Warehouse Carts Built for Your Warehouse Needs

In any warehouse or factory, being able to move items quickly and safely is key to keeping work on track. At Nutting, we build material handling carts that move items securely, cut down on manual work, and withstand heavy daily use.

We build our warehouse carts with real problems in mind, so they are trusted in warehouses, factories, and shipping centers. Operators need dependable carts that move materials without damage, carry heavy loads, and last for many years—even in rough conditions.

Smarter Cart Design for Material Handling

Each Nutting cart is made to fit into your workflow. Whether used for staging, picking, or moving materials, our material handling carts boost productivity and cut down on extra trips across the floor. We offer basic platform trucks and full-featured industrial material handling carts, all with options that match your team’s tasks.

Key Features:

  • Custom sizes to fit your shelves, aisles, and storage racks
  • High load capacities for tough, everyday use
  • Steel or aluminum decks with wood options available
  • Swivel casters and rigid wheels for smooth handling
  • Top shelf and lower platform setups for better organization
  • Handles, tow bars, and fork truck features available as needed

Built for Tough Jobs

Unlike cheap utility carts or light options, Nutting builds heavy duty material handling carts that work in tough settings. These carts are made for daily use in distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, and logistics warehouses. With strong frames and easy-rolling wheels, our carts carry heavy loads across large spaces with minimal effort.

We design each product with safety and ease of use in mind, whether it’s a basic cart or a specialized materials cart. From small-item picking to bulk transport, these carts help workers stay safe and get more done.

Versatile Solutions for Any Operation

Our carts support a wide range of work:

  • Moving raw materials to workstations
  • Carrying finished products to packing lines
  • Transporting tools, parts, or packaging supplies
  • Picking mixed items for outgoing orders

If you’re starting a new work site or upgrading current equipment, we offer options that can grow as your needs change. Our carts aren’t made for just one job—they’re designed to adapt over time.

Built with Experience and Care

We don’t offer mass-market products. Nutting carts are built with care, precise construction, and real user input. We partner with clients to create carts that meet their goals—like improving a picking route, making carts fit tight spaces, or adding fork truck access.

Request a Quote

Call Nutting today to learn more about our custom and standard warehouse carts and how we can help your work run smoothly. We’ll walk you through the options and provide drawings and pricing to get you started.

How to Choose the Right Order Picker Forklift

What Is an Order Picker Forklift?

An order picker forklift, sometimes called a cherry picker forklift or picker lift truck, is a specialized type of forklift used to raise a warehouse worker to elevated racking to hand-pick items. Unlike pallet trucks designed to move full pallets, this machine supports piece-by-piece order picking—ideal for fulfillment centers, warehouses, and retail distribution hubs.

Models like the Crown or Raymond order picker or stand-up cherry picker allow operators to safely access tall storage zones and handle individual products without ladders or scissor lifts. These forklifts are essential to modern material handling strategies.

Understanding the Types of Order Pickers

Electric Order Picker

An electric order picker is designed for clean indoor use. Powered by lead acid batteries, it offers quiet operation, lower emissions, and smart features like speed control and optimized travel speeds. They are often used in narrow aisle applications and pair well with custom-built order picker equipment.

Cherry Picker Lift Truck & Picker Machines

Terms like cherry picker lift truck, picker machine, and picker forklift are often used interchangeably to describe the same functionality: lifting the operator and cart into place for product selection. A high level order picker can reach 30 feet or more and is essential for vertical storage strategies in modern distribution centers.

Narrow Aisle & Warehouse Cherry Picker

Facilities with tight spaces benefit from a narrow aisle order picker or warehouse cherry picker, which allows safe operating in aisles as narrow as 60 inches. These machines provide the vertical access of a lift truck while navigating limited floor space.

Matching the Right Cart with Your Order Picker Forklift

A key part of the order picking process is the cart. Nutting Carts & Trailers designs and manufactures custom stock picker carts to fit directly onto the order picker lift truck. Our carts are built to:

  • Attach securely to a cherry picker order picker platform
  • Support various lift heights and load capacities
  • Handle small packages or bulky goods like appliances
  • Feature shelves, flush decks, or superstructures based on the picking need

Whether you’re using a picker truck, order picker machine, or stock picker lift truck, Nutting builds for compatibility, safety, and durability. Our solutions support forklift operators in improving accuracy, reducing strain, and maintaining control across various SKUs.

Final Tips for Choosing Your Setup

  • Choose a picker lift based on rack height, aisle width, and weight needs
  • Pair with a Nutting cart customized to your exact forklift model (like a Toyota cherry picker)
  • Consider features like speed control, platform space, and compatibility with order selector forklifts or other order pickers forklift models

Conclusion

Selecting the proper forklift is about more than reach; it’s about safety, workflow, and equipment integration. With Nutting’s custom stock picker forklift carts, you can optimize how your team works at every level. From level order pickers to warehouse picker machines, we build for your operation, forklift, and long-term success.

Ready to improve your picking efficiency? Contact Nutting today to get started.

What Does an Order Picker Do?

An order picker position sits at the heart of any efficient warehouse or distribution center. If you’ve ever wondered what does an order picker do, this guide will explain the role, daily tasks, and skills needed to succeed. We’ll also define order picker and show why companies rely on these warehouse order pullers to keep goods moving through the supply chain.

Defining the Order Picker

A warehouse or distribution center employs many workers, but an order picker has a unique task. Simply put, an order picker locates, retrieves, and prepares items for shipment. Sometimes called a warehouse order puller, this role involves using material handling equipment—such as pallet trucks, lifts, and forklifts—to work safely at elevated heights or in narrow aisles.

What Does an Order Picker Do Daily?

An order picker’s day varies, but most follow these order picking processes:

Reviewing Pick Tickets

The order picker works from digital or printed lists of products to retrieve. Good communication with supervisors and other warehouse workers ensures accuracy from the start.

Locating Items

Using a warehouse map or scanner, the picker moves through narrow aisles to find products. This step may involve a pallet truck for ground-level stock or a lift truck for high levels.

Filling Orders

Once located, pickers handle each item carefully, checking for damage before placing it in a tote or on a cart. This order picker position requires both speed and attention to detail.

Packing and Labeling

After collection, the picker packs items into boxes or onto pallets, labels each box, and moves it to staging for shipment. They may also load and unload trucks.

Inventory Updates

Pickers note shortages, damaged goods, or incorrect counts. Accurate updates help the warehouse managing team maintain stock levels and plan restocking.

Types of Order Pickers

Not all pickers use the same equipment. Here are common types of order pickers:

  • Low-Level Pickers – Use a pallet truck or manual cart to pick items stored on lower shelves.
  • High-Level Pickers – Operate lifts or special walk-in platforms to retrieve products stored at elevated heights.
  • Narrow-Aisle Pickers – Use compact order picker machines designed to move in tight spaces.
  • Stand-Up Cherry Pickers – A type of picker lift truck that raises the operator and cart simultaneously.

Key Skills and Qualities

An entry level candidate can fill an order picker position, but success depends on:

  • Attention to Detail: Picking the wrong item or quantity creates delays in the supply chain.
  • Physical Fitness: The role demands walking, bending, and lifting throughout the shift.
  • Good Communication: Order pickers often coordinate with supervisors and forklift operators to manage workflow.
  • Quick Decision-Making: They must work quickly during peak periods without sacrificing accuracy.

Essential Equipment

Order pickers rely on several pieces of equipment to complete their jobs safely:

  • Pallet Trucks: For moving heavier loads at floor level.
  • Electric Order Pickers: Battery-powered units that lift both the operator and the load.
  • Stock Picker Lifts: Also called stock picker lift trucks, these reach high racks with precision.
  • Cherry Picker Lift Trucks: Offer a stable platform for picking at height.
  • Custom Order Picker Carts: Tailored carts from Nutting fit your equipment perfectly, keeping loads secure and reducing strain on pickers for a safer, easier workflow.

Training and certification on each machine are often required before a picker works independently.

Why the Role Matters

A skilled order picker keeps orders flowing through the facility. When each picker performs efficiently, the entire order picking process becomes smoother:

  • Faster Shipments: Accurate and timely order fulfillment boosts customer satisfaction.
  • Reduced Errors: Well-trained pickers minimize mistakes that lead to returns or rework.
  • Better Inventory Control: Up-to-date stock counts prevent stockouts and overstock situations.

In this way, the warehouse order puller becomes a vital link in the broader warehouse managing and material handling ecosystem.

Career Path and Growth

Starting as a warehouse order puller can lead to roles such as:

  • Team Lead: Supervises a group of pickers and ensures daily targets are met.
  • Inventory Specialist: Focuses on stock accuracy and reordering.
  • Warehouse Manager: Oversees all operations, including shipping, receiving, and picking.

Strong performance, certification on multiple machines, and leadership skills pave the path for upward mobility.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know what does an order picker do, you can appreciate the blend of physical work, technical skill, and attention to detail this role demands. As companies strive to streamline their supply chain, they count on order pickers to keep products moving quickly and accurately.

 

If you enjoy active work, rapid problem-solving, and using a variety of equipment, the order picker position may be the perfect fit for you in warehouses and distribution centers.

Rolltainers for Retail and Warehousing

Efficiency in retail and warehousing requires tools that enhance productivity and adapt to specific operational needs. A customizable rolltainer offers the perfect solution, allowing businesses to tailor their equipment to fit unique requirements. Whether your operations demand compact storage options, increased mobility, or enhanced load capacity, a rolltainer designed for your facilities ensures seamless integration into your workflow while maintaining safety and organization.

What are Rolltainers?

These mobile carts are specifically designed for efficiently transporting and storing goods. Combining the functionality of a trolley with the stability of a shelving unit, they handle heavy loads with ease while remaining easy to maneuver. Their collapsible frames and versatile features make them a staple in distribution centers, retail stores, and warehouses.

Key features often include:

  • Wheels: Enable smooth movement across different surfaces.
  • Collapsible Frames: Save space when not in use.
  • Shelving Units: Allow organized storage and separation of goods.
  • Protective Sides: Prevent items from falling during transit.

These carts are used in various industries and can be customized to meet specific needs. Dollar General uses them for efficient stock handling, showcasing their adaptability in retail environments.

The Benefits of Using Mobile Carts in Operations

These carts offer numerous advantages, making them integral to supply chain management. Benefits include:

  • Improved Safety: By reducing manual handling, they help minimize workplace injuries and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
  • Enhanced Productivity: Mobility and ease of use allow faster loading, unloading, and transport, streamlining operations in high-demand environments.
  • Cost Efficiency: Made from durable materials, they are a long-term investment that reduces reliance on single-use packaging.
  • Optimized Inventory Management: They help organize goods effectively, simplifying inventory tracking and reducing errors.

Design and Applications

These carts come in various models to suit different operational needs:

  1. Standard Models: Ideal for general inventory management in grocery stores, clothing outlets, and similar settings.
  2. Insulated Carts: Designed for temperature-sensitive goods, such as perishable food items or pharmaceuticals.
  3. Heavy-Duty Carts: Built for industries handling bulkier or heavier goods, ensuring stability and durability.
  4. Foldable Models: Space-saving options for businesses with limited storage space.

For example, Dollar General stores utilize these carts for rapid restocking and seamless supply chain management. They ensure raw materials and finished products move efficiently from distribution centers to retail floors.

rolltainer cart
2 shelf cart

Proper Usage and Maintenance

To maximize the benefits, using and maintaining these carts is crucial.

Usage Tips

  • Sort by Size and Weight: Place heavier items at the bottom and lighter ones on top to maintain balance.
  • Evenly Distribute Weight: Prevent tipping by ensuring the load is stable and balanced.
  • Secure Goods: Use straps or nets to keep items in place during transit.

Maintenance Practices

  • Regular Inspections: Check wheels, casters, and structural components for wear and tear.
  • Cleaning: Remove dirt and debris to prevent buildup hindering functionality.
  • Timely Repairs: Address minor issues promptly to avoid costly replacements.

By following these steps, businesses can ensure the longevity and reliability of their equipment.

Mobile carts play a critical role in efficient retail and warehousing operations. Their mobility, durability, and adaptability streamline supply chain processes, reduce costs, and enhance safety. These tools, from daily inventory management to specialized applications, are designed to meet diverse operational needs.

Investing in high-quality carts and maintaining them properly enables businesses to achieve greater productivity and long-term sustainability. Whether managing raw materials or finished products, these carts offer an effective solution for modern logistics challenges.

What is Pick and Pack Warehousing?

Running an e-commerce business involves a multitude of tasks that can quickly become overwhelming, especially as the business scales. The logistics of storing inventory, managing stock levels, and shipping orders require precision and efficiency to ensure customer satisfaction. For many e-commerce entrepreneurs, the solution to managing these complex processes lies in pick and pack warehousing.

Pick and pack warehousing is a specialized fulfillment service provided by third-party logistics (3PL) companies. These services are designed to help e-commerce businesses optimize their order fulfillment process from start to finish. Let’s look at pick and pack warehousing, how it works, and why it’s important for e-commerce.

What is Pick and Pack Warehousing?

At its core, pick and pack warehousing encompasses the entire order fulfillment cycle for e-commerce businesses. It begins when products arrive at a warehouse and concludes when a customer’s order is delivered to their doorstep. This comprehensive process includes receiving inventory, storing products, picking orders, packing them securely, and shipping them out to the end customer.

When a customer places an order on an e-commerce platform, the corresponding 3PL company is immediately notified to commence the pick and pack process for the ordered items. The 3PL’s warehouse team then locates the specific products within their facility, carefully packages them, and prepares them for shipment to the customer’s address.

The significance of pick and pack warehousing in the e-commerce ecosystem cannot be overstated. It is a cornerstone of the fulfillment process, ensuring that customer orders are processed with precision and speed. By outsourcing fulfillment, e-commerce businesses can redirect their focus toward growth-oriented activities such as marketing campaigns, product development, and customer service improvements.

How Does Pick and Pack Warehousing Work?

The pick pack and ship warehouse process is a sequence of meticulously coordinated steps that together ensure the smooth execution of e-commerce order fulfillment:

  1. Receiving: Upon arrival from manufacturers or suppliers, products undergo a thorough quality and accuracy inspection. After passing this initial check, items are logged into the warehouse management system (WMS) and assigned a specific location for easy retrieval.
  2. Storing: Products are carefully placed in predetermined locations, often organized to facilitate efficient picking. The WMS actively monitors inventory levels to prevent stockouts and to guarantee that all items are ready for immediate picking and packing.
  3. Order Picking: The WMS generates a pick list in response to a customer’s order, which includes details about the required products and their storage locations. Warehouse staff, or ‘pickers,’ use this list to gather the ordered items from their various spots within the warehouse.
  4. Packing: After collection, the items are brought to a packing area where they are prepared for shipment. This step involves choosing the right packaging materials, ensuring the products are secure, and attaching the shipping label with all the necessary details for delivery.
  5. Shipping: The final step is shipping the prepared package. The WMS prints out the shipping label, and the package is handed off to a shipping carrier who will deliver it to the awaiting customer.

By streamlining these steps, pick and pack warehousing allows e-commerce businesses to fulfill orders with greater accuracy and reduced lead times, crucial factors in maintaining customer satisfaction and building a reliable brand reputation.

Rolltainer

Why Is Pick and Pack Warehousing Important for Ecommerce Businesses?

Pick and pack warehousing stands as an indispensable component of e-commerce business operations for several compelling reasons:

  • Efficient Order Fulfillment: E-commerce businesses benefit from professional order fulfillment services by partnering with a 3PL provider. This collaboration often results in faster processing times and fewer errors, which translate into prompt deliveries and a higher degree of customer contentment.
  • Cost Savings: In addition to efficiency gains, outsourcing fulfillment operations can lead to significant cost reductions. 3PL providers are equipped with the scale and expertise to manage warehousing and shipping processes more economically, passing on the savings to e-commerce businesses.
  • Scalability: As an e-commerce business attracts more customers and processes a higher volume of orders, scalability becomes a critical factor for sustainability. Pick and pack warehousing can adapt to fluctuating order volumes without the business needing to invest in additional storage space or hire extra staff.
  • Expertise: 3PL providers are specialists in logistics and order fulfillment. They stay abreast of the latest industry trends, technologies, and best practices, ensuring your business benefits from the most advanced and efficient fulfillment strategies.

The Pick and Pack Process Flow

The 3PL pick and pack process flow is a comprehensive journey that an order takes from inception to delivery:

  1. Order received by the e-commerce business: When an order is placed online, the e-commerce platform captures all necessary details and initiates the fulfillment process.
  2. Order notification sent to 3PL company: The e-commerce business transmits order information to their 3PL partner to trigger the pick and pack process.
  3. Order received by 3PL company: The 3PL company inputs the order into their system, setting the stage for the physical handling of the products.
  4. Order picked from warehouse: Warehouse staff retrieve the ordered products, often utilizing custom order picker cart solutions, from their storage locations, following the pick list generated by the WMS.

Examples of Pick and Pack Warehousing in Action

Several e-commerce businesses have harnessed the power of 3PL pick and pack warehousing to enhance their operations and drive growth:

  • Harry’s: This brand, known for its razors and grooming products, turned to a 3PL partner for order fulfillment, resulting in improved efficiency, cost reductions, and the ability to scale their operation in line with business growth.
  • Native: By outsourcing their order fulfillment to a 3PL provider, this natural deodorant company was able to allocate more resources to marketing and product development initiatives, contributing to a significant uplift in sales.

Pick and pack warehousing is a vital service for e-commerce businesses, enabling them to refine their order fulfillment process and concentrate on expanding their enterprise. Collaborating with a 3PL company can enhance operational efficiency, yield cost savings, and facilitate business scalability. It’s a critical element of a prosperous e-commerce operation and one that merits careful consideration.

Strategies for Optimizing Order Picking

Define Order Picking

Order picking is a fundamental process in any warehouse or distribution center. It involves locating and retrieving products from inventory to fulfill customer orders. This process can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, so optimizing order picking is crucial for improving efficiency and reducing costs. By refining this process, businesses can see a marked improvement in their workflow, leading to faster order fulfillment and increased customer satisfaction.

In this article, we’ll discuss different strategies for optimizing order picking, including the use of order picking trolleys and pick to cart systems. We’ll also delve into the exciting world of technological advancements that are revolutionizing the picking process, offering a brighter future for warehouse operations. Additionally, we’ll consider warehouse layout optimizations that can lead to more efficient operations.

Understanding Order Picking

Before we delve into the strategies, let’s first define order picking. Order picking is selecting and gathering products from storage locations to fulfill customer orders. It is one of the most critical operations in a warehouse, as it directly impacts customer satisfaction and operational costs. An efficient order picking process can lead to fewer errors, reduced returns, and higher customer loyalty.

Order picking can vary depending on the warehouse’s size, type of products, and order fulfillment methods. However, there are two primary methods of order picking: batch picking and single order picking. Each method has advantages and is suitable for different operations and order profiles.

Batch Picking vs. Single Order Picking

In batch picking, order pickers gather multiple orders at once, while in single order picking, they pick one order at a time. Batch picking is more efficient as it reduces travel time and increases productivity. However, single order picking is necessary for businesses with high order volumes or large products that cannot be batched. In choosing between these methods, businesses must consider factors such as the nature of their products, warehouse size, and the average number of items per order.

On the other hand, single order picking, when combined with the use of picking carts, can be a highly efficient strategy. It tends to be more straightforward and can be easier for new employees to learn. It is also less prone to errors since each order is handled individually. However, it can be less efficient regarding time spent traveling between locations in the warehouse, especially for larger facilities with a wide variety of products. Single order picking in a warehouse can be optimized by using picking carts for order pickers, allowing the worker to pick and organize multiple orders strategically at a time.

Strategies for Optimizing Order Picking

There are several strategies that businesses can implement to optimize their order picking process. These include:

Utilizing Order Picking Trolleys

Order picking trolleys, also known as order picking carts, are essential tools for order pickers. These carts are designed to hold multiple orders at once, reducing the need for multiple trips back and forth to the storage location. They are especially useful for single-order picking, as they allow pickers to gather all items for an order in one trip, increasing efficiency and reducing physical strain on workers.

Picking Carts

Order picking trolleys come in various designs, from simple wireframe carts to more complex systems with multiple shelves and compartments. Some trolleys are also equipped with barcode scanners and printers, making it easier for pickers to scan and label items as they pick them. Using such integrated technology can further streamline the picking process and reduce the likelihood of human error.

Implementing Pick to Cart Systems

Pick-to-cart systems are a form of batch picking that involves using a cart or trolley to pick up multiple orders simultaneously. This method is highly efficient as it eliminates the need for pickers to return to the storage location multiple times. Instead, they can pick items for multiple orders and place them directly into the cart, which can be sorted later to fulfill individual orders.

Pick to cart systems are especially useful for businesses with high order volumes and a large number of SKUs. By organizing the cart based on the orders to be fulfilled, pickers can quickly locate and gather items, reducing the time spent on order picking. This system is also adaptable to changes in order volume, allowing for scalability during peak seasons.

Defining the Order Picking Process

One of the most critical strategies for optimizing order picking is to define and standardize the process. This involves creating a set of guidelines and procedures that pickers must follow when picking orders. By defining the process, businesses can ensure consistency and reduce errors, leading to a more reliable operation.

The order picking process should include details on how pickers should locate items, pick and pack them, and record and label the items. With a clear and defined process, businesses can improve accuracy and reduce the time spent on order picking. Furthermore, well-documented procedures can help train new employees and evaluate the picking process’s performance.

Optimizing Warehouse Layout

The layout of a warehouse can significantly impact the efficiency of the order picking process. By optimizing the warehouse layout, businesses can reduce the time spent on travel and increase productivity. An effective layout considers the flow of goods from receiving to shipping and minimizes unnecessary movement.

One way to optimize the layout is by organizing products based on their popularity or frequency of picking. This method, known as ABC analysis, involves separating products into three categories: A, B, and C. Category A includes high-demand products that should be placed close to the picking area, while category C includes low-demand products that can be placed further away. By doing so, pickers can access the most frequently picked items quickly and with less effort.

Another way to optimize the layout is by using pick zones. This method involves dividing the warehouse into different zones based on the type of products or order fulfillment method. This reduces the time spent on travel and allows pickers to focus on a specific area, increasing efficiency. Zoning can also help reduce congestion and improve the safety of the warehouse environment.

Real-World Examples of Optimized Order Picking

Amazon is known for its highly efficient order-picking process. The company uses a combination of pick-to-cart systems, barcode scanners, and advanced technology, such as robotic picking, to fulfill orders quickly and accurately. Amazon’s sophisticated software algorithms also help determine the optimal pick paths, further enhancing efficiency.

Another example is online retailer Zappos, which uses a combination of warehouse layout optimization and advanced technology, such as pick-to-light systems, to improve order picking efficiency. By implementing these strategies, Zappos reduced the time spent on order picking by 60%. The company’s focus on employee training and continuous improvement has also contributed to its success in order picking optimization.

Optimizing the order picking process is crucial for businesses looking to improve efficiency and reduce costs. By utilizing tools such as order-picking trolleys and implementing strategies like pick-to-cart systems, and defining the order-picking process, businesses can streamline their operations and increase productivity. With the help of technology and an optimized warehouse layout, businesses can achieve a highly efficient order picking process that meets customer demands and drives success. By continuously reviewing and improving these strategies, companies can stay competitive in a fast-paced market and provide the best possible service to their customers.

The 4 Main Types of Material Handling Equipment

In the industrial and manufacturing sectors, material handling equipment plays a crucial role in the movement, storage, control, and protection of materials, goods, and products throughout the manufacturing, distribution, consumption, and disposal process. Understanding the different types of handling equipment is essential for optimizing efficiency and safety in a workplace. Here, we’ll explore the various categories and examples of equipment used in material handling.

Bulk Material Handling Equipment

Bulk material handling equipment is designed to move and store bulk materials such as grains, coal, ores, sand, and more. This category includes:

  • Conveyors: A common piece of equipment used to move materials from one location to another. They come in various types, such as belts, rollers, and chain conveyors.
  • Elevators: Bucket and grain elevators lift bulk materials vertically.
  • Hoppers: Hoppers are large containers used for storing bulk materials before they are conveyed or processed.
  • Stackers: A stacker is a large machine used in bulk material handling. It is designed to stack bulk material onto stockpiles in an orderly manner.
  • Carts: Carts are wheeled vehicles used for transporting materials within a facility, providing flexibility and ease of movement.

Engineered Systems

Engineered systems are often automated and typically integrated with the structure of the facility and the company’s operational processes. Examples include:

  • Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS): These are automated systems that store and retrieve products with precision, speed, and accuracy.
  • Conveyor Systems: Advanced conveyor systems can be customized to handle a wide range of materials and integrate with other automated systems.
  • Robotic Delivery Systems: Robots can transport products through a facility without human intervention, increasing speed and reducing errors

Industrial Trucks

Industrial trucks are mobile equipment that are not restricted to fixed paths. They include:

  • Forklifts: Forklifts are among the most well-known types of material handling equipment, used for lifting and transporting materials over short distances.
  • Pallet Carts: Also known as pallet trucks, these are used for moving pallets within a warehouse.
  • Order Pickers: Designed for manual handling of less-than-pallet-load quantities in racking. Used in conjunction with a wooden pallet or an order picker cart.
  • Sideloaders: These are used in narrow aisle storage setups for moving and lifting large, bulky items.

Positioning Equipment

Positioning equipment is used to handle material at a single location. It can be used to feed, orient, load, unload, or otherwise manipulate materials so that are in the correct position for subsequent handling, machining, transport, or storage. Examples include:

  • Hoists: Used to lift and lower materials.
  • Balancers: Compensate for the gravity load, making it easier to position items.
  • Manipulators: Allow for the handling of material in a semi-automated manner, reducing manual effort.
Harrington NERM Hoists

By understanding the four types of material handling equipment—bulk material handling, engineered systems, industrial trucks, and positioning equipment—businesses can make informed decisions about what equipment will best suit their needs for efficient and safe operations. Whether moving raw materials into production or finished products into transportation, the right material handling solutions are out there to keep the workflow moving smoothly.

For those in the market for material handling equipment, consider your operation’s specific needs, including the types of materials you work with, the volume of goods to be moved, and the nature of your warehouse or facility. Equipped with this knowledge, you can select the right tools to enhance productivity and maintain a competitive edge in your industry.

Custom Welded Carts: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

With industrial and heavy-duty equipment, the significance of the right tools cannot be overstated. This is where custom welded carts come into play, serving as essential tools tailored to meet the specific demands of various industries. In this comprehensive buyer’s guide, we delve into the benefits of custom welded carts and offer insights on designing and procuring the perfect cart for your business needs.

Benefits of Custom Welded Carts

Custom welded carts are renowned for their robustness and adaptability, making them a top choice for businesses across multiple sectors. Here’s a closer look at the advantages they offer:

  • Durability: Designed to endure, these carts can handle heavy loads and rugged terrain, making them a steadfast solution for industrial use.
  • Versatility: Tailor a cart specifically for your operations, ensuring it performs a range of tasks efficiently.
  • Efficiency: A cart crafted to suit your particular requirements can significantly boost productivity and workflow in your operations.
  • Safety: Opt for a cart that incorporates safety features, safeguarding both your workforce and equipment.

Designing Your Cart

To maximize the benefits of your custom welded cart, consider the following elements during the design phase:

Purpose

Identify the primary function of your cart. What tasks will it perform? What type of environment will it operate in? Will it need to support heavy loads? Answering these questions will help you define the optimal cart design, size, and features.

Materials

The choice of materials is crucial for the cart’s performance and durability. Steel is a common choice for its robustness and load-bearing capacity, ensuring a heavy duty cart. However, aluminum or stainless steel might be more appropriate for specific applications or environments due to their lighter weight and resistance to corrosion.

aluminum vs steel

Features

The functionality of your custom welded cart can be enhanced with various features tailored to your needs:

  • Wheels: Choose the right type and size based on the operating terrain. Cart heavy-duty wheels are essential for uneven surfaces, while smaller wheels might suffice for indoor applications.
  • Handles: Design handles that facilitate easy maneuvering, whether for pushing or pulling.
  • Shelves and compartments: Incorporate these for better organization and efficient transport of tools and materials.
  • Brakes: For added safety and control, equip your cart with brakes.

Purchasing Your Custom Welded Cart

Selecting the right manufacturer is pivotal when it comes time to purchase your custom welded cart. Consider factors such as the manufacturer’s experience, reputation, and the quality of customer feedback. Maintaining clear and open communication with your manufacturer is crucial to ensure the final product meets your exact specifications.

By understanding the benefits and design considerations for custom welded carts, you can invest in a solution that enhances your business’s operational efficiency and safety. Custom carts are more than just equipment; they are a pivotal part of your workflow optimization.

Steel vs. Aluminum Carts for Material Handling

In a warehouse’s dynamic environment, choosing the right type of cart for material handling and order fulfillment is crucial. The debate between steel and aluminum carts encompasses several factors: durability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. This guide will navigate the pros and cons of steel and aluminum carts, focusing on their application in warehouse operations, order-picking processes, and utility tasks.

Pros of Aluminum Carts

Lightweight Design

Aluminum carts, known for their lightweight nature, offer improved efficiency in maneuvering through a warehouse’s aisles. This attribute benefits platforms and order picker carts, where ease of movement translates into faster order fulfillment and enhanced productivity.

Corrosion Resistance

Aluminum’s inherent resistance to corrosion is a significant advantage in environments where moisture or chemical exposure is expected. This makes aluminum utility carts and platforms durable for long-term use in challenging conditions.

Maneuverability and Efficiency

Accurate inventory management is vital for any warehouse. Mattress carts and dollies help efficiently move goods, which directly impacts inventory control. Using these tools, tracking and managing mattress stock becomes more accurate, reducing the likelihood of inventory discrepancies.

Cons of Aluminum Carts

Cost

One of the primary drawbacks of aluminum carts is their initial cost. The price point for aluminum utility and order picker platforms can be higher than that of their steel counterparts, making budgeting a consideration for warehouses.

Strength Limitations

While aluminum carts are suitable for various applications, there may be better choices for handling cumbersome loads. The material’s lower tensile strength than steel could limit its use in specific heavy-duty scenarios.

Pros of Steel Carts

Durability and Strength

Steel carts shine in environments where strength and durability are paramount. Their robust construction allows them to handle heavy loads without deformation, making them ideal for moving heavy equipment or large quantities of goods. Whether you need a flatbed cart or a high-capacity coil cart, steel is durable.

mattress cart

Load Capacity

Steel carts’ superior load capacity makes them a go-to option for heavy-duty applications. They are well-suited for tasks requiring the transport of heavy materials, significantly increasing efficiency in warehouse picking and material handling operations.

Cost-Effectiveness

Steel carts are a smart investment in the long run. They are durable and cost less than aluminum carts upfront. This makes them a cost-effective choice.

Cons of Steel Carts

Weight

The significant weight of steel carts can be a drawback, as it requires more effort to move them, especially when loaded. This can lead to increased worker fatigue and decreased productivity over time. Working with a skilled manufacturer is crucial to get the right wheels for your steel cart. This will make it easier to move the cart with less effort.

Corrosion Potential

Steel can rust if not cared for, especially in wet or chemical-heavy places, unlike aluminum which doesn’t corrode easily. This necessitates regular maintenance and potential added costs for coatings or treatments to prevent rust.

Application Specific Considerations

When deciding between aluminum and steel carts for warehouse operations, consider the specific needs of your order picking process, the types of goods being handled, and the environment in which the carts will be used.

Aluminum carts offer maneuverability and corrosion resistance benefits, making them suitable for lighter loads and more agile operations. In contrast, steel carts are ideal for heavy-duty tasks where load capacity and durability are critical.

The choice between steel and aluminum carts depends on your warehouse’s specific requirements, including the nature of the items being handled, the environment, and budget considerations.

By carefully weighing the pros and cons of each material, warehouses can select the type of cart that best suits their needs, ultimately improving efficiency, safety, and the overall order picking process.

Wood Deck U Boat Cart