Bulk Material Handling Equipment Basics

Learn about different types of bulk handling systems for transferring heavy equipment and materials

Bulk material handling equipment reduces the burden of lifting heavy objects or large quantities of material from one location to the next. Bulk handling systems also provide a faster, more efficient means of processing, packaging and shipping items since less manual labor is involved.

Before deciding on industrial material handling equipment or other bulk handling systems for your office or factory, familiarize yourself with the different types of equipment and supplies suitable for your bulk handling needs. Bulk material loaders and unloaders fill and release chemicals, pigments, fertilizers, abrasives, food products and more from carts, bags, boxes, rail cars and silos. They are available as belt, vacuum, table, vibratory and drum feeders. Bulk handling conveyors, such as bucket, belt or chute, transport large quantities of pellets or grains at maximum processing speeds. More bulk handling systems include forklifts and dock lifts for raising and lowering construction materials or electronics parts and bin activator components to prevent clogging of solids, powders or liquids during processing.

1. Learn bulk material handling equipment basics to determine what will work best in your situation.

2. Add variety to your workplace inventory with equipment such as bag handling systems.

3. Find materials handling equipment repair or parts services.

 

Research information on bulk material handling equipment

Determine which type of bulk material handling equipment you'll need for commercial and industrial handling and loading applications. Manufacturers' sites provide full descriptions and application information.
Try: Heyl & Patterson lists bulk material handling equipment such as rail car dumpers and barge unloaders. Noble Products features cranes, hoists, carts, lifts and shelves. Search Process Barron online for bulk material handling equipment such as conveyors, fuel handling systems and feeders.

Search for a variety of bag handling systems from manufacturers and distributors

Consider bag handling systems when working with fine chemicals or food. Verify that material handling equipment manufacturers meet the appropriate certifications and specifications to ensure quality bulk handling equipment.
Try: Conveyor Engineering & Manufacturing develops stainless steel components for bag handling systems used in food processing. Luxme International distributes bulk material handling equipment such as vertical bag elevators and conveyors for transporting food, fertilizer and pharmaceuticals. Bag handling conveyors can also be found online at Carrier Vibrating Equipment.

Look for maintenance and repair services for bulk material handling systems

Consider working with bulk handling equipment manufacturers that provide repairs and parts replacement services.
Try: In addition to providing technical support, Nol-Tec Systems also supplies spare parts for bulk material handling equipment. American Custom Hydraulics offers repair services and replacement parts for industrial material handling equipment such as cranes and excavators. Rexnord Industries specializes in repairing bulk handling systems such as elevators and conveyor components.

 

• Certification is also important when considering bulk material handling equipment. Most bulk handling systems come from material handling equipment manufacturers that are ISO-certified.

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