Sunday 4 August 2013

Material Handling Equipment: Forklifts and Pallet Jacks

In several industries including construction businesses, retail settings and warehousing operations, there is a great need for several different tools and equipment. The equipment involved focuses mainly on material handling and distribution. Without these, the aforementioned industries will have a hard time at functioning right and gaining productive end results.

There is a great variety in the equipment used for the processes of material handling. From small pallet jacks to huge conveyor systems, these implements practically differ greatly in sizes, shapes and functions. However, what brings them together in the same category is the fact that they are made and used in order to reduce the human strain in the material distribution operations that mostly include items of massive sizes and quantities. Considering what they help achieve, it would be hard to imagine these processes being executed without them. In fact, it can be said that it will be impossible to finish even half a shift’s work in one day if only physical force are used by the workers. This clearly establishes the importance of the industrial equipment today and it is for certain that continuous work will be put onto the efforts of advancements to make industrial processes easier.

Two of the most common equipment in a warehouse setting are pallet jacks and forklifts. Here is an overview of each of them

Forklifts


Forklifts belong in the industrial trucks category of material habdling equipment. Though associated with the term truck, the forklift is nowhere near the size of the average truck. Of course, this bids well for them as they need to fit into the tight aisles of the warehousing facilities so that the materials therein can be picked up and moved from point A to point B in an efficient manner. While high-quality is an important aspect to secure in this equipment, but cheap forklifts are fundamentally made available in many places today. Manufacturers stay relevant to old and new clients through an array of available options in acquiring cheap forklifts. Subsequently, used forklifts are sold in contrast with new forklifts. Then, there is also the available option of forklift hire.

Pallet Jacks

Pallet Jacks are known by man names including pump trucks, pallet trucks, and jiggers. Essentially, these are the more basic forms of forklifts as they are used to move pallets. Just like the forklifts, they have forks that are lowered and raised to conduct the lifting action. New pallet jacks are commonly preferred since they give the better support for lifting loads. The operations are made more efficient and easier, especially with the new pallet jacks having much better versatility, strength and maneuverability. Pallet jacks come in two different types which are manual pallet jacks and power pallet jacks.

If you are planning to get involved in any industry where there will be a lot of lifting and moving heavy loads, you should definitely learn more about the other types of material handling equipment.  Forklifts and pallet jacks are only two of a much larger scope.

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