Guides

Material Handling Equipment Guides – Free how-to and tutorial guides for material handling equipment from SJF.com.

How Do I Know What Cantilever is Right For Me?

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Janae Witte
SJF Material Handling Solutions Specialist

Cantilever racking is an exceptional storage system that allows consumers to store long, bulky or awkward materials that are difficult to store due to their size. Cantilever racking assists with storing product vertically and leaving valuable floor space clear of product.

There are many characteristics that help identify which type of cantilever racking is right for you. The process of deciding what style and/or sizes can be overwhelming.  Here at SJF, our Solutions Specialists are here to assist you with this process.

In order for our Solutions Specialists to help you identify which cantilever rack if right for you, a few questions need to be answered.

Janae Witte
Solutions Specialist Since 2019

Single Sided or Double Sided Cantilever Rack?

  • What is the product being stored?
  • What are the dimensions of the product, W x D x H?
  • What is the weight of product?
  • How tall of uprights?
  • How many levels for storage?
  • Straight or Inclined Arms?

By answering these questions and more, our Solution Specialists will help you identify the proper design and size required for your project and material. Cantilever Racking can be overwhelming, and we strive to help you find a solution.

For more information about choosing the right type of cantilever racking for your needs, contact Janae at jwitte@sjf.com or visit our Cantilever Rack page, Cantilever Rack Basics page, and Advanced Cantilever Rack pages for more info.

Why Power & Manual Pallet Stackers are Essential in Every Warehouse

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Pallet stacker operation

In today’s fast-paced world, warehouses are constantly looking for ways to increase efficiency and productivity. While many warehouses have turned to automated equipment, power and manual pallet stackers still play a crucial role in the day-to-day operations. In this article, we will discuss why these products are essential in every warehouse and how they can benefit your business.

Difference between Pallet Load Stackers and Pallet Jacks

Firstly, what is the difference between a pallet or load stacker and a pallet jack? While both are used for handling palletized loads, the key distinction lies in the vertical lifting capability.

  • Pallet jacks are primarily for horizontal movement.
  • Pallet stackers are designed for both horizontal movement and vertical stacking.

The choice between the two depends on the specific material handling requirements of a given application.

What do Pallet Stackers do?

Before we dive into the benefits of manual and power stackers, let’s first define what they are. A pallet stacker, also known as a pallet truck, pallet jack, or pallet lifter, is a material handling device designed for lifting and moving pallets within a warehouse, distribution center, or other industrial settings. There are both manual and powered (electric or hydraulic) versions.

Key Features and Characteristics:

  • Forks: Pallet stackers have forks that can be inserted into openings on a pallet. The forks are used to lift and lower the palletized load.
  • Lifting Mechanism: In manual pallet stackers, the operator typically uses a pump handle to manually lift the forks. In powered pallet stackers, an electric or hydraulic motor is used for lifting.
  • Capacity: Pallet stackers come in various capacities to handle different load weights. The capacity is the maximum weight that the stacker can lift and move safely.
  • Adjustable Forks: Some pallet stackers have adjustable forks that can be widened or narrowed to accommodate pallets of various sizes.
  • Maneuverability: Pallet stackers are designed for easy maneuverability, allowing operators to navigate through narrow aisles and tight spaces. They often have a compact design and can turn within a small radius.
  • Powered vs. Manual: Manual pallet stackers are operated by physical effort from the operator, while powered pallet stackers use electric or hydraulic power for lifting and movement. Powered stackers are often preferred for larger loads or when frequent lifting is required.
  • Applications: Pallet stackers are commonly used in warehouses, logistics centers, manufacturing facilities, and retail environments. They are essential for tasks such as loading and unloading trucks, transporting pallets within a facility, and stacking pallets in storage racks.
Pallet stackers for warehouses

A Few Different Types of Pallet Stackers:

  • Powered Pallet Stackers:
    • Electric Pallet Stackers or Semi-Electric Pallet Stackers: These stackers are powered by electric motors. They are more suitable for frequent use and heavier loads. Electric pallet stackers often come with additional features such as powered steering for ease of maneuverability.
    • Hydraulic Pallet Stackers: These stackers use hydraulic power to lift and lower loads. They can be manual or semi-electric, with manual propulsion and hydraulic lifting.
  • Straddle Leg Stackers:
    • Straddle Leg Stacker: These stackers have legs that straddle the pallet, allowing them to lift loads with bottom boards or skids. This design is useful for handling various pallet sizes.
  • Reach Stackers:
    • Reach Stacker: These stackers are designed to reach into pallet racking systems. They typically have telescoping forks and are capable of extending to reach multiple pallets deep into storage racks.
  • Walkie Stacker or Walk-Behind Stackers:
    • Walkie Stacker: These stackers are designed to be walked behind by an operator. They are maneuvered by the operator, making them suitable for applications with limited space.
  • Rider Stackers:
    • Rider Stacker: In contrast to walkie stackers, rider stackers allow the operator to ride on the equipment while operating it. This can increase efficiency and reduce operator fatigue, making them suitable for larger warehouses with longer travel distances.
  • Straddle Reach Stackers:
    • Straddle Reach Stacker: Combining features of both straddle stackers and reach stackers, these are designed to handle loads in rack systems with the added advantage of straddling the pallet.

What is the difference between a Manual Pallet Stacker and a Power Pallet Stacker?

A manual stacker is a type of material handling equipment that is used to lift and move pallets or other heavy loads. It is moved by a person pushing or pulling the stacker from place to place and operated by manual effort, typically using a pump handle to lift and lower the forks. They are more suitable for lighter loads.

A powered electric pallet stacker or hydraulic pallet stacker are very similar to the manual stackers, and while it is still operated by a human, the lift mechanism is electronically or semi-electronically powered by a built-in rechargable battery, some with fast charging, maintainance-free lithium batteries. They are more suitable for heavier loads. Electric pallet stackers often come with additional features such as powered steering for ease of maneuverability.

Versatility

One of the main benefits of stackers is their versatility. They can be used in a variety of settings, from small warehouses to large distribution centers. They are also suitable for a wide range of loads, including pallets, drums, and boxes. This versatility makes them an essential piece of equipment for any warehouse, as they can handle a variety of tasks and adapt to different environments.

Cost-Effective

Compared to automated equipment, manual stackers and pallet jacks are the most cost-effective. They require minimal maintenance and have a lower upfront cost, making them a budget-friendly option for warehouses. Additionally, they do not require any special training or certification to operate, saving you time and money on training programs.

Power stackers and electric pallet jacks are also much more cost-effective than automated equipment, and have the additional options of semi-electric or electric-powered lifting.

Space-Saving

The compact size is another benefit of pallet stackers, especially with narrow aisles or a lack of storage space for equipment. They are designed to be narrow and maneuverable, making them ideal for tight spaces in warehouses. This allows for more efficient use of space and can help increase storage capacity in your warehouse.

Easy to Use

Stackers are incredibly easy to use. They do not require any complex controls or programming, making them accessible to all warehouse employees. This ease of use also means that they can be quickly deployed to handle unexpected tasks or changes in the warehouse layout.

Increased Safety

Safety should always be a top priority in any warehouse. Pallet stackers offer a safer alternative to forklifts, as they do not require a license to operate and have a lower risk of accidents. Additionally, manual stackers have a lower risk of damaging products or equipment, reducing the potential for costly accidents.

In conclusion, manual stackers are essential in every warehouse due to their versatility, cost-effectiveness, space-saving design, ease of use, and increased safety. If you are looking to improve efficiency and productivity in your warehouse, consider investing in a manual stacker. Have you used manual stackers in your warehouse? Let us know in the comments.

Guest Post: Top 5 Steps to any Equipment Maintenance Program

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Top 5 Steps to Any Equipment Maintenance Program

Today’s post is courtesy of Megan R. Nichols

Material handling equipment is an investment. Industrial companies purchase more than 150,000 forklifts each year, but the upfront price is only part of their overall cost. Ongoing maintenance to extend the life and increase the efficiency of your production is also an essential investment.

The longevity of your material handling equipment depends on how well you execute your maintenance plan. Breakdowns and unexpected expenses lower your productivity and decrease return on investment. To help keep your operations running smoothly, here five ways to extend the life of your material handling equipment.

1. Invest in Workforce Training

By hiring a top-quality workforce and training your employees adequately, you’ll be better prepared to maintain and extend your equipment’s useful life.

This process starts by verifying and recording any training and certifications. Improper use will lead to unnecessary wear and tear and a quicker end-of-life for the equipment. Further, as 42% of forklift-related fatalities are the result of tipping vehicles, workplace training is essential to proper use and employee safety. Even if inadequate training or maintenance doesn’t result in injury, it will lead to unnecessary equipment wear. Ensure your employees are vetted and trained by supervisors when working with heavy equipment.

To train your employees on your machinery and any changes to operation protocol, you should provide simple, regular updates concerning operations and safety. Plan to talk to your workers about equipment operations on a schedule, such as every month or every quarter.

Then, managers should supervise equipment operators daily to ensure they follow best practices as defined during training. Address any improper use immediately and provide easily accessible manuals for all equipment operators. Well-trained and managed employees are less likely to abuse the equipment.

2. Conduct Equipment Inspections

The more you know about the many forms of wear on your equipment, the sooner you can respond to issues and establish a smart maintenance schedule. Ensure your employees and supervisors are familiar with manufacturer specifications, and report anything out of the ordinary during a regular equipment inspection.

Early identification of problems, such as signs of wear or age, will allow you to repair or replace a part before it causes an avoidable delay. To do so, visually inspect your material handling equipment before, during and after use. Have regular operators record changes in performance. Check for vibrating belts and gears, high temperatures from poor lubrication or loose bolts. Repair or replace any parts issue that arises before it affects efficiency. Recognizing symptoms early will avoid costly emergency repairs.

3. Understand Your Equipment

By knowing the specifications of your equipment — such as model, brand and machine specifications — you can predict future maintenance needs.

Understanding how your equipment operates is vital to achieving a long service life. Each brand and model may have different instructions and maintenance requirements. Incorporate the specifics from your original equipment manufacturer (OEM). The specifications they provide will ensure you are following the appropriate schedules.

Further, consult your OEM manual or equipment expert to ensure you have the correct parts when making repairs. Depending on the specific machine and part, you may need to follow detailed instructions to avoid harming your equipment. A small inaccuracy can be the cause of a costly failure. Keeping track of parts in regular need of maintenance or replacement will also help you keep track of when maintenance or a replacement is due.

4. Keep Accurate Records

Plan for efficiency by recording data about your material handling equipment. Accurate records will give you a plethora of information so you can respond to needs immediately and effectively.

One of the most useful types of data is the data you collect from your inspection routine. Categorize what needs to be done immediately and what you can defer to the future. Information can include hours of operation, type of work being completed and details about ongoing repairs. This data will help you develop a preventative maintenance schedule.

You also have access to information from employees, supervisors, the OEM and experts in equipment maintenance. Record this information in a clear, easy-to-follow way to develop your plan of action.

5. Develop an Effective Maintenance Schedule

Create a system for your material handling equipment’s maintenance. Planning for preventative and predictive maintenance will extend your machines’ useful life.

Scheduling regular downtown for your equipment will increase the value it provides over the long term, so ongoing inspections and service is crucial. Depending on factors such as truck type, the volume of work and the work conditions, you may plan for service intervals as frequent as every 90 days. You can plan this maintenance during non-peak production times by using a preventative schedule.

It may also be beneficial to consult an expert on specific equipment, since professionals are particularly trained to handle maintenance and repairs for your machine model and parts.

Consulting experts knowledgeable on the make and model, as well as implementing any protocols recommended by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) will help you develop an effective system for planning inspections and predictive maintenance. With a predictive maintenance plan, you can calculate your equipment life and better retrofit machinery with the latest technology when most cost-effective.

Save Time and Money With Proper Equipment Care

Effective equipment management and maintenance is one of the most significant ways you can cut costs and increase your workforce’s productivity. By implementing a maintenance schedule, understanding your machines’ inner workings and following the other tips outlined above, you can stretch the usefulness of these costly machines to its fullest.

Megan R. Nichols is a technical writer who specializes in industrial and scientific topics. She regularly contributes to sites like American Machinist, Manufacturing Transformation and Industry Today. Megan also publishes weekly on her personal blog, Schooled By Science. Keep up with Megan by following her on Twitter or subscribing to her blog.

Guest Post: 4 Reasons Material Handling Needs Automation and How to Implement It

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Today’s post is courtesy of Megan R. Nichols

When it comes to the supply chain, the most visible processes and events aren’t necessarily the only areas that should be modernized and improved upon. The so-called first-mile is just as important as the last, even though consumers may never see or hear what it entails. Collectively, every mile plays a role in the performance and efficiency of manufacturing and wholesale operations.

By streamlining the entire lineup, it improves the speed, quality and accuracy of all products and services. One of the best ways to make that happen is to deploy automated systems and equipment, including advanced robotics. These solutions never tire, burn out or falter — so long as they are maintained well, quite unlike human laborers.

Beyond the basics, there are several reasons why automation should be used in material handling and manufacturing environments.

Why Use Automation?

1. A Smarter, Connected Environment

Whether you’re talking about manufacturing processes directly, the handling of finished goods or distribution closer to the last mile, all these practices could benefit from more data-driven operations.

Implementing IoT and connected technologies earlier on can also help eliminate what’s known as the islands of automation within a facility. Most older machines and solutions operate in a siloed nature, separate from other components within a factory or facility. Automation and the resulting systems can help do away with this entirely, creating a more synchronous environment.

2. On-Demand Manufacturing and Services

In today’s hyper-fast and hyper-personalized environment, most customers and clients expect a degree of convenience, which can be difficult to provide in material handling and processing fields. To achieve this, the entire system needs to be optimized from start to finish. Queue advanced automation.

The connected nature of the autonomous factor also generates the on-demand concept for internal processes. Materials can be delivered exactly where they need to be, not just on time but in advance. This is done through a series of data-driven systems that send alerts and control various operations as necessary.

3. Predictive Modeling and Decision-Making

Near the start of the supply chain, performance and support directly rely on market trends. If a particular supply or raw material is low, it can affect everyone, including the delivery times of various components and goods. With automation and advanced analytics systems, this kind of problem can be eliminated, largely through predictive modeling.

A machine learning or AI system will essentially ingest data on a company’s history, performance, market trends and consumer demands. It will then build an accurate model of what’s to come or how things will play out, allowing for more informed decisions. This can be evolved to include automation systems for a larger efficiency boost.

If a certain raw material is becoming more scarce, the automated system can order more in anticipation of a major shortage. During the shortfall, the system can calculate the length of time to receive new supplies as well as the current stock to ensure operations run smoothly. Items arrive just before old ones run out.

4. Better Workforce Management

Rather than waste human expertise on rote and tedious tasks, projects can be automated through a series of systems including IoT, AI and advanced robotics. Personnel can then be assigned to higher-value tasks that better meet their talents. This has the added effect of boosting employee happiness, as workers will certainly enjoy the more important roles and responsibilities.

Moreover, labor shortages and high turnover rates become a problem of the past, with many of the tasks and opportunities that were hard to fill now handled by automation.

How to Implement Automation and Streamline Materials Handling

1. Research

The best place to start is by doing some research. Consider the available vendors and their reputation, as well as what kind of solutions they offer. What will you need to upgrade in your existing systems and solutions? Is there anything that can be carried over?

How long will it take to implement the full scope of the automation project? Most importantly, how long will it be until you recover the initial investment and turn a profit?

Also, consider the systems that will be automated. It’s much more than just digital tools and components. Pallet inverters, for example, can be used to automate the handling of pallet-based goods and have a load capacity of about 4,400 lbs.

Another way to automate your warehouse is to invest in, and maintain, conveyor belts. Not only do conveyors keep employees safe by minimizing the amount of heavy lifting they need to do, they could be optimized in the near future. Adding sensors to conveyor rollers will allow businesses to gather important data like, product weight, amount and quality.

Is there equipment that you can use to automate more conventional procedures, similar to the pallet inverter or conveyor belt examples?

2. Vendor Selection

Once those questions are answered and you understand what’s necessary to achieve automation, it’s time to start shopping around for vendors. What solutions can they offer and what comes included? How are system updates handled? What’s the support process like? Are there real-time consulting opportunities at the ready?

You may even want to consult with a vendor’s existing clients to get a feel for how satisfied they are. Did the company meet their needs? Were there complications and have all their concerns been addressed?

The research process seems involved and can be daunting, but it’s necessary before getting involved with any automation providers or vendors.

3. Prepare Your Team

Next, you’ll need to prepare your workforce. This means training them and building awareness about the new systems, technologies and processes. Don’t forget to consult with them where applicable, as many workers have direct insight as to the inner workings of supply chain operations.

Ultimately, companywide buy-in will ensure the adoption process goes smoothly, and it will help mitigate the usual problems you might see when adopting new procedures.

4. Deployment

All that’s left is to deploy the necessary technology’s processes and solutions. Implementation can be a lot more complex than expected, however, so it’s always best to consult with support agencies and vendors. The exact approach is going to vary from business to business, which is why most of this explanation will seem broad.

The trick is to start small and slow. Choose one or two major processes that can be automated and work on perfecting those systems before moving on to other areas of the business.

With perseverance, the bulk of your materials handling operations will be automated, resulting in many cost- and time-saving benefits.

Megan R. Nichols is a technical writer who specializes in industrial and scientific topics. She regularly contributes to sites like American Machinist, Manufacturing Transformation and Industry Today. Megan also publishes weekly on her personal blog, Schooled By Science. Keep up with Megan by following her on Twitter or subscribing to her blog.