Having the right equipment can make the tasks done in your warehouse safer, easier and much more efficient, improving your warehouse productivity and employee health and safety.
Yet there are many types of material handling equipment, each with their own unique uses.
For moving loads on flat surfaces you could use a pallet truck, or even a hand truck or platform truck in certain situations. For lifting loads into working position or onto shelving you would want to consider a high lift pallet truck or fork stacker. Moving drums is a special challenge that often needs specialized equipment to move safely.
So with all the options available, how do you know which one will work best for you?
We’ve highlighted some of the most important things you’ll need to consider and listed a few examples of suitable equipment to make it easier, but if you’re still not certain after reading this article, please don’t hesitate to contact us and speak to one of our experts!
What is Your Maximum Load?
It seems like a silly question to start with, but a load is not the same in every warehouse. The companies that design and build material handling equipment know this, which is why there are so many different pieces of equipment with different maximum load capabilities.
While you could always get the maximum rated piece of equipment available, this may not be necessary, or even safe and efficient. Biggest does not always mean best.
There is a wide range of equipment to handle loads of all sizes. The HeviMover Machine Roller can handle extremely heavy loads, while Douglas also carries items such as smaller hand trucks that have weight capacities as low as 200 pounds depending on your needs.
- HeviMover Machine Roller Model BC2637: This heavy-duty dolly from Wesco is made from steel with steel rollers for motion. Great for putting under the extra-large loads that need to easily slide in and out of place, the unit weighs only 52 pounds but can carry a phenomenal load of 30000 pounds. An optional steering handle is available. The unit is 6.5” by 12.75” with a height of 4.875” with 1.1875” steel rollers.
What Floor Surface Are You Moving On?
Many warehouses have a basic concrete floor, so most material handling equipment comes standard with wheels and casters that work well under these conditions.
Yet the maneuverability of your equipment will depend on whether the wheel materials are suited to the type of flooring you work on.
The general rule of thumb is to choose wheel material that is the opposite of your flooring. So hard materials on soft floors (think carpets) and soft materials on hard floors.
This hand truck comes with Mold-on rubber wheels that are suitable for hard floors, but other material options are available if you have different flooring needs:
- 900# 25T73 Hand Truck: This hand truck from Wesco is made with a frame of 1 1/4 “ tubular steel and heavy gauge steel fenders to prevent the load from rubbing against the wheels, giving it a 900 pound capacity for heavy loads. For better handling, the hand truck includes dual handles for controlling loads using both hands. Unit dimensions: Height 50”, Width 21”, Base Plate 7” X 18” with 8” mold-on rubber wheels. (Other wheel types are available)
Surface Texture
How effectively and safely your load sits on the equipment you choose will also be affected by the surface material that the load sits on.
A textured surface is generally better for lighter loads because it will prevent the load from shifting and falling off.
A smoother surface may be better suited to larger loads because it makes loading and unloading a little easier while preventing the load from shifting or slipping.
Here is a platform truck suited for loads with a tendency to slide when moved:
- Grid Deck Platform Truck: This steel construction truck from Wesco has a steel bar grating deck to prevent slippage of the load. The sturdy open grate design provides high strength and prevents the accumulation of small debris and water. A durable powder coat paint finish looks good and lasts a long time without damage. The platform truck has six casters, two 8” rigid casters in the center, and four 6” swivel end casters, providing a tilting design that allows the truck to pivot on its own radius. The truck weighs 170 pounds and has a capacity of 1750 pounds.
Specialized Loads Require Specialized Equipment
It is worth taking a moment to mention specialized loads. If, for example, you are moving drums, you’ll need equipment that can handle the unique cylindrical shape. Below is a piece of equipment that is invaluable for moving and placing drums in the warehouse.
- Drum Movers / Palletizers: These uniquely designed units from Morse can lift a drum up to 19” high and then quickly and easily move the heavy drum to and from a pallet. This unit works for drums made of rimmed steel, plastic or fiber with a minimum height of 28.5”, and has a capacity of 1000 pounds. Simply move the drum palletizer to the drum, raise the head to automatically engage the upper drum rim, then the gripper holds the drum in an upright position for you to transport.
One Place to Go for Warehouse Equipment
When you need warehouse equipment there is only one place with all the products and expert knowledge you need — Douglas Equipment. We have been in the material handling equipment business for almost 60 years and our professional service is always available to work through your different needs to find the equipment that best meets them. Contact us today with your questions and we’ll help you through the process.
