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Unit 1 Imhs

The document provides a comprehensive overview of material handling, including definitions, objectives, principles, and classifications of equipment. It covers various types of material handling equipment such as hoisting, screw, and pneumatic conveyors, detailing their characteristics and applications. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of selecting appropriate equipment based on material properties, production flow, and cost considerations.
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
22 views20 pages

Unit 1 Imhs

The document provides a comprehensive overview of material handling, including definitions, objectives, principles, and classifications of equipment. It covers various types of material handling equipment such as hoisting, screw, and pneumatic conveyors, detailing their characteristics and applications. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of selecting appropriate equipment based on material properties, production flow, and cost considerations.
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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UNIT 1

Principal groups of material handling equipment, choice of material handling equipment, hoisting
equipment, screw type, hydraulic and pneumatic conveyors, general characteristics of hoisting
machines, surface and overhead equipment, general characteristics of surface and overhead
equipment and their applications

1. Definition of Material Handling

Material handling refers to the art and science of moving, packaging, storing, and controlling materials in
any form within an industrial setup, from the point of receipt of raw materials to the dispatch of finished
goods. It encompasses conveying, elevating, positioning, transporting, packaging, and storing of materials
using manual, mechanical, or automated systems.

Key definitions from authoritative sources:

1. American Materials Handling Society: “Materials handling is the art and science involving the
moving, packaging, and storing of substances in any form.”

2. “Materials handling is the movement and storage of materials at the lowest possible cost through the
use of proper methods and equipment.”

3. “Materials handling is the moving of materials or products by any means, including storage, and all
movements except processing operations and inspection.”

Scope:

• Bulk materials handling (mining, processing, construction).

• Unit load handling (formed materials in manufacturing).

• Industrial packaging for safety and ease of handling.

• Storage and warehousing activities.

• Loading/unloading at source and destination points.

2. Objectives and Principles of Material Handling

2.1 Objectives

The main objectives of material handling are:

1. Minimise handling cost without compromising efficiency.


2. Avoid delays by making materials available at the right time, in the right quantity, and at the right
place.

3. Increase productivity through effective utilisation of facilities and equipment.

4. Enhance safety in material handling operations.

5. Maximise equipment utilisation to achieve economic benefits.

6. Prevent material damage during handling.

7. Reduce process inventory and associated costs.

4. Key Principles of Material Handling

1. Planning Principle –
All material handling activities should be systematically planned in advance, considering the type of
material, movement path, equipment, cost, and safety, to ensure smooth and efficient operations.

2. System Principle –
Integrate all material handling activities (receiving, storage, production, inspection, packing,
warehousing, supply, transport) into one coordinated system to reduce duplication and delays.

3. Space Utilisation Principle –


Use the available cubic space (both horizontal and vertical) effectively for storage and movement,
reducing congestion and improving material flow.

4. Unit Load Principle –


Move materials in larger unit loads rather than in small individual pieces to reduce handling time,
labour cost, and equipment usage.

5. Gravity Principle –
Utilise gravity whenever possible (e.g., chutes, inclined planes) to move materials, reducing energy
consumption and equipment wear.

6. Material Flow Principle –


Arrange processes, equipment, and pathways so materials flow in a logical, direct, and
uninterrupted sequence, avoiding backtracking and cross-movement.

7. Safety Principle –
Ensure safe handling methods, use appropriate equipment, and train workers to prevent accidents,
injuries, and material damage.
8. Mechanisation Principle –
Replace manual handling with mechanical or automated systems (e.g., conveyors, forklifts, AGVs)
to increase speed, consistency, and reduce physical strain on workers.

9. Standardisation Principle –
Standardise handling methods, equipment types, and load sizes to simplify operations, reduce costs,
and improve flexibility across departments.

10. Performance Principle –


Measure the efficiency of material handling systems by cost per unit handled and make
improvements to reduce costs without compromising quality or safety

5. Principal Groups of Material Handling Equipment

Material Handling Equipment (MHE) refers to the tools, machines, and systems used to move, store,
control, and protect materials during manufacturing, distribution, consumption, and disposal. These
equipment are chosen based on factors such as the nature of materials, handling method, required
movement, cost, and efficiency.

MHE can be broadly classified into two main categories:

1. Fixed Path Equipment – Equipment that moves materials along a fixed route, such as conveyors,
monorails, chutes, and pulley systems. Overhead cranes also belong here, offering limited freedom
of movement within a defined area. These are suitable for steady material flow in production lines.

2. Variable Path Equipment – Equipment with no fixed route, allowing free movement in multiple
directions. Examples include forklifts, mobile cranes, trucks, and industrial tractors. These are more
flexible and ideal for handling varied materials in different locations.

Beyond this basic division, material handling equipment is generally classified into four principal
groups:

1. Storage and Handling Equipment

These are used to store and organize materials when they are not actively being transported or processed,
ensuring maximum utilization of floor and vertical space.

Examples:

• Shelves and Storage Racks – Multi-level racks, including pallet racks and drive-in racks, to
optimize vertical space.
• Bins and Drawers – For small to medium items, improving organization and accessibility.

• Mezzanines – Semi-permanent elevated floors to create extra storage or work areas without building
expansion.

• Pallets and Stacking Frames – Standard units for stacking and transporting loads.

• Storage Containers – Totes, bins, and other receptacles for secure holding during storage or transit.

Key Feature: Emphasis on maximizing cubic space and maintaining accessibility to stored goods.

2. Industrial Trucks and Machines

These are mobile equipment used for internal transportation of goods. They offer high flexibility
compared to fixed-path systems.

Examples:

• Forklifts – Used for palletized loads, available in different capacities and designs for indoor,
outdoor, or narrow-aisle operations.

• Order Pickers – Allow operators to access high racks and pick specific items.

• Pallet Jacks – Manual or electric, for moving pallets at ground level.

• Hand Trucks (Dollies) – Simple manual devices for small load movement.

• Walkie Stackers – Powered/manual units for lifting pallets without a driver seat.

• Side Loaders – For handling long loads in narrow aisles.

• Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) – Driverless vehicles guided by sensors, magnetic strips, or
lasers, ideal for repetitive tasks in warehouses.

Key Feature: Flexibility in movement and adaptability to varied load types and distances.

3. Bulk Material Handling Equipment

Specialized for storing, transporting, and processing loose bulk materials like grains, ores, coal,
cement, or sand, either indoors or outdoors.

Examples:

• Conveyors – Belt, screw, or chain conveyors for continuous bulk movement.

• Bucket Elevators – Vertical lifting of flowable materials in agriculture and processing plants.
• Bulk-Handling Cranes – Equipped with grab buckets for loading/unloading loose cargo.

• Dump Trucks – Designed for moving large loose loads, unloading via tilting beds.

• Hoppers – Funnel-shaped containers for controlled discharge.

• Stackers & Reclaimers – For building and retrieving bulk stockpiles.

• Silos – Tall structures for high-volume bulk storage.

Key Feature: Continuous high-volume movement, minimizing manual intervention.

4. Engineered Systems

Highly automated, integrated solutions designed to handle materials with minimal manual input, often
controlled by a central system.

Examples:

• Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) – Robotic systems for storing/retrieving
goods in high-density racking.

• AGVs and AMRs – Automated mobile systems, with AMRs offering dynamic navigation.

• Palletizers – Automatic stacking of goods onto pallets in specific patterns.

• Sortation Systems – High-speed routing of goods to designated locations.

• Warehouse Robots – For repetitive tasks like order picking and packing.

Key Feature: Integration of robotics, automation, and data control systems for maximum efficiency and
reduced labour.

6. Choice of Material Handling Equipment

Selection of Material Handling equipment is an important decision as it affects both


cost and efficiency of handling system. The following factors are to be taken into
account while selecting material handling equipment.
PROPERTIES OF THE MATERIAL

Whether it is solid, liquid or gas, and in what size, shape and weight it is to be
moved, are important considerations and can already lead to a preliminary
elimination from the range of available equipment under review.
Similarly, if a material is fragile, corrosive or toxic this will imply that certain
handling methods and containers will be preferable to others.
LAYOUT AND CHARACTERISTICS OF THE BUILDING

Another restricting factor is the availability of space for handling. Low-level ceiling may
preclude the use of hoists or cranes, and the presence of supporting columns in awkward
places can limit the size of the material- handling equipment. If the building is multi-
storeyed, chutes or ramps for industrial trucks may be used. Layout itself will indicate the
type of production operation (continuous, intermittent, fixed position or group) and can
indicate some items of equipment that will be more suitable than others. Floor capacity also
helps in selecting the best material handling equipment.
PRODUCTION FLOW

If the flow is fairly constant between two fixed positions that are not likely to change, fixed
equipment such as conveyors or chutes can be successfully used. If, on the other hand, the
flow is not constant and the direction changes occasionally from one point to another because
several products are being produced simultaneously, moving equipment such as trucks would
be preferable.

COST CONSIDERATIONS

This is one of the most important considerations. The above factors can help to narrow the
range of suitable equipment, while costing can help in taking a final decision. Several cost
elements need to be taken into consideration when comparisons are made between various
items of equipment that are all capable of handling the same load. Initial investment and
operating and maintenance costs are the major cost to be considered. By calculating and
comparing the total cost for each of the items of equipment under consideration, a more
rational decision can be reached on the most appropriate choice.
NATURE OF OPERATIONS

Selection of equipment also depends on nature of operations like whether handling is


temporary or permanent, whether the flow is continuous or intermittent and material flow
pattern-vertical or horizontal.
ENGINEERING FACTORS

Selection of equipment also depends on engineering factors like door and ceiling
dimensions, floor space, floor conditions and structural strength.
EQUIPMENT RELIABILITY

Reliability of the equipment and supplier reputation and the after sale service also plays
an important role in selecting material handling equipments.

Hoisting Equipment

Definition:
Hoisting equipment are powered machines used to lift and lower loads intermittently. In some
cases, they can also shift loads within their reach. Examples include hoists, elevators, and cranes.
Most use drums, wire ropes, pulleys, and load-lifting attachments. They can be stationary, portable,
or travelling type, and may be mounted on trucks, rails, or ships.

Parts of Hoisting Equipment

1. Chains

• Types:

• Welded Load Chains – Used in low-capacity hoists, winches, hand-operated


cranes.

• Advantages: Flexible, small pulley/drum size possible, simple design.

• Disadvantages: Heavy, prone to jerks/overloads, high wear, low safe speed,


sudden failure risk.

• Roller Chains – Used in hand/electric hoists, winches for heavy loads at slow
speeds (~15 mpm).

• Advantages: Strong, reliable, high flexibility in rotation, smaller sprockets


possible, less friction.

• Limitation: Cannot carry load at an angle; replaced by wire ropes in many


cases.
2. Chain Sprockets

• Used in hoists/winches for load lifting and trolley movement.

• Made of grey cast iron or steel casting.

• Teeth pockets match chain links; min. 4 teeth for compactness.

• Arc of contact should be ≥ 180° to prevent chain slipping.

• Chain guides used if arc is less.

• Lubrication reduces friction and wear.

Chain sprocket. Chain guide

3. Sprockets for Roller Chains

• Used in hand-operated hoists and winches over 10 t capacity.

• Made from cast iron, forged steel, or steel castings; teeth machined by milling.

• Minimum teeth: 8; often enclosed in housing to prevent slipping.

• Chain collectors store long chain ends when lifting to great heights.

4. Steel Wire Ropes & Drums

• Lighter, more flexible, and more reliable than chains.

• Made from cold-drawn steel wires (130–200 kg/mm²) twisted into strands over a core.

• Regular lay (opposite twist) is most common; parallel (Lang) lay is more flexible but spins
under load.
• Common constructions: 6×19, 6×37, 6×61, 18×19.

• Rope drum stores rope; diameter ratio (D/d) affects rope life.

• Minimum drum diameter: D>e1e2dD>e1e2d.

5. Pulley Systems

• Multiple pulley systems reduce rope load, sway, and drum size.

• Ends of rope fixed to drum(s); compensating pulley equalizes rope length.

• Example capacities: 4 parts (25 t, η ≈ 0.94), 6 parts (50 t), 8 parts (75 t), 10 parts (100 t).

6. Arresting Gears & Brakes

• Prevent load from lowering under its own weight.

• Pawl & ratchet, roller clutches used for holding.

• Brakes: shoe, band, cone, disc (manual); centrifugal, load-actuated (automatic).

• Electromagnetic & electro-hydraulic brakes act as controlled and fail-safe devices.

7. Load Handling Attachments

• Hooks: Standard, ramshorn, triangular (solid or hinged). Must be tested before use.

• Grabs & Clamps: Carrier beams, clamps, self-closing tongs for specific loads.

• Grab Buckets: Clamshell type for bulk materials; operated by rope mechanism.

• Ladles: For molten metal; may be tilted manually or mechanically.

• Electromagnets: For magnetic materials; quick handling but heavy and power-dependent.

Screw Conveyors – Definition, Characteristics, and Use

A screw conveyor consists of a continuous or interrupted helical screw fixed to a shaft,


rotating in a U-shaped trough to move fine-grained bulk material. Material moves forward by
friction with the trough walls, similar to how a nut moves on a rotating screw.

Uses:

• Suitable for pulverized/granular non-viscous materials, even at high temperature.

• Ideal for mixing/blending materials and controlling feed rate in processing plants.

• Not suitable for brittle, highly abrasive, large-lumped, packing, or sticky materials.
Specifications:

• Short shafts (≤5 m) supported at ends; long shafts (up to 40–50 m) need intermediate hanger
bearings.

• Shafts can be solid or hollow (hollow is lighter and extendable).

• Discharge may be from the bottom, one end, or center (opposite-handed screws).

• Trough is U-shaped with a circular bottom and covered to avoid dust.

• Radial clearance between screw and trough: 10–20 mm.

2 3 A

Section AA

1-shaft with screw; 2-trough; 3-Intermediate hanger bearings; 4-front


bearings; 5-terminal bearing; 6-feed hopper; 7-sight glass; 8-Intermediate
discharge spout with gate; 9-terminal discharge hopper (open); 10- drive system
(motor, gear box and coupings).
Types of Screws in Screw Conveyors

a) solid, continuous; (b) ribbon; (c) paddle-flight; (d) cut-flight Photographs of different types of screw
• Continuous Screw: Made from 4–8 mm steel plates, cut, shaped into one pitch, and welded
to the shaft. Can also be cast integral with the shaft.

• Ribbon Screw: Helical ribbon attached to the shaft using radial rods, suitable for sticky
materials.

• Paddle Flight: Straight or curved blades mounted on the shaft for mixing/blending.

• Cut Flight: Sections of screw with gaps to improve mixing or handling of certain materials.

Drive & Operation:


Powered by an electric motor, gearbox, and couplings. Material enters through a feed hopper and
exits via one or more discharge spouts with adjustable gates. Operates mainly horizontally or at
slight inclines (10°–20°). Vertical designs are available for lifting materials upward.

Explain Pneumatic Conveyors with Definition, Advantages, Disadvantages, and Types.

Answer:

Definition: Pneumatic conveying is the process of conveying granular or powdered materials by


floating them in a gas, primarily air, and allowing them to flow to the destination through a closed
pipe. The motion is imparted to the material by a fast-moving stream of air. A pneumatic conveyor
consists of:

• Air supply equipment (blower or compressor)

• Pipelines

• Product storages

• Air lock feeders

• Dust filters

Working Principle

The pneumatic conveying system operates on the principle of creating a pressure difference
to move materials through a pipeline:

1. Air Generation: A blower or compressor generates high-velocity airflow.

2. Material Feeding: The material is introduced into the pipeline via a feeder.

3. Suspension & Transport: The material mixes with the air, forming a gas-solid flow. The air
stream carries the material through the pipeline.
4. Separation & Collection: At the destination, separators like cyclones or filters separate the
material from the air.

5. Control System: Regulates airflow, pressure, and feed rate for efficient operation.

There are two main modes:

• Positive Pressure Conveying: Air pushes the material forward.

• Vacuum Conveying: Air pulls the material through the pipeline.

Advantages of Pneumatic Conveying:

1. Materials can be picked from one or more points and delivered to one or more points in a
plant or even outside to a different plant.

2. Airtight piping prevents environmental pollution and contamination of materials.

3. Ensures safety in handling fine, toxic, or fire-prone powdery materials.

4. Flexible system; pipelines can be rerouted easily.

5. Enables direct unloading from ships, barges, and transport vessels to storage bins.
6. Self-cleaning system prevents material accumulation and allows conveying of different
materials.

7. Low maintenance cost and economical compared to bulk handling in bags or containers.

8. Can be operated automatically and integrated into manufacturing processes.

Disadvantages of Pneumatic Conveying:

1. Suitable only for dry, granulated, pulverized, crushed, and free-flowing materials.

2. Not suitable for friable or highly abrasive materials.

3. Movement is uni-directional.

4. High energy consumption per unit weight of material transported.

5. Limited conveying length:

o Vacuum systems: up to 500 m

o High-pressure systems: up to 2 km

Types of Pneumatic Conveyors:

• A. Pipeline Conveyor

• B. Air-activated Gravity Conveyor (Airslide)

• C. Tube Conveyor

Hydraulic Conveyors

1. Definition

• Hydraulic conveying is the process of moving bulk materials along pipes or channels
(troughs) in a stream of water.

• The mixture of water and material is called pulp.

• A pump is used to convey pulp through pipes under pressure.

• In channels, the movement occurs down an inclined path due to gravity.

2. Working Principle

• Preparation of Pulp:
• Bulk material is mixed with water in a mixer to form pulp.

• If the starting material is large, it is first crushed and screened in a crushing plant.

• Transportation:

• The prepared pulp is moved through pipes using a pump (for pressure conveying).

• In channel systems, the movement happens naturally due to gravity.

• Delivery and Recovery:

• At the delivery end, dewatering systems may be used to separate water from the material.

• The water can be reused or disposed of depending on system design.

Typical Arrangement (Fig. 7.2.1):

• Slag hopper (1) → Ash hoppers (2,3) → Trough (4) → Grid (5) → Slag crusher
(6) → Pump (7) → Pulp line (8) → Dump tank (9) → Water basin (10).

3. Uses / Applications

• Hydraulic conveyors are widely used in:

• Power plants – For disposal of ash and slag from boiler rooms.

• Mining – Transport of ores, coal, and other minerals.

• Mine filling – Pumping sand and water to fill used mines.

• Metallurgical plants – Quenching, granulating, and conveying furnace slag.

• Construction – Moving earth and sand in large projects.

• Landfilling – Filling low-lying areas with soil, sand, or other materials.

• Concentration plants – Removing slag and residues.


4. Advantages

• High Capacity – Can transport large volumes over long distances (tens of kilometers).

• Simple Equipment – Low running cost and fewer moving parts.

• Combined Processes – Can integrate cooling, quenching, granulating, and washing.

• Flexible Routing – Easy to modify the conveying route.

• Safe Operation – Simple control and minimal risk of accidents.

• Low Maintenance – Reduced wear and tear compared to mechanical conveyors.

5. Disadvantages / Limitations

• Material Restriction – Only small-sized bulk materials that do not dissolve or react with
water can be handled.

• Climate Limitation – Cannot be used in freezing conditions.

• Humidity Increase – Causes higher moisture levels in enclosed environments.

• Water Management – Disposal or recirculation of water can be costly.

• Energy Use – Crushing and mixing require extra power.

• Material Degradation – Some materials suffer attrition during transport.

• Pipeline Choking – Especially at bends or fittings.

General Characteristics of Hoisting Machines

Hoisting machines are material-handling equipment used to lift, lower, and sometimes move heavy
loads from one place to another, primarily in construction sites, factories, warehouses, and ports.
Their design and operation are based on the principle of mechanical advantage, allowing heavy loads
to be moved with comparatively less effort. The main characteristics are:

1. Primary Function
The main purpose of hoisting machines is to raise and lower heavy loads safely and
efficiently. Some machines can also move loads horizontally after lifting.

2. Load Handling Capacity


Every hoisting machine has a Safe Working Load (SWL) or Rated Capacity, which
indicates the maximum weight it can handle without risk of failure. Overloading beyond this
limit can cause damage or accidents.
3. Power Source
Hoisting machines can operate using manual power (hand-operated), electric motors, internal
combustion engines, hydraulics, or pneumatic systems. The choice depends on the load size,
frequency of operation, and work environment.

4. Lifting Mechanism
The lifting is done through ropes, chains, belts, or hydraulic cylinders. These are connected
to drums, pulleys, or sheaves, which transmit motion to lift the load.

5. Control Mechanism
Machines are fitted with control systems for operating speed, direction, and positioning.
These controls may be manual levers, push buttons, joysticks, or remote-control devices for
precise handling.

6. Mobility
Some hoisting machines are fixed in one position (e.g., tower cranes, overhead hoists), while
others are mobile (e.g., mobile cranes, truck-mounted hoists) to allow flexibility in
operations.

7. Speed of Operation
The lifting speed varies depending on the machine type and design. Some machines
have variable speed control for accurate load positioning, while others operate at a fixed
speed.

8. Safety Features
To ensure safe operation, hoisting machines are equipped with brakes, limit
switches, overload protection devices, and emergency stop systems. These prevent
accidents due to over-travel, overloading, or mechanical failure.

9. Durability and Strength


These machines are made from high-strength materials such as alloy steel to withstand
heavy-duty usage, resist wear and tear, and ensure a long service life.

10. Versatility
Hoisting machines can be used in multiple industries construction, manufacturing, shipping,
mining, and warehousing making them versatile material-handling tools.

Surface and Overhead Material Handling Equipment

Material handling equipment is broadly divided into surface equipment and overhead
equipment based on where they operate and how they move materials.
1. Surface Equipment

Definition:
Surface equipment consists of machines and vehicles that operate at ground or floor level to move
materials from one place to another, usually in a horizontal direction.

Main Features:

• Operates directly on the floor surface or slightly elevated tracks.

• Best suited for horizontal transportation over short to medium distances.

• Requires adequate floor space for movement.

• Can be powered manually, electrically, or by an internal combustion engine.

Examples:

• Forklift trucks – Lift and transport palletized goods.

• Hand trolleys / pallet trucks – Manual movement of loads.

• Platform trucks – Flat-surfaced trucks for carrying items.

• Tractors with trailers – For moving bulk loads.

• Floor-mounted conveyors – Belt or roller conveyors for material transfer.

Applications:

• Transporting raw materials to production areas.

• Moving finished goods to storage or dispatch.

• Shifting heavy components between workstations.

2. Overhead Equipment

Definition:
Overhead equipment operates above ground level, using suspended tracks, beams, or rails to lift
and move loads vertically and horizontally.

Main Features:

• Works above the floor, keeping the workspace clear.

• Can handle heavy loads safely and efficiently.


• Capable of both vertical lifting and horizontal movement.

• Operated manually, electrically, or through remote control.

Examples:

• Overhead cranes (bridge cranes) – Lift and transport loads along a runway.

• Jib cranes – Swing loads within a fixed radius.

• Electric or manual hoists – Lift loads vertically on a beam.

• Monorail systems – Carry loads along an overhead track.

• Gantry cranes – Span an open area with rails or wheels.

Applications:

• Factories for assembly line work.

• Warehouses for loading and unloading goods.

• Shipyards for lifting large ship components.

• Construction sites for placing heavy structures.

Key Difference:

• Surface Equipment → Works at ground level for horizontal movement.

• Overhead Equipment → Works above ground for vertical and horizontal movement,
keeping floor space free.

Surface and Overhead Material Handling Equipment

Material handling equipment is used to lift, move, and position materials efficiently and safely in
industries, warehouses, construction sites, and other workplaces. Based on their operation level, they
are classified into Surface Equipment and Overhead Equipment.

1. Surface Equipment

Definition:
Surface equipment refers to machines and vehicles that operate at ground or floor level for the
movement of materials, usually in a horizontal direction over short or medium distances.

General Characteristics:

1. Operates on floor or ground level, often on wheels or tracks.


2. Primarily designed for horizontal transportation; limited vertical movement.

3. Requires adequate floor space for operation and turning.

4. Load capacity ranges from light to heavy-duty, depending on the equipment.

5. Power sources include manual effort, electric motors, or internal combustion engines.

6. Can be easily moved between locations for flexible use.

7. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor operations.

8. Less expensive compared to fixed overhead systems.

9. Simple operation and maintenance.

10. Performance is affected by floor condition, slopes, and obstacles.

Applications:

• Warehouses – Shifting pallets, boxes, and goods between storage areas.

• Factories – Transporting raw materials to production lines.

• Construction sites – Moving building materials across the site.

• Airports/Railways – Carrying luggage and cargo.

• Agriculture – Transporting produce, fertilizers, and tools.

Examples:
Forklift trucks, pallet trucks, platform trucks, tractors with trailers, floor-mounted conveyors.

2. Overhead Equipment

Definition:
Overhead equipment operates above floor level, using beams, rails, or tracks to lift and move loads
vertically and horizontally, often covering large working areas while keeping the floor space free.

General Characteristics:

1. Operates above the ground, freeing workspace and reducing floor congestion.

2. Capable of lifting heavy and bulky loads with high precision.

3. Provides both vertical and horizontal movement.

4. Runs on fixed beams, runways, or monorail tracks.


5. Requires strong building structure or dedicated supporting frames.

6. Operated manually, electrically, or via remote control.

7. Can cover large spans depending on crane type.

8. Reduces the need for multiple surface vehicles.

9. Safer for heavy lifting as the load is suspended overhead.

10. Ideal for repetitive lifting tasks in large-scale industries.

Applications:

• Factories – Moving heavy machinery parts or products along assembly lines.

• Shipyards – Lifting and positioning ship sections.

• Warehouses – Loading/unloading goods from trucks.

• Construction – Lifting steel beams, concrete blocks, and equipment.

• Maintenance workshops – Hoisting engines or large components.

Examples:
Overhead bridge cranes, jib cranes, electric hoists, monorail systems, gantry cranes.

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