Material Handling Equipment Selection: 6 Key Factors to Consider

Not only does it reduce labor costs and cycle times, but it also improves safety, minimizes product damage, and enhances overall supply chain performance. With material handling practices accounting for up to 70% of total warehouse costs, selecting the right material handling equipment (MHE) is a strategic imperative for companies in the material handling industry and material handling companies alike.

Below, we expand on six critical factors you must evaluate—each illustrated with practical tips, real-world examples, and links to expert resources—to guide your decision-making process.

1. Assess Your Application Requirements

Analyze Load Characteristics

Begin by cataloguing the types of loads you handle:

• Weight and Dimensions: Heavy or oversized loads (e.g., granite slabs, steel plates) demand high–capacity devices like gantry crane material handling systems or specialized lifting equipment. Lighter, irregular items might be better suited to scissor lifter units or manual trolleys.

• Fragility and Surface Sensitivity: Delicate surfaces require non-marking solutions. For stone countertops, a stone fabrication and installation clamp or vacuum lifter slab lifter preserves surface integrity without scratches.

Calculate Throughput Requirements

• Cycle Time: How many loads per hour? High-speed operations may lean toward conveyors, AGVs, or continuous-flow systems, reducing manual interventions.

• Peak vs. Average Volume: Account for rush periods—holiday surges or production batch runs—to avoid bottlenecks.

Evaluate Facility Constraints

• Floor Load Capacity: Warehouse floors must support heavy equipment like floor-mounted jib cranes or loaded gantry frames.

• Aisle Widths and Ceiling Clearance: Forklifts and mobile gantry cranes require sufficient maneuvering space. Conversely, compact solutions like floor-mounted jib crane setups can operate in tighter footprints.

• Dock Configuration: Drive-in doors vs. through-flow docks can influence whether you choose pallet jacks, AGVs, or dock-leveling conveyors.

2. Match Equipment Types to Use Cases

Once you understand your needs, align them with specific MHE categories:

Lifting Clamps

• Use Case: Lifting steel sheets, stone slabs, and glass panels in fabrication shops.

• Tip: Choose models with adjustable jaw openings and safety locks. Learn more about Selecting Lifting Clamps

Vacuum Lifters & Slab Lifters

• Use Case: Handling flat, non-porous surfaces—ideal for granite countertop production.

• Tip: Verify vacuum cup capacity and gauge accuracy for real-time monitoring

Scissor Lifters

• Use Case: Low to mid-height lift and transfer of palletized goods in warehouses.

• Tip: Electric scissor units offer smoother lifts and integrated controls

Gantry Cranes & Portable Gantry Systems

• Use Case: Overhead lifting across work cells, open yards, and assembly lines.

• Tip: Consider modular, adjustable-height gantries for flexible deployment. Discover why they’re a backbone of material handling equipment

Floor-Mounted Jib Cranes

• Use Case: Repetitive lifts within a fixed radius—common in machine shops and loading areas.

• Tip: Articulated arms extend reach; column-mounted bases maximize floor space. See the Floor-Mounted Jib Crane

Material Handling Trolleys

• Use Case: Manual transport of components, tools, and small assemblies.

• Tip: Select trolleys with adjustable shelving and ergonomic push handles. Read our guide on Material Handling Trolley

Ratchet Tie-Down Straps

• Use Case: Securing goods during transit on flatbeds or trailers.

• Tip: Opt for heavy-duty, corrosion-resistant hardware

Suction Cups for Material-Handling

• Use Case: Non-marking grip on glass, polished stone, and metal sheets.

• Tip: Look for quick-disconnect fittings and integrated vacuum gauges. Learn about suction cups for material-handling

Additional Examples of Lifting Equipment

• Chain Hoists, Electric Hoists, Articulating Arms, and Cobot End-Effectors—explore further in Examples of Lifting Equipment

3. Prioritize Safety, Compliance & Ergonomics

Safety isn’t optional—it’s a compliance and operational necessity in the material handling industry.

Regulatory Compliance

• Standards: Adhere to OSHA (US), EU Machinery Directive, and local regulations.

• Inspections: Schedule periodic audits to verify load-testing, guard installations, and control interlocks.

Built-In Safety Features

• Emergency Stops & Alarms: Ensure every crane and conveyor has fail-safe emergency-stop mechanisms.

• Overload Protection: Prevent over-rating devices with electronic sensors that cut power or trigger warnings.

• Safety Barriers & Fencing: Separate pedestrian walkways from MHE traffic lanes.

Ergonomic Design

• Operator Comfort: Adjustable handle heights, padded grips, and low-effort controls reduce fatigue.

• Workstation Layout: For stone workshops, position Kerb Stones and countertop fabrication stations to minimize twisting and bending.

• Training Programs: Certify operators on proper lift techniques, equipment controls, and hazard recognition.

4. Evaluate Integration & Automation Potential

Modern supply chains demand connected equipment and data-driven decision-making.

Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)

• Real-Time Visibility: Link AGVs, forklifts, and conveyors to your WMS for live inventory tracking.

• Task Automation: Automatically assign pick-and-place jobs to robotic systems for peak efficiency.

Robotic Systems & AGVs

• Collaborative Robots (Cobots): Work alongside human operators for palletizing, packing, and sorting.

• Scalability: Start with a single AGV and expand into full fleets as ROI becomes clear.

IoT & Predictive Maintenance

• Sensor Networks: Embed temperature, vibration, and load sensors on cranes and trolleys.

• Analytics Platforms: Use dashboards to forecast maintenance needs and avoid unplanned downtime. Boost efficiency by following insights from Boost Productivity with Advanced Material Handling Equipment Solutions

5. Factor in Total Cost of Ownership & Maintenance

Beyond purchase price, calculate the true lifetime cost.

Preventive & Predictive Maintenance

• Scheduled Servicing: Regular lubrication, pad replacements on vacuum lifters, and electrical checks on AGVs.

• Condition Monitoring: Use IoT-driven alerts for seals on suction cups or wear on scissor lifter pins.

Spare Parts & Service Network

• Local Availability: Partner with vendors who maintain regional warehouses for critical spares.

• Technical Support: Opt for suppliers offering 24/7 support—especially if your facility runs multiple shifts.

Energy & Operational Costs

• Electric vs. Diesel: Electric forklifts and AGVs cost more upfront but cut fuel expenses and emissions.

• Utilization Rates: High-use equipment (e.g., gantry cranes) may justify premium models with greater durability.

Resale Value & Upgrade Paths

• Modular Designs: Systems that adapt to changing load profiles or can be reconfigured for new product lines.

• Secondary Markets: Well-maintained MHE often retains 40–60% of its original value after five years.

6. Partner with Reputable Vendors & Service Providers

Your vendor relationship shapes your long-term success.

Vendor Reputation & Expertise

• Case Studies & Testimonials: Look for partners experienced in your sector—whether stone fabrication or heavy-duty manufacturing.

• Certifications: Authorized distributors for leading MHE brands ensure genuine parts and training.

Support Services

• Turnkey Solutions: From site surveys and layout design to installation and commissioning.

• Training Programs: On-site operator certification and refresher courses.

• Warranty & Maintenance Contracts: Clear SLAs for response times and coverage.

Industry Partnerships

• Integration Experts: Vendors who can link MHE with ERP/WMS platforms for seamless data flow.

• Consultants & Integrators: Engage specialists when implementing complex automated systems.

Conclusion

Selecting the right material handling equipment is a strategic decision that impacts safety, productivity, and your bottom line. By assessing your unique requirements, matching capabilities, prioritizing safety, embracing automation, calculating true ownership costs, and choosing experienced partners, you can optimize material flow and maintain a competitive edge in the material handling industry.

Reference
 Material Handling Equipment: 10 Types & Buying Tips.