What is Material Handling Equipment?

Material handling equipment refers to tools and systems used to move, store, and control materials within a facility or warehouse. Examples include conveyor belts, cranes, forklifts, and hoists. These tools are used in manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution centers to improve efficiency and productivity.



  • 10 Signs You Suck Up at What Is Material Handling Equipment?

  1. Lack of understanding of the different types of material handling equipment and their uses.
  2. Inability to properly maintain and inspect equipment.
  3. Difficulty in selecting the appropriate equipment for a specific task.
  4. Failure to follow safety procedures when operating equipment.
  5. Lack of knowledge of industry regulations and standards.
  6. Inability to troubleshoot and solve problems with equipment.
  7. Poor communication with other members of the material handling team.
  8. Difficulty in determining the correct load capacity for equipment.
  9. Failure to properly train employees on the use of equipment.
  10. Inability to effectively plan and coordinate material handling operations.

1.Lack of understanding of the different types of material handling equipment and their uses.

This can lead to improper selection of equipment for a task, resulting in inefficiency and potentially causing damage to the equipment or injury to workers. It can also lead to a lack of knowledge on how to properly operate and maintain the equipment. It is important to have a basic understanding of the different types of material handling equipment, such as conveyors, cranes, forklifts, and hoists, and their specific uses in order to effectively and safely manage material handling operations.


2.Inability to properly maintain and inspect equipment.

Proper maintenance and inspection of material handling equipment is essential for ensuring the equipment operates safely and efficiently. Failure to do so can lead to equipment breakdowns, which can result in production downtime, costly repairs, and even accidents. It can also cause damage to the equipment and make it unsafe for employees to use. Regularly scheduled maintenance, proper lubrication, and routine inspections can help prevent equipment failures and extend the life of the equipment. It's important that the equipment operator understands how to inspect the equipment and identify any problems, and also knows when to schedule maintenance and when to refer it to a specialist.


3.Difficulty in selecting the appropriate equipment for a specific task.

Selecting the appropriate material handling equipment for a specific task is crucial for ensuring the safety of workers and the efficiency of operations. Choosing the wrong equipment can lead to inefficiency and increased risk of accidents. Factors to consider when selecting equipment include the type and volume of materials being handled, the size and weight of the materials, and the layout of the facility. It's important to have a basic understanding of the different types of material handling equipment and their specific uses in order to make an informed decision. Additionally, consulting with an experienced material handling professional can provide valuable insights and guidance when selecting equipment for a specific task.


4.Failure to follow safety procedures when operating equipment.

Failure to follow safety procedures when operating material handling equipment can lead to serious accidents and injuries. Material handling equipment can be dangerous if not used properly, and it is important for operators to be properly trained on the equipment they will be using and to understand and follow safety procedures at all times. Some safety procedures include following proper lifting techniques, using personal protective equipment, following proper start-up and shut-down procedures, observing warning labels and placards on the equipment, and not exceeding the equipment's load capacity. Additionally, regular safety inspections and audits can help identify any potential hazards and ensure that all equipment is being used safely.


5.Lack of knowledge of industry regulations and standards.

A lack of knowledge of industry regulations and standards can lead to non-compliance and potential fines, as well as put workers at risk of injury. Material handling equipment must comply with a variety of federal, state, and local regulations and standards, such as OSHA and ANSI. These regulations cover topics such as equipment design, safety features, and maintenance requirements. It is important for material handling professionals to stay informed of the latest regulations and standards and ensure that equipment is in compliance. Failure to comply with regulations can lead to costly fines and penalties, as well as potential legal liability in the event of an accident. Additionally, not following industry standards can increase the risk of equipment failure and can put workers at risk of injury.


6.Inability to troubleshoot and solve problems with equipment.

The ability to troubleshoot and solve problems with material handling equipment is essential for ensuring the equipment operates safely and efficiently. Inability to do so can lead to equipment downtime and decreased productivity. It's important for material handling professionals to have the knowledge and skills to identify and diagnose equipment problems and take appropriate steps to solve them. This can include performing basic maintenance, replacing worn or damaged parts, or seeking assistance from a maintenance specialist. Additionally, having a good understanding of the equipment and its operation can help to identify potential issues before they become serious problems. This can be achieved through regular inspections, keeping detailed equipment logs, and training on how to troubleshoot.


7.Poor communication with other members of the material handling team.

Poor communication within a material handling team can lead to a number of problems, including delays, mistakes, and even accidents. Clear and effective communication is essential for coordinating material handling operations and ensuring that everyone is aware of the tasks that need to be done, the equipment being used, and any potential hazards. This can be achieved through regular team meetings, assigning clear roles and responsibilities, and providing training on communication skills. Additionally, having a clear chain of command and well-defined procedures can help to ensure that everyone knows who to go to with questions or concerns. Effective communication can help to increase productivity and safety in the workplace.


8.Difficulty in determining the correct load capacity for equipment.

Determining the correct load capacity for material handling equipment is crucial for ensuring the safety of workers and the equipment. If the equipment is overloaded, it can become unstable, causing damage to the equipment and potentially leading to accidents. When determining the load capacity for equipment, it is important to consider the weight of the materials being handled, as well as other factors such as the size and shape of the load. It is also important to be aware of the maximum load capacity of the equipment and not to exceed it. It is recommended to always consult the equipment's operator manual or consult with the manufacturer to ensure that the equipment can handle the intended load. Additionally, it's important to ensure that the load is properly secured, balanced, and stable before moving it.


9.Failure to properly train employees on the use of equipment.

Properly training employees on the use of material handling equipment is essential for ensuring their safety and the safety of others. Without proper training, employees may not know how to properly operate the equipment, how to identify and avoid hazards, or how to properly maintain the equipment. This can lead to accidents and equipment damage. It is important that all employees who will be operating equipment be properly trained, including both new and experienced employees. Training should include information on how to safely operate the equipment, how to perform basic maintenance, and how to recognize and respond to potential hazards. Additionally, it's important to ensure that the training is ongoing and that employees receive refresher training on a regular basis.


10.Inability to effectively plan and coordinate material handling operations.

Effective planning and coordination of material handling operations is critical for ensuring the efficiency and safety of the operations. Inability to do so can lead to delays, mistakes, and increased risk of accidents. A good plan should take into account the type and volume of materials being handled, the equipment being used, the layout of the facility, and the skills and experience of the workers. It's important to involve all members of the material handling team in the planning process, to ensure that everyone is aware of their roles and responsibilities, and that all necessary equipment and resources are available. Coordination is also important to ensure that the operation runs smoothly and that there are no delays, bottlenecks, or other issues that could impact the efficiency or safety of the operation.


What are these types? And what is material handling?)


According to Dictionary.com, material handling is "the loading, unloading, and movement of goods, as within a factory or warehouse, especially with the aid of mechanical equipment." Material handling equipment thus means equipment that helps in the functioning of a warehouse by moving and storing goods.


How many types of material handling are there?


1.Pallets

2.Forklift trucks

3.Cranes

4.Conveyors

5.Elevators

6.Tractors

7.Towlines

8.Carousels

9.Containerization

10. RO RO(Roll On Roll Off Ferries )

11.LASH (Lighters Aboard a Ship)


1.Pallets

 Specially designed platform, which is dimension to suit forklift operation. These are designed from hardwood, although in some cases, steel pallets can also be used. Supplies are loaded onto pallets, transported and stored to warehouses.


2.फोर्कलिफ्ट ट्रक(Forklift trucks)

Move the load of the master carton horizontally and vertically. Master cartons are stacked on pallets, which form a platform. There are many different types of forklift trucks available to handle different types of products. While these trucks can also be used to load and unload vehicles other than transport materials, they are not economical for long-distance horizontal movement due to their high ratio of labor per unit.

types of material handling 


3.Cranes

These are electric powered, self-propelled units equipped with a boom mounted on a mobile chassis.


4.Conveyors

These enable direct transportation in the form of re-handling before each activity is finished. These days they load and unload automatically. The cost increases with the distance to be traveled thus making them more attractive for large amounts of throughput that overseen distances.


5.Elevators

Consists of an endless chain or a belt that runs on two - terminal pulleys or sprockets - wheels fixed at different levels on a vertical plane.


6.Tractors

 Forklifts are used as an alternative to trucks, which are uneconomical for long distance movement.


7.Towlines

Consists of either floor or overhead mounted drag devices and are used in conjunction with four wheel trailers on a continuous power basis.


8.Carousels

Works on a different concept as compared to other devices. The desired items are delivered to the order selector using a number of bins mounted on an oval track. The rationale behind the carousel system is to reduce walking path length and time.


9.Containerization

Consolidates multiple shipments, which then move as separate units. Used for handling bulk items as well as cargo. Benefits include door-to-door shipment, lower freight costs, higher labor productivity. Less documentation, less storage cost, environmental control and better utilization of capital equipment.


10. RORO(Roll On Roll Off Ferries )

A lorry is towed onto a ship at the manufacturer's workstation and then driven directly to the consignee at the end of the journey, using the ship as a moving bridge.


11.LASH (Lighters Aboard a Ship)

Lash barges are loaded at inland river and shallow ports. Then, the ships are towed to transitory areas of the sea port to meet the Lashes Mother Vessel. Upon arrival, the mother vessel's crane lifts the lash barges onto the ships. The same crane lifts outbound barges, which are placed in the water, and then towed to their final destination. LASH cargo does not require trans-shipment as there is movement from origin to destination with a single bill of lading.