Types of Material Transport Equipment
Material transport equipment refers to a variety of machines and tools used to move, lift, and transport materials in warehouses, distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, construction sites and other work environments. Choosing the right type of equipment for a particular application depends on factors like the weight and dimensions of the load, distance it needs to be moved, workspace layout and terrain.
Conveyors
Conveyors are continuous moving systems that transport items from one location to another using belting, rollers, wheels and other methods. Common types of conveyors include:
- Belt conveyors - Use rubber or fabric belts running over pulleys to move boxes, products, luggage and other items.
- Roller conveyors - Use gravity and a series of cylindrical rollers to move lighter loads.
- Wheel conveyors - Similar to roller conveyors but use wheels instead of cylindrical rollers.
- Overhead conveyors - Suspended from the ceiling to conserve floor space.
Cranes
Cranes utilize hoists and cables to lift, lower and move suspended heavy loads both vertically and horizontally. Different types include:
- Bridge cranes - Span over an area on rigid overhead beams.
- Gantry cranes - Similar to bridge cranes but mounted on legs that move on wheels.
- Tower cranes - Fixed to the ground with a horizontal boom.
- Loader cranes - Mounted on mobile platforms like trucks.
Forklifts
Forklifts, also called lift trucks, use two horizontal prongs or forks to lift, stack and move pallets, containers and other cargo. Electric and internal combustion engine powered models are available.
Pallet Jacks
Pallet jacks are hand-powered trucks used to lift and transport pallets. Operators pump a lever to raise the forks off the ground then steer the jack.
Hand Trucks
Hand trucks, or two-wheelers, have a small metal plate and handle that allows a single operator to manually lift and move boxes, crates, cylinders and other objects.
Hoists
Hoists are suspended lifting machines that use chains, cables or ropes to raise and lower equipment, parts and bulk materials vertically. They are often mounted to overhead beams in factories and warehouses.
Lift Tables
Lift tables utilize hydraulic lifts to raise or lower a platform for loading, unloading and transferring materials at an ergonomic working height. They are commonly used with pallet jacks and conveyors.
There are many types of material transport equipment to improve efficiency and safety in handling loads. Selecting the right solution depends on the application requirements, budget and work environment layout.
Key Factors When Selecting Material Transport Equipment
Choosing the right material handling equipment for an application depends on several important factors. Carefully evaluating operational requirements and work environment constraints helps identify the optimal solutions.
Load Weight and Size
The dimensions and weight capacity needed are primary considerations. For example, a hand pallet jack can lift up to 5,500 lbs, while an electric pallet jack may handle up to 15,000 lbs. Forklifts range from 3,000 to over 100,000 lbs capacity.
Environment and Conditions
- Is it for indoor or outdoor use?
- Will it be exposed to dust, moisture or temperature extremes?
- Is the area hazardous or explosive?
A forklift with sealed components may be preferred in dusty conditions. Explosion proof electric models are available for hazardous locations.
Distance and Elevation
How far and high does the load need to move? Conveyors efficiently transport items long horizontal distances. Hoists and cranes can raise materials stories up to overhead work areas.
Budget
Equipment costs range widely based on type, size and features. Pallet jacks start around $200. Electric sit-down forklifts average $25,000. Larger cranes exceed $100,000.
Operator Skill Level
Does the application need an experienced operator or is minimal training preferred? Pallet jacks are very easy to use. Hoists require skilled engineers. Scissor lifts fall in the middle.
Frequency of Use
How often will the equipment be used? Enough to justify purchasing instead of renting? Infrequently used machines may be better rented.
Safety Requirements
Evaluation of hazards like pedestrians, narrow aisles, and overhead obstructions helps determine safety features needed. Speed limiters, proximity sensors, and cameras can help prevent accidents.
Carefully weighing all these factors will lead to selecting the optimal material handling equipment that maximizes efficiency and safety.
Load Weight and Size
Evaluating the dimensions and weight capacity requirements of the loads to be handled is crucial in determining the appropriate type of material transport equipment needed for an application.
Load Weight
The equipment must be rated to safely lift and support the maximum expected load weight. Exceeding capacity can damage the equipment or cause dangerous failures.
- Hand pallet jacks typically handle up to 5,500 lbs
- Walkie stackers lift up to 5,000 lbs
- Electric pallet jacks range from 2,200 to 15,000 lbs capacity
- Reach trucks max out around 5,000 lbs
- Counterbalance forklifts start around 3,000 lbs up to over 100,000 lbs capacity
Load Size and Dimensions
The equipment has to be designed to properly handle the size of the load. Important measurements include:
- Fork or platform length, width, and thickness
- Overhead guard height clearance
- Aisle width needs
- Turning radius
- Mast height
For example, a sit-down counterbalance forklift may be preferred for a long bulky load instead of a narrow aisle reach truck.
Evaluate Both Weight and Dimensions
Selecting equipment based solely on weight capacity can be problematic if dimensions are improper. A 10,000 lb capacity forklift with short forks can't lift a 6,000 lb load that is long and wide.
Accurately determining the maximum load weight and size requirements is essential to identify the right material handling equipment for the application.
Environment and Conditions
The work environment and conditions where material handling equipment will operate is a key factor to consider in the selection process. The right type of equipment can improve safety and productivity for the unique requirements of the application space.
Indoor vs. Outdoor
Will the equipment be used primarily indoors in a warehouse or outdoors in a shipping yard?
- Indoor electric forklifts may not be suitable for outdoor use in rain and snow.
- Pneumatic tire forklifts designed for outdoor rugged terrain can be overkill indoors.
Temperature Extremes
What is the expected ambient temperature range?
- Heated and refrigerated units are available for freezer environments.
- Electric forklifts may need climate control for sensitive electronics.
Dust and Dirt
Is it a clean or dirty environment?
- Sealed electric motors and enclosed cabins can reduce dust infiltration.
- Special coatings protect surfaces against corrosion.
Chemical Exposure
Will caustic chemicals or oils be present?
- Stainless steel resists corrosion from chemicals.
- Explosion proof electric models are designed for hazardous locations.
Evaluating the expected work conditions and selecting suitable equipment engineered for that environment improves safety and longevity.
Distance and Elevation
The required movement distance and lift heights are important considerations when choosing material handling equipment. Selecting tools engineered for the expected range of motion and elevation needs can optimize efficiency.
Horizontal Distance
How far does the load need to travel horizontally? A few feet or across a warehouse?
- Pallet jacks and hand trucks work for short transfers under 50 feet.
- Walkie stackers easily maneuver up to 500 feet.
- Conveyors efficiently move items hundreds of feet.
Vertical Height
What overhead clearance or lift height is needed? Ground level or multiple stories up?
- Scissor lifts provide up to 30 feet of platform elevation.
- Telehandlers can reach up to 55 feet.
- Cranes hoist items over 100 feet in the air.
Combined Distance and Height
In some cases, substantial vertical and horizontal travel is required.
- Articulating boom lifts combine height and reach.
- Some automated storage and retrieval systems span 50 feet high and 200 feet across.
Analyzing the expected movement range in all dimensions ensures the selected equipment can efficiently access the necessary pickup and deposit points.
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Operator Skill Level
The required training and experience level of the operator is an important consideration when selecting material handling equipment. Matching the equipment with operator capabilities helps ensure safe and productive operation.
Minimal Training Required
Some equipment like hand pallet jacks and lift tables are very simple to operate with little to no training required. They may be preferred for intermittent use by multiple employees.
Moderate Training
Reach trucks, order pickers, and counterbalanced forklifts need professional instruction but operators can become proficient within days to weeks of training.
Substantial Training
Equipment like large cranes, boom lifts, and automated storage and retrieval systems can take months to become fully skilled at safely operating. Dedicated trained operators are needed.
Specialized Skills
Certain tools require specialized operator knowledge:
- Hoists - Rigging and load balancing skills.
- Telehandlers - Understanding center of mass dynamics.
- Industrial robots - Programming ability.
Operator Certification
Training and certification testing may be mandatory for some equipment like forklifts and cranes. Operators need to pass practical testing to earn a certificate or license.
Evaluating the operator skill level needed and ensuring adequate training helps maintain safe material handling practices.
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Frequency of Use
How often equipment will be utilized is an important factor when determining whether to purchase or rent material handling solutions.
Occasional Use
For infrequent tasks like annual facility maintenance:
- Renting is preferred over purchasing specialized equipment.
- Saves on acquisition costs for tools only used several days a year.
- No maintenance or storage expenses.
Intermittent Use
For sporadic daily use like loading trucks 2-3 times per day:
- Renting allows matching equipment only when needed instead of full time.
- More cost effective than purchasing if used less than 50% of work hours.
Frequent Use
For constant daily material handling like in a distribution center:
- Owning equipment is better for reliable access whenever required.
- Eliminates recurring rental costs over many years of operation.
- Readily available onsite instead of waiting for rental deliveries.
Analyzing expected equipment usage patterns and lead times optimizes acquisition decisions.
How to use your Amazon Prime to buy Material Transport Equipment
Amazon Prime provides fast, free shipping on over 10 million eligible items. This makes it a convenient option for purchasing smaller material handling equipment for your warehouse or facility. Here are some tips for buying material transport tools on Amazon:
Search for Eligible Prime Items
Use keywords like "material handling equipment" or "warehouse equipment" to find Prime eligible products. Look for the Prime tag to confirm free 2-day shipping. Search within specific categories like "Pallet Jacks" or "Hand Trucks" to quickly find relevant options.
Compare Prices and Reviews
Browse and compare different brand models and prices conveniently in one place. Check the customer reviews and star ratings to evaluate real-world performance feedback. Sort by average customer review to see the highest rated versions first.
Consider Dimensions and Weight
Note the product dimensions and weight to ensure it will fit your needs and be feasible to receive via normal package delivery. Larger benchtop lifts and small electric pallet jacks may ship disassembled. Heavier floor jacks generally require freight shipping which involves extra charges and coordination.
Verify Warranty Coverage
Check that the Amazon listing states at least a 1 year warranty provided by the manufacturer. This protects against defects. Consider extended 3-5 year warranties for more coverage especially for electric powered models which have more components to potentially fail.
Select Fast Prime Delivery
On the checkout page, choose free 2-day Prime delivery to get your warehouse equipment rapidly. Free standard shipping may take 5-7 days. Or pay extra for next day delivery if you need something urgently.
With its massive selection and fast, free Prime shipping, Amazon is a convenient option for procuring a variety of smaller material handling equipment like hand trucks, jacks, hoists, and lifts for your facility.
How Material Transport Equipment Can Improve Your Business Efficiency?
Material transport equipment can improve your business efficiency in several ways, as outlined below:
- Increased productivity: Material handling solutions can improve efficiency and productivity in countless ways. By reducing the number of people it takes to do tasks such as sorting, picking, transporting, and shipping, you can speed things up and save money.
- Reduced labor costs: People are expensive and slow. Anything you can do to reduce the number of people it takes to do tasks will save money.
- Improved safety: Moving large quantities of material manually is rough on employees. Solutions such as lift trucks and conveyors take the burden off your people and prevent the risks of health problems related to over-exertion or repetitive motions. The right approach to material handling improves the safety of your crew and reduces the number of work-related injuries, which is good for you and your staff.
- Better inventory management: The ideal system will help assure accuracy and control. When inventory is at the right place at the right time, there’s less chance of searching for misplaced items, accidents, or damaged product.
- Streamlined workflow: Flexible and efficient systems have the ability to address and alleviate issues of traffic intensity, staging congestion, the hassle of re-routing, and more. Choosing material handling equipment like conveyors, dock lifts and levelers, pallet positioners, scissor lifts, tilt tables make work easier and can reduce the number of workers needed to perform a task.
- Increased storage capacity: Material handling equipment can help you make the most of your storage space, allowing you to store more products in less space.
- Reduced product damage: Material handling equipment can help reduce the risk of product damage during handling and transportation, which can save you money in the long run.
What Are Some Common Types Of Material Handling Equipment?
Material transport equipment can improve your business efficiency in several ways, as outlined below:
- Increased productivity: Material handling solutions can improve efficiency and productivity in countless ways. By reducing the number of people it takes to do tasks such as sorting, picking, transporting, and shipping, you can speed things up and save money.
- Reduced labor costs: People are expensive and slow. Anything you can do to reduce the number of people it takes to do tasks will save money.
- Improved safety: Moving large quantities of material manually is rough on employees. Solutions such as lift trucks and conveyors take the burden off your people and prevent the risks of health problems related to over-exertion or repetitive motions. The right approach to material handling improves the safety of your crew and reduces the number of work-related injuries, which is good for you and your staff.
- Better inventory management: The ideal system will help assure accuracy and control. When inventory is at the right place at the right time, there’s less chance of searching for misplaced items, accidents, or damaged product.
- Streamlined workflow: Flexible and efficient systems have the ability to address and alleviate issues of traffic intensity, staging congestion, the hassle of re-routing, and more. Choosing material handling equipment like conveyors, dock lifts and levelers, pallet positioners, scissor lifts, tilt tables make work easier and can reduce the number of workers needed to perform a task.
- Increased storage capacity: Material handling equipment can help you make the most of your storage space, allowing you to store more products in less space.
- Reduced product damage: Material handling equipment can help reduce the risk of product damage during handling and transportation, which can save you money in the long run.
