Forklifts cause more than 85 fatalities per year and lead to more than 30,000 serious injuries. And when you consider that the warehouse and storage industry employs half a million Americans across the U.S., you realize that number could be even higher.

Regardless of where they work, employees deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing their workplaces are safe. Using alternative loading equipment, you can meet all your loading needs without putting your employees at risk.

For just about any business to succeed, it must be able to move packages, boxes, parts, and finished products around a warehouse. But what tools can help you achieve this with efficiency and effectiveness?

These four types of material handling equipment are a great start.

Hydraulic Vertical Lifts

Using a hydraulic vertical lift is not only affordable, it’s efficient and requires very little training. In fact, it’s as simple as pushing a button.

Unlike forklifts that require regular mechanical work, hydraulic lifts are almost maintenance free. And their long-term costs are virtually non-existent, meaning you only have to make the initial investment.

Hydraulic lifts are one of the safest ways to move materials up or down one level.

Mechanical Vertical Lifts

While a hydraulic vertical lift uses pressurized liquid to propel its movement, a mechanical vertical lift uses a motor.

Mechanical vertical lifts are known for being strong, fast, and operating smoothly. That smooth operation is key to avoiding any damage to loads. This helps limit waste that might result in a loss of money.

Another benefit is that a mechanical lift gives you access to previously unused spaces underground and on second floors. And more space means more room for product.

Box Lifts

Box lifts can be used for loading and transporting just about anything: boxes, cartons, barrels, sacks, totes, and individual parts. Made specifically for indoor use, box lifts are typically capable of carrying loads over 500 lbs. And they can be used on a two-level application between floors.

This kind of loading equipment is durable and sometimes comes with built-in safety features that ensure both materials and workers are safe.

Package Handling Lifts

For use indoors and loads weighing more than 100 lbs, package handling lifts are another option for efficient loading equipment. When you need to move boxes and other containers quickly, the high speed of a package handling lift can get the job done with time to spare.

Use a package handling lift when you need to move materials to a mezzanine, between floors, or between different conveyor levels. Any load that was transported on an inclined conveyor can be handled by a package handling lift.

As a self-contained device, it also saves space in your warehouse. That means you have more room for products that sell.

Need More Information?

Getting rid of your forklift is the first step to protecting your workers. Replacing it with reliable, durable, and cost-effective loading equipment is the second.

Vertical reciprocating conveyors (VRCs) are a safe and economical alternative for loading and material handling in the warehouse. And, as a well-respected company that specializes in VRCs, we can answer any questions you might have. Contact us for more information on what we have to offer.

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