If you’re running a manufacturing operation, there are a number of different types of material handling equipment you need to know. Discover how the correct equipment can optimise daily activities, enhance operator productivity, reduce costs and more.
Manufacturing operations make the world go round — ensuring both consumer and commercial goods can be produced to the highest possible standard, safely and efficiently. Manufacturing also plays a crucial role in ensuring businesses can effectively plan for and keep up with demand.
As such, determining the right equipment to support your manufacturing operations is vital.
Some initial questions to consider when determining the most suitable equipment for your manufacturing operation include:
- What is the primary task that needs to be carried out?
- How well does my current forklift fleet suit its application and the industry?
- How versatile is my current equipment?
- Would a different truck help to improve operational efficiencies?
- Do I need more than one type of truck to fulfil the tasks required?
- Can I introduce a more versatile truck to carry out multiple activities?
- What is the primary task that needs carrying out?
- How well does my current forklift fleet suit its application and the industry?
- How versatile is my current equipment?
- Would a different truck help to improve operational efficiencies?
- Do I need more than one type of truck to fulfil the tasks required?
- Can I introduce a more versatile truck to carry out multiple activities?
Counterbalance trucks (gas/diesel or electric)
Counterbalance trucks (such as gas and diesel trucks) are particularly well suited to heavy-duty manufacturing applications, thanks to their robust and reliable features. Having said this, they can also be useful in a variety of other industries, no matter what type of product(s) you’re handling.
Gas, diesel, and electric counterbalance trucks all tend to be used outside, as they’re great for loading pallets onto the back of lorries and carrying out other similar tasks. However, they can also be used inside to move pallets around (as pallet trucks can only lift a few inches off the ground).
If you’re currently operating a gas or diesel counterbalance truck and looking for ways to reduce your running costs (not to mention emissions), why not explore our electric counterbalance range?
Offering the same world-class ergonomics and safety, our electric counterbalance forklifts can help you reduce your TCO (total cost of ownership) and ensure compliance with the upcoming 2030 EU emissions directives.
Related Read: Demystifying 2030: What the EU Stage V Emissions Regulations Could Mean for You
Medium and high-level order pickers
If your company is particularly specialist — for example, a car parts manufacturer — and you have lots of racking in multiple locations to store different parts, medium and high-level order pickers will be a valuable asset to your business.
Order picking is one of the most labour-intensive and costly activities in a material handling operation. Fortunately, by paying careful attention to process design, it’s possible to keep costs down and ensure an efficient and profitable manufacturing operation.
At TCM, our medium and high-level order pickers (EO series) have been designed with usability and ergonomics at the forefront. Thanks to the machines’ impressive reach capability, you’ll be able to maximise warehouse space while maintaining optimum safety at all times.
As part of our ongoing commitment to operator comfort and safety, we’ve replaced the cumbersome dead man’s foot switch with smart sensors embedded in the floor of the operator’s area.
Like the rest of the TCM product range, operators can customise the operator’s cabin as they like to ensure the most productive and comfortable working environment possible.
Related Read: Warehouse 101: What is an Order Picker?
How your local TCM dealer can help
At TCM, we incorporate the best of engineering and design advances from around the world to bring you innovative products that transform your operation.
Our trusted dealer network is on hand to help you determine the best-fit equipment for your industry and operation, and answer any material handling questions you may have.
In addition, your local dealer can assess your entire operation holistically and identify areas where you can optimise processes to increase efficiency, improve safety and reduce costs.
Click here to request a free application health check from your local dealer and discover how you can start optimising your manufacturing operation today.
