Material handling equipment is used to move, store, or ship items efficiently. Conveyor systems reduce the effort it takes to move heavy or bulky materials from one location to another. Shelving and storage racks help to keep tools, materials, and supplies organized and accessible in commercial and industrial facilities. Dollies and movers reduce effort when moving heavy industrial equipment and office furniture. Carts and trucks are used to push, lift, and position bulky or cumbersome items. Hoisting and lifting equipment and hardware can help reduce injuries when raising heavy items.
Hoisting Equipment
Hoisting equipment uses a system of pulleys and chains or rope to lift and transport heavy loads. Electric hoists use an electrical motor to lift heavy loads with the push of a button. Air chain hoists are powered by compressed air for applications where electricity is either unavailable or not suitable for the task. Manual hoists allow a single person to lift loads with no need for motors or a power supply of any kind. Radio remote controls and accessories enhance and maintain hoist functioning.
Conveyors and Components
Conveyors move loads along a path and reduce the effort it takes to move them from one place to another in industrial applications. Skate wheel conveyors require minimal force or slope for moving light loads and maintain the orientation of loads as they travel around the conveyors’ curves. Roller conveyors can move light to heavy loads and support loads with rimmed or uneven bottoms. Ball transfer conveyors let loads move in all directions on the conveyor. They are often installed at points along a conveyor line where loads need to change direction, move to an adjacent conveyor, or be rotated or positioned during conveying. Belt conveyors keep the position of conveyed items stable as they move, are less likely to jostle or bump fragile items than other types of conveyors, and can support irregularly shaped items. Conveyor support stands, conveyor hardware, conveyor brushes, and conveyor guides are used to install conveyors, support conveyors, and direct material flow on conveyors.
Caster and Wheels
Casters and wheels are used on equipment such as furniture, machinery, or carts to allow the equipment to roll when it needs to be moved or repositioned. They reduce the effort it takes to move the equipment. Casters each have a wheel that is mounted on an axle and connected to a plate, stem, or other mounting assembly that attaches to the equipment. Wheels have a hole in the center and mount onto the axles or spindles of casters, wheelbarrows, and other material-handling equipment.
Resources : Hamilton, Caster and Wheels
Pallet Trucks and Pallet Moving Equipment
Pallet trucks and pallet moving equipment have a flat surface and some sort of lifting mechanism. They are used to lift and move stacked or heavily loaded pallets throughout a facility. Pallet jacks, also known as pallet trucks, feature long forks to support pallets from underneath, and have wheels, handles, and hydraulic or electric lift capabilities that allow users to move pallets with little effort. Pallet lifters and tilters use a fork design to maneuver crates, pallets and boxes into working position. Pallet positioners and level loaders have a flat table-like surface that raises, lowers, tilts, and rotates freight.
Lifting equipment raises and positions freight for access, loading, and storage. Lifting tables, pallet positioners, and level loaders position freight at an ergonomic height for packing or assembly jobs. Material lifts move heavy loads on the loading dock, in the warehouse, and at the jobsite. Pallet lifters and tilters maneuver crates, pallets and boxes into a working position. Cylinder lift trucks move cylinders into place on a welder.