What Is Equipment for Material Handling?
Equipment for material handling refers to the machines, tools, and systems used to move, store, control, and protect materials throughout manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, and disposal processes.
Examples include forklifts, pallet jacks, cranes, conveyors, AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles), and storage racks.
Material handling equipment helps industries increase efficiency, reduce labor costs, and improve workplace safety, making it essential for logistics, construction, retail, and manufacturing operations.
Related: Learn more about What Is Material Handling and how it supports industrial efficiency.
Main Categories of Equipment for Material Handling
Material handling equipment is generally divided into four main categories, based on their purpose and function:
- Transport Equipment—For moving materials between locations.
- Storage and Handling Equipment—For safely storing materials and products.
- Bulk Material Handling Equipment—For moving loose, large-volume materials.
- Unit Load Formation Equipment—For combining materials into one manageable load.
Let’s explore each in detail.
1. Transport Equipment
Transport equipment moves materials within a facility or between storage and production areas. It can be manual, hydraulic, or powered by electricity or fuel.
Common Examples:
- Forklifts: Multi-purpose lifting machines that move heavy palletized loads vertically and horizontally.
- Pallet Forklifts: Specialized for moving palletized materials in warehouses.
- Hydraulic Pallet Trucks: Operate using a hydraulic pump for effortless manual lifting.
- Electric Hand Trucks: Battery-powered models designed for easy mobility.
- Cranes: Lift and move heavy materials vertically, commonly used in factories and ports.
- Conveyor Belts: Move materials automatically along a set path in production lines.
- Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs): Self-navigating vehicles that transport loads without human input.
- Platform Trucks: Flatbed trolleys for large or irregular items.
Example in Use:
A warehouse handling equipment system might combine electric hand trucks and forklifts for seamless movement from unloading docks to storage areas.
2. Storage and Handling Equipment
Storage and handling equipment keeps materials organized and accessible while optimizing space. It prevents damage and supports smooth inventory control.
Common Examples:
- Racks and Shelving Units: Vertical storage for easy stacking of boxes or pallets.
- Bins, Drawers, and Cabinets: Ideal for smaller components or tools.
- Mezzanines: Raised platforms adding extra storage space without expansion.
- Silos: Store bulk materials like grains, cement, or powders.
- Scissor Lifts: Provide vertical movement to assist with stacking or picking.
- Trolley Pallet: Compact equipment for moving smaller loads within confined spaces.
Example in Use:
In e-commerce fulfillment centers, storage equipment like racks, bins, and mezzanines keeps inventory neatly categorized, reducing picking time.
3. Bulk Material Handling Equipment
Bulk material handling systems are designed for transporting, storing, and processing loose materials like grains, coal, minerals, or sand.
Common Examples:
- Conveyors: Carry materials continuously across long distances.
- Bucket Elevators: Move granular materials vertically.
- Hoppers: Funnel-shaped containers that dispense materials at a controlled rate.
- Reclaimers: Retrieve stored bulk materials for reuse or shipment.
- Stackers and Reclaimers: Build and dismantle large stockpiles efficiently.
- Silos: Store bulk products in vertical, enclosed structures.
Example in Use:
A cement plant uses bucket elevators and silos to store and transport limestone and clinker between processing stages.
4. Unit Load Formation Equipment
This equipment groups multiple items into a single load for efficient movement, storage, or transport.
Common Examples:
- Pallets: Flat platforms used to consolidate loads for forklifts or stackers.
- Tote Boxes & Baskets: Hold small goods during transit.
- Slings, Chains, and Spreaders: Used with cranes or hoists to lift materials safely.
- Stretch Wrap Machines: Secure products on pallets for shipment.
Example in Use:
In logistics warehouses, pallets are stacked using powered pallet trucks or hydraulic pallet trucks for quick order dispatch.
Related: Read about Warehouse Handling Equipment that integrates forklifts and automated palletizing.
5. Engineered & Automated Systems (Emerging Category)
In 2025, automation has transformed how warehouses operate. These engineered systems combine robotics, AI, and smart technologies for high-speed and error-free material handling.
Common Examples:
- Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS): Robot-guided shelves that pick and place goods automatically.
- Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs): Smart vehicles navigating warehouses without tracks.
- Robotic Palletizers: Stack goods automatically on pallets.
- Conveyor Automation: Software-driven conveyors managing flow and sorting.
Benefits of Using
- Improved Productivity: Faster loading, unloading, and transfer of goods.
- Enhanced Safety: Minimizes injuries from manual handling.
- Reduced Costs: Lower labor and operational expenses.
- Efficient Space Use: Organized storage and simple access to materials.
- Scalability: Flexible systems that grow with business demands.
- Sustainability: Electric and automated equipment reduces emissions.
How to Choose the Right
- Identify Material Type: Determine whether goods are palletized, loose, or fragile.
- Assess Facility Layout: Choose equipment that fits aisles, storage heights, and door widths.
- Load Weight: Heavy materials may require hydraulic stackers or pallet forklifts.
- Power Source: Decide between manual, electric, or hybrid systems.
- Frequency of Use: Opt for durable, low-maintenance equipment for daily operations.
- Budget & ROI: Balance cost with long-term performance and efficiency.
Price Range of Material Handling Equipment in India (2025)
| Type | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| Hand Pallet Truck | ₹15,000 – ₹45,000 |
| Hydraulic Pallet Truck | ₹25,000 – ₹65,000 |
| Electric Pallet Truck | ₹90,000 – ₹250,000 |
| Forklift Truck | ₹3 Lakh – ₹12 Lakh |
| Conveyor Systems | ₹1.5 Lakh – ₹10 Lakh |
| AS/RS Systems | ₹10 Lakh – ₹1 Crore+ |
(*Note: All costs mentioned above are estimates and can change with time.)
Related: View updated Price of Hand Pallet Truck for budget-friendly options.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
-
What are the main types of material handling equipment?
The four main types are storage and handling, industrial trucks, bulk material handling, and engineered systems. -
What are examples of material handling equipment?
Examples of material handling equipment include forklifts, pallet trucks, conveyors, cranes, silos, and automated systems such as AGVs and AMRs. -
Which equipment is used to move heavy loads?
Forklifts, hydraulic stackers, and cranes are commonly used. -
What is the function of material handling equipment?
To transport, store, and manage materials safely and efficiently. -
What is the most common material handling equipment?
Warehouses widely use pallet trucks, forklifts, and conveyor belts. -
What is bulk material handling equipment?
Bulk material handling equipment refers to systems designed to handle large volumes of loose materials such as grains, coal, or sand. -
Is material handling equipment expensive?
Costs range from ₹10,000 for manual devices to several lakhs for automated systems. -
What are automated material handling systems?
These systems include AI-powered machines such as AGVs, AMRs, and robotic palletizers. -
What industries use material handling equipment?
Manufacturing, logistics, construction, retail, and agriculture. -
How does material handling equipment improve safety?
It reduces manual lifting, prevents fatigue, and ensures load stability.
Conclusion
Equipment for material handling plays a crucial role in every stage of the supply chain—from storage and movement to delivery.
From pallet forklifts and hydraulic trucks to automated conveyors and AS/RS systems, these tools streamline operations, enhance safety, and reduce costs.
Whether you run a warehouse, manufacturing plant, or distribution center, investing in the right material handling equipment ensures long-term productivity, reliability, and success.
As technology continues to evolve, the futThe future of material handling lies in automation, sustainability, and intelligent systems that will transform how industries move materials in 2025 and beyond.
(*Note: All costs mentioned above are estimates and can change with time.)