Mechanical handling plays an integral part in industries such as construction, manufacturing and warehousing.
Consisting of equipment that facilitates the movement, lifting and repositioning of goods, mechanical handling works to create safer and more efficient workplaces. That’s because by reducing the need for human input, this increases capacity while reducing the chances of injury, especially when lifting heavy loads.
Metreel designs and installs various types of mechanical handling equipment including workstation cranes, gantries, monorails and more.
For businesses interested in improving efficiency across their site while improving worker safety, here is what you need to know about all things mechanical handling.
Mechanical Handling: An Overview
Mechanical handling involves the moving, transportation, storage and control of materials.
As the name suggests, mechanical handling products are those which feature mechanical parts. Commonly, these include automated stop-start functions or parts which give the ability to lift heavy loads.
By custom-building machinery capable of completing a range of workplace tasks, businesses gain much more control over their operations. Namely, this is due to mechanical products being able to lift far heavier loads than humans can, while also reducing strain and fatigue from repetitive work.
Industries That Rely on Mechanical Handling Systems
Warehouses
Mechanical handling is the backbone of warehouse operations, optimising inventory management and order fulfilment across various commercial industries, especially retail. Conveyor systems efficiently transport goods between different areas, while forklift trucks enable the swift movement of pallets and heavier loads. Such solutions expedite order processing, reduce labour costs, and improve overall warehouse productivity.
Construction
Building sites often require the handling of bulky materials and equipment during their day-to-day operations. Cranes and hoists enable safe lifting and precise placement of construction components, minimising the risk of accidents and expediting project timelines. Storage solutions such as racking units, grit bins, and heavy-duty drums facilitate the organised storage of construction materials, enhancing accessibility and efficiency across the site.
Mechanical Handling Equipment Examples
Gantries – Gantries are a type of crane used for outdoor lifting. Geared towards portable lifting, Metreel gantry cranes have lifting capabilities spanning 500kgs to 2,000kgs.
Hoists & balancers – Mechanical devices that make use of a chain and pulley system to lift heavy loads. Chain hoists in particular are known for being extremely durable and reliable.
Monorails – Monorails are a type of conveyor system that make excellent use of any unused overhead space in a work facility.
Track systems – Track systems in mechanical handling facilitate the movement of goods, materials or products along a predetermined path.
Workstation cranes – Workstation cranes can be ceiling or floor-mounted and work by moving goods along a steel track ensuring absolute precision in terms of movement speed, distance and overall operations.
Workstation jib cranes – Also available as a floor or wall-mounted installation, jib cranes support tool balancers, air balancers, hoists, vacuum lifters and welding equipment used in a close work area.
Storage Equipment – Efficient storage is facilitated by an array of equipment, including racking units, shelves, bins, drawers, and drums. These components provide organised and accessible spaces for keeping goods.
Bulk Handling Equipment – Bulk handling equipment is employed to handle large quantities of materials. This encompasses an assortment of machines such as rotary turntables, conveyor belts, elevators, stackers, and other innovative mechanisms.
Trucks and Movers – This type of mechanical handling equipment plays a crucial role in transporting and lifting items within industrial settings. Forklifts, order pickers, and hand trucks are among the machinery utilised to facilitate smooth movement and efficient operations.
Engineered Systems – Engineered systems, which are often automated, consist of a whole host of components working in unison. A comprehensive setup might include a combination of racking and stackers, weigh scales, tumbler mixers, lifters, tippers, and wash frames, harmonising various tasks seamlessly.
Benefits Of Mechanical Handling
The ability to lift, lower and reposition exceptionally heavy loads means mechanical handling greatly extends output for businesses. In turn, the reliance on mechanical machinery compared with human lifting reduces the need for manual labour, which enhances workplace safety while improving efficiency.
Although mechanical handling products are a cost investment for any business, they are often necessary to grow the business. Plus, with various mechanical handling products available, practically all industries can benefit from the technological advances that mechanical handling provides.
Compared with traditional manual labour, mechanical handling products are designed to increase profitability, therefore, businesses can recoup any investment costs due to increased workflows and efficiencies across the company.
Additional Benefits
- Enhance Worker Efficiency and Productivity: By implementing mechanical handling systems, businesses can optimise workforce efficiency. Streamlined processes, automated tasks, and well-designed equipment allow employees to accomplish tasks more quickly and accurately.
- Minimise Product Damage and Wastage: Specially designed equipment, such as gentle conveyors or automated packaging systems, ensures the delicate handling of goods, reducing the risk of spoilage or breakage.
- Reduce Worker Accidents, Injuries, and Strains: One of the key advantages of mechanical handling is the reduction in worker injuries. Ergonomically designed equipment alleviates physical stress and promotes a safer work environment.
- Enhance Worker Satisfaction: By eliminating physically demanding tasks and introducing more efficient processes, workers experience improved job satisfaction and reduced fatigue.
- Streamline Workflow: The seamless integration of equipment and optimised material flow helps eliminate bottlenecks and improves coordination between stages of production.
What to Consider When Buying Mechanical Handling Equipment
When choosing mechanical handling solutions for your business, consider the following:
- Operational Needs: Ensure the equipment aligns with your specific tasks, whether lifting, transporting, or storage.
- Scalability: Select equipment that can adapt as your business grows or changes.
- Space Limitations: Consider the layout of your workspace and choose equipment that fits efficiently.
- Maintenance & Support: Factor in long-term maintenance costs and availability of spare parts.
- Workforce Training: Ensure your team can operate the equipment safely and effectively.
- Technological Integration: Look for solutions that can incorporate automation or future advancements.
Metreel Mechanical Handling & Lifting Equipment UK
Metreel is a leading supplier of mechanical handling equipment in the UK.
Based in Derbyshire, we operate not just across the East Midlands but on a global scale. So, if you are in search of material handling solutions for your business you’re in the right place.
You can also download our free brochure to discover more about our product specifications by visiting our product brochure page.
Or if you’re ready to place an order or have any questions, please give us a call on 0115 932 7010 or email us at [email protected].