Are you looking to upgrade the efficiency of your warehouse or industrial facility? If you do, it could result in a big boost to your team's productivity and your company's bottom line.
Designing an effective workspace and adding the best warehouse equipment to your site is key. While it's definitely an investment, it's worth the effort if you plan to grow your company over time.
So what are the most important pieces of equipment needed at industrial jobs? And what pieces of gear will make any type of warehouse design conducive to efficiency? Keep reading to find out now.
1. Pallet Jack
At any type of warehouse job or in an industrial environment, there's always going to be a need to move heavy loads. Whether transporting tons of supplies, products, or heavy equipment, a pallet jack makes easy work of it.
Simply load up a wooden pallet with anything needing to move across the room or the entire facility. These are manually powered machines but do all the heavy lifting for you.
All you'll need to do is press the handle to raise the pallet. Then pull it to your destination, lowering the pallet to the ground. You won't be able to lift pallets onto racks with a pallet jack. For that, you'll need a forklift.
2. Forklift
Another common piece of equipment found in any industrial workplace is the forklift. They are similar in function to a pallet jack, but far more efficient.
Fuel-powered forklifts are much faster and much more powerful. When you need to transport a lot of pallets all over the place, a forklift will get the job done much faster.
On top of higher speeds, the forklift and lift pallets much higher, making them ideal for storing products or equipment on racks in a warehouse.
But forklifts aren't just for lifting pallets. You can use them to raise many different objects high into the air.
For example, when constructing new warehouses, specialized teams arrive to install the heavy-duty racking, often a few stories tall.
The racks lay horizontal on the ground until needed. A forklift will then lift a rack beam, raising it until it straightens out and is then installed by waiting team members.
These are extremely useful tools that need to be present on any job site.
3. Workbench
You can't get work done without a proper workstation. When outfitting a permanent facility, or setting up at a temporary job site, you'll need an industrial workbench.
A heavy duty industrial workbench can be used for many different functions, and by many different team members. They are akin to a computer desk for office workers, meaning that they are foundational to getting work done.
Manufacturing or warehousing facilities will have many workbenches set up for packaging shipments or assembling products. They can be used as a repair station for tools and equipment. Many use them for electronics repairs, as they can also be outfitted with lighting and a power supply.
A heavy-duty bench can withstand large amounts of weight. They can also be height-adjustable so that different team members can find a productive, easy-to-use workstation.
Plus, they can be customized to a high degree. No matter what your unique needs are, there's a workbench solution available.
4. Pneumatic Tools
Pneumatic tools are those powered by air rather than electricity. These are extremely useful on a job site.
In the early stages of construction, electricity may not be present, or it may be difficult to access. Utilizing pneumatic tools may be the only option.
There are tons of different kinds and you're likely to have quite an arsenal of these stored up. Nail guns and staplers are some of the most common and are used widely in new construction and carpentry.
Drills and hammer guns can also be powered by enough air to create a forceful enough impact. And many other tools can be powered by air, such as sanders, grinders, paint sprayers, impact wrenches, and more.
5. Compressors
To power your pneumatic tools, you're going to need an air compressor. When working in an environment lacking access to electricity, compressors can be powered by diesel fuel. This allows for the most flexibility when tools are needed.
Portable air compressors are available for temporary or mobile job sites, where you need an easy-to-move solution. Stationary compressors are available for permanent facilities.
6. Boom Lifts
There's a good chance that you're going to need to get airborne at some point. Aerial boom lifts are the safe and easy way to elevate your team.
Whether installing equipment on the ceiling or roof, making repairs to light fixtures, or getting on top of a piece of heavy machinery, boom lifts make it easy.
There are different types and sizes available depending on the job site. For those who don't always need a boom lift, these are easy to rent and have delivered to your job site for as long as you need them.
7. Generators
Not everything can be powered by air or fuel. A generator provides a backup supply of electricity.
In case a storm rolls through, the electricians are installing or repairing power, or some other issue, you'll always have power available. This means your crew can continue to be productive.
8. Mobile Tool Cabinet
If you are always working at different job sites, or frequently need to move around a large facility, it helps to have mobile tool cabinets ready to go. Rather than having to carry all of your individual tools and supplies into each site, making a mess, a cabinet consolidates it for you.
They are always packed up and full of your supplies. They'll prevent your gear from getting lost or stolen, as you can lock them up when you are away.
Don't let your gear take up an entire job site. Stay organized and professional with proper storage cabinets on wheels.
Finding the Best Warehouse Equipment
Most industrial and warehouse equipment is large and heavy. To stock up on the best supplies at the lowest cost helps to shop locally when possible.
Much of the gear you'll need is available off the shelf at hardware stores or local industrial suppliers. Though larger, more complex pieces of gear often require professional delivery.
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