What is material handling equipment?
Material handling equipment (MHE) refers to the machines, tools, and systems used to move, store, control, and protect goods and materials throughout different stages of manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, and disposal. From simple hand trucks and pallet jacks to advanced conveyor systems and automated guided vehicles (AGVs), MHE plays a crucial role in almost every industry.
Whether you’re managing a warehouse, a production floor, or a loading dock, efficient material handling is key to productivity, safety, and cost reduction.
Why Is Material Handling Equipment Important?
Material handling equipment streamlines how materials are received, stored, moved, and shipped. Its benefits include
- Improved Efficiency: Reduces time spent in loading and unloading.
- Better Safety: Reduces workplace injuries by handling heavy or bulky loads.
- Cost Reduction: Decreases labor costs and operational delays.
- Space Optimization: Makes better use of storage and floor space.
- Fewer Damages: Ensures goods are handled with precision.
Whether you’re dealing with raw materials, finished goods, or waste, using the right equipment simplifies the process.
Main Types of Material Handling Equipment
There are four main categories into which material handling falls:
1. Storage and Handling Equipment
It is used to store or buffer materials for short or long durations.
- Shelving and racks
- Bins, drawers, and containers
- Pallet stacking frames
- Mezzanines
These help maximize vertical and floor space and keep your facility organized.
2. Industrial Trucks
Used to move materials over variable paths:
- Forklifts
- Hand trucks
- Pallet jacks (manual & electric)
- Order pickers
- Side loaders
- Walkie stackers
Industrial trucks are essential for lifting and transporting heavy loads across warehouses and docks.
3. Bulk Material Equipment
Used for transporting large volumes of loose materials:
- Conveyors
- Hoppers
- Silos
- Dump trucks
- Stackers and reclaimers
- Bucket elevators
It is perfect for agriculture, construction, mining, and large-scale logistics.
4. Engineered Systems
Fully automated systems are capable of handling multiple material tasks.
- Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS)
- Automated guided vehicles (AGVs)
- Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs)
- Sortation systems
- Palletizers
These systems are widely used in smart factories and e-commerce warehouses.
Key Components of a Material Handling System
A complete handling system might include:
- We are loading dock equipment for easy transfer from trucks.
- Conveyor system for automated material flow.
- Storage solutions like racking and bins.
- We implement control systems for automation and data tracking.
Combining different types of material handling equipment helps businesses meet custom logistical needs.
How to Choose the Right Material Handling Equipment
Before investing in equipment, consider these factors:
- Type of Material: Size, shape, weight, and sensitivity of materials.
- Volume and Frequency: High-volume items may need automation.
- Space Constraints: Consider vertical space and aisle width.
- Budget: Factor in upfront cost, maintenance, and training.
- Flexibility: Equipment should scale as operations grow.
- Environment: Wet, dusty, or cold storage may affect your choices.
Common Industries Using Material Handling Equipment
- Manufacturing: For moving parts and finished goods.
- Warehousing & Distribution: To store and dispatch orders.
- Construction: Handling heavy materials like cement and steel.
- Agriculture: For storing and transporting grains or fertilizers.
- Retail & E-commerce: Managing inventory and order fulfillment.
Benefits of Automating Material Handling
Automating your material handling processes with conveyor systems or AGVs offers several benefits.
- Faster delivery and throughput
- Lower human error rates
- Safer workplaces
- Reduced long-term operational costs
Automated material handling equipment is transforming industries by enabling 24/7 operations and optimizing workflows.
FAQs: People Also Ask
What are the four types of material handling equipment?
The four types of material handling are storage equipment, industrial trucks, bulk handling equipment, and engineered systems.
What are the three types of material handling?
The three types of material handling are manual, semi-automated, and automated.
What is an example of material handling?
An example of material handling would be using a forklift to load pallets onto a truck at a loading dock.
Final Thoughts: Build Smarter Workflows
Choosing the right material handling equipment can help you scale your business operations, improve worker safety, and boost efficiency. From manual tools like hand trucks to automated systems like AGVs, there’s a handling solution for every need.
Stay ahead by investing in reliable, scalable, and smart material handling solutions that work with your people, your processes, and your goals.
