Choosing The Right Lifting & Handling Equipment For Your Warehouse Or Operational Setting

Choosing The Right Lifting & Handling Equipment For Your Warehouse Or Operational Setting

Smooth and structured warehouse operations rely on choosing the correct lifting & handling equipment for your needs.

The correct lifting and/or handling equipment will not only improve your productivity, but will ensure health and safety in your work place, and will greatly reduce operational costs. If you handle pallets, heavy loads, or delicate goods, choosing the correct lifting equipment is vital for your business.

Assessing Your Needs…

Before investing in any lifting or manoeuvring equipment, you should assess your warehouse operational needs. Some factors to bear in mind are:

• Your Warehouse/Operational Setting Layout – For instance, do you have narrow aisles, any ramps, high shelves, or limited manoeuvrability, for instance?

• The Kind Of Materials Handled – Will you need to lift or manoeuvre heavy loads, fragile materials, or wide/bulky loads, or the type of pallets you normally use?

• Load Capacity – What is the maximum weight your new equipment in required to handle?
• How Often Will You Be Using Your Equipment – Will you use your equipment every day, or only on occasion?
• Keeping Your Operators Safe – Do your operators require specialised training for certain equipment?  In the UK, this is a legal requirement.  Depending on what type of equipment you are using determines the level of training required in order to operate machinery safely.  If you look at PUWER and LOLER Regulations for more information on the training required to operate your equipment.  Generally, a manual pallet truck is governed by PUWER Regulations, whilst electric pallet trucks, and other lifting equipment are governed by LOLER Regulations.
• Potential Expandability Of Your Warehouse Or Operational Setting – Will your current lifting and manouvering equipment meet your ever-growing business requirements?

By comprehending the needs of your business to run effectively and efficiently, you can therefore make an informed decision re the equipment required.

Types of Lifting/Handling Equipment for Warehouse Settings

The majority of warehouses require several types of lifting & handling equipment in order to manoeuvre loads and pallets effectively, efficiently, and safely.

There is a vast amount of equipment designed for specific tasks – manual or electric pallet trucks, specialist pallet trucks such as low profile, heavy duty, or cold store pallet jacks. 

There are also many other types of equipment which can help you to optimise your needs, such as – stacker trucks, hydraulic scissor lift tables, manual and electric high lifters, platform lifters, or tow trucks, for instance.

All of these will improve your productivity whilst greatly decreasing the risk of accidents or injuries. 

Below we list an extensive range of lifting and handling equipment which we stock here at Go-EPT.  We include the most frequently used kinds of equipment required in UK warehouses, and we list their own unique functions and advantages.

Pallet Trucks

Pallet trucks, also known as pallet jacks or pump trucks, are used to move pallets smoothly around your warehouse or operational setting. These trucks are more cost effective pieces of equipment for your warehouse. 

There are many different kinds of pallet trucks, based on all operational needs:

• Manual Pallet Trucks – These trucks are very cost effective, and are relatively simple to use, but they do tend to require more physical effort by the operator to lift and manoeuvre pallets and heavy loads.

• Electric Pallet Trucks – These trucks are powered by lithium batteries, therefore, they can help to greatly reduce operator strain and stress, and increase warehouse efficiency, especially in settings with a high volume of activity.

• Specialised Pallet Trucks – We have trucks that suit all kinds of environments, such as cold store trucks for use in very cold and wet conditions, heavy duty pallet trucks which will carry up to 5000kg loads, low and extra low profile pump trucks for use when a pallet or load has little ground clearance, weigh scale pump trucks to help with load weights, galvanised trucks which have high corrosion resistance, stainless steel trucks which are perfect for when hygiene is essential, such as food production and pharmaceutical companies, and much more.  Please click of each link above to view just some of the models we stock.

Hydraulic Scissor Lift Tables

A Hydraulic Scissor Lift Table is a highly efficient piece of equipment.

They are designed to handle tasks requiring up to 150kgs or 500kgs of lifting capacity.

A Lift Table is perfect for various applications, offering remarkable manoeuvrability and stability in compact spaces.

The table bed has dimensions of 815mm x 500mm. With a lowered height of 280mm, and maximum lift height of 900mm, making it ideal for a wide range of lifting tasks.

Whether you’re lifting tools, components, or materials, a Scissor Lift Table ensures smooth operation and safety for the operator.

They are equipped with two braked swivel castors and two fixed castors. This ensures they provide excellent control and stability, allowing operators to position and move loads with a great deal of precision.

Lifting is facilitated by a foot pedal, enhancing user comfort and efficiency. Whilst lowering is controlled by a cable-operated lever, ensuring smooth descent.

When your operations involve working at heights, these tables provide safe and stable operation for the user. These lifting platforms enable operators to reach higher areas, and handle elevated operations effectively, safely, and efficiently.

Platform Lifters

A Platform Lifter is capable of lifting and transporting loads of up to 400kg.

The platform measures 580x650mm, giving plenty of space for most loads.

We stock two models, one has a maximum lift height of 850mm, and the other has a maximum lift height of 1500mm.

The Platform Lifter is a very versatile piece of equipment. It has a removable platform which unveils a pair of forks, which enables you to lift pallets, and more.

The forks measure 650mm in length and are adjustable in width, up to a maximum of 550mm.

These are also excellent for warehouses or settings where areas have narrow aisles or smaller amounts of space.

Manual and Electric High Lifters

Also known as a Scissor Lift Pump Truck, a High Lift Pallet Truck is designed to enhance productivity and safety in all operational settings. 

We stock both manual and electric High Lifters, so please take a look at both to see which one best suits your operational needs.

These types of trucks are competitively priced, and as with all of the trucks we stock, are backed by excellent support, ensuring it is a reliable addition to your fleet for years to come.

With the ability to lift up to 800mm and lift load of up to 1500kgs, this piece of lifting equipment is perfect for production lines where reducing the risk of injury from bending and twisting is crucial.

The fork dimensions of 540×1150 make it ideally suited for Euro type pallets, offering versatility and efficiency in handling tasks.

Whether you’re looking to improve workplace ergonomics or streamline production processes, the High Rise Pallet Truck provides a practical solution with its substantial lift capacity and ease of use.

The electric model is equipped with manual quick lift function in the event of the battery being flat. The quick lift function doubles the lift speeds for loads lighter than 200kg.

Quick Lift Function and more…

• Equipped with quick lift function, which doubles the lift speeds for loads lighter than 200kg.

• Pressure relief valve and overload valve prevent damage due to exceeding load limits.

• These High Lifters come as standard with enclosed fork tips for additional strength and service life.

• Single stage lift ram, reducing the potential for oil leaks.

Manual Stacker Trucks

With a large 1500kg lift capacity, and a maximum lift height of 1600mm, a Manual Stacker Truck is perfect for lifting loads within a warehouse. Also perfect for stacking and loading on to vehicles.

Easy and comfortable handling through ergonomical handles, and effortless pulling during transport with the long tiller (handle). 

These trucks are perfect for warehouses and production lines where reducing the risk of injury from bending and twisting is crucial. 

This model’s fork dimensions of 550×1150 means it is ideally suited for Euro type pallets. This offers versatility and efficiency in handling tasks.

Safe parking in any situation with the mechanical parking brake fitted as standard. 

Choose to lift the load with the foot pedal or handle.

These Stacker Trucks are made for lifting pallets/stillages without a bottom lat, i.e., Euro pallets from the narrow side.

Electric Stacker Trucks

Our range of Electric Stacker Trucks come with fully electric drive, variable speed lifting, and lowering.

This lifting pallet truck is available with lift heights of either 2.5M or 3.3M.

• Fully Electric Drive
• Variable Speed
• Lifting and Lowering

This Electric Pallet Stacker Truck is comfortable to operate and extremely efficient thanks to the patented intelligent handle and control system. 

It is ideal for replacing manual & semi-electric stackers. 

These trucks are also superb for use in narrow warehouse environments for efficient and easy pallet stacking.

The proportional lowering brings high efficiency for exact pallet placement, and more precise control when compared to the normal fixed speed of lifting & lowering.

Variable speed control by proportional control knob, keeps lifting and lowering smooth, stable, safe and energy-saving.

Automatic lowering speed descent with soft buffering when the fork height is lowered to around 10cm from the ground, effectively protects the safety of the cargo, with low noise and small vibration.

Variable Speed Control on Lifting and Lowering

These stackers are comfortable and efficient, thanks to the STAXX patented intelligent control system. 

These trucks are ideal for replacing manual and semi-electric stacker trucks in the workplace, with efficient and easy pallet stacking. 

The proportional lowering brings high efficiency for exact pallet placement and more precise control when compared to normal stackers, with fixed speed lifting and lowering. 

Variable speed control by proportional control slide switch, keeps lifting and lowering, smooth, stable and safe.

Proportional Lifting And Lowering –

The variable speed control ensures the stacker goes up and down smoothly, minimising the mechanical shock and vibration, ensuring fragile loads are gently placed on racking or the floor, and reducing the impact of noise and vibration for operators.

Lowering Buffering –

Automatic lowering speed descent with soft buffering when the fork height is lowered to around 10cm from the ground, effectively projecting the safety of the cargo. Low noise and small vibration.

High Efficiency –

The variable speed control brings accurate response for adjusting the lifting and lowering speed accordingly to the actual situation, the operator can easily complete the task and improve working efficiency.

Energy Saving –

Compared to traditional fixed lifting and lowering speed, variable speed can be adjusted according to the load and height by the operator, reducing energy waste and improving energy utilisation rate.

Longer Service Life –

Variable speed control can reduce the mechanical impact and friction during lifting and lowering, reduce the wear and tear on the chassis, mast, bearings, and enable a longer service life.

Intelligent And Efficient –

STAXX patented multifunctional intelligent tiller handle has a unique design for quick fault diagnosis, enabling easier service, shorter service time and lower labour costs.

Rugged And Durable –

Due to a high-strength frame and mast design, and solid materials used, the deformation of the frame, mast, and forks is small.

Mast –

Standard H+C channel.

Frame –

Steel plate thickness of 5mm.

Frame bottom plate –

30mm integrated steel plate.

Double chain design –

When compared with a single chain design it has higher strength, is safer and more stable.

High strength forks –

Formed in a single piece from 8mm thick steel plate, ensuring strength is high and deformation is small, even under heavy loads.

Low Battery placement for greater stability -

Adjustable balance wheel: Improved stability and manoeuvrability, suitable for different working scenarios.

Built in battery charger.

Easy And Comfortable.

Effortless easy to operate –

Low mounted long tiller reduces steering force required.

High steering angle –

Designed at over 180 degrees, giving a small turning radius.

Excellent manoeuvrability –

Precise and manoeuvrable operating, high safety and efficiency.

Low mast static height –

Easy to operate in confined spaces, such as containers and elevators, with less than 3.3M lifting height.

Longer Operating Time –

Standard 24v/71Ah maintenance free lead-acid batteries 85Ah @20hr.

Tow Tractor / Truck

Also known as a Cage Mover, the Tow Tractor is designed for towing warehouse/delivery cages with ease – The hook is placed under the cage cross member enabling easy towing of the load.

The hook has adjustable height capability, and it could also be replaced with a fixed tow bar for moving trailers or caravans under 1000kg.

Powered by a 400w motor and 12v battery, the tow truck provides high efficiency, while the large drive wheels give capability over uneven terrains.

Features – 

• Manual override 
• Emergency stop button
• Large easy read battery indicator
• Emergency cut off button
• Adjustable drive speed from slow to a fast walk
• Horn
• On/Off Key switch

Significant Factors To Take Into Consideration When Choosing Your Lifting & Manoeuvering Equipment

Once you are sure of your requirements, assess the following factors before investing in your lifting and manouvering equipment:

Space and Manoeuvrability

Does your warehouse or operational setting have tight spaces or narrow aisles? Check this before purchasing, as all of our equipment will have this information available on each of a product’s page. Please evaluate your areas for turning radius, aisle widths, and operational rigidity.

Your Required Load Capacity

Ensure that the equipment you are interested in can handle the weight of your loads/pallets. Overloading any piece of equipment can lead to accidents, injuries, and/or failure of equipment, and safety hazards.

Always check the specifications of the equipment to ensure it will suit your needs.  It is good practice to purchase equipment that can handle more than your actual requirements, for safety reasons.

Power Inception

Manouvering and lifting equipment is available in electric and manual options.

So, you need to evaluate which is best suited for you:

• Electric models – These will be quieter, environmentally friendly, they will put less strain on the operator, and are very cost effective.
• Manual equipment – Cost-effective, easy to use, but will require more operational effort.

Safety Features

Assess for features such as automatic braking, load sensors, and operator protection structure to ensure operator and workplace safety. Some additional safety reinforcements can include:

• Anti-tip system
• Emergency stop function
• Speed control settings
• Operator visibility enhancement

Cost & Maintenance

You should think about both your initial investment and going forward, the maintenance costs involved.

Well maintained equipment lasts longer and will keep superior performance.

It is good practice to choose a model from a supplier with readily available spare parts and good service / repairs support.  We offer both of these as we keep a vast range of spare parts for all models stocked, and have an experience service team who can maintain your equipment for you, ensuring you remain PUWER and LOLER compliant.

Compliance and Safety Regulations

Adhering to Safety Regulations is vital when choosing your lifting equipment. Ensure your choice(s) complies with:

• HSE (Health & Safety Executive) Regulations
• UK Warehouse Safety Standards
• ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation) Certifications

Correct operator training and regular maintenance checks are not only essential, they are a legal requirement for safety compliance and accident prevention. Ensure all of your operators are fully trained in comprehensive training programs to greatly reduce risks.

Your Final Decision

After assessing everything listed above, and you have compared different models, and made any relevant enquiries with your preferred supplier, only then should you purchase your equipment. 

Ensure your supplier is trusted within the industry, ideally SafeContractor™ approved, and has an excellent reputation.

Check the supplier has warranties for new product sales, and a fully comprehensive after sales support for maintenance and repairs services, and will be on hand to answer any questions or problem solving you may need, to ensure long-term reliability.

A good relationship with your chosen supplier will keep your equipment in tip top condition for as long as possible.

So, the Conclusion?

Choosing the correct warehouse & operational setting equipment can seriously influence your productivity, safety, and cost effectivity. 

By mindfully evaluating your requirements and taking in to account key factors like manoeuvrability within your setting, lift weight limits required, bulky load capacity, and H&S compliance, you can decide on the best equipment to enhance your productivity, whilst ensuring operator safety.

Selecting the correct lifting and handling equipment is not just about safely moving and lifting loads and pallets around, it’s also about taking your entire operations to another level for efficiency, cost effectiveness, safety, and also taking in to account the potential future expansion of your business.

Any Questions?  Contact Us!

Here at Go-EPT, based in Sheffield, UK, we not only stock a huge range of lifting and handling equipment for warehouses and operational settings, we are also the UK’s largest stockist of spare parts.

We also have over 25 years of experience in this industry, and have a highly experienced and qualified team of technical and service technicians readily available who can come out to service or repair your equipment, either as a one off, or on a regular basis, so you remain PUWER and LOLER compliant.

We cover the whole of the UK.

If you have any questions whatsoever about our products, spare parts, or a service or repair, please contact us – Our friendly technical or sales team will gladly help you with all of your queries in a timely and satisfying manner.

Put your trust in team Go-EPT today – We have a huge amount of extremely happy customers all over the UK, who have remained loyal to us for many years – This speaks volumes about our reliability and abilities, along with being able to come out to you at short notice to service or repair your equipment, or if you need any new equipment or spare parts.

Contact Details:

• Tel: 0333 772 7726

• Email: Info@Go-EPT.com

• 7 Redwood Court – Campbell Way – Dinnington – Sheffield – S25 3NQ