How to Maximize Efficiency with Mast Cargo Hydraulic Lifts in Your Warehouse

Warehouse functions are complex and time-sensitive, requiring the most efficient use of both personnel and equipment to streamline operations and maximize productivity. Among the most advanced machinery used in warehouse operations optimization are mast cargo hydraulic lifts.
Many industrial warehouses and commercial storage facilities are designed to store goods vertically, thus making the most use of limited floor space. Warehouse lifting solutions, like mast lifts for cargo handling, are extremely useful in moving heavy loads up or down, making safe and efficient use of vertical spaces.
In this blog, we will explore the various ways that mast cargo hydraulic lifts help in maximizing warehouse efficiency. But before we get into that, we need to first understand what they are made of and how they work.
Components and Functions of MCHL
Mast Cargo Hydraulic Lifts are efficient, powerful, and durable machines that can quickly and safely transport heavy cargo loads up and down the sides of warehouse storage facility, or different floor levels of a building. Powered by hydraulic systems, they consist of a mast, platform, hydraulic cylinders, power pack, control panel, and safety systems.
- The masts are the vertical supporting structure of the lift, which can be attached to a wall, providing stability to the whole structure.
- A solid platform that can be customized to handle different loads is used to transport cargo.
- A hydraulic cylinder, fitted with heavy duty steel cables, a power pack and operated by a control panel, provides the uniform and smooth lifting power.
- Several safety mechanisms such as overload protectors, emergency stop buttons, and safety sirens and locks are provided ensure that accidents are prevented.
Understanding Mast Hydraulic Lift Benefits
It is necessary to understand mast hydraulic lift benefits to truly appreciate the efficiency they bring to warehouse operations. These include:
- Easy to customize to handle different loads and transport cargo to different heights.
- Easy to install and occupies very little space, which is a huge benefit in crowded facilities with limited floor space.
- Extremely durable and long-lasting, requiring minimal repair and maintenance.
- Easy and safe to operate, providing full control and stability.
- Saves time, lowers costs, and increases productivity – vital requirements for busy warehouse operations.
Maximizing Warehouse Efficiency with MCHL
Now that we have covered the functions and benefits of mast cargo hydraulic lifts, let’s deep dive into how to get the best possible use out of them.
Training Personnel
The first thing that warehouse facilities need to do is ensure that the mast hydraulic lift operators and other workers receive proper training and certifications. Personnel should be fully aware of how these hydraulic lifts for warehouses work, including the purpose and limitations of every component. Operators should be well-versed in all the safety procedures, and should undergo periodic mandatory training or refresher courses to ensure that they are up-to-date with the latest technological advancements and safety protocols.
Providing proper training ensures that operations take place without delays, leading to more productivity. It also ensures that serious accidents do not take place – an unfortunate possibility given the complexity, time constraints, and nature of the work. In addition, proper training also ensures that equipment malfunctions do not take place, which is very important for extending the longevity of the lifts.
Optimizing Loads
While transporting the cargo in itself is a relatively simple task, it requires proper planning and organization to ensure the most efficient and safe use of the mast hydraulic lifts for warehouses.
Workers should ensure that the loads being lifted do not exceed the maximum capacity of the lift. Moreover, the weight of the loads need to be evenly distributed to prevent the platform from tilting. Uniform weight distribution helps prevent accidents and damage to the lift mechanism. Goods should be loaded or unloaded from the lift platform in an organized way, giving due consideration to their size, weight, shape, and which level they are meant to be sent to. This requires proper planning and logical forethought. Loading and unloading should be carried out using proper equipment meant for such tasks, such as conveyors, rollers, pallets, etc.
Implementing Safety Protocols
It goes without saying that safety is the most important consideration while operating heavy duty warehouse lifting equipment. Safety protocols should be clearly defined and ensured that they are strictly carried out.
Ignoring safety procedures can not only lead to serious accidents, injuries, and equipment damage but also lead to lengthy downtime in operations, and expensive repairs and worker compensation, which companies can barely afford.
Practicing Preventive Maintenance
Even though mast cargo hydraulic lifts require little maintenance, it is always good practice to schedule regular maintenance of your warehouse lifting equipment with the manufacturing company. Practicing preventive maintenance such as inspections, lubrication, and replacement of worn out parts helps prevent breakdowns, reduce repair costs, and boosts efficiency.
Your maintenance checklist should include inspection of hydraulic fluid levels, checking for leaks and signs of wear and tear, testing safety mechanisms, and inspection of various components, electrical systems, and control equipment. Invest in an annual maintenance contract with your supplier and review the contract periodically.
Integrating with Technology and Automation
In this age of Industry 4.0 and IoT technology, warehouse operations rarely take place in insolation. By integrating mast cargo hydraulic lifts into your Warehouse Management System (WMS), you can streamline operations, improve efficiency and boost productivity. Use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to monitor the performance of your cargo lifts using real-time data, and identify potential problems.
Conclusion
Mast cargo hydraulic lifts are high tech pieces of warehouse lifting solutions that improve speed and efficiency of warehouse operations. By ensuring proper training of personnel, optimizing load management, implementing safety protocols, practicing preventive maintenance, and integrating with automated systems, you can maximize the performance efficiency of your lifts and ensure that you get the best service out of them.
About SAB TECH
SAB TECH is a leading manufacturer and supplier of high quality warehouse lifting solutions including mast cargo lifts, scissor lift tables and movable scissor lifts. The mast cargo hydraulic lifts manufactured by SAB TECH comes with a maximum lifting height of 10,000 mm and max capacity of 3 tons. The 1500 mm x 1500 mm platform can be customized according to the loading capacity and can also be customized with an enclosure for better safety.
You can learn more about SAB TECH’s hydraulic lift systems for warehouses by getting in touch with their team of experts today.