What Are the Advantages of material handling equipment？

In busy warehouses and distribution centers, maintaining an effective layout and workflow is crucial to enhancing productivity and staying competitive in the market. Fortunately, strategic facility operators have access to a wide range of material handling equipment and design strategies to optimize dock-to-stock cycle times, improve order-picking capacity, reduce product damage, enhance safety, and boost fill rates and on-time shipments.

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This blog will provide a comprehensive overview of the different types of material handling and storage equipment along with its advantages for your business.

What Is Material Handling?

According to MHEDA, the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association, material handling is defined as "the movement, protection, storage, and control of materials and products throughout manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, consumption, and disposal.” Eastern Lift Truck Co. has proudly been part of MHEDA since its inception and is recognized as a MHEDA MVP (Most Valuable Partner).

Types of Material Handling Equipment

Material handling equipment can be categorized into three primary types that facilitate the movement and storage of resources, materials, and goods.

1. Powered Industrial Trucks

Among the most recognizable material handling equipment are powered industrial trucks, commonly referred to as forklifts or lift trucks. Having been utilized for over a century, lift trucks come in a wide variety of types with capacities ranging from a few hundred to over one hundred thousand pounds.

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) defines powered industrial trucks as vehicles used to "move, raise, lower, or remove large objects or a number of smaller objects on pallets or in boxes, crates, or other containers.” These trucks are utilized across various industries, primarily for the movement of raw or finished materials.

Examples of powered industrial trucks include:

• Electric Sit-down Rider: Powered by lead-acid, lithium-ion, or hydrogen fuel cell.
• Electric Narrow Aisle: Includes single and deep reach trucks, and order selectors.
• Electric Pallet Trucks: Comes in walk-behind or ride-on versions, designed for moving pallets.
• Very Narrow Aisle Trucks: Includes turret, articulated mast, side-loader, and 4-directional trucks.
• Internal Combustion Solid Tire: Suited for indoor operations with a wide range of capacities.
• Internal Combustion Pneumatic Tire: Designed for outdoor operations with many capacities available.

Alongside powered industrial trucks, other material handling equipment types that support warehouse operations include:

• Robotic Forklifts: These robots can switch from traditional operator control to automated control, used for moving pallets.
• Layer Pickers: Advanced attachments for forklifts that enable quick assembly of diverse products on one pallet.
• Tuggers: Also known as tow tractors which are typically used with multiple trailers.
• Rough Terrain Forklifts: Usually 4WD, equipped with fixed or telescopic masts, designed for outdoor usage.
• Personnel and Burden Carriers: Vehicles tailored for transporting people or light loads.
• Mobile Elevated Work Platforms: Aerial lifts that include scissors and boom lifts.
• Utility Work and Low-Speed Vehicles: Such as UTVs and electric work vehicles.

2. Storage and Handling Equipment

Storage and handling equipment is essential for securing goods during storage and prior to transit. This equipment protects materials for any duration of time. Examples include:

• Pallet Rack: Various configurations like selective, push-back, cantilevered, and drive-thru.
• Wire Partitions and Cages: offer security for sensitive products.
• Mezzanines and Work Platforms: To utilize unused vertical space.
• Shelving and Bins: For better organization of smaller products.
• Packaging Equipment: Such as shrink and stretch wrapping machines.
• Workstations: Enhance ergonomic benefits for workers.
• Guarding Equipment: Includes guardrails and barriers for safety.

3. Engineered Systems & Automation

Engineered systems, or automated solutions, employ robotic and computer-operated technology to transport and store goods. Examples consist of:

• Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs): Utilize laser navigation to move independently through facilities.
• Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs): Follow predefined paths using magnetic tape or laser paths.
• Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems (AS/RS): Computer-controlled systems that deposit and retrieve goods within warehouses.
• Robotic Cells: For repetitive tasks like palletizing.
• Parts on Demand: AMRs that deliver assembly parts directly to production lines.
• Integrated Conveyance Systems: For sorting and accumulation.

Benefits of Material Handling Equipment

Implementing effective material handling equipment yields numerous advantages tied to productivity, product quality, and customer service. Below are the benefits:

1. Increased Productivity and Workflow

One of the foremost benefits of material handling equipment is its potential to enhance productivity significantly. In order to remain competitive within the manufacturing sector, optimizing these capabilities is essential.

Material handling equipment bolsters the efficiency of floor staff. Whether through automation or manual use, it allows workers to be more productive. Well-equipped staff are less likely to experience fatigue, and proper training reduces mistakes and incidents, improving overall productivity.

2. Reduced Operational Costs

The utilization of material handling equipment serves as an effective method for lowering operational expenses. While the initial investment may be high, gains in productivity can offset those costs. The right equipment also leads to fewer personnel needed for certain tasks, allowing reallocation of staff to more critical roles.

3. Improved Customer Service

When used correctly, material handling equipment improves on-time deliverables to customers. Satisfied customers tend to become repeat buyers, contributing to a positive referral circle.

4. Enhanced Worker Satisfaction and Employee Attraction

As material handling can be physically demanding, this might lead to worker fatigue and dissatisfaction. Streamlined workflows create better working conditions and help in attracting and retaining employees.

Having the necessary tools boosts employee confidence, which often translates to higher-quality work and improved morale.

5. Decreased Risk of Damage and Injury

In addition to increasing productivity, the proper equipment reduces injury and error risks. With appropriate training and tools, the chances of product damage and material loss diminish.

Explore Our Range of Material Handling Equipment

Eastern Lift Truck Co., Inc. offers an extensive selection of forklifts and material handling equipment for lease, purchase, or rental. With over 50 years in business, we continuously find innovative ways to expand our product line and services to provide customers with optimal material handling solutions.