There is a common problem across UK
warehouses and factories and that is the safekeeping and the movement of
furniture, machinery, equipment, and other bulk items safely and in an
efficient manner. While pallet trucks and forklifts handle some of the tasks
proficiently, they are very limited in scope and thus can make unfortunate
shaped loads or confined spaced hard for them to work in.
This is the point where furniture lifters and other hydraulic lifting kits have
changed the game when it comes to Industrial moving operations. At Lifting
Equipment Direct, we have supplied these systems to clients from small scale
manufacturing shops to large scale distribution centres. In the process, we
have seen material movement possibilities change for the better.
What
are Hydraulic Moving Kits
A hydraulic moving kit is comprised of load units referred to as skates and
dollies. These units work hand in hand for the even distribution of weight.
Each unit contains a hydraulic jack that gradually lifts, and this portion is
placed on a robust frame with harden steel rollers mounted on it. A hydraulic
moving kit also contains multiple load-bearing pieces, which are referred to as
"rollers" or "skates."
The furniture lifter variants specialise in aiding the movement of heavy-set
items like server racks, industrial cabinets, safes, and other manufacturing
equipment. These specially designed systems have protective surfaces on contact
points and can be adjusted to rough shapes thus saving valuable items from
damage.
The
Striking Benefits
1. Reduction in Workplace Accident Rates
The traditional manual lifting method injured and cost British businesses over
£300 million each year in productivity losses. With our hydraulic moving kits,
heavy lifting is practically non-existent because the hydraulic unit performs
the heavy work. A manufacturing customer claimed that he reduced 87% of his
handling incidents after 6 months of using our systems.
Because these kits enable controlled movement, operators can posture correctly
for the part of the process which involves moving. This considerably reduces
risk of injury and strain associated with the movement.
2. Accessibility of Confined Areas and Locations
Steerable hydraulic moving kits with extreme range can manoeuvre through very
small and congested spaces unlike forklifts that can only function in open
spaces and need moving space and wide aisles. Our steerable variants offer
millimetre-accurate steering, which is important when sensitive equipment needs
to be placed in crowded plant rooms.
3. Lowered Cost Barrier
Quality hydraulic moving equipment does require a hefty investment at first but
has sound long-term economics. These systems are self-sustaining, require
little maintenance, have few moving parts which will enable them to last for
decades, and are cost effective.
Additionally, they do not require reconfiguration workspaces to hire external
specialists. One manufacturer saved over £15,000 per year by doing the
relocations themselves instead of hiring contractors.
4. Security of Important Assets
The movement controlled by hydraulic systems is gentler compared to other
alternatives. These components are sensitive and require precise protection as
they are jarred or dropped. The steady, even lifting motion ensures no
sensitive components are damaged inside equipment.
Particularly valuable are the adjustable support points on furniture lifters
that only allow pressure to be applied to the strongest parts. This helps in
reducing damage to expensive assets.
5. Multiple Uses of Equipment
Versatility is the most important advantage to consider for this equipment. One
specialised piece of equipment can perform numerous tasks that would otherwise
require several specialist pieces of equipment.
From placing CNC machines with micrometre accuracy to moving office safes up
staircases, these systems can accommodate an endless number of use cases. Many
of our client’s report discovering new applications for their kits long after
purchase which significantly extends the value proposition.
Making
the Right Choice
Hydraulic moving equipment’s capacity rating is one of the more basic elements
to consider when making a purchase. Equally important are considerations such
as steering type, roller material – which affects floor protection – and height
profiles for clearance under loads.
At Lifting Equipment Direct, we have created an internal evaluation process
that considers the specific operating environments, typical load profiles, and
surface conditions of a client to recommend the ideal system configuration for
each client.
For modern industrial settings, the productivity benefits, enhanced safety
results, and operational versatility offered by our hydraulic moving kits has
made these pieces of moving equipment indispensable. For businesses that still
operate solely on traditional handling methods, these systems are arguably the
best equipment investments on transforming what used to be complex logistical
hurdles into daily smooth, effortless operations.
