FAQ
What is meant by mechanical handling?
Mechanical handling, also known as material handling, refers to the equipment used to lift, move, carry or tip heavy and awkward items. This equipment is designed to improve workplace safety and increase worker productivity.
What are the types of material handling?
There are four main types of material handling equipment:
1. Storage equipment
This includes things like shelves, racking units as well as bins, drums and drawers.
2. Bulk handling equipment
This includes machines such as conveyor belts, rotary turntables, stackers, elevators and more.
3. Trucks and movers
Trucks and movers include machinery like forklifts, hand trucks and order pickers.
4. Engineered systems
Engineered systems are often automated and made up of various components. SYSPAL’s “single bin solution”, designed for Eurobins, is a perfect example. A complete system could include a combination of weigh scales, racking and stackers, tumbler mixers, tippers and lifters and wash frames.
What equipment is used for mechanical handling of materials?
There are several types of mechanical handling equipment that can be used by food processors. These include:
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- Weigh scales (to weigh the product)
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- Racking and stackers (to store the product)
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- Tumbler mixers (to marinate and/or coat the product)
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- Tipper and lifters (to lift and empty the bins)
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- Barrel and drum tippers (to tip barrel and drums)
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- Wash frame (to wash the bins)
What are some of the benefits of mechanical handling?
There are several advantages to using mechanical handling in your food processing plant, such as:
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- Increase worker efficiency and productivity
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- Decrease product damage/wastage
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- Reduce worker accidents, injuries and strains
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- Improve worker satisfaction
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- Streamline workflow