Moving goods safely is an important part of any warehouse, storage facility, workshop or industrial site. Whether you are shifting a pallet, moving heavy machinery or organising goods in storage, the right equipment can make the job safer and far more efficient.
There are many types of material handling equipment available, and each one is designed for a particular purpose. Some are used for simple transport, while others are made for lifting, positioning or moving heavy loads.
At Oak Tree Secure Storage, efficient handling and safe storage go hand in hand. Understanding the different equipment options can help businesses manage goods more effectively and reduce unnecessary manual handling.
What Is Material Handling Equipment?
Material handling equipment includes the tools, machines and systems used to move, lift, store, position and protect goods.
This can include simple manual equipment such as pallet trucks and platform trolleys, as well as powered machinery such as stackers, hoists and cranes.
The right equipment depends on the weight, shape and size of the load, as well as the environment where it will be used.
Why Is Material Handling Equipment Important?
Good material handling improves efficiency and helps reduce physical strain on workers.
Moving heavy or awkward goods manually can increase the risk of injury and damage. Suitable lifting and handling equipment makes the process more controlled.
It can also help businesses organise warehouse space, improve stock movement and reduce the time needed to move goods from one area to another.
What Are the Main Types of Material Handling Equipment?
Material handling equipment can be grouped into several main categories.
The most common include transport equipment, lifting equipment, specialist handling equipment and heavy load moving equipment.
1. Transport and Warehouse Handling Equipment
This equipment is mainly used to move goods around warehouses, storage facilities and work areas.
Pallet Trucks
Pallet trucks are used to move palletised loads over short distances.
The forks slide underneath the pallet and lift it slightly from the floor, allowing it to be moved more easily.
Manual pallet trucks are common in warehouses and storage facilities, while powered models can make frequent load movement easier.
Stacker Trucks
Stacker trucks can both transport and raise pallets.
They are especially useful where goods need to be placed onto warehouse racking or moved between different storage levels.
They can be manual or powered depending on the load and frequency of use.
Platform Trolleys
Platform trolleys provide a flat surface for moving boxes, equipment and bulky goods.
They are useful for lighter material handling tasks where a pallet is not required.
Handling Trucks
Handling trucks are available in many designs and can help move cartons, tools, components and other goods around a site.
They are particularly useful where materials need to be transported regularly over short distances.
2. Lifting Equipment
Some loads need to be raised rather than simply moved along the ground.
Lifting Jacks
Lifting jacks are used to raise heavy loads in a controlled way.
They may operate using mechanical, hydraulic or powered systems and are commonly used in maintenance, construction and industrial environments.
Engine Cranes
Engine cranes are portable lifting devices often used in garages and workshops.
They allow heavy engines and components to be raised and positioned with greater control.
Jib Cranes
A jib crane uses a horizontal arm to support a hoist.
It is useful for repetitive lifting in workstations, manufacturing facilities and areas where loads need to be moved within a fixed space.
Hoists and Lifting Systems
Hoists can be used to lift goods vertically and may be manual, electric or pneumatic.
They are useful where heavier loads need to be raised repeatedly and safely.
3. Specialist Material Handling Equipment
Some materials need equipment designed specifically for their shape or handling requirements.
Drum Handling Equipment
Drums and barrels can be difficult and unsafe to move manually.
Drum trolleys, lifters and rotators help workers lift, turn and transport them more safely.
This type of equipment is common in manufacturing, chemical and industrial environments.
Vacuum Lifters
Vacuum lifters use suction to grip smooth materials such as glass, panels and sheet metal.
They help operators move delicate or awkward items with better control.
Cylinder Cages and Stands
Gas cylinders need to be stored and transported securely.
Cylinder cages and stands help keep them upright, organised and protected within workplaces and storage areas.
4. Heavy Load Moving Equipment
Heavy machinery and large industrial equipment often require more specialised moving tools.
Machine Skates and Load Moving Skates
Machine skates use rollers or wheels to help move very heavy equipment across suitable surfaces.
They are commonly used when machinery needs to be installed, repositioned or relocated.
Roller Crow Bars and Pinch Bars
These tools provide leverage when a heavy load needs to be lifted slightly or positioned accurately.
They are often used alongside machine skates.
Forklift Attachments
Forklift attachments extend what a forklift can do.
Examples include lifting hooks, drum clamps, fork extensions and rotators.
They allow one forklift to handle a wider variety of loads.
Manual vs Powered Material Handling Equipment
Manual equipment is often suitable for lighter loads and occasional use.
Powered equipment may be more appropriate where heavy goods need to be moved frequently.
The choice depends on workload, operator requirements, available space and the type of materials being handled.
What Material Handling Equipment Is Used in Warehouses?
Warehouses commonly use pallet trucks, stacker trucks, platform trolleys, forklifts and handling trucks.
The exact equipment depends on how goods are stored and how often they need to be moved.
A warehouse using high racking, for example, may require equipment capable of vertical lifting as well as transport.
What Equipment Is Best for Moving Pallets?
Pallet trucks are usually suitable for moving pallets over short distances.
Where the pallet also needs to be lifted onto racking, a stacker truck or forklift may be more suitable.
The weight of the pallet and the height it needs to reach should always be considered.
What Equipment Can Be Used to Move Heavy Machinery?
Machine skates, roller crow bars, lifting jacks, cranes and suitable lifting systems can all be used depending on the machinery.
Heavy load movement should always be planned carefully, with the correct load capacity and equipment compatibility checked beforehand.
What Equipment Is Used for Handling Drums and Barrels?
Drum trolleys, lifters, rotators and forklift drum attachments can make drum handling safer.
The right choice depends on whether the drum needs to be lifted, tilted, transported or emptied.
How Does Material Handling Equipment Improve Workplace Safety?
Correct equipment reduces the amount of heavy lifting workers need to perform manually.
It can also provide better control when moving awkward goods and reduce the chance of dropping or damaging loads.
Proper equipment selection, operator training and routine checks all contribute to safer material handling.
How to Choose the Right Material Handling Equipment
Choosing the right equipment starts with understanding the job.
Consider the Weight of the Load
Always check the load weight before choosing equipment.
Check the Size and Shape of the Load
Large, awkward or irregular items may need specialist handling solutions.
Consider the Working Environment
Think about floor conditions, available space and whether the equipment will be used indoors or outdoors.
Think About How Often the Equipment Will Be Used
Equipment used every day may need to be more durable than equipment used only occasionally.
Check Load Capacity and Equipment Compatibility
Never use handling equipment beyond its stated capacity.
Attachments and accessories should also be suitable for the machine and load.
Consider Maintenance and Long Term Costs
Initial price is only one factor.
Maintenance requirements, durability and frequency of use can all affect long term value.
How Should Material Handling Equipment Be Maintained?
Regular inspection and maintenance help keep material handling equipment safe and reliable.
Check for visible damage, worn parts, leaking hydraulic systems and problems with wheels, forks or lifting components.
Manufacturers’ instructions and relevant workplace procedures should always be followed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main types of material handling equipment?
The main categories include transport equipment, lifting equipment, specialist handling equipment and heavy load moving equipment.
What is the most common material handling equipment?
Pallet trucks, trolleys and forklifts are commonly used in warehouses and storage environments.
What equipment is used to move pallets?
Pallet trucks, stacker trucks and forklifts are commonly used for pallet movement.
What equipment is best for moving heavy loads?
The best equipment depends on the weight, size and location of the load. Machine skates, lifting jacks, cranes and forklifts are common options.
What is the difference between a pallet truck and a stacker truck?
A pallet truck mainly moves pallets along the floor, while a stacker truck can also lift them to greater heights.
What material handling equipment is used in warehouses?
Warehouses often use pallet trucks, forklifts, stackers, trolleys and lifting equipment.
What equipment can move heavy machinery?
Machine skates, roller crow bars, lifting jacks and cranes can all be used depending on the machinery.
How do I choose the correct material handling equipment?
Consider the load weight, size, shape, working environment, frequency of use and required lifting height.
Why is load capacity important when choosing handling equipment?
Using equipment beyond its capacity can affect stability, safety and performance.
How often should material handling equipment be inspected?
Inspection frequency depends on the equipment, how often it is used and the manufacturer’s guidance. Businesses should also follow relevant workplace safety requirements.
For businesses using secure storage, the right handling equipment can make loading, unloading and organising stored goods much easier. Oak Tree Secure Storage supports businesses that need practical, secure space for stock, equipment and other commercial items.