Vehicles, tools, and storage systems of all kinds fall under the umbrella of “material handling equipment” (MHE). The typical function of a warehouse is to temporarily stock materials before transporting them to their final destination. Warehouse efficiency increases as the ease of transporting goods improves. Having the proper materials for the job will enhance productivity by reducing the amount of unnecessary stress and physical labor your employees must endure.
Here are some of the most common material handling equipment:
Forklift and Reach Truck
Forklifts, often known as lift trucks, are industrial power vehicles used for lifting, transporting, and lowering items locally or over short distances. Lifting capacities of forklifts typically range from 3000 to 50,000 pounds and they are often automated. Heavy-duty forklifts are used to transport cargo containers, etc.
Reach trucks are similar to forklifts, only they’re considerably more manageable due to their compact size. It may quickly pick up or place a cargo in a narrow aisle. Telescoping forklifts with a double-reach mechanism can access pallets located two deep in a rack.
Cranes
The bridge and jib crane are the most typical types of cranes seen in warehouses.
Bridge Crane
In factories and warehouses, bridge cranes are often employed for lifting and transporting massive, heavy components. The system consists of a hoist mounted on a bridge suspended between two tracks that typically run the length of the storage facility. Goods stored beneath the bridge can also be retrieved using bridge cranes.
Jib Crane
Most jib cranes are attached to a wall or a strong vertical post, and they use a boom or jib to lift objects. Since the hoist only travels along the boom, the available working space is constrained.
Pallet Jack or Truck
Pallet Jack or TruckWhen moving items that have been piled on pallets, a pallet jack, pump, or truck will be required. Pallet jacks are equipped with dual forks that can move under the pallet. The forks are raised by pressing the handle, which creates a hydraulic action that raises the pallet and makes it easier to transfer it.
Pallet Trolley (battery-operated)
Instead of using muscle power, a battery-powered pallet trolley can move, raise, and lower pallets thanks to the energy stored in its batteries. There are models of material handling equipment that allow the operator to stand on a small platform. Hand-pushed and battery-operated carts have similar weight capacities, at around 3000 pounds.
Engineered Systems
Automated systems, also known as engineered systems, are a type of bulk material handling technology that is designed to help with the movement and storage of materials. In most cases, automated systems will make use of a few different kinds of machinery. They are widely used because they substitute manual labor.
Get High-Quality Material Handling Equipment with Hovair
Hovair Systems provides several options for ergonomic equipment that encourage careful product handling. Our extensive line of air-powered equipment allows us to effortlessly shift even the biggest weights in any direction.
If you need the assistance of professional heavy movers, give us a call today. You can trust them to help you decide on the most effective heavy load handling systems for your business.