Material handling equipment safely moves and stores goods within a warehouse or transportation facility. This equipment includes forklifts, conveyor belts, pallet jacks, and other similar machinery.
Forklifts are used to lift and move heavy items. They operate using hydraulic systems and are capable of lifting heavy loads to great heights.
Conveyor belts use a series of belts and rollers to move goods from one location to another within a warehouse.
Pallet jacks are a more compact type of material handling equipment used to move pallets of goods. These machines are often used in areas where forklifts can’t operate due to space limitations.
The use of material handling equipment is vital to transportation and logistics as it allows for the efficient and safe transportation of goods from one location to another. Installing GPS tracking on material handling equipment can offer enhanced visibility to decrease operational costs and increase productivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in material handling equipment?
Material handling equipment consists of a wide range of tools, vehicles, and machinery used to move, store, and transport materials in a manufacturing or distribution environment. Common examples include conveyors, forklifts, pallet jacks, cranes, hoists, and automated guided vehicles. The type of equipment used depends on the nature of the materials being handled, the distance they need to be moved, and the quantity of materials being handled.
What are the four main groups for material handling equipment?
The four main groups of material handling equipment are storage and handling equipment, engineered systems, industrial trucks, and bulk material handling equipment.
Storage and handling equipment includes shelves, racks, and bins. Engineered systems involve conveyor systems, automated storage and retrieval systems, and robotic systems. Industrial trucks include forklifts, pallet jacks, and tow motors. Bulk material handling equipment includes hoppers, silos, and conveyors that are used to move large quantities of materials.
With GPS tracking installed on industrial trucks, businesses can optimize utilization and ensure asset safety and security.
What is an example of material handling?
Material handling involves the movement, storage, and control of materials in a manufacturing, distribution, or warehouse setting. An example of material handling is the use of conveyor systems to transport goods from one location to another in a production line. Forklifts and pallet jacks are also commonly used for the movement and storage of materials in a warehouse.
What are the materials handling equipment in the US?
Materials handling equipment in the US include forklifts, conveyors, pallet jacks, cranes, hoists, and automated guided vehicles. These machines help move, store, and transport materials within factories, warehouses, and distribution centers. With the increasing emphasis on efficiency and productivity, these equipment have become essential for businesses to remain competitive in the global market. Many businesses are also adding GPS tracking to this equipment to better monitor and manage its use and also support safety and security.