A warehouse is a central hub for sorting, storing and distributing goods. Warehouses are made up of essential equipment key to the operation. Next in our Back-To-Basics topics, we talk warehouse equipment, from what equipment or machinery you will find in a warehouse to storage and racking systems.
What Equipment Is Used In A Warehouse?
You will need machinery for moving goods, such as a forklift, and you will need a storage method, such as a racking system. The specific variation of these two forms of equipment will largely depend on your business’ industry. Keeping a clean work environment is also essential, so an industrial cleaning machine is beneficial to have on site.
What Is Warehouse Equipment?
Warehouse equipment is a general term encompassing the materials handling equipment used in the operations of a warehouse. This includes the machinery used for the moving of goods and the equipment used for storing your products. It also includes other forms of equipment, such as racking and industrial cleaning machines, which help to maximise the efficiency and safety of your warehouse operations.
Movable warehouse equipment comes in many forms of materials handling equipment, from small pallet trucks to the standard counterbalance forklift to the high lift working in narrow space VNA forklifts. These trucks often working in unison have specific jobs in the warehouse environment.
To maximise the efficiency of your storage facility, it’s not just about the machinery. It’s also about the racking system you use. Drive-in racking systems, double-deep racking and narrow aisle racking are just some examples which offer specific benefits.
What Forklift Do I Need For My Warehouse?
Warehouse materials handling equipment is vast and each piece of MHE will have a specific role to play in the warehouse.
If you store goods in large freezer containers, then you will need a machine capable of operating in low temperatures. Or, if your facility has both indoor and outdoor storage, then you will need a machine that offers versatility and the ability to operate in both environments, thus eliminating the need for double-handling of goods. When it comes to storage methods, choosing the right racking system is important. The perfect combination of racking system and forklift type can be the diffierence between purchasing new premises or saving money by maximising the potential of your current facility.
If you are unsure which is the best forklift truck for you, you can contact Briggs Equipment for help. We can carry out a site survey and work with you to identify the right truck for your business’ specific needs.
Counterbalance Forklift
The most recognised of the forklifts, typically with four wheels operated both inside and outside the warehouse, although for moving in tight spaces small three wheel forklifts are often the choice for many due to space limitations .
VNA Forklift
The slim in–aisle forklift used to pick and place goods, are highly effective in confined spaces, these trucks are highly effective in what they do allowing for the maximum in warehouse storage with the ability to work in the slimmest and tallest of racking aisles.
Articulating Forklift
This combination of a forklift and reach truck machines are commonly found in the narrow aisle application. These swing mast forklifts are perfect for loading and unloading in narrow aisles.
Reach Truck
With a tight turning radius, these forklifts are perfect for narrow aisle work. Their compact design allows the operator to pick and place in tight spaces due to the retracting mast.
Pallet Truck
The Pallet truck, from the basic pump action manual to the sophisticated ride-on, all have specific functions in the warehouse. When deciding which to purchase, you should always consider its job, usage and loads it is moving.
How To Clean Your Warehouse
Keeping your warehouse clean and tidy is just as important as keeping it full of stock. The most common types of warehouse cleaning equipment are scrubber dryers, sweepers and AI cleaning machines. These will collect dust, clean floors and leave your work environment spotless for your people.
Depending on the industry that your business operates in, we can find the right cleaning solution for you.
What Types Of Warehouse Racking Systems Are There?
Racking systems come in many different forms, dependant on the warehouse size or function. Many businesses will work with a warehouse designer to construct the design based on the storage needs, warehouse operational efficiency and to optimise the storage.
Typical racking types can be pallet racking, drive in racking, narrow aisle racking, carton flow racking, multi-tier racking and double deep pallet racking to name a few.
Ensure Safety and Optimal Performance With Accredited Training Courses
It’s important to ensure the safety of yourself and your team when using warehouse equipment such as order pickers, pallet trucks, forklift trucks and powered access equipment. Discover more about manual handling safety practices in our blog Manual Handling Safety in Warehouses. As well as the safety aspect, the right training to ensure equipment is used correctly can help to boost the efficiency of your warehouse operations. Discover more about MHE, aerial platform and lift truck training in our essential introduction to MEWP and forklift truck training.
Can I hire Warehouse Equipment?
Yes, materials handling equipment, aerial work platforms and industrial floor cleaning equipment can all be hired. Hiring your equipment is a great way to make your budget last longer. You can avoid a costly initial outlay and spread costs over a hire period, thus allowing you to allocate more of your budget to other areas of your business. Short term hire also means that you can avoid a long term commitment and simply have the machine for the length of time you need it.
Discover more about the benefits of hiring materials handling equipment in our blog What You Need To Know Before You Hire A Forklift.
Make Your Budget Go Further With Pre-Owned Equipment
Hiring your warehouse equipment is not the only way to make your budget go further. Purchasing or hiring used equipment can be cheaper than buying new and you’ll still be acquiring highly reliable machinery. If you are considering buying pre-owned materials handling equipment, check out our guide on key considerations for buying a used forklift.
How Can Briggs Help?
We’re specialists in materials handling equipment and warehouse solutions. Contact us and one of our warehouse specialist will work with you to identify the best solution for your needs.
Tel: 03301239850
Email: info@briggsequipment.co.uk