Introductory Overview of Warehouse Lifting Equipment
A warehouse is used to store products and until such items are needed, it is essential to make their moving, packing, and storing as easy and cost-effective as possible. To this end, it is essential to have the right lifting equipment to do the job. This helps to improve productivity, reduce strain on workers, and ensure efficient operations. A brief look at some of the essential warehouse lifting equipment is provided below, highlighting the importance of having the right tools and vehicles for operational efficiency.
Order Picker
It is essential to have the oldest products at the front of the shelves within easy reach. Products as received go into their slots on the shelves with the newest products to the back. To make this possible, you need order pickers, which also form part of the list of warehouse lifting equipment. These pickers are forklifts that are larger than walkie stackers but smaller than the conventional forklifts. They can handle more weight than walkie stackers and are designed for retrieving and replacing stacked items from shelves or racks at different heights.
Walkie Stacker
This is a motorised pallet jack and its design incorporates twin forks. The forks are slid under the pallet to be moved. The entire assembly can be managed by hand to, for instance, lift pallets to the second shelf’s height. These stackers are suited for smaller items and best used on smooth, level surfaces such as cement or indoor floors.
Pallet Jack
This type of warehouse lifting equipment is similar in design to the walkie stacker but it is not motorised. The pallet jack, as the name suggests, is used to move items stacked on pallets. It has forks that slide underneath the pallet. A handle is used to raise the forks and thus the pallet. This is achieved using a hydraulic pump system. The pallet can easily be moved, once lifted.
Side Loader
This machine is used for loading and unloading from the side, as opposed to doing it from the front as is the case with a normal forklift. This type of warehouse lifting equipment is used in narrow aisles.
Pedestrian Forklift
This smaller forklift features side shifting and power steering for ease of use. It is suited for small-warehouse operations. Various types and sizes are available.
Counterbalanced Lift Truck
This type of forklift is suitable for use where there is enough space to turn. It is not as compact in design as the pedestrian forklift, but because it is counterbalanced, it can lift heavier loads.
Reach Truck
This type of forklift can operate in narrow aisles and lift big weight to impressive heights. The typical reach truck is electric and, therefore, battery-powered. Reach trucks include front- and side-loading, pallet-jack, and order-picker types. It is best to speak to the manufacturer or supplier of such warehouse lifting equipment to help you decide which units are best for your particular operations. Factors to consider include:
- The main function of the unit (order picking, stacking, transporting, etc.).
- Where the unit is to be used (in cold storage, on the yard, in normal aisles, etc.).
- The weight to be lifted (minimum and maximum, as well as average).
- The reach required.
- The types of items to be moved.
- The available operating space (turning space and aisle width).
- The distances it must travel.
- The total number of pallets to handle daily.
- The size of the warehouse.
- Lift height (minimum, maximum, and average).
- Operating hours daily.
Other important considerations include the total number of units required in each category, whether you want to lease or purchase, and the maintenance requirements of each unit.
View our range of warehouse lifting equipment, download the brochures for more information, and get in touch for assistance in selecting the units relevant to your particular needs.