Industrial Lifts Key Terms

Learn about types of material handling industrial lifts that are available for your business

Industrial lifts include any type of equipment that makes it easy to move pallets or products on a factory floor, or in and out of a cargo truck, boat or airplane. When setting up a manufacturing or shipping operation, material handling experts examine the workflow to decide which types of lifts can improve efficiency, as well as protect workers and goods. There are several general types of industrial lifts on the market, and it's important to know a specific product's weight capacity before making a purchase.

 

Scissor lifts and industrial table lifts

Scissor lifts have hydraulic, scissor-like legs that raise and lower a platform, or table. Some are manual, and others are powered by electricity. These lifts help workers raise and lower heavy packages with less risk of back, leg and neck injury.
Try: Cisco-Eagle pictures a range of scissor lift types, both manual and electric.

Pallet jacks

A pallet jack has two flat arms that slip under a pallet so workers can raise and move the load where it needs to go. Some pallet jacks are operated by hand; workers engage the load, then tilt it up and wheel it away. Others attach to the front of trucks, so the load can be driven to its destination.
Try: Grainger sells a number of hand pallet jacks.

Manipulator arms

Manipulator arms have broad material handling applications. These arms are electrically powered and designed to pick up goods and set them in place with precision. There are arms that can reach in any direction, many of them up to 12 feet.
Try: GCI shows examples of a large variety of manipulator arms, some with capacities of over 650 pounds.

Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors (VRCs)

Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors (VRCs) move goods and equipment straight up and down, perhaps to and from a mezzanine level in a factory.
Try: Wildeck makes a variety of VRCs, and can customize its material lifts to your speed and capacity requirements.

Jib cranes

Jib cranes are booms made from a sturdy but lightweight metal, like aluminum, that workers attach to a load with a rope system. The boom then lifts and swings the load where it needs to go. Jib cranes can be mounted on a wall, or attached to a free standing post.
Try: Gorbel makes a variety of jib cranes.

Dock lifts

Dock lifts look a lot like table lifts, but they are larger and always electrically powered. Docks lifts are made to raise and lower heavy loads, including full pallets. They often have rails on two sides to prevent the load from sliding off and injuring bystanders.
Try: Vistamation manufacturers a number of dock lifts, some of which can lift loads up to 12,000 pounds.

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