What Is Material Handling Equipment?
Material handling equipment (MHE) refers to the tools, machines, and systems used to move, store, control, and protect goods throughout manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, and disposal processes. There are four main types of material handling equipment:
- Storage and Handling Equipment
- Industrial Trucks
- Bulk Material Handling Equipment
- Engineered Systems
These categories ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective movement of materials in industries like logistics, retail, construction, and manufacturing.
Related: Understand What Is Material Handling for a deeper overview of its functions and goals.
1. Storage and Handling Equipment
Function:
Storage and handling equipment is designed to store materials efficiently and maximize space utilization in warehouses or factories. It helps in organizing inventory, reducing clutter, and improving accessibility.
Common Examples:
- Racks and Shelving: Used for stacking goods in vertical spaces.
- Pallet Stacking Frames: Provide safe stacking for goods.
- Bins, Drawers & Containers: Store small items or parts.
- Mezzanines: Elevated platforms for added storage layers.
- Trolley Pallet: A portable solution for easy goods movement.
Use Case Example:
A warehouse handling equipment setup might use pallet racks, mezzanines, and bins together to store materials while optimizing floor space.
2. Industrial Trucks
Function:
Industrial trucks are vehicles and machines that move materials across variable paths—horizontally or vertically—inside or outside warehouses.
They include both manual and powered equipment, offering flexibility in how materials are transported.
Common Examples:
- Forklifts: Lift and transport heavy pallets over short distances.
- Pallet Forklifts: Specialized for palletized goods movement.
- Hand Pallet Trucks: Manual devices for small loads.
- Hydraulic Pallet Trucks: Use hydraulic systems for smooth lifting.
- Electric Hand Trucks: Battery-powered units for easier operation.
- Stackers: Machines that lift loads vertically for stacking.
- Order Pickers: Used for picking items in high racks.
Use Case Example:
In manufacturing plants, forklift trucks and hydraulic stackers move heavy pallets from production lines to storage zones.
3. Bulk Material Handling Equipment
Function:
This equipment is used to handle, transport, and store large volumes of loose materials such as sand, cement, grains, or minerals.
It plays a key role in industries like construction, agriculture, and mining, where bulk transport is common.
Common Examples:
- Conveyors: Transport materials continuously over a fixed path.
- Bucket Elevators: Lift materials vertically to storage bins.
- Hoppers & Silos: Store and release bulk goods.
- Stackers & Reclaimers: Build and manage bulk material stockpiles.
- Pallet Machine: Automated system for handling large quantities of palletized goods.
Use Case Example:
A cement manufacturing unit may use conveyors to transport raw materials and silos for intermediate storage.
4. Engineered Systems
Function:
Engineered systems are automated material handling solutions that integrate multiple equipment types for large-scale, high-efficiency operations.
They are common in smart factories, e-commerce hubs, and logistics centers where speed and precision are essential.
Common Examples:
- Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems (AS/RS): Robots that store and retrieve items automatically.
- Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs): Self-driving transport machines.
- Conveyor Networks: Integrated systems connecting production zones.
- Robotic Palletizers: Automatically stack goods on pallets.
- Sortation Systems: Classify and distribute goods in warehouses.
Use Case Example:
An Amazon warehouse may use robotic palletizers and AGVs together for seamless product movement and order fulfillment.
Related: Explore Warehouse Handling Equipment to understand automation’s growing role in logistics.
Bonus: Hybrid Equipment & Emerging Trends
While the four main categories remain constant, hybrid equipment is becoming more popular:
- Electric Stackers: Combine mobility with powered lifting.
- Battery Operated Pallet Trucks: Offer higher load efficiency.
- Smart Forklifts: Equipped with sensors and data-tracking systems.
- Collaborative Robots (Cobots): Assist human workers in lifting and sorting tasks.
Key Benefits of Material Handling Equipment
- Improved Productivity: Streamlined workflow with faster material movement.
- Enhanced Safety: Reduces workplace injuries caused by manual lifting.
- Space Optimization: Efficient use of vertical and horizontal space.
- Cost Efficiency: Reduces labor costs and material damage.
- Automation: AI and robotics enhance speed and accuracy.
- Flexibility: Equipment fits different industries and operations.
How to Choose the Right Type of Material Handling Equipment
- Analyze Your Workflow: Identify bottlenecks in movement or storage.
- Determine Load Type & Weight: Heavy vs. light, bulk vs. palletized.
- Space Availability: Choose compact solutions for narrow aisles.
- Power Source: Manual, electric, or hydraulic based on usage.
- Budget & ROI: Consider long-term efficiency over upfront cost.
- Integration Needs: Ensure compatibility with existing warehouse systems.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
-
What are the four types of material handling equipment?
The four types of material handling equipment are storage and handling, industrial trucks, bulk material handling, and engineered systems. -
What is the most common material handling equipment?
Forklifts, pallet trucks, and conveyors are the most commonly used. -
What is the difference between industrial trucks and storage equipment?
Industrial trucks move materials, while storage equipment stores them. -
What is bulk material handling equipment used for?
Bulk material handling equipment is utilized for the transportation and storage of loose materials such as grains, sand, or cement. -
What are examples of engineered systems?
Examples of engineered systems include AS/RS, AGVs, and robotic palletizers. -
Which industries use material handling equipment?
These industries include warehousing, logistics, agriculture, construction, and manufacturing. -
How does material handling improve productivity?
It reduces manual labor, speeds up operations, and enhances safety. -
What is the cost of material handling equipment in India?
Prices range from ₹10,000 for manual tools to ₹20 lakh for automated systems. -
Can material handling systems be customized?
Yes, most engineered systems can be tailored to workflow needs. -
What are the new trends in material handling equipment?
The new trends in material handling equipment include electric and AI-driven systems, automation, and IoT-enabled logistics.
Conclusion
The types of material handling equipment form the backbone of every efficient warehouse, factory, or logistics network. From simple storage racks and forklifts to automated systems and AGVs, each plays a critical role in optimizing space, time, and safety.
As industries move toward smart automation in 2025, choosing the right material handling equipment ensures not only higher productivity but also sustainability and operational excellence.
Whether you’re upgrading your warehouse handling equipment or investing in pallet forklifts and hydraulic stackers, understanding these four categories helps you make smarter, cost-effective decisions for long-term success.