Choosing The Right Material Handling Equipment

There are many options when it comes to buying material handling equipment, from fully automated storage and retrieval systems for expansive warehouses to simple hand trucks for small and light loads. Choosing the right equipment ensures that you are able to more efficiently handle the internal logistics of your warehouse or storage facility, without having to pay more than is necessary. Consider the type and amount of materials you move, how often and how far they need to be moved, and the skills and requirements of those that will be moving the materials, as well as the layout of your facility.

Storage Equipment

Storage equipment, as the name suggests, is used primarily for storing materials when they are not being used, or during downtime. Shelves, racks, containers, and pallets are among some of the most common forms of storage equipment, but these can take a variety of shapes and sizes. As well as considering the materials that will be placed within the storage equipment, also consider the equipment that you will be using to move the materials.

Engineered Systems

Engineered systems are typically automated and, as well as offering storage, they also handle the movement and transport of materials. Mechanised cherry pickers and other retrieval machinery is normally used to automatically collect materials from racks and aisles. This type of machinery is more expensive, but it can greatly reduce the ongoing costs associated with warehousing and storage facilities.

Trucks

Trucks, which can include both manual and mechanical trucks, are used to move materials around. There are many different types of truck available, and most are designed to move specific types or certain types of material around. Trucks may or may not include a surface for raising and lowering, and those that do include this facility like lift tables from European Handling Equipment Limitedmay be referred to as loading trucks, while those that do not provide this feature are usually only used for moving materials.

Bulk Material Handling Equipment

Bulk material handling equipment is specialist equipment that is used to move around large volumes of loose products. This group of machinery can refer to items that are used for storage, moving, and handling, so can include items like conveyors as well as silos and drums. Automated systems are also available that can deal with all aspects of the moving and storage of loose materials, while specialist items like grain elevators are designed with a very specific use in mind.

The range of material handling equipment available means that you can choose machinery and products that can be incorporated into an existing system, or you can refurbish a warehouse or storage facility around the equipment that you buy. Whether you need a single trolley to move a few items or something that will automate the whole movement and storage process, you can reduce workload, minimise costs, and maximise efficiency within your business.