Rethinking Construction Logistics: How to Choose the Best Material Handling Equipment for Your Worksite

Most industries require some type of material handling in their day-to-day operations, from moving boxes around a warehouse to transporting heavy machinery on a work site. Choosing efficient and appropriate rental equipment is particularly important in the construction sector, with the delivery of vast quantities of materials required throughout the building process.  

In this article, we outline two most important factors to consider when selecting the best material handling equipment to rent for your work site.  

1. The type/s of material 

As material handling needs can vary widely, the first thing to take into consideration is the characteristics of the items you’ll need to move.  

• Material type 

From building supplies to formwork and machinery, there’s a variety of materials that are required on a construction site. Focusing on the types of material you’ll need to transport narrows the material handling equipment suited to your requirements.  

Consider:  

• What are the materials made of? 

• Are the supplies solid – like metal, wood, glass – or a contained substance, such as liquid chemicals?  

• Are you moving individual components or entire units, like a HVAC system or heavy machinery?   

• Size, shape, and weight 

With material handling equipment ranging in size from pallet jacks, able to load and unload pallets in a warehouse, to construction loading platforms, capable of bearing extremely heavy loads, the size and shape of your materials will also dictate the appropriate material handling solution for you. If you need to deliver bulky and heavy materials, like large formworks and bathroom pods, into a building under construction a loading deck is an appropriate choice. Our SuperDeck® retractable loading platforms have an impressive 5,000kg or 11,000lbs load capacity and come in a variety of sizes to accommodate the specifics of your job site.  

2. The environment 

It’s important to ensure that the material handling equipment is suited to the environment it will be operating in. Identify any features on site that could present limitations, such as a narrow opening on a building for the delivery of materials. Note, too, any environmental, safety, or regulatory policies you need to adhere to. For example, if your material handling needs to take place indoors, you may require a solution that doesn’t emit fumes.  

Is it a single-level or multi-level building that is under construction? Loading platforms for buildings, like our SuperDeck®, greatly benefit multi-level construction sites as they’ve been specifically designed to streamline material handling. Better yet, as no fuel or power source is required to operate them, no emissions are released.  

 

Are you looking for a material handling solution for your job site? 

Preston Rentals has SuperDecks available in a range of different sizes to meet your needs. Speak to our expert staff to learn more about how we can help you on 604 817 DECK (3325) or visit our website.