At Briggs Equipment, we specialise in all things powered access and MHE. We understand that purchasing or hiring machinery like forklifts can be a little overwhelming if you are new to the industry, which is why we’re publishing a new blog series to provide guidance and definitions of key industry terms.
In this issue, let’s consider what is MHE?
What does MHE stand for?
MHE stands for materials handling equipment.
What is MHE?
Materials handling equipment is equipment or machinery used for moving heavy loads from one location to another. Material handling equipment includes forklifts, trailers, tugs and telehandlers. They come in a range of fuel types, and some even have the option of being ride-on or pedestrian operated. With so many variations available from Briggs Equipment, we can source the right machine to suit your work site.
Forklifts
Forklifts can be found in a variety of industries and environments, such as the construction industry and warehouses. They come in a wide range of sizes, lifting capacities and fuel types, and can even be modified with forklift attachments. Common forklift types include the counterbalance forklift, electric forklift, diesel forklift, and rough terrain forklift. It also possible to modify most forklifts with forklift attachments to perform specialist tasks.
Do you need to hire a forklift? Visit our blog, What You Need To Know Before You Hire A Forklift to help you prepare.
Pallet Trucks
A pallet truck consists of tapered forks that can manoeuvre under a pallet to lift a load, helping to improve efficiency and reduce strain on workers. Variations of a pallet truck include electric pallet truck, powered pallet truck, hand pallet truck, and ride on pallet truck. Pallet trucks are regularly used in factories, shops, and warehouses. A pallet truck is also commonly known as a pallet jack or pump truck.
Telehandlers
Much like a forklift, telehandlers provide businesses with a way of moving heavy loads from place to place. Fitted with a telescopic arm, a telehandler has the ability to extend and reach spaces that the standard forklift cannot. Also known as a teletruk, there are options for indoor and outdoor use, with robust, rough terrain telehandlers often used on construction sites.
Tugs
An effective way of moving loads around your premises is to use a tug. Becoming increasingly popular due to their ease of use and cost efficiency, they are an effective piece of MHE. An electric tug can improve safety and productivity, and with the ever-evolving capabilities of technology, we now have access to tugs in the form of automated guided vehicles, otherwise known as an AGV. You can learn more about electric tugs in our previous blog, Everything You Need To Know About Electric Tugs.
Trailers
Trailers offer a safe and efficient method of transporting goods. In today’s market, custom trailers can be affordable and tailored to meet the needs of your business. Classic trailer options include enclosed trailers, castor steer trailers, industrial platform trailers, and modular docking train system trailers, all of which are efficient, user-friendly designs.
Warehouse Equipment
Choosing the right warehouse equipment for your business is essential for maximising the potential storage space of your premises. A very narrow aisle forklift, or VNA forklift, such as an Aisle Master from Combilift, enables you to have narrower aisles and make the most of the space within your storage facility. Sideloader forklifts are another option which offer excellent manoeuvrability in tight spaces and the ability to move long loads, whilst a pallet stacker and order picker are also worth considering. Along with this, the right type of pallet racking will lift the potential of your warehouse to new heights.
Get The Most Out Of Your MHE with AITT Accredited Training Courses
The right training ensures that you can use your materials handling equipment safely and efficiently. The type of training course you need for MHE or forklifts varies depending on the type or category of machine, your own experience, and other factors.
To learn more about access equipment and forklift truck training, visit our essential introduction to MEWP and forklift truck training.
How Can I Maintain My Materials Handling Equipment?
It’s always best to be prepared and you can do this by purchasing a maintenance plan for your quipment. Most supplier are able to offer repair and maintenance plans when you purchase your equipment or offer one-off maintenance options. Here at Briggs Equipment, we offer a range of repair and maintenance plans to keep your MHE active.
You can learn more about maintenance in our guide, Why Access Equipment And Forklift Maintenance Matters.
How Can I Manage My Fleet Of Materials Handling Equipment?
Whether you have a single machine or a fleet of machines to take care of, a fleet management system makes tracking machine usage easy. Track your maintenance schedule, operator information, usage and more.
Learn more from our guide about fleet management systems.
How Can I Find The Most Cost Effective Forklift For My Business?
A Total Cost of Ownership calculator is can help you to make a data-led decision on identifying the most cost-effective forklift for your business needs. A TCO calculator assesses more than just the initial purchase price, and instead takes into account the fuel or power source, the expected hours of use, maintenance and more.
Discover more about how our TCO calculator can help you identify the right forklift for your business.
New and Used Materials Handling Equipment In England, Wales and Scotland
Our fleet features new and used materials handling equipment for both hire and sale. We deliver nationwide and offer a range of additional services, such as asset maintenance services and training across the country to help you get the most out of your equipment.
You can learn more about purchasing or hiring used equipment in our guide, Key Considerations For Buying A Used Forklift.
If you are looking for MHE in England, Wales or Scotland, Briggs Equipment have an extensive fleet of forklifts, telehandlers, tugs, trailers and warehouse equipment to choose from. Contact our team today and we’ll help you secure the best solution for your business needs.
Tel: 03301239850
Email: info@briggsequipment.co.uk