Effective material handling — and material these days can be anything from stone to steel — translates to efficient completion of the project, perhaps with performance bonuses attached. But inefficient material handling can slow down job progress, cause duplication of effort, detract from efficiency, and may even lead to accidents and injuries.
Most contractors think of a material handler as a variable-reach telescoping boom forklift. These machines, usually seen at many building construction sites, feature a telescoping boom and typically include forks for easy handling of materials such as block, mortar, sheetrock, and plywood. But they can also be fitted with coupler systems for many different types of attachments that can increase versatility on the job. Whether unloading materials from trucks or delivering them over the phases of a project, telehandlers continue to be what most people think of when the subject is equipment for material handling.
But there’s more to material handling than telehandlers. For example, cranes are another class of material handling equipment. When heavy lifting is needed, a crane is usually preferred. That is why cranes take on most material handling for major projects such as bridges, where the loads can be heavy, or on high-rise buildings, where telehandlers cannot offer a tall enough reach. Cranes also assist on many sites with unloading trucks — an important part of material handling on just about any job.
But whatever machinery is used for material handling, the most important element remains the operator. Safety is paramount. Remember, material handlers handle material — and to do so safely, the load must be under their complete control at all times. This necessity drives not only load handling and maneuverability but also affects cab design and control positioning. For example, cabs on many modern material handlers are being designed with more glass to give the operator more visibility.
Designing machines that an experienced operator can safely and effectively control certainly are a key consideration, particularly in these days of scarce manpower, when selecting material handling machinery. But without question, an effective merging of operator and machine will increase safety which maximizes productivity — and that always mean a better bottom line.