Material handling equipment moves, lifts, or positions loads, such as cranes and hoists.
Examples of Equipment Used in Material Handling
- Overhead gantry cranes
- Electric chain hoists
- Wire rope hoists
- Swing jibs
- Light crane systems
- Lifting slings and loose lifting gear
- Steel and ferrous load handling magnets
Each of these has its own strengths, and having the right combination of tools for the job is more important than having the biggest or most expensive tools.
Overhead Gantry Cranes
These cranes are the best option when you need lifting capability across multiple work areas, or when loads are being moved across the whole building.
We design and build gantry cranes to fit our clients’ buildings and workflows, both new and refurbished, and can cover any required safe working load.
Chain and Wire Rope Hoists
These are the main units of lifts. Chain hoists are good for lifts that need to be under 5000kg safe working load, while wire rope hoists can lift loads of up to 50 tons.
A wire rope hoist is better for longer lifts, while a chain hoist is better when a lift needs to fit in a compact area.
Swing Jibs
These are great for lifts that are only needed in one location, such as loading a machine, and are generally more affordable and easier than large scale solutions like gantry cranes.
Lift Gear and Slings
Loose lifting gear such as chains, slings, and shackles require the same level of concern as lifting apparatus. Wrong or worn gear will cause failures, even if your hoist is of the highest quality.
We stock loose lifting gear to suit your equipment and your loads.
Handling steel plate, bar, or other ferrous materials is easier and quicker when using magnetic lifting attachments. These can be used on existing hoists or cranes and can be sized to the load.
Things to consider when selecting an appropriate system
What is being lifted? (Consider weight, geometry, and material)
How often is it being lifted?
What is the required coverage? (Single point or multiple.)
What is the available space? (Consider height and floor space.)
What is the condition of your current equipment? (Will it need to be converted, refurbished, or replaced?)
Missing the mark on any of these will either cost too much for unneeded capacity, or will under-capitalize on necessary capacity for your workload.
New vs Refurbished
New equipment is more expensive but comes with a full warranty. Refurbished equipment is 40-60% the cost of new equipment, and comes with a warranty for the refurbished parts.
For standard configurations and capacities, refurbished equipment is the better option. For critical daily use, or uncommon configurations, new equipment is justifiable.
Maintenance and Compliance
All lifting equipment is required to have regular LOLER inspections, and must be more frequent for equipment that is used heavily or for equipment that lifts personnel.
For new equipment, or equipment that has undergone major repairs, the equipment also must be proof load tested for the routine inspections.
Keep your equipment documentation. You will need your test certificates, inspection reports, and service records. The HSE and your insurers will want to see them.
Getting the Right Advice
Most material handling problems stem from equipment being the wrong size (too big or too small) or the wrong type. To help you, we need to know what material you move, how often you do it, and the layout of your workplace. We will suggest the right material handling equipment for your operation.
Our business provides material handling equipment for the whole of the UK and comes with the services of installation, servicing, and refurbishment. Contact us for a no-nonsense evaluation.
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