When you think about material handling equipment for heavy loads you probably think about a forklift, and why not? It’s one of the most common tools for moving heavy loads, but it’s important to remember that it isn’t your only option. Douglas Equipment have been in the material handling equipment business for almost 60 years and our dedicated service team is always here to help you with any questions you may have when it comes to selecting the right equipment to move your heavy loads.
Forklifts
Forklifts are used in many heavy lifting applications, and are probably the first warehouse tool that many people think of. They can lift much heavier loads than many other pieces of equipment, and can lift skid and pallet loads onto much higher shelves than many other tools. And while they’re quite versatile, they still have some drawbacks.
The first is cost, both with the initial outlay and the continued cost of fuel. Another disadvantage can be size. If you have limited space a forklift may not be your best option because you may find it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces. You’ll also need to consider how and where you’re going to store the propane, natural gas, or other fuel that you’ll need to keep the forklift operational. Storing flammable/explosive materials means you’ll have to adhere to OSHA’s guidelines.
Pallet Trucks
If you are moving heavy loads that do not need to be lifted in place, then you will want to consider a pallet truck for this application. These sturdy movers are designed to transport large loads from one place to another without lifting onto shelving, and are available in both manual operated, and electric motor assisted models depending on your needs.
Since we are talking about extra large loads it might not be as easy as you first think to move and maneuver these loads with a manually operated pallet truck, so there are also models available that incorporate a rechargeable electronic motor to aid in walking with the pallet truck.
- Light Duty Powered Walkie Pallet Truck: This 27 X 48 electric pallet truck has a steel construction and includes a large rechargeable electric unit that moves the unit while the operator walks behind manually steering the unit. Dimensions are Width 26.5”, Height 57.5”, Depth 65.5” and a capacity of 3,300 pounds. The unit weighs 672 pounds with 10” polyurethane steering wheels. A 21” X 48” sized pallet truck is also available.
- Heavy Duty Powered Walkie Pallet Truck: This 27 X 48 electric pallet truck also is constructed out of steel and features a large rechargeable electric unit that moves the unit while the operator manually steers the unit. Dimensions are Width 26.5”, Height 59”, Depth 73.75” and a capacity of 4,400 pounds. The unit weighs 1,370 pounds with 10” polyurethane steering wheels. Options are available that include a 21” X 48” size pallet truck as well.
High Lift Pallet Trucks and Hydraulic Lift Stackers
Unless you are an extremely small operation, it’s more than likely that you’ll need to lift some loads in your warehouse. But sometimes a forklift is just too big to fit into the spaces needed to properly maneuver and store a pallet. Unless you are stacking onto shelves that are excessively tall, a forklift truck is not necessarily a requirement for the job. There are other lifting devices you can use effectively.
For stacking onto lower shelves there are several hydraulic lift stacker and pallet truck options available. An additional benefit of these devices is that they are much smaller than forklift trucks and can therefore fit into much smaller spaces when maneuvering and lifting loads on pallets or skids into place onto shelving (pallets have closed bottoms while skids are opened at the bottom). Some models that you might consider for these applications are:
- Powered Telescoping Fork Stacker: This stacker is made for lifting heavy loads onto shelving, and is almost like a small walk-behind forklift. Dimensions are Width 48”, Height 87.5”, Depth 68”. It has a steel frame and can lift capacities of up to 2,000 pounds over 10 feet. The stacker weighs 1,230 pounds and incorporates 8” nylon drive wheels and 6” nylon casters at the front.
- Electric High Lift Pallet Truck: This 27 X 45 pallet truck incorporates an electric scissor lift that allows you to raise the skid load onto a low shelf, or simply into working position. It’s 27” wide, 48.5” wide, and 60” deep. It has a maximum capacity of 2,200 pounds, weighs 373 pounds and incorporates 6” mold-on polyurethane wheels.
- Pallet Truck Stacker: This truck includes a narrow mast for tighter areas, but can stack a skid on a much higher shelf than most pallet trucks. It’s 26.5” wide, 78.5” high, 65” deep and has a maximum capacity of 2,200 pounds. The unit weighs 1,036 pounds with a steel construction and 10” polyurethane steering wheels.
Get Help Choosing the Equipment that Best Meets Your Needs
If you’re not sure which piece of equipment will best meet your needs, contact us today! We’re here to answer any questions you may have and help you select equipment that meets your operational and budgetary needs.
