Sunday, 21 July 2013

Find the Best Pallet Jacks that Work for Your Advantage

A pallet jack is industrial equipment for material handling processes. It can also be referred to as a pump truck, pallet pump pallet truck or simply, jigger. Regardless of what it is called though, the purpose is the same; to lift and move pallets within an industrial facility.

These are highly essential for the operations of a warehousing or material distribution center. This is why it is vital to get the best quality pallet jacks. Still, associated with buying the equipment is the goal to save as much as possible. Hence, the good quality but cheap pallet jacks are the prospect for every operations manager of an industrial facility. Fortunately, manufacturers have always been eager to provide high quality pallet jacks with competitive prices. Particularly in Sydney, there are several trustworthy sources that provide exactly what the warehousing facilities in the area require. The pallet jacks Sydney are practically some of the most reliable pallet jacks in the market place today. With all the available options though, one might find it somewhat of a hard task to choose what pallet jacks to buy.

With the wide range of choices, there are also more than one means of determining which ones to buy. In choosing the brand, it is probably best to go with the most prominent ones since they are undoubtedly more able to provide the pallet jacks with the most quality. It might not be expected though that they will have cheap pallet jacks. Still, they are bound to have reasonable offers that will cater to one’s needs. Regardless of the pricing however, the recognized brands are identified with outstanding pallet jacks, ones that have durable and lasting components.  These are specifically designed to perform well on industrial mechanical processes.

Now, when one puts the brand out of the way, they can simply consider what type of pallet jacks can serve well for their operations. For that, here are some of the commonly used pallet jacks Sydney has.

•    Low height pallet jacks (CHEP pallets) – these have the unique capability of shifting low pallets or other loads even with restricted ground clearance. They make for a faster and easier movement.

•     Stainless and galvanized pallet jacks – the main asset of this type is that it is specifically meant to endure the most compromising environments. It is built with reliable endurance from wear and tear even when exposed to corrosive elements.

•    Powered pallet trucks – these are the most ideal pallet jacks for operations that involved lifting heavy loads and moving them to considerable distances.   Large warehouse facilities will definitely have a great advantage with these pallet jacks.

•    AC pallet jacks – are made with features that promote more maneuverability and easy steering. These are designed to suffice day-to-day operations and make them more manageable.

Since pallet jacks are very important tools in industrial management operations, it is important to make a well-informed decision when buying them. The details given above will definitely make it easier to find the best pallet jacks in Sydney.

Tips in Buying New Forklift

Those who are involved in the industrial sector, primarily on the material handling processes inside a warehousing facility, are bound to know the essence of forklifts in their day to day activities. There are a lot of details that need to be considered and a newbie may be quite confused as to how they should come to the right conclusion in their equipment purchase. The brands, manufacturers and the variety of forklifts even; all of these can be weighed down accurately in order to make the best choice. Here are the actual specifics on where to focus one’s attention when trying to find good quality forklifts in Sydney.

Seeking out new forklifts, it makes great sense to look for ones that are particularly capable of the demands of where they would use the equipment. The correct term for this would be the forklift’s capacity, indicating the amount of work that it can handle in all its full potential. Simply put, this relates to the weight that it can carry. Conveniently, this is something that can be checked without much effort since it is virtually indicated right at the data plate of the unit. It should also be put in one’s mind that the capacity is directly affected when an attachment is applied to the unit. Naturally, the pricing is correlated to the capacity, whereas, the higher its capacity for lifting, the more expensive it will be. In any case, making sure that the new forklifts can fully suffice for the needs of one’s operation is the idea of checking its capacity. This effectively makes the application of the equipment, the second aspect to look at. Doing so will be easier to estimate the capacity required of the forklifts.

Along with the capacity of the forklift, one should also look at the size of the equipment they are buying. Mainly, the important feature is the height – lift and collapse. Lift height refers to the extent at which the forks can be raised while the collapsed height is the tallest point of unit, excluding its lifting reach. This is important to determine since not appropriating the purchase with the space and height restrictions of the facility will definitely hinder the entire operations. With the right size, the forklifts can be used to make the operations a lot smoother and more efficient.

Meanwhile, Sydney forklifts can be associated with some attachments. This is another important aspect to consider in buying forklifts. There are many varieties such as marble clamps, drum handlers, and battery retrievals among many others. If the buyer can determine which ones can work at their best interest, they are bound to have forklifts that are tailor-suited to their exact needs.

There are several other determining factors in choosing the right Sydney forklifts in the market. Some of which are the tire & fuel options as well as the maintenance service & warranty. Putting these particulars forward when buying forklifts, one can ensure an improved setup within their material handling facility.

Tuesday, 9 July 2013

Finding Pallet Stackers Within Your Budget

When it comes to lift trucks, pallet stackers are considered to be the most common kind. That being the case, it is no surprise that warehouses and factories, especially those that deal with large merchandise, typically have a few pallet stackers on hand.

As with anything else, finding a supplier for your pallet stacker can be easily done by going through your local yellow pages, or by browsing through online directories. In some instances, you can even ask partner companies and other suppliers if they have anyone in mind that they can recommend.

Not many people may know it but pallet stackers can actually come in a number of different forms, the most common of which is the manual pallet stacker. A manual pallet stacker typically makes use of manual hydraulic pump action. On the other hand, a semi electric pallet stacker is typically manually pushed around but makes use of an electric motor in order to lift the load. This is quite similar to the fully electric pallet stacker. The only difference is that in the latter, the electric motor is used both to move the pallet stacker around as well as to lift the load. Another kind of pallet stacker is the ride-on pallet stacker, which comes with a platform where the operator can stand on. If the new pallet jacks also come with a cab where the operator can sit in in order to drive the pallet stacker around, the said unit is called a ride-in pallet stacker.

Knowledge of the different kinds of pallet stackers can be of big help if you are planning to buy new pallet jacks.The kind of pallet jack that you would be going for, however, would depend on how big your facilities are and how heave the load that you need to work on. You have to keep in mind that pallet jacks are typically used only for loads that are about 2000 kilograms.

As with anything else, you have to make sure that you consider three to four brands first before making any purchase. When making the comparison you would need to make would involve the lift capacity, the lift height, and the restrictions on the height when it comes to your facilities. You would also need to consider whether you should be getting a new one or if you can just settle for one that is refurbished or used. Generally, if the stacker would be used for just a few days to about a week, refurbished pallet jacks is the better option, as they can be quite affordable. The only downside is that you cannot load too many items, as the parts might not be as sturdy as before.

In some cases, you might also be offered the option of going for a lease, contract hire, or an outright purchase of the pallet stacker. Of course, you have to consider if you would need the pallet stacker for a long time or if it is something that you would need on a seasonal basis. Keep in mind that not all of the options come with maintenance and upkeep of the pallet stacker.

Safety Tips When Using Pallet jacks

If you are working in a warehouse or a factory, then you would probably be familiar with a pallet jack. A pallet jack is considered to be one of the major tools that make work within a warehouse or factory proceed smoothly and efficiently. Truck drivers who need to load and unload heavy materials on and off their vehicles commonly use pallet jacks. These machines could either be manually operated or could make use of a hydraulic system in order to lift and lay down the materials that they are carrying.

Regardless whether you have used pallet jacks or new ones, you have to keep in mind that operating one without proper training could be quite dangerous. This is because a pallet jack is typically made of steel, which can be of considerable weight. That being the case, any wrong move could cause considerable injury. The risk becomes double in the case of used pallet jacks since they would most probably have parts that are no longer as durable as before. Imagine getting crushed but hundreds of kilograms of load! Now, in order to keep this from happening, you have to make sure that you adhere to the load limit set by the manufacturer when you are using pallet jacks. Aside from this, you also have to make sure that you are authorized to operate it before you take the controls. You also have to make sure that you have a spotter with you when you operate a pallet jack.

Now, in case you would be using a manual pallet jack, you have to make sure that the fork you would be using is the correct size for the jack that you would be using. You have to be very particular with this especially if you would be using cheap forklifts as they typically come with mismatched pallet and fork. In cases like these, there is a risk of the load becoming uneven, which could, eventually, lead to the load slipping or the whole pallet tipping over. As with any kind of cheap forklifts, you have to make sure that your load should not exceed the load limit so as not to cause the vehicle to tip over while moving. Of course, this would also mean that you also have to make sure that you maintain a constant speed.

When it comes to electric cheap forklifts, you would need to undergo hands-on training before you can actually operate it. This is to ensure that you would really be able to manage your way around one safely and efficiently. In most cases, electric pallet jacks are used when there is a need to go through narrow alleyways as well as inclined planes. If the electric pallet jack is to be used in transporting cars and other vehicles, a block should be set up in order to ensure that the load does not move while all the other units are being loaded. Pallet jacks would also need to be ahead of the operator when being loaded in an elevator.

Friday, 14 June 2013

The Uses of Pallet Stackers and Forklifts in the Manufacturing Industry

In most cases, a manufacturing company is always in need of having specific tools and equipment for meeting their production goals. For a business owner to make sure that his business runs smoothly, he should familiarize himself with the appropriate instruments that are necessary for the nature of their business. Specifically, those that are involved in the industrial sector are in most need of equipment to help them with their operations. Heavy reliance on big machineries is an indication of the tasks that can be too physically demanding for the workers to handle on their own.

Two examples of the most commonly used equipment are pallet stackers and forklifts. These are mainly used for carrying and moving various materials in greater volumes. Pallet movers are actually quite versatile since most businesses can definitely make use of it to easily transport heavier materials all at once.Such a type of equipment is commonly seen in factories, warehouses, supermarkets and areas where stacking volumes of items are important.So, this means that learning more about these two might come in handy for an individual who is planning to start a business that entails some heavy lifting tasks.

First off, it can be clearly distinguished that the use of a pallet stacker is mainly focused on the handling of stack pallets - loading, unloading and moving them. It makes deliveries much easier since the stack pallets containing the goods are quickly transported from the truck to storage or vice versa. Pallet stackers come in two types which are manual and powered. There is no difference when it comes to the basic components that make up the two. First of the components is the engine compartment which holds the hydraulic, electrical and gas powered components that enable it to run. Next, there are the forks, the part that slides into the pallets and carries them into the desired location. The main difference between a manual and a powered pallet stacker is what powers them. The former is typically hydraulic while the latter is powered by gas or electricity. These capabilities give the advantage of both convenience and maneuverability.

The new forklifts nowadays are designed to allow operators to have a comfortable operation. Commonly, there is a seat provided for the operator unlike the usual pallet stacker which requires the operator to stand throughout the operating hours. While a manual pallet stacker is more likely to carry loads of materials that weigh up to one ton, a forklift is capable of carrying up to 5 tons. The operator will use a throttle to steer the forklift to the desired location while the buttons on the control panel will handle the lowering and lifting of the forks. New forklifts or old, manual or powered pallet stacker, there is no denying how much help these equipment provide to the industry. Withoutthem, several workers would probably be engaged in a severe physical exertion on a daily basis. As a result, your targeted higher production rates can be unattainable.

Factors that can Help You Choose between an Electric Pallet Jack and a Manual Pallet Jack

Handling materials in a business structure requires optimum care. A slight human error can possibly cause considerable amount of losses and hinder the work flow. In that respect, there are many instances where employees simply cannot handle a task with brute force alone. For that reason, several sets of equipment are being used today to have a better and consistent work flow. And the most common of these pieces of equipment are forklifts and pallet jacks. They are made available for hire by various companies in and out of the country. In Sydney, Australia, there are many of these manufacturing plants that offer this savvy, material handling equipment.

The bigger the manufacturing business is the most likely to purchase your own electric pallet movers as well as manually operated models. However, these two types of pallet movers have specific conditions that can be advantageous over the other. For those who do not have the privilege of owning both, being familiar with how each type of pallet trucks work can make for a better-informed decision. A manually-operated pallet jack is much simpler to use. As a matter of fact, it is widely accepted that these can be operated by practically anyone. This is why pallet jacks Sydney manufacturers widely offer it to the general public. The only down side, however, is that there is a limit in the distance in which it can be used for moving. Nevertheless, the operation of a manual pallet jack is still considerably easy. The only aspect that needs a bit of learning is the maneuvering of the pallet truck. Sooner or later though, one can easily master the full control of the equipment.

Unlike the manual pallet jacks, the electric pallet equipment is more complicated to handle. It takes the help of an experienced operator to train an apprentice. By imparting the necessary skills, which are easy enough to pick up by the way, the apprentice can have the capability of dodging the dangers associated with handling the electric pallet trucks. Apparently, the most important to prepare for is the learning process for the sophisticated controls. If one can get past this, then a couple of hours of test runs will probably be enough for them to successfully master its use. There is another concern to think about in operating an electric pallet truck though, which is the OSHA certification. The greater danger that this equipment poses requires the greater skills to match.The aforementioned certification is to validate that an individual is up for the task.

Regardless of type, a pallet truck/jack is truly sensible equipment with a significant purpose. Certain establishments simply cannot function smoothly without them in tow. What is important is for the workers to be fully familiar with the handling of these kinds of equipment. Rightly so, the quality is of utmost importance as well. It is fortunate that the pallet jacks Sydney manufacturers are guaranteed with dependable quality. Perhaps, the only deal breaker left is the price rates offered by the contractors.

Sunday, 26 May 2013

A Buying Guide: What to Look for when Purchasing Pallet Jacks

A few decades back, workers in factories and warehouses had to do backbreaking work as they carry supplies, raw materials and finished products from one point to another. Over the years, however, the way that manufacturing companies go through their business processes has greatly improved. Not only is the need for manual heavy lifting eliminated, but the time that materials get transported from point A to point B has been cut in half. This was made possible with the help of lifting trucks and pallet jacks.

A pallet jack is a very useful tool in the manufacturing industry which gets loaded onto a pallet conveyor or pallet truck. They’re typically made from wood, although metal is a material used as well. The main function of the pallet jack is to support the load which is usually a stack of boxes. Not only do they make transporting goods from one point to another a lot easier and more efficient, but the pallets also protect the items inside from being damaged or stuck along the pallet conveyor system.

Things to Consider when Buying Pallet Jacks

If you have a warehouse or a manufacturing company and you are thinking about buying pallet jacks, here are a few things that you can consider:
•    Should you go for new pallet jacks or used pallet jacks?
There are pros and cons to buying new pallet jacks and used pallet jacks. If you do have the budget for it, then you should definitely go with the new ones so they can last you for a good number of years. On the other hand, those with a limited budget but still require additional pallets for lifting goods can purchase used ones which are being sold by other manufacturing companies.

•    How much weight does the pallet jack need to handle.
Next, think about the weight that the pallet jack is supposed to handle. Depending on the size of the truck that you have, the total weight can range from 2,000 to 10,000 pounds. Naturally, the heavier the weight supported, the more expensive the truck and the pallets would be.

•    How low should the pallet truck go?
On average, pallet jacks can go as low as two feet and as high as seven feet from the ground. Depending on the specifications that you want, there are pallet trucks which can be lowered off the ground at a height that’s less than two feet – although you might need to have them specially configured.

•    What are the applications for the pallet jack?
Lastly, think about the applications for the pallet jack. There are trucks which can be used for rugged terrains while others can only be driven through flat surfaces. Depending on what the truck is capable of handling, you can purchase pallet jacks made from aluminum, ones with a double-face design, plastic, steel, wooden, four-way, nine-footed and standard GMA pallets. By taking these things into consideration, you can purchase the perfect pallet jacks for your business.