Types of Lifting Equipment for a Warehouse: Key Characteristics and Selection Parameters

Moving Loads in a Warehouse

Warehouse & workshop facilities usually store a lot of different products: sometimes large, sometimes compact. In both cases, there is periodically a need to move them. With large production volumes, doing this manually is practically unrealistic, so there is a need to use lifting and handling equipment.

Depending on design features, the following types of lifting equipment can be distinguished:

Winches

A warehouse winch is a driven drum with a tensioned rope, chain, or cable.
A manual winch is a manually operated lifting mechanism, the main task of which is vertical, horizontal, and inclined lifting of various loads outdoors or inside a building.

Depending on the type of drive, a winch can be:

manual
electric
driven by an internal combustion engine

Main parameters

lifting capacity can reach 4 t;
the winch converts physical, electrical, or hydraulic force into pulling force.

Advantages

simple design and use;
compactness;
reliability;
high pulling force.

Lift Tables

Lift tables are a specialized type of warehouse equipment that represent a hydraulic platform for the vertical movement of luggage and people.
A lift table is universal equipment for lifting various loads weighing up to 10 tons to a height of up to 5 meters. It is an optimal solution for use at a warehouse dock or in the receiving area.

The platform is driven by hydraulic cylinders and hydraulic pumps. It is:

inexpensive;
mobile;
easy to maintain.

Lift tables make it possible to increase the efficiency and speed of employees’ work at an enterprise.

Types of lift tables by design

Single-scissor

one pair of “scissors”
lifting loads to a great height (up to 25 meters)
lifting capacity does not exceed 7 tons

Double-scissor

2 pairs of “scissors”
lifting capacity is higher than in the previous category
lifting height is lower

Triple-scissor, quadruple-scissor

designed for working with heavy oversized loads
supplied to order

4. With roller conveyors

equipment intended for moving loads in a horizontal plane

With sequential hydraulic scissors

equipment intended for working with long-length loads

Pallet Trucks

A pallet truck is a hydraulic trolley for transporting products on pallets. It is maneuverable, easy to operate, and is one of the important elements of warehouse equipment. A pallet truck is easy to maintain, has a long service life, and an affordable cost.

Advantages of a pallet truck

increase productivity and work output by making employees’ work easier;
can be used without prior training—any store, market, or warehouse employee can handle it;
withstand a lifting capacity of up to 5 tons;
compared to other transport loaders—more affordable in price;
do not emit exhaust gases during operation and are considered eco-friendly equipment;
maneuverable and suitable for use in elevators and trailers.

How to choose a pallet truck. Many factors influence the choice:

Material of the wheels
Polyamide rollers deform less and have low rolling resistance during transportation. Such equipment is inexpensive and accessible.
Material of the load platform
A smooth metal surface contributes to the load slipping and can cause it to fall. A corrugated metal surface is more practical and convenient.
Functionality
More expensive models may be equipped with functions for printing receipts or labels and can transmit data to a personal computer.
IP protection
For outdoor work sites, models with protection from dust and moisture are recommended. The IP65 protection degree protects against precipitation, dust, and other adverse conditions.
Service maintenance
The recommendation is to choose manufacturers that have service (centers/service capabilities).

Hoists

A hoist is a lever or chain lifting device for lifting and lowering loads weighing up to 20t.

Features

very light and compact;
easy to store and transport;
inexpensive;
safe to operate.

How to choose a hoist. When selecting a hoist, consider key parameters:

Lifting capacity
Defined by the maximum weight the hoist must lift. It is important to choose a model with a strength reserve for long service life and safety.
Lifting height
Takes into account the distance to which the load needs to be lifted. For great heights, appropriate models are required.
Type of drive
Depending on operating conditions, manual, electric, or hydraulic hoists are chosen.
Additional functions
For example: automatic brakes, built-in emergency stop systems, remote control, or overload protection.
Installation and operating features
Important: mounting options, dimensions, requirements for the power supply or hydraulic power.

Stackers

A stacker is a simple and reliable device for transporting bulky items and placing them on top of each other. In terms of power, it surpasses a pallet truck and can lift loads weighing up to 2 t to a height of more than 10 m.

Stackers are usually used for warehouse facilities with medium turnover. They are compact, maneuverable, and move easily through narrow aisles.

How to choose a stacker. When buying, pay attention to the following criteria:

Lifting capacity
Most modifications: 1–1.6 t, but devices with 2–3 t are also produced. The design allows lifting loads to a height of more than 6 m.
Lifting capacity at the highest lifting point
This factor should be given special attention: devices with an initial lifting capacity of 1.2 t may have a lifting capacity of 800–900 kg at height.
Productivity per shift
Needed to determine how long the stacker can operate without recharging.
Aisle width between racks
Self-propelled devices guided by an operator work in premises where the distance between racks is more than 2 meters. Before buying, you need to know the exact distance between racks.
Type of control
Equipment with a standing area for the worker has a larger platform than walk-behind stackers. The maximum speed of such units is 4–5 km/h.
Floor surface
Almost all models are designed to work on a level surface, but some devices can overcome small irregularities.
Loading method
Manufacturers produce stackers with side and vertical loading. Side stackers are adapted for stacking and moving long and large loads.

We offer you a wide model range of equipment for lifting and moving loads. On the company website, you can view and purchase a hydraulic lift table, trolley, hoist, or stacker, and our specialists will help you choose the optimal solution, taking into account all the specifics of your activity. Contact us and get reliable partners in the field of lifting technologies.