Moving goods in and out of your warehouse through manual handling can take tremendous time and effort, not to mention that it can also be prone to mistakes and accidents as workers start to feel fatigued with the task. As such, it’s important to invest in equipment that will help your warehouse personnel facilitate the transfer of goods in a safe and timely manner. An electric pallet truck is one such piece of equipment you should certainly have in your warehouse if you want to increase efficiency in your operations.
Here are the top reasons why you should get electric pallet trucks for your warehouse and how this could benefit your business:
1. Increases Productivity
The foremost benefit of using electric pallet trucks is the increased productivity it can bring to your warehouse operations. Manual handling of goods depends heavily on the stamina of your workers or the weight of the load needed to be transferred, making it more unpredictable. By having a machine do all the heavy lifting, your workers are able to consistently unload and transfer more goods within your warehouse.
Speed is also a key factor in choosing electric pallet trucks. Because it can cover long distances in a shorter time, it can navigate large warehouses faster than it would take for someone who uses a manual pallet jack or trolley. Thus, your workers can take products to where they need to be much quicker. Thanks to their efficiency and speed, electric pallet trucks can streamline the transport of goods and enable your staff to accomplish more during working hours.
2. Saves Time and Money
Cost efficiency is another reason to choose electric pallet trucks for your business. While it’s perfectly understandable to be wary about investing money in new equipment, rest assured that electric pallet trucks provide a better return on investment for your business in the long run compared to manual pallet jacks as you get more done in a shorter time. This then allows you to deliver more goods to customers much faster and thus maximise your revenue.
Because of their more precise movements, electric pallet trucks also offer better handling of the goods in your warehouse, which reduces instances of product damage. This way, you can ensure that all your supplies are being delivered and sold rather than some being thrown away due to damage caused by improper handling.
3. Reduces Risk of Workplace Injury
As a business owner or leader, it is your duty to ensure that your warehouse is a safe working environment for your workers. Constant manual heavy lifting can be the cause of various warehouse injuries such as sprains, slip and fall traumas, overexertion, and repetitive stress injuries, among others. By investing in electric pallet trucks, you lessen the risks of such injuries from happening as the truck allows your workers to accomplish their tasks safely and with less to no strain on their bodies.
Electric pallet trucks have multiple safety features such as brakes, speed controls, and an emergency power disconnect switch so its operator can have full control of the equipment at all times. This lets them better assess the situation and judge how to move around in a safe and effective manner. In addition, creating safer working conditions also boosts your workers’ morale and can lead to better productivity.
4. Highly Ergonomic
Another advantage of electric pallet trucks is that they’re usually designed to be highly ergonomic, meaning they’re specifically made to accomplish the task at hand without unnecessary strain on the individual using the equipment. For instance, electric pallet trucks come with tiller heads that are comfortable to hold onto and have accessible buttons for easy navigation. The operator also gets better visibility as they can stand on the platform while moving the equipment around, allowing them to avoid any potential hazards.
The compact size of an electric pallet truck also offers better manoeuvrability, especially in warehouses with narrow aisles. Some models, like very narrow aisle forklift trucks, are made to be even more manoeuvrable in even tighter spaces. With features such as smooth acceleration, handles that reduce steering effort, and a rotating mast or turret, this equipment can be used to transfer more goods with less effort. Moreover, electric pallet trucks are quieter to use compared to traditional fuel-powered forklifts, which contributes to creating an environment that is conducive to productivity.
5. Low Maintenance
Electric pallet trucks contain minimal moving parts, so there are less chances of technical issues happening. This can save you more money in maintenance costs in the long run. Fewer repairs also mean less downtime for your operation, leading to increased productivity and more consistent workflow efficiency.
6. Eco-Friendly
If you’re looking for more sustainable equipment for your operations, then electric pallet trucks will fit the bill. Unlike fuel-powered forklifts, electric pallet trucks produce no emissions and can thus help your business reduce its carbon footprint. This also makes them the safer choice for smaller warehouses as they eliminate any risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
As you grow your business, you’ll find that you need to upgrade the way you manage your warehouses as well. Utilising electric pallet trucks can significantly improve your warehouse productivity while at the same time creating a safer working environment for your employees. If the benefits listed above have convinced you, then don’t hesitate to reach out to a local industrial equipment dealer today.