve got it all figured out, then think again. After planning and allotting time for each transportation, you need to get into the details of how will you be moving your heavy machinery? The best way to do it by going through the manufacturer’s manual. It will guide you about everything that you should do so any and all accidents could be avoided while moving.
In the manual, you will find about how to safely remove the batteries, empty the engine fluids, secure loose parts, and other important things. Try to follow the manual as much as you can, as having an accident is the last thing you’d want.
Moving heavy machinery might also require special permits – this is where your transporter could help you. They are well aware of all the legal requirements and have the necessary Heavy Haul Equipment so your transportation could be without any trouble.
And lastly, you’ll need to cover all the sensitive parts of the machines. These parts are sensitive because there is a chance that they can be damaged by wind or rain. You need to remember that the heavy equipment will be transported in trucks, so the last you’d want is environmental damage.
We’re here for you
Transporting heavy machinery is a tough job, but with the right people, it becomes less troublesome. If you’re looking to get machines or services that could help you in moving heavy machinery, then you’ve come to the right place as Hovair Systems is in this business for more than 50 years. We have all the needed equipment like industrial and car turntables as they will ensure that you have a smooth machine moving experience.
Do you know that material flow directly affects the productivity along with your supply chain operations, meaning that the better your material flow will be, the more efficiently your supply chain will move. You might have heard the saying, “There is a tool for everything.” Well, we believe it’s completely true, especially when you’re in the material handling industry.
As mentioned earlier, using the appropriate tools will not only increase productivity, but it’ll also save you a lot of money and will make your supply chain operations much smoother. But it’s easier said than done, as finding out which equipment is ideal for what purpose is the real task.
You should start by inspecting the materials you’re handling; this will help you in finding out the equipment that you’ll be needing. We understand that identifying the ideal equipment for handling respective materials could be difficult; that’s why we’re going to mention a few tips that will help you in choosing the best handling equipment, making your warehouse operations much more efficient.
Understanding your needs
First things first, you need to know that there is equipment designed to handle every sort of material. So, what you need to do is understand and identify your requirements. You can start off by asking yourself the following questions.
Are the materials sensitive that you’re going to handle?
What is the frequency of their movement?
What do you intend to do with them?
Are the materials fragile?
Will the material be processed or stored?
What about the packaging?
Once you have the answers to all these questions, you’ll know what equipment to choose for what materials. Let’s say you are dealing with light materials that need to be moved to the top shelf, so an industrial scissor lift table could the perfect equipment for this task.
Understand the equipment
After understanding your needs, you need to understand the function of every piece of equipment in their particular tasks. While the functions could be complex, but all material handling equipment serves three primary purposes.
Light material handling
Forklifts are usually used for this purpose – materials that don’t get moved often and are usually stored in the warehouse mostly include small containers, pallets, and boxes.
Heavy material handling
It is advised to move bulk materials piece by piece. For this purpose, you might need special equipment that includes silos, trucks, elevators, conveyors, and drums.
Automation
These machines are best for people who have less space and want more work to be. Automated machinery will boost productivity at unimaginable levels. One example of such equipment is Vehicle Turntables – they work great in small spaces and provide the most efficient and safest entry and exit solutions in small spaces.
Processing requirements
Another factor to consider that could help you determine the best equipment for a particular task is how you process your materials. Let’s say that your manufacturing process needs a lot of moving parts, like:
High-speed packaging
filling totes, drums, or other containers
Such processes need heavy-duty equipment, and you’ll need to check this equipment regularly, so there are no breaks or halts at the assembly line.
One solution is to have customized automated machines that can make your processes much more efficient right from the start till the end.
What about maintenance costs?
That’s right, getting the machines isn’t one in a lifetime investment. You have to regularly maintain them so they can keep performing at optimal efficiency. Every machine or equipment you buy will need maintenance, some weekly, while some monthly. Therefore, we would advise you to calculate the cost of maintenance before you buy equipment as some machines are more expensive to maintain than others.
There are many tools and software also that could help you in calculating the cost of maintenance for every machine and equipment you own. Another tip is that instead of repairing parts, again and again, it’s better to replace them. This will actually save you money on constant repairs while also reducing downtime.
Machines and equipment designed for handling materials are a must-have for every warehouse or factory owner. Having such equipment on-board will make your operations and processes more efficient while saving you money. If you are in need of such equipment, then you’ve come to the right place as Hovair Systems has been manufacturing material handling equipment for 50 years and are the market leaders of their industry. We have the equipment you need to take your business to the next level.
Within an industrial space, the moving around of heavy objects and equipment is inevitable. Replacing traditional and electrical moving equipment are pneumatic systems. Pneumatic systems are essential equipment that creates a film of air between the object and the floor, enabling the load to be lifted and moved around an assembly floor easily. Harnessing the use of compressed air, Hovair builds air-casters, airlift bags, and airbag jacks by banking upon their years of experience and specialist knowledge of operating within the manufacturing industry.
Proving their use within the pharmaceutical, food, automobile, textile, chemical, and several other industries, a pneumatic system trickles in ease for the user. Requiring precision in the execution of moving around a load, different industries rely on pneumatic systems for the range of advantages they offer. With electrical solutions exhibiting their limit within certain environments, pneumatic systems rise to the challenge by accommodating any given requirement. Facilitating today’s industrial environment through and through, pneumatic systems have become a critical component within assembly units, logistics units, warehouses, etc.
Decreased Vibration & Harshness
Constantly working with vibrating equipment and tools can cause operators to develop certain health conditions. Ranging from damage to joints to damage to sensory nerves, operators within the material handling equipment industry face long-term consequences. At a sharp contrast, air casters eliminate the presence of vibration, leading operators to use these systems with no hassles or inconveniences.
Increased Versatility air bag jack
Making the investment worthwhile, a pneumatic system works in areas where overhead lifts, forklifts, and cranes fail to work. Making the process of spinning a load or taking a u-turn easy, these systems allow operators to practice heightened maneuverability when moving around the load. Completing equipment movement in any location of the factory production space, these systems prove their efficacy as a flexible and omnidirectional system.
Increased Safety
Be it air lifting bags or air pallets, they are far safer when compared to traditional moving equipment. Banking upon their superior engineering and value-driven quality manufacturing, Hovair manufactures pneumatic systems that are safe for use. Loading on loads of different shapes, sizes, and materials, these systems stop working when overloaded. In doing so, they protect the user operating the system and the personnel working around the unit. Similarly, with no extensive pulling or pushing necessitated, the probability of risks are mitigated.
Doesn’t Entail Extensive Repair & Maintenance
Unlike conventional equipment, pneumatic systems don’t require lubrication or consistent maintenance. Running continuously for a long period, they are to be simply cleaned with water and soap. Thus, reducing the operator’s cost of following up on a maintenance schedule. Comprising no moving parts, they are a cost-effective solution for all material handling spaces.
No Damage To The Flooring
Riding on a cushion of air, the moving load and the floor have no contact. Spreading the load over a larger surface area, there is minimal to no risk to the structural foundation of the floors. Using wheels to move around loads can cause dents or damage to the floor, owing to the friction. Not bearing any damage to expensive flooring, these systems spare manufacturers the cost of frequently renovating their assembly unit.
Increased Productivity
Owing to the functionality of the system, a single person can move around a load weighing close to 5,000lbs. With such flexibility, one employee gets to execute the entire job, without requiring the need to involve several different hands and therein waste productive hours.
No Need For A Power Source
Relying on compressed air, a pneumatic system doesn’t require an electrical power source. This leads operators to feasibly execute jobs around the production unit and not worry about any sparks igniting an explosion. With such reliability, safety, and elimination of down-time involved, these systems work to make the lives of manufacturers and operators easy.
Within the automobile and exhibition industry, the value of vehicle turntables is unique. Being essentially a rotating platform, it is particularly useful within assembly units, showrooms, and exhibitions, as it enables the manual rotation of a vehicle. Offering a varied range of turntables for trucks, cars, the automobile industry, and specialty uses, Hovair produces state-of-the-art turntables.
These uniquely-built turntables that provide high capacity and stable rotating platforms are easily customizable. Rather than opting for a DIY car turntable, opting for a solid, durable, and reliable turntable is a better alternative. These turntables aren’t just appropriate for residential environments, but are also suitable for a commercial environment, making them the required apparatus for exhibiting or examining a vehicle. Built with a sturdy material, they are a cost-effective and lasting solution for car-enthusiasts and the automobile industry. With either the option of powering them through an electro-mechanical or air-bearing system, they are convenient to use.
Easily installable into a driveway or garage using in-ground drive pits
All components of pit ring construction are provided ahead of time for the contractor’s use
The convenience and liberty of choosing between electro-mechanical powered installation or an air bearing system
The liberty of choosing multiple-positions starts and stops
Easy to use with high-safety, reliability and low maintenance
Easily usable control panel for internal usage
No need to turn into tight driveways or garage spaces
Drawings supplied with each model for the contractor to use
Industrial & Specialty Turntables
The global demand for vehicles has risen exponentially in the past two decades. This has led the automobile industry to progress ahead and integrate technological advancements into their assembly units. Requiring various equipment for manufacturing a vehicle, the automobile industry specifically requires a turntable. Facilitating the material handling industry, Hovair Systems provides tailored turntables. With the requirement of each assembly unit varying according to what they manufacture, turntables are fine-tuned according to the differing requirements.
Through processes such as hot forming, lifting, and positioning, part identification, stamping, welding, work holding, thermo forming, and assembly, a manufacturer works towards completing a finished vehicle. By opting for a Hovair produced turntable, an automotive plant benefits and gains leverage of the following:
Custom-built to the specifications and needs of the manufacturer
Supplied for a permanent and fixed location or provided for convenient forklift truck moving
Provided as either an electro-mechanically powered system or air-bearing powered
Can easily be controlled through a foot pedal, hand pendant or pedestal panel
Can easily rotate backward and forward with pre-set stopping points
The availability of a variable control speed- up to 25 rpm
Easily customizable into any size or shape- up to 24 feet in diameter
Easily installable through using floor surface mounting bolts
No need for excavation or digging for installation. It stands on the surface and bolt-mounts into position.
Easily maintained with spares being easily available (however, rarely required)
Highly-safe and easy to use – requires no specialized training for operating it
The manufacturer incurs no additional costs for training or any safety hazards
Providing not just the equipment itself, Hovair Systems also offers installation service. Possessing the ability to adapt to a manufacturer’s requirements, Hovair works ingeniously in different industries. This is because, not just the automobile, but also the entertainment industry makes use of turntables, in instance for a carousel.
As a result of maneuverability being a big concern within restricted and cramped spaces, turntables play a critical role in making processes time-effective, cost-effective, and efficient. Varying in customized sizes and varying loading capacities, turntables are instrumental for optimized space utilization and decreased operating costs.
With technological progressions shaping the landscape of each industry, the aviation industry benefits from the use of air-powered rigging systems. The presence and importance of a rigging system are experienced at different stages, be it during the manufacturing or the maintenance process. Both the processes being essential to the aviation industry, a rigging system acts as a material handling equipment.
Heavy-load equipment and components are an inevitable part of the aviation industry. Within the aircraft assembly unit, a rigging system helps in moving around and attaching different components of an airplane structure, such as the wings, an empennage, landing gear, a power plant, a fuselage, or the cockpit. Using conventional jacking equipment results in several limitations, such as safety issues or the necessity for a power source.
Using a Hovair rigging system, on the other hand, has several advantages, as it makes the maneuverability of heavy loads around the assembly unit easy, convenient, and seamless. Whether it is an awkward shaped or sized load or heavy machinery, a Hovair rigging system or lift bags is just what the aviation industry needs. Adding an extra and improved dimension to rigging capabilities, a manufacturer instantaneously trickles in efficiency and productivity into their unit, with all limitations eliminated. Following are the benefits of using a pneumatic rigging system:
Can easily handle a load of up to 100 tons and beyond
Can easily handle any shape or size load
Can easily handle machinery or equipment with disproportionate weight balance
Kits available with all hardware and components necessary to plug in and go
No other source of power required – air-powered systems work on compressed air
Liberty to choose from a variety of air beams, air pallets, and air bearing kits
A suitable and appropriate equipment for clean room operations- environmentally friendly
No specific training required- any operator can easily use the equipment
No additional costs for the manufacturer- no training and no safety hazards
A quick process leading to efficiency and high production
The Use of an Air Bag
Using an airbag jack, operators can suspend heavy-load equipment in the air in a safe, easy-to-use, and reliable manner. Manufactured using steel woven mesh or Kevlar, they complement material handling equipment. Sliding easily beneath heavy equipment, these bags filled with compressed air, provide the strength and grip required for moving around a heavy load. Having an interlocking surface, they grip loads in a firm manner.
Facilitating efforts to recover, tow, and rescue, an airbag plays a variety of roles. Requiring only a few inches of clearance, yet increasing in size exponentially, an airbag is compact and effective in its usage. Additionally, using lift bags, with a lift jack provides a supplementary layer of control with an air bearing system. With crank handles being present, an operator gets to level loads that require careful positioning, making height adjustments flexible and easy. Floating the load around an assembly unit, the operators gain complete autonomy over the process.
Using conventional equipment for moving around, heavy-loads has a variety of drawbacks. They require operators to maintain and inspect the equipment at regular intervals, specialized training is necessitated, they usually have load limits and require constant communication. Failing to follow through on these set limitations can result in fatalities and the creation of several hazards, which are a risk to the personnel and the load involved. Harnessing the use of traditional moving equipment within an assembly unit increases the presence of unnecessary costs. Thus, with excellent reliability, medium operating cost, and no complexity involved, pneumatic systems are the most cost-effective option when looking to execute the mechanical movement.
Moving around heavy objects is an essential part of the material handling industry. In the past, industries relied on traditional equipment for moving around or elevating heavy loads around the assembly floor, such as cranes or forklifts. With technological progression emerging to the forefront, these traditional types of equipment were replaced with pneumatic lifting devices. In doing so, these conventional pieces of equipment were replaced with air casters.
These air casters create a film or seal of air between the floor and the object, allowing the load to be lifted off the ground easily. Using only compressed air, this alternative reduces man-power, reduces safety hazards, and reduces various other limitations associated with the traditional tools of the trade.
Be it an air bearing system or an industrial scissor lift table, each equipment is built by harnessing years of knowledge and experience of operating within the manufacturing industry. Understanding how these equipment are required to facilitate various industrial applications, Hovair builds air caster products that are high on quality and high on value. Whether used within a cold storage, a warehouse, a manufacturing unit, or in logistics, any of the top processes of moving around heavy objects can easily be handled through an air-powered system.
By seeking to leave behind tools and processes that are a safety-hazard and higher in cost, a manufacturer can opt to trickle in the following benefits:
The size, speed, duty cycle, safety features, and capacity of a lift table can be customized easily.
A lift table works to maximize operator efficiency, as a single man can handle the task, rather than requiring a group to handle the heavy load.
It reduces the chances of injury, leading to reduced costs for the manufacturer and reduced safety risks for the personnel.
It requires operators to maintain a normal posture when operating the equipment, resulting in no strain or development of a health condition.
No maintenance and no lubrication results the manufacturer to incur no additional costs
Easy to handle due to a narrow and lightweight footprint
No requirement for additional power, as it runs wholly on compressed air
Consistent and reliable lifting power
A dependable and cost-effective solution for shuttling, stacking, transferring or elevating the material
Elevate overall productivity and ergonomics
Not vulnerable to any oil leaks or spills linked to hydraulic units
Complete stability and assurance while lowering and raising heavy-load material
No damages to the floor as the load doesn’t fall or drop to the fall causing cracks, scrapes or dents
With there being a constant need to lift and lower material within industrial environments, an ergonomic lift table, AKA a scissor lift table, works in a multi-purpose manner. Being adjustable to any height, being portable, and with the manufacturer possessing the liberty to fine-tune the capacity, the ergonomic lift table can be the perfect equipment for your facility.
With durability and reliability being the core features, a ergonomic lift table is engineered to provide ultimate user safety. By settling their primary focus on versatility and strength, Hovair Systems produces scissor lift tables and ergonomic lift tables that serve different industries in an all-embracing manner, even if they are used as a working table for teams working within a construction zone.
Rather than endangering their personnel’s health and rather than opting for ways that are long-forgotten by their fellow industrialists, it is essential that industries take up avenues that work in their interest. By choosing an ergonomic lift table that works for their unique environment and their unique industry, manufacturers can change the culture around their assembly unit.
Making it more effortless and easier, using an ergonomic lift table, they can increase productivity and can gain from seamless processes running on their production floor. Owing to the demand for ergonomic lift tables growing all across the globe, the tool is the futuristic heavy-load moving equipment that should be included in any facility.
Replacing the inefficiency and safety hazards associated with traditional moving equipment is a pneumatically powered system. Being a lifting device used to lift and move around heavy-loads on a flat surface, an air caster works by utilizing air. Rather than relying on a power source, it allows heavy objects to float around, by simply being suspended in the air with the supply of compressed air.
Creating an air seal between the floor and the airbag, an air caster works in an ingenious manner. Within any industrial plant or assembly unit, the moving of heavy objects is an inevitability. However, manufactures need to take up a proactive approach in protecting the personnel and equipment located within the unit. Air casters are a departure from traditional heavy-load moving equipment, as they don’t include the challenges that are associated with traditional equipment.
Finding Innovation within Assembly Floors
A forklift requires maintenance, specialized training, has a set load capacity, and requires constant open communication. Without following this procedure, a manufacturer can either not go ahead with executing mechanical movement or either endanger the lives of their personnel. Sustaining injuries and sustaining high costs becomes a reality when dealing with traditional heavy-load moving equipment. At a sharp contrast, a wise investment is to make use of air caster products, such as air beams, air bearing, and air pallets.
Commonly used to lift delicate, awkwardly-shaped, and heavy loads, an air caster product works to move unbalanced load across a facility. High maneuverability and precise positioning are its defining characteristics, leading this low-profile moving equipment to fit into any manufacturer’s assembly unit. Being ideal for the uneven weight distribution of load and providing the necessary support, an air beam can easily be customized to meet a manufacturer’s specific requirements.
Made using sturdy material such as aluminum, Hovair produces high quality and cost-effective air caster equipment to facilitate the need for different facilities within the material handling industry. Simply placed beneath a heavy-load or object, they are easy to use, easy to incorporate into processes, and easy to sustain. Realizing consequential gains in safety and cost reduction, both in terms of manpower and downtime, a manufacture gains through the following features:
Low floor load and no damage to the surface or floor, such as cuts, dents or scrapes.
Effective space utilization, leading to efficiency
Can work in areas where cranes, overhead lifts, and forklifts cannot work, as air cushions can easily shift direction. This makes taking u-turns and spinning a load an easy undertaking.
Need for reduced manpower, as a single man can easily control and move a load weighing up to 5000 lbs., which weighs more than an average car. Staying within the bounds of safety, personnel aren’t exposed to unnecessary safety hazards
An air caster product requires no lubrication, has no moving parts, and doesn’t have a maintenance schedule. If dirty, they can be cleaned with soap and water, rather than requiring an industrial solvent
No complexity involved with the handling of the equipment, leading to no wastage of time or hassles.
Powered completely through compressed-air, rather than any other power source.
Minimized risks, as no extensive pushing or pulling is required
Ability to quickly move around objects and loads with no vibration. This is particularly beneficial for personnel who develop health conditions, as a result of handling machines and loads that vibrate.
If a manufacturer or floor manager is looking for a cost-effective, safe, and reliable solution for moving around heavy-load with omnidirectional maneuverability, then opting to get an air caster product from Hovair Systems can prove to be beneficial, both in the short and long term.
Last Saturday marked the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. To commemorate this achievement in human events, we wanted to revisit our own contributions to space exploration. In this article we will see how our air handling dolly aided NASA in the Space Shuttle program.
Hovair Systems prides itself on providing heavy load moving solutions, and what better challenge to test that ability than with rocket assembly? In 1978 we designed a Rocket Motor Case Handling Dolly, which was used in the assembly of solid rocket motors.
This dolly had a 12 ft diameter, and a weight capacity of 70,000 lbs. Despite the mass of the fuel containment vessel, it is nearly weightless when cradled in the dolly. This effect is due to our air bearing systems, which use compressed air to lift a heavy object away from a surface. Underneath the vessel are a series of rubber pads that allow free movement of the rocket. The dolly itself rests on a set of air bearings, which allowed engineers to float the entire rig across the factory floor.
In this photograph you can see the record-shaped rubber pads on the air bearings. This is where compressed air escapes and creates an air-film seal between an object and a surface. The same technique is also applied beneath this dolly so it can move to other locations. This transporter was 13×36 feet, and could move Rocket Motor Case Segments weighing 360,000lbs.
Here we see multiple units coming together in the assembly process. With machines this big there is no room for error. Hovair assembly equipment allowed for six degrees of freedom and provided movement within a few thousandths of an inch. This is just one example of the many industries we have helped throughout history. If you enjoyed this article, please leave a comment or share it with a friend. Remember to stay in touch for more news from Hovair Systems.
The Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome or HAVS for short is a disease caused by occupational exposure to vibrating tools. Its effects include muscle weakness, discomfort, pain, permanent numbness, and eventually lead to white finger (Raynaud’s disease). The disease is almost exclusively limited to workers that have been using vibrating tools for many years.
In this blog, we take a look at what causes the Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome, its symptoms, and how to prevent it.
What Causes Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome?
Workers that regularly use power tools across various industries such as mining, construction, maintenance, and forestry are at risk of HAVS including those that work in colder climates.
The longer the exposure to vibrating tools, the higher the risk of contracting HAVS. The following tools are known to contribute to the disease:
Riveters
Grinders
Jackhammers
Chainsaws
Drills
HAVS can take anywhere from six months to six years to develop and the condition becomes irreversible after the fingers get blanched.
Symptoms of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome
Although it’s not entirely clear how vibrations cause HAVS, it’s hypothesized that the repetitive motions damage the blood vessels and small nerves found inside the fingers.
Initially, the nerves are affected, causing changes in sensations;further damage results in a condition known as Raynaud’s phenomenon, eventually leading to something known as white finger.
Some of the symptoms of HAVS include:
Aches and Pains: Minor damage causes pain to appear in the bones and joints of the hand and lower arms.
Nerve Damage: Early features of nerve damage include numbness and a tingling sensation. At first such sensations come and go and only appear at the fingertips but they get progressively worse with continued exposure to power tools. Permanent numbness sets in after a while and makes it difficult to carry out routine tasks due to weakened muscle grip.
Raynaud’s phenomenon: At this stage, symptoms are triggered by touching cold objects or cold weather conditions.
Prevention of Hand-Arm Vibrating Syndrome
The obvious step is to stop using vibrating tools and try to seek another profession. If that isn’t possible, then the following steps can help prevent HAVS from appearing:
Ensure proper maintenance of vibrating tools
Hold tools in varying positions and don’t grip them too tightly
Take a break of around 10 to 15 minutes after each hour of use
Use only the tool that is required for the job
Don’t smoke as the chemicals found in tobacco restrict blood flow
Stay warm during the chilly weather and protect your hands from getting cold
Around 2 million workers in the U.S are exposed to HAVS with half estimated to contract the disease in the future, according to Safety and Health Magazine.
Hovair manufactures air-powered tools including heavy load carriers and lift decks that adhere to the highest safety regulations. These come with minimal vibrations and greatly reduce the chances of workers contracting HAVS. Contact us today for more information.
Although logistics and material handling industry is currently undergoing a digital transformation, businesses continue to struggle with traditional challenges. According to MHI’s Annual Industry Report of 2018, problems such as hiring skilled workers and meeting customer demands are relevant issues managers are unable to deal with.
Additionally, the need to enhance operations and meet compliance laws continues to put pressure on companies to improve operations.
In this blog, we discuss a few modern challenges faced by the material handling industry.
Material Management
Warehouse managers that lack complete visibility of their inventory face problems such as over and under-stocking which then leads to decreased cash flows and increased material expenses.
Inventory shortages result in unfulfilled orders and dissatisfied customers. The primary challenge lies in striking a balance between maintaining optimal inventory levels and profitability margins.
Retail businesses are struggling to manage both in-store and online channels effectively. Today, the majority of manufacturing expenses are linked to materials which underline the need to adopt effective material management strategies.
Productivity
High hourly compensation coupled with decreased employment rates makes it difficult for companies within the material handling industry to retain the best talent.
Distribution and manufacturing facilities are facing high turnover rates that are creating a negative impact on the economy. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, warehousing jobs are experiencing some of the highest turnover rates, a trend that continues to rise year after year.
Labor Costs
Material handling companies are tasked with moving thousands of tons of materials daily while relying on a large number of manual labors. Businesses are buckling under the costs of maintaining heavy load-moving machinery as well as spending constantly on employee training programs due to high turnover rates.
Given how fierce the competition within the industry is, there’s a greater need to cut down on manufacturing costs in order to remain competitive. Add to this the costs employee shortfall and medical expenses, and you have small businesses struggling to maintain profitability.
Safety Concerns
Using heavy machinery to move loads around the workplace is bound to involve accidents and injuries. Forklifts alone are responsible for 85 fatalities, 34,900 serious, and 61,800 non-serious injuries each year.
Instances include being crushed between vehicles, getting struck or run over by forklifts, falling from heights, and injury due to falling loads. Switching to pneumatic tools to move heavy loads helps business to reduce instances of workplace injury and also remain compliant with the industry’s safety regulations.
Hovair Systems Inc. provides air-powered tools and systems to the material handling industry. Their products include air-lifting jacks, machine rigging equipment, air bearings, and a range of equipment that makes moving heavy loads easier and safer. Contact us today for more information.
Those working in construction sites or places where heavy machinery is used are well-aware of its dangers. According to the Center for Construction and Research Training, more than a 100 people die in accidents involving heavy equipment each year. These accidents usually include mobile cranes, backhoes, surfacing machinery, excavators, loaders, tractors, and bulldozers.
Operators and personnel are required to abide by strict safety regulations in order to prevent any serious injuries or death.
In this blog, we take a look at the hazards of operating heavy machinery.
Examples of Hazardous Machinery
Heavy machinery is responsible for many deaths each year, but it isn’t the size of the machinery itself that is dangerous to workers, rather a number of other critical factors.
These factors include a lack of training, improper handling, not equipping workers with proper safety gear, and failing to place hazard signs near dangerous areas.
The following is a list of hazardous equipment used within the construction sector:
Cranes: Cranes are responsible for the most number of deaths within the construction sector. Surprisingly, the biggest danger isn’t to the workers tasked with handling the machinery but instances such as an accidental falling of load and unbalancing of the crane results in injuries to those nearby.
Bulldozers:Bulldozers are the strongest and heaviest of all equipment. People are known to get trapped inside or beneath bulldozers or get crushed by one that rolls over due to an imbalance.
Backhoes:Although backhoes aren’t as big as bulldozers or cranes, they’re especially dangerous because of the digging bucket found on the back and a massive shovel at the front making it dangerous at both ends.
Dump trucks:Similar to other entries on the list, dump trucks are huge and pose a danger to anyone nearby but that’s not the only way they’re known to cause harm. These trucks raise their back end to unload the content; since they do so using a hydraulic press, mechanical failure can cause the back end to come crashing down harming anyone in its way.
Excavators: Excavators are included in OSHA’s10 most hazardous construction equipment. A hydraulic malfunction of the overhead utility can cause the entire machine to topple over.
Accidents related to heavy equipment can only be reduced by providing proper training and knowledge to the machine operators as well as those working nearby. Also, employers should carry out strict disciplinary action against any breach of security protocol.
Unfortunately, as long as heavy machinery is used, there will always be accidents due to human error. Instead of relying on such heavy, expensive, and dangerous equipment to move loads, businesses can switch to pneumatic or air-powered tools that prove to be more effective and safe.
Hovair produces pneumatic tools that make moving heavy loads much easier. Contact us today for more information.
The debate surrounding pneumatic and electrical tools has been raging for since some time, and while each tool has its advantages, one is clearly superior to the other. Personal preferences aside, pneumatic tools are the preferred choice in many industries such as construction, shipping, heavy-repair, material handling, and even aeronautics.
In this blog, we take a look at the functionality of both pneumatic and electrical tools to determine which ones are superior.
Maintenance
Pneumatic tools don’t have a large number of intricate parts inside of them and are thus more durable. Electric tools rely on a motor to operate which contains many moving parts including rotors, bearings, and brushers that demand frequent inspection. Since air-powered tools lack such features, they are more durable and easier to maintain.
Power Source
Unlike electrical tools, air-powered tools rely on a steady supply of compressed air to function whereas electrical tools rely on a constant supply of electricity. Such tools need to be kept near plug points to operate; otherwise they must be powered by rechargeable batteries. Pneumatic tools aren’t bound by such limitations and rely on less power to function leading to reduced energy costs.
Portability
Although air-powered tools are easier, lighter, and more comfortable to use, they too have their limitations including the need to carry around a heavy air compressor. However, unlike electrical tools that are limited by the length of the power cords, small air compressors can be carried by hand whereas the heavy ones are usually wheeled making them mobile and easy to move around.
Safety
Air tools are much safer to use since they don’t have electricity passing through them (It’s restricted within the air compressor’s motor).
Electrical tools, on the other hand, are dangerous to operate in wet conditions and pose a serious health hazard during malfunctioning. Also, electrical cords can be broken or exposed which increases the risk of electrocution.
Costs
The costs are difficult to compare because they vary according to the brand, quality, and features of each respective tool. However, pneumatic tools are less expensive than electrical ones if you already have an air compressor.
Even if the cost of pneumatic tools exceeds that of their electrical counterparts, the expenses are covered up in the long run due to increased output, lower operating costs, and the ability to use multiple air-powered tools on a single compressor.
Keeping all of these factors in mind, it can be concluded that the benefits of using pneumatic tools far outweigh those of electric-powered ones.
Hovair provides a wide range of quality pneumatic tools that includes machine rigging equipment, machine moving skates, and other tools used for moving heavy machinery. Contact us today for more information.
The history of load lifting dates back to the times of Egyptian Pyramids where workers lifted heavy loads manually. The number of deaths and injuries during that time were infinite!
Unfortunately, in the current era of technology, there are a massive number of workplace incidents that occur due to manual handling of loads. The use of pneumatic lifting equipment is an economical solution for industries to eliminate the need for manual handling and boost productivity.
Industrial security plays a crucial role in the reputation of an industry. An industry that fails to comply with the health and safety standards doesn’t only risk the safety of its employees but also puts its reputation at stake. Installation of rigging equipment improves workplace ergonomics and reduces the risk of workplace incidents.
Production units and warehouses often require transportation of goods to several platforms. The manufacturing process often involves the transportation of raw materials. Workers are often often required to handle loads that can clearly take a toll on their physical health. This also leads to musculoskeletal disorders in worse cases!
Owning a commercial facility is about implementing effective solutions to minimize downtime and increase revenue. One way of increasing the efficiency of an industrial facility is by replacing the manual handling of loads. Not only does it minimize the risk of workplace incidents, but substantially reduces cost.
Here are the many benefits of AGV that can save your commercial budget:
In a nutshell, air casters are pneumatic tools that make it easy to move large and heavy equipment and machines without damaging the floor. Traditionally, facilities and warehouses have made use of roller equipment, lift trucks, and cranes to move heavy equipment. Not only are such measures impractical, but prove costly for the business and dangerous for nearby employees. Continue reading “How do Air Casters Work?”
It is difficult to overstate the importance of maintenance for heavy machinery especially in industries such as mining, agriculture, and construction. For businesses operating in these industries, large equipment is the backbone of their operations and its optimal performance is necessary to ensure maximum efficiency. Any breakdowns or malfunctions with such equipment would result in significant financial losses and also put workers at risk of injury.
Transporting heavy equipment from one point to another is a serious challenge in industrial environments throughout the world. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were an estimated 2,077 fatalities in 2017 due to transportation-related incidents with more than 100 killed each year due to mobile heavy equipment. Such equipment includes mobile cranes, loaders, backhoes, and other types of machinery. Continue reading “Understanding the Challenges of Transporting Heavy Equipment”
Pneumatics refers to the science of using compressed air to transmit energy and force. A basic example of utilizing pressurized air for the desired function is something as simple as blowing air into a balloon and then letting it zoom around the room. Pneumatic tools are essential components behind things such as drilling machines, machinery that transports heavy objects, and even jet engines! Continue reading “A Brief History of Pneumatics”
When it comes to selecting lifting tools, the overabundance of options can leave buyers feeling puzzled. While electric powered lifting tools have been the go-to choice for most commercial clients, some companies are now shifting toward pneumatic tools because of the additional benefits they offer.Continue reading “3 Reasons to Choose Air Lifting Tools over Electric Tools”
Warehouses are typically used to store large volumes of manufactured goods, the management of which isn’t possible without specialized industrial equipment. Whether you’ve recently acquired a warehouse or constructed one from scratch, you’ll need certain tools to get it up and running. Continue reading “4 Industrial Equipment You Need In Your Warehouse”
Despite recent improvements in workplace safety, the material handling industry still remains a dangerous place to work in. According to the Bureau of Labor of Statistics, 2017 saw 5,147 deaths in the workplace, with the warehouse industry experiencing five injuries per 100 employees. Fortunately, almost all of these injuries are easily preventable by implementing a few safety measures that don’t require considerable amounts of investment.
There are always risks involved when working in the vicinity of heavy machinery and equipment. A small malfunction caused by lack of maintenance, human error or any other reason could have potentially fatal consequences.
When it comes to workplaces, health and safety of workers should always be among the top concerns.
According to a research conducted by Bureau of Labor Statistics – United States Department of Labor, a total of 5,190 workers died from fatal work-related injuries in 2016 in the U.S.. While there are multiple threats to the health and safety of employees at work, incorrect lifting and handling of material is perhaps among the leading causes of workplace-related accidents.