All about the Equipment for Material Handling

The term material handling is associated with the distribution and manufacturing industry as well as some others that relate to a process of moving, storing, controlling and protecting materials. Actually, apart from materials, it can also involve goods and other products and the material handling process can be of varying nature such as consumption, retail or disposal. With that, you would realize that there is a broad range as to what the term entails. In that respect, however, the idea of the process remains the same, whereas, the focus can be directed on the systems and equipment used to achieve the function within a warehouse setting.

What is Material Handling Equipment?

While most people would probably know what the examples of this equipment are, you might not have a clear definition of them. Straightforwardly, these can be defined through the very definition of material handling. It is the equipment concerned in the process of moving, storing, controlling and protecting materials. These are mechanical implements that work for the efficient and orderly execution of the processes within the warehouse operations.  There are actually four categories in which the equipment can be divided into. These are engineered systems, industrial trucks, storage & handling equipment and bulk material handling.

• Engineered Systems – refer to the material handling systems that are commonly pre-engineered to serve for the specific needs of the material handling operations to use them. Some examples would be conveyor systems as well as handling robots. Generally, these are automated material handling systems that integrate various products into one comprehensive system. 

• Industrial trucks – These are perhaps the most commonly known material handling equipment.  They are commonly referred to as motorize warehouse vehicles. While the varying types commonly has the same purpose, most differ in the way they are powered – by gasoline, diesel, Propane or electrically. They can be seen as the simplest but these industrial trucks are highly appreciated for being one of the most versatile material handling equipment there is with the forklift truck as the primary example. Others include tow tractors and stock chasers. Their versatility is derived from the variety of materials from which they are made and the many attachments that are available for them.

• Storage and handling equipment – These are practically the most basic needs in the material handling industry, comprised of the non-automated elements in the material handling processes. Included here are the pallet racks, carts and shelving.

• Bulk material handling – This takes in the material handling equipment meant for handling materials in great quantity. Used to carry and move ores, crops, liquids and others as such, these are commonly seen used in environments such as mines, shipyards and farms. 

While these are the four main categories, there are other forms that can be easily considered as specific forms of material handling equipment. Being acquainted with all of them will be to your benefit since it will help you discover a lot of other potential material handling systems that can fit your specific needs in your business.