Experts Encourage Investment in Industrial Sector to Boost UK Economy

Experts have claimed that the UK has become too heavily preoccupied with work and growth in the financial sector, with many agreeing that investment and expansion within the industrial sector will be the catalyst which will end the grief surrounding the UK economy. Britain has a trade deficit where the export of products and goods are concerned; during the Victorian era, around 20% of the world’s manufacturing output was crafted in Britain. Now that figure stands at around 2%, with many emerging countries expected to overtake in the coming years. The manufacturing industry has taken a hit as a result of the economic slump, and it is believed that kick-starting this sector again would help to drag Britain out of recession for good.  Training, expansion and equipment are all areas where investment would produce great effect. But why invest in manufacturing equipment?

Equipment such as manually-operated pallet trucks, stacker trucks and aerial work platforms are all integral to the processes within a workplace. They facilitate mobility in heavy goods and allow transportation of large loads from A to B. They help in the loading and unloading process, they can be modified in order to hone their function and they are versatile when used alone. The question is, more pertinently, why not invest in such manufacturing equipment?

One of the main strengths that these manual handling units offer is the saving of time for employees. Stacker trucks decrease the time it takes to load or unload a shelf or storage area, whilst hand pallet trucks reduce the time necessary to transport a heavy load from delivery to dispatch. Many of these pieces of equipment also require just one or two operators, freeing up members of staff to carry out other vital tasks and speed up the entire working process.

If a business relies on making deliveries or having a quick turnaround of goods, having a fleet of pallet trucks will undoubtedly speed up the process and allow for a larger volume of orders to be completed in the same amount of time. It is this type of growth and expansion that will help to get the economy back on its feet; larger numbers of orders completed will result in companies being able to expand and grow, eventually purchasing bigger industrial workplaces and being able to deliver goods to places far and wide. Exportation of goods to countries on the continent and beyond will rise as companies expand, and the money coming into the UK will assist in the economic recovery process that has been so slow until now. Investing in equipment may not see immediate results, but the possibilities it opens up for the future of a business are plentiful.

Safety Guidelines For All Hand-Operated Pallet Trucks

As one of the most ubiquitous pieces of equipment in any UK workplace, it is no surprise that many of the injuries and accidents that take place at work are a result of mishandled or faulty pallet trucks. Though hand pallet trucks are easy to operate and require no specialist training, accidents still occur as a result of external circumstances and complacency regarding safety regulations. Follow these simple and effective rules in order to guarantee pallet trucks safety in the workplace:

Ÿ  Maximum load limits are there for a reason; even the most hardwearing hand pallet trucks usually have a maximum capacity of between 2500kg - 5000kg. Overloading a pallet truck can cause it to overbalance or malfunction, creating problems not only for the operator using the truck but also to any surrounding staff members. Always keep track of the weights of loads using a weighing scale pallet truck or weigh beams, and ensure that pallet trucks are not overloaded.

Ÿ  Use discretion when moving heavy loads up or down inclines. Avoid going up or down ramps if at all possible to keep the truck and the load balanced, but if it is absolutely necessary to navigate a ramp, keep the load uphill from the operator to ensure control of the weight. Forks should be around 4 - 6 inches above the ground to ensure they don’t catch on the ramp or the floor when going up an incline.

Ÿ  Many hand pallet trucks these days are fitted with brakes for added security, but for those that are still stopped manually, ensure plenty of stopping room when slowing down, and be aware of other people in the area. Heavy loads can create a lot of momentum when slowing down without brakes, so it is vital to ensure that the truck is slowed down sufficiently to come to a controlled halt.

Ÿ  Pull, rather than push the loads along flat surfaces for increasedmanoeuvrability. Pulling the load allows the operator to travel ahead of the truck, checking for hazards and other people. Pushing from behind can become difficult and operators cannot check for potential items littering the aisles or other equipment that the forks could catch on.

Ÿ  When storing a pallet truck, ensure that the handle is left in the ‘up’ position to eliminate any trips or falls, and lower the forks so that they are not sticking out at an awkward angle. If a designated storage area is not available, ensure that the forks are not pointing out into any walkways.

How to Choose the Correct Size Hand Pallet Truck

Pallet trucks are one of the most commonly used pieces of equipment in many places of work across the country. They transport products from loading bays to distribution areas; they keep materials flowing through a workplace and can be described as a crucial cog in the overall machinery of a warehouse, factory or other industrial environment. From the largest warehouses of the most established brand names to the smallest workshops of the local businesses, pallet trucks are carrying out the everyday tasks that make every business tick.

It is for this reason that companies of all sizes need to fully informed of the needs of their workforce when purchasing new pallet trucks or adding to an existing fleet. Getting the right regular hand pallet truck can have a great effect on the efficiency of many working environments. Choosing the right size can often come down to calculating which of the existing pallet trucks are used the most by employees in the workplace; the ones that see the most use are most likely to need replacement or a backup. If purchasing the first pallet trucks in what is expected to be a fully functioning and successful fleet, the following guide simplifies the process of choosing a size depending on the pallets that will be used:

UK – If most of the goods which pass through the warehouse or distribution centre are from the UK, the pallets which will be used will be the standard UK size; 1000mm x 1200mm. The hand pallet trucks which deal with these types of pallets measure in at 680mm x 1000mm and are perfectly proportioned to handle the vast majority of common pallets.

Euro – The only difference between the Euro pallet trucks and the UK pump trucks is a slight variance in size. The smaller fork to fork width (540mm as opposed to 680mm) is ideally constructed to lift pallets which come from the continent; the length remains the same at 1000mm but extra-long variations are available to alter the capabilities of these trucks.

Printer – Generally only used in the printing and publishing industries, these trucks are a relative anomaly in most workplaces but are still useful to have around for special cases. The fork to fork width of these trucks is the smallest, measuring just 450mm across, but the standard 1000mm fork length remains the same.

Following these basic guidelines will ensure that the right size is chosen for the right purpose, and will guarantee many years of productivity.

To find out more about pallet trucks and to buy online using PayPal, visit http://www.pallettrucksuk.co.uk or Tel: 0845 519 2700.

Brand New Weigh Beams From Pallet Trucks UK Save Time And Space

A brand new piece of apparatus has recently been added to the extensive range of materials handling equipment at Pallet Trucks UK. The Salter heavy-duty weigh beam with 5000kg capacity is a great alternative to static weighing scales and can drastically streamline working processes on the factory floor.

Where items are difficult to manoeuvre or situated in a tight spot, weigh beams are used to weigh them efficiently and easily. Highly portable and easy to use, the brand new Salter weigh beams can be used to record the weight of everything from pallets to long lengths of pipe, with provisions for awkwardly shaped cargo or unwieldy loads that are difficult to weigh or transport using a pallet truck.

Many workplaces across rely on weighing systems in order for their logistics to function efficiently. Deliveries often need to be weighed, and their statistics logged, before they can enter the redistribution sector. Goods which will be stored must be weighed in order to calculate how many can be held within a certain shelving unit, and weight restrictions on pallet trucks need to be considered when there are goods to be transported.  In some of these cases, a weighing scale pallet truck or a set of static scales are not appropriate; space limitations can restrict movement and certain loads may be more difficult to manoeuvre than others. For these occasions, weigh beams are an efficient and simple alternative.

The brand new Salter beams available from Pallet Trucks UK come pre-calibrated and are simple to set up and use straight out of the box. They are designed specifically for ease of use, with large LCD displays showing 1-inch high digits which can be read clearly from average distances. A mains-rechargeable battery gives the beams the power and the display unit the power it needs to function, and also provides the portability which makes the beams so effective. They take up so little space and require so little effort to use, with each beam weighing in at just 16.5kg, that they are a powerful, time-saving addition to any workplace.

The beams are powder coated and the head display unit is stainless steel encased, making these weigh beams tough enough for for use in environments where they might encounter adverse conditions, such as factories, distribution centres or warehouses. A powder coating helps to protect the beams from rust and corrosion, ensuring that they will remain in prime condition for many years to come. Two beams are provided in each set so that wide items can be weighed quickly and easily, and stability is offered through rubber feet on the underside of the beams. Time and space are two of the most important constraints upon any business’ resources, and they can both be improved upon with the use of the new Salter weigh beams.  

To find out more about machinery moving skates and buy online, visit http://www.pallettrucksuk.co.uk or Tel: 0845 519 2700.

Pallet Trucks UK Now Selling Second Hand, Used and Reconditioned Pallet Trucks

Pallet Trucks UK have announced their latest stock additions will be a series of reconditioned and used pallet trucks, ideal for those organisations who want the benefit of a pump truck on a second hand budget.

Phil Chesworth, from Pallet Trucks UK said, “There are many different reasons why a business might be looking to purchase a reconditioned pallet truck. Economic conditions have hit an all-time low, and budget restrictions might force them into searching for more cost-effective manual handling solutions. A business which is just starting out might not have the start-up funds to budget for a whole fleet of new trucks. Companies in some stage of transition might only require their trucks for a limited amount of time, and therefore would be wasting money by splashing out on brand new ones. There might even be a call to test-run an extra batch of pallet trucks to see how useful they would be without laying out huge sums. Whatever the reason might be for purchasing a second-hand pallet truck, there are many advantages to consider.”

Pallet Trucks UK’s second hand pallet trucks, reconditioned pallet trucks and used pallet trucks for sale are all inspected before dispatch and some carry a limited warranty. Many trucks have simple superficial damage but are all functional. Some simply have scratches on their paintwork but all are fully functional and in good and safe working order. The used and reconditioned trucks are not listed

on the website individually as conditions vary but details are available by calling the sales desk.

The biggest benefit of purchasing a used pallet truck is obviously the cost and the knock-on effect this would have on a business. The prices of these trucks are substantially reduced from brand new pallet trucks and they function to exactly the same standard. The lower prices mean that companies who require a larger intake of pallet trucks can order a larger batch at once for a lower price, and the businesses who perhaps just require one extra pallet truck in addition to their fleet can bolster their ranks for less. Pallet trucks which will be used for a short amount of time, perhaps over the course of a large one-off order or during the particularly busy Christmas period can also be purchased without huge outlay.

Mr Chesworth added, “The much reduced cost might lead people to believe that the pallet trucks are not in good condition. This is a common myth and untrue; many of the second-hand pallet trucks which we have for sale have only superficial damage such as paint scratches or chips. They obviously cannot be sold as new, and their prices are docked considerably for what could be considered inconsequential damage.”

The effects of extra pallet trucks around a workplace are considerable, particularly when the initial outlay for the asset can be reduced by purchasing a not new model. A larger volume of work can be carried out in a shorter space of time, increasing profit margins and productivity. Many of the pallet trucks available also have extra capabilities which can be utilised to streamline packing and distribution; weighing scale trucks, traverse trucks and rough terrain trucks are all second-hand options which can diversify the abilities of a workforce without breaking the bank.  

For more information, call Pallet Trucks UK: 0845 519 2700.

Moving Skates for Increased Productivity

Transporting goods or machinery from one area to another is a vital part of the manual handling industry, and forms the basis of many warehouses, factories and distribution centres. There are pallet trucks and manual stackers which can help with the transportation and storage of such goods, but when exceedingly heavy items or the machinery itself needs to be moved, ordinary trucks are often incompatible and unsuitable for the job. Machinery moving skates help to make this task much simpler and faster by spreading the load evenly across four different points and allowing ease of movement.

Machinery moving skates function as a result of heavy-duty sealed bearings, which help to spread heavy load easily and make them easier to manoeuvre. Loads can be lifted using either roller crowbars or jacks in order to position the skates, and then they can be moved around a workplace with ease. All sets of moving skates are provided in fours, with either two or four turntable skates within. The turntable skates are used for steering purposes, and can be locked with a lock pin if the load is simply being moved in a straight line, to prevent veering off course and causing injury or damage. The skates generally have a capacity of at least a few tonnes. PU wheels aid grip and allow smooth transportation, and the steel centres provide a robust and durable base for such movement.

The useful skates come with not only a promise of making transportation easier, but also with a myriad of guidelines which must be followed to ensure safe and effective practice. The surface on which they are used is very important; skates must only be utilised on a smooth and hard surface which is fully capable of withstanding the full weight of any load. A surface such as grass or a potholed forecourt can cause the load to become unbalanced, compromising the safety of those operating the skates and those in the immediate vicinity. If possible, the entire route that the skates will take whilst carrying the load should be cleaned of any oil, grease or debris which may potentially hinder its progress. Operators must also assess the load and consider the best position for the skates; if the load is of an awkward or cumbersome shape, it can be difficult to get the cargo to rest in the way it should. Weight should ideally be equally spread across the top pads of the skates.

Machinery moving skates are an innovation which can cut out a lot of time and effort for employees, allowing them to manoeuvre heavy goods and machinery through workplaces with no difficulty. If the guidelines are followed and precautions are taken to ensure the safety of all involved, these skates can drastically increase productivity and allow employees to streamline the working process of their day.

To find out more about machinery moving skates and buy online, visit http://www.pallettrucksuk.co.uk or Tel: 0845 519 2700.

New Pallet Truck Has Host Of Benefits For Businesses

With an already extensive range of pallet trucks to choose from, Pallet Trucks UK have taken their status as one of the UK’s premier providers of lifting and handling equipment even further with the launch of a brand new hand pallet truck with nylon wheels. The truck is identical to other pallet trucks in many ways, with the resounding difference being the wheels, including the steering wheel. Regular pallet truck wheels are made from PU, but the nylon tires on this new model offers many convenient advantages that will benefit the purchasing business as a whole.

The main benefits are evident in the workplace itself. A honed level of performance in certain environments will improve overall performance to no end. These types of pallet trucks are essential for the workplaces where offshoots of metal or swarf may damage ordinary tires. Machine shops, repair workshops, manufacturing plants and other such businesses can put an end to their pallet trucks’ wheels failing, as these nylon tires are tough and much more hardwearing than the standard tire. Environments where oil, water or other liquids may affect the surface also leave the nylon wheels unaffected, improving their overall performance under tough conditions. One of the most common reasons for a PU tire disintegrating quickly or becoming damaged is the corrosion it also may face in a workplace; the nylon wheels don’t have this issue.

The knock-on effect of this improved performance in the workplace means that maintenance or repair budgets are boosted because businesses are not required to constantly repair or completely replace a pallet truck when the PU tyres fail. This leaves more money to invest in other equipment to take the business to the top of the competitive pile, and can even contribute to a higher level of profit in general. This is especially important in the volatile financial environment we live in, when companies are looking to save money in every area that they possibly can.

The single disadvantage that the nylon tyres have in comparison with their PU counterparts is their noise levels over concrete or uneven floors. If near-silent operation is a priority for a warehouse or factory, Pallet Trucks UK’s expansive range of trucks with PU tyres offer quiet operation and have a wide variety of specialist features, including traverse trucks, rough terrain trucks and trucks with extra length in the forks. The new trucks with nylon wheels are simply the latest addition to a range which fulfils any demands that someone looking for equipment might have.

To find out more about pallet trucks and buy online, visit http://www.pallettrucksuk.co.uk or Tel: 0845 519 2700.

Warehousing: Pallet Trucks For Every Requirement

Since coming into use in the early half of the 20^th century, pallet trucks have been an absolute staple in warehouses. In an industry which is entirely predicated on moving potentially heavy or awkwardly-shaped cargo from one place to the next, it has always been vital that these processes are carried out in the most efficient manner possible. Hand pallet trucks cut the time and the manpower which is required to carry out these tasks, streamlining the process considerably, saving space and boosting productivity across the board. The everyday running of a warehouse relies almost entirely on the fleet of pallet trucks, and as years have passed, there have been many improvements made to the traditional pump truck in order to stay ahead of the curve.

Order picking in a warehouse can be a time-consuming process when carried out with a simple pallet truck and an operator. Back and shoulder strains are common complaints across workforces, and the constant bending and stretching to pick orders from storage and place them on the static pallet slows down the task considerably. Electric high-lift trucks are a great way to streamline this process; the pallet can be raised to a convenient working height for the operator, reducing the risk of injuries to employees and speeding up the action itself. Reducing the amount of manual labour required in the loading and unloading aspect of each task ensures efficiency across the warehouse and means that a higher volume of work can be carried out in a shorter space of time.

Many warehouses also utilise manual stackers as part of their fleet. These trucks make the everyday actions of moving, lifting, loading and unloading much faster and simpler for operators. Because of the smaller size and weight of manual stacker trucks, they are a more economical solution than costly forklift trucks, which also require a lot of staff training and risk assessment to be able to operate. Warehouses with long, narrow aisles or with space limitations in their storage facilities will often choose manual stackers because of their slim construction and ability to function in smaller spaces. Precision-engineered, these trucks make aisle space much less of an issue, potentially allowing more room for goods in the warehouse and changing the way a company utilises the space they have.

Keeping track of the weight of certain items and loads is a vital aspect of running a warehouse, and so many choose to add a weighing scale pallet truck to their arsenal of apparatus. These trucks quickly weigh cargo on the move for higher efficiency levels, and they have a maximum error margin of less than 0.1%, even when situated on an uneven floor. LCD display units allow users to read the measurements even in the dimmest conditions, and the weight system can be switched between imperial and metric system to suit whichever the operator is most comfortable with.  These handy trucks can save employees a lot of time in transporting goods from one area of a warehouse to another; rather than taking them first to a static scale and loading and unloading them to check the weight, they can find out these measurements on the move.