Every task requires a specific tool or piece of equipment to be completed. In any industry, there is a need for properly tailored material handling equipment. Using the right equipment for transporting heavy loads can help you save time, money, and effort.
The question arises about how we can select the right equipment for the task. There are specific instructions for choosing the proper equipment for handling in the industry or a warehouse.
In this article, you will learn more about how to select material handling equipment according to your needs. Additionally, several factors should be considered when selecting material handling and transportation equipment.
Selecting the right material handling equipment
The process of selecting material handling equipment is overwhelming. A variety of equipment is available on the market to help you handle different loads based on your needs.
Traditional Equipment
Some weightlifting equipment has been in use for a considerable period. Here is the detail:
- Forklifts are industrial trucks equipped with a two-tongued fork. Industries use these forklifts to move weights ranging from 30,000 pounds to 158,000 pounds.
- A crane is heavy-load-moving equipment with a hook at the end that can be used to lift and lower heavy loads.
- Roller conveyors are commonly used in industrial settings for moving packaged materials. These have cylinders attached to the frame that push the cartoon forward.
Modern Innovative Equipment
With advancements across every field, the weight-transporting industry has undergone many transformations.
- Manufacturers can use air casters to move heavy loads ranging from a few kilograms to 38,000 kg. An air caster uses a thin layer of compressed air to inflate the flexible torus.
- Air film movers in the industry use a thin layer of compressed air to make an air cushion. The weight is suspended between the air film and the floor. The capacity of the air film mover ranges from 10 to 1000 tons.
- Battery-powered machines, such as skates used across industries, use lithium-ion batteries to move heavy loads. The capacity ranges from 10 to 100 tons.
Supplementary Types
- Hydraulic jacks control hydrostatic pressure to produce mechanical force by compressing hydraulic fluid.
- Slide systems in material handling equipment use hydraulic cylinders to move heavy loads.
Factors to be Considered: Material Handling Equipment
Load Capacity and Weight
- The user must properly assess the object’s weight before using the appropriate equipment.
- The manufacturer must identify the type of material they are transporting —gas, liquid, or solid.
- For moving loads from 1000 kg to 10,000 kg, outside cranes and forklifts can be used.
- In an indoor setup, air casters or air skates are better options for moving loads.
Surface and Environmental Conditions
Once the manufacturer has made the decision, they consider the material and weight of the object. The next step is to evaluate the floor surface and environmental conditions.
- Air bearings can rotate 360 degrees, allowing them to be used in closed and constricted areas.
- If the floor surface is smooth and finished, using air casters and air film movers is inappropriate.
- Battery-powered machine skates can be used in outdoor operations.
- Cranes and forklifts can move tons of loads, but require sufficient space for operation.
Operational Convenience
The convenience of the MHE in its operations stems from its design, which is customized to enhance efficiency and safety.
- It should be able to automate repetitive work and reduce the number of workers.
- It should promptly and accurately move materials using the manufacturer’s equipment.
- An example of this is a smooth surface of an air caster with a uniform supply of compressed air.
Cost and Maintenance
The cost of the material handling equipment is the primary factor to consider when selecting the appropriate equipment.
- The equipment that delivers excellent efficiency and higher load-handling capacity is costly.
- If the material-handling equipment has a higher initial cost and requires regular maintenance, it will increase the project’s cost.
- The manufacturer must look for a budget-friendly option and take care of their equipment to avoid wear and tear.
Safety and Compliance
- Using equipment with a capacity equal to the load will reduce the risk of workplace injury to a minimum.
- The ergonomic safety of the workers has been maintained by using the air casters and air film movers.
- Modern equipment includes load sensors and emergency alarms.
Finer Provides Safe and Reliable Material Handling Equipment
- Finer involves pneumatic systems that form an air film between the load and the floor to move heavy loads.
- All products, such as air casters and machine skates, are certified by CE and SGS to meet international standards.
- The company offers customizable services through OEM/ODM, enabling it to design specific equipment.
- Contact us at Finer Lifting Tools for getting the best solutions for your load-moving problems.