A warehouse is a large, open building with racks and boxes. Forklifts are whizzing by and workers are wearing high-visibility clothing. What do we know about warehouse equipment? Here are the most common types of equipment found in warehouses:
Pallet Jack is a small pump or truck that can be used to move materials that have been stacked onto pallets. The machine is equipped with two forks which can be slipped underneath the pallet. It’s then lifted by the operator, using a handle to pump it.
Order Pickers are machines that can lift heavier loads. They look like forklifts, but they’re smaller. They are used to pick up goods that are stored high, typically between 10 and 30 feet.
Walkie-Stacker – This is a step up from the pallet jack. The motorised version has the same design, but is more powerful. These are cheaper than forklift trucks and can be used to raise pallets to the second shelf in a warehouse shelving system. These are suitable for indoor and outdoor use. For information on an IPAF Course for warehouse work, contact globalflt.com/services/ipaf/
Sideloaders – They are used to load and unload machines from the side, not the front like forklifts or pallet jacks. While they are not as easy to move around, there are benefits, such as in narrow aisles.
Conveyor Belts – You’ve probably seen them in supermarkets. These belts are motorised and are used for transporting goods from one end to the other of a warehouse quickly and efficiently.
Platform Truck: This is an all-purpose platform with wheels. The platform can be stacked, and then wheeled where needed. This is an inexpensive and popular choice for small- to medium-sized operations.
