Logistics and Warehouses: What You Need to Know to Keep Things Moving
Warehouses and equipment for loading, unloading and moving goods are essential for most businesses that handle goods and products in large quantities. Using these tools enables products to be transported safely from the manufacturer to the warehouse, handled and stacked in the warehouse, and then transported to the customer. It is important to use the right equipment when handling goods to protect employee health and safety, while also contributing to business efficiency by protecting products from unwanted damage.
Using protective packaging helps keep products in perfect condition both during storage and transport.
What equipment can we use in warehouses?
Trolleys for moving goods are available in a wide range of models, with dimensions and weights suited to different tasks. There are many options available, from manual pallet trucks and trolleys to semi-automatic lifting tables, hydraulic equipment and even automated robots!
If robotics is a little beyond your current plans, do not worry! There are many other solutions available, allowing you to keep product distribution running smoothly.
What is a sack or box trolley?
Normally used for lighter loads, a sack trolley works by taking the weight of a product and balancing it on wheels, allowing it to be transported easily. They were initially used in the 18th century by young dock workers who were employed to move sacks of spices around the docks.
Trolleys are commonly made from materials such as aluminium, steel tubing or durable plastic, making them lightweight, versatile and easy to use for a range of tasks. But what is a trolley used for? Its purpose is to transport goods from one place to another. This could be a stack of boxes or heavy luggage.
They allow an operator to move something easily that might otherwise take much longer. Even though it is easy to use, it is very important to check the trolley before use. Inspect the equipment visually, then check the mobility of the wheels before use to ensure they are not damaged, and make sure the load does not exceed the weight limit of the transport equipment. Carefully place the load on the trolley platform (the metal part that rests on the floor), so that it is ready to be lifted, and make sure it is secured before gently pulling the upper part of the stacker towards you and pushing forward.
As trolleys do not require formal training to use, it is important to feel confident and know exactly what to do when working with one. If you have any questions, ask your supervisor or the manufacturer before use.
What is a pallet truck?
Pallet trucks are machines designed for lifting and transporting pallets. They are mainly used to move loaded pallets around warehouses, to trucks and to stacking areas. They come in two main forms: manual and electric.
If you are looking for a pallet truck and want to purchase one, you may first wonder how much your loaded pallets weigh. The answer depends entirely on the usual transport equipment you have available.
The weight of a pallet is not necessarily an indication of how much it can lift. So, what is the maximum safe handling capacity of a pallet truck? This varies depending on the equipment. For example, some pallet trucks weigh 80 kg and have a maximum load capacity of 3,000 kg, while the Economy pallet truck weighs 79 kg and has a maximum load capacity of 2,500 kg. It all depends on how it is used, so that it can easily lift the normal weight it is required to handle.
How should a pallet truck be used correctly?
Using a pallet truck does not require formal training, but it is important to know how to use one before you begin loading.
- Before you start using the equipment, check the housing and wheels to make sure they are in good condition and not damaged.
- Check the equipment’s maximum load and make sure that the weight of the load you intend to move does not exceed it.
- Find the release lever, which is usually located near the handles. Pull the lever to lower the forks, then slide the forks under the pallet.
- Once in position, repeatedly pull the handles towards you and the forks will begin to rise.
- When the forks and load are at a suitable height, you should be able to push the equipment to move it.
If you are unsure how to use the pallet truck, speak to your employer or the truck manufacturer before use.
How does a pallet truck work?
Pallet trucks can lift and transport heavy loads using hydraulic systems. When the release lever is pulled, the hydraulic fluid is released, lowering the forks. Repeatedly pulling the handles towards you increases the pressure in the hydraulic fluid, raising the forks and the load.
So, how should an operator move a pallet truck? Manual pallet trucks can be pushed or pulled, although most people can push more weight than they can pull, so it is always safer to push the handle. To find out how to use a pallet truck safely, ask your employer or the manufacturer, or read our guide in the section above.
- Make sure that lifting devices are strong enough to be used safely and are marked to indicate safe working loads.
- Make sure that all equipment is positioned and installed to minimise risks.
- Any activity carried out is planned, organised and performed by a competent person.
- Lifting equipment is regularly inspected by competent persons.
If the equipment is used in the workplace, it must be properly maintained.
If you would like more information about our product range, contact our team of packaging specialists, who will be happy to help. Visit www.inatech-shop.ro or contact our team by telephone on 40 214.480.358 or by email at [email protected].
