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Types Of Material Handling Equipment

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sortation conveyor

Material handling equipment can make a huge impact on warehouse efficiency. Effective material handling equipment such as a sortation conveyor will help you save money by reducing labor and inventory costs.

Choosing the right machinery will depend on the type of materials you are dealing with. Consider factors such as particle size, flow behaviour and cohesion.

Conveyors

Conveyors move materials and accelerate production lines. Conveyors can be especially useful for companies that handle granular products or boxed goods.

sortation conveyor

The type you use will depend on your facility’s needs. Consider, for instance, the transfer rates and whether your facility must accommodate seasonal fluctuations in its production.

Flexible conveyors, which feature low friction slide rails and a plastic multiflexing chain, are a staple of many industries. They can be used to work around obstacles, and they can keep production moving if a line breaks down or slows down. They are used in many environments, including retail case packaging and food processing.

Roller conveyors are perfect for transporting bulk materials as well as unit loads, such a boxes. They can handle high-speed transfer rates and are ideal for companies that want to maximize their floor space. Spiral conveyors can be used to move products up or down depending on the need.

Forklifts

Forklifts are also known as industrial lifts and are among the most common pieces of material handling machinery. They are used to transport heavy materials in warehouses, storage areas and distribution centers. Forklifts have long forks which slide under the top of a palletized load. This makes them ideal for lifting and moving palletized goods.

Forklifts that allow operators to sit down while operating them are called Sit Down Rider forklifts. They tend to move and lift loads faster than manual-lifting forklifts and can be a good option for high-volume warehousing environments.

Order pickers or order picker lifts are forklifts that are used in retail and warehouse environments to remove items from high-altitude shelving areas. These forklifts work well for moving inventory and preparing orders. These forklifts are equipped with a slip sheet, which grips the bottom part of the container and allows the forklifts to easily lift the goods onto the shelves.

Pallet Trucks

One of the most ubiquitous pieces of material handling equipment, pallet trucks facilitate internal transportation by reducing the time and effort needed to lift and move heavy inventory. These warehouse workhorses shuffle loads between storage areas, packaging areas, and loading docks.

There are both manual and electrical versions of this essential piece of industrial equipment, each tailored to a specific environment. For example, some models feature sturdier frames that are able to endure rough terrain, while others use air-filled or polyurethane wheels to offer a smooth ride.

Another option is the hydraulic hand pallet trucks, which use a power-driven system to allow operators lift and lower heavy loads easily. These are ideal for distribution centers, manufacturing plants and warehouses. Some versions also let operators ride in a cage welded to the fork carriage or walk alongside it, dependent on design.

Order Pickers

Often used in warehouses to help fulfill orders, order pickers are electric-powered trucks that replace ladders and hand picking. They are also known as reach trucks and fall under the formal class of forklifts.

Workers stand on the platform and lift themselves up to grab items stored at higher levels, such as inventory displayed on shelves. Once they’ve finished the task, they lower back to the ground.

Any person who operates an order picker must be trained to maneuver the equipment properly, as they operate at high heights and may need to wear a harness for safety. If you use these machines at your facility, you could save money by partnering up with a forklift service provider that offers regular inspections and preventative maintenance. This will increase safety and efficiency for your workers.

Carts

Carts are an important piece of material handling equipment in life science laboratories. They improve efficiency, safety and flexibility. They allow users to move multiple materials at the same time, reducing the need for manual transport and the risk of injury caused by heavy lifting. They also allow operators adapt to their changing work flow, with customizable base structures and customizable top structures.

The basic carts consist of a single platform with casters/wheels on the lowest level and a handle mounted on one or both ends. They can be used to transport large boxes, skids crates and other material. Other types of carts consist of multiple platforms stacked on each other with space in between and a handle on either end. These carts can be used to transport small pieces and items.

Custom carts are ideal for line-side delivery and kitting operations, parts subassembly transfer operations and other unique pull behind material handling tasks that off the shelf industrial carts, trolleys or wagons aren’t a good fit for. They can be used with tugger carts, forklifts, or manually by your employees.

Stackers

Stackers are material handling machines that lift and store palletized loads. They can be found in warehouses, factories, and other industrial settings. Stackers can be powered by hand or electrically with an electric motor.

Unlike pallet jacks and pallet stackers, stackers are equipped with a pair forks which can be inserted into the openings of a pallet in order to lift it and store it at high levels of a warehouse. Stackers can be made from sturdy steel and are suitable for multiple uses.

It’s important that you maintain your stackers properly, just like any other material handling machinery. Regularly lubricate them to reduce friction and extend their lifespan. This will help to ensure the safety of your employees, and prevent any accidents. Regular inspections and cleaning of your stacker will ensure that it is in good condition.

Diana Saleem

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