Moving heavy goods takes time, energy, and—if done incorrectly—can also take a toll on your health. Back problems, fatigue, and accidents are real risks when employees lift heavy loads day after day without the proper equipment.
Fortunately, there is a suitable lifting aid for virtually every load. Below is an overview of the seven most commonly used types of ergonomic lifting aids and when to use each one.
The Right Lifting Aid for Every Type of Load
Not every load is the same. A pallet behaves differently than a sheet of glass, and a barrel requires a different approach than a bag of cement. Choosing the right lifting aids depends on the weight, shape, frequency, and work environment.
The wrong choice can lead to inefficiency or even put an extra burden on employees. The right choice speeds up the process and protects your team’s health. Check out the available applications to get an idea of what’s possible.
Vacuum lifters for sheets, boxes, and flat loads
Vacuum lifters are ideal for smooth, flat, or fragile materials such as glass sheets, wooden panels, metal sheets, and boxes. Suction cups hold the load securely in place without the need for mechanical clamping force.
What you get out of it:
- Safe lifting of fragile materials without causing damage
- A single employee can handle loads that would normally require two people
- Quick attachment and detachment increase the pace of work
Vacuum lifters are particularly popular in the glass industry, woodworking, and warehouse settings. Want to learn more about sheet handling? You can.
Pallet trucks for horizontal transport
The pallet truck is the most commonly used material-handling device in warehouses and distribution centers. It is designed to move pallets horizontally over short distances—quickly, efficiently, and with minimal physical effort.
Both manual and electric models are available. Electric pallet trucks significantly reduce the effort required for longer trips or heavier loads.
Mobile lifts for vertical lifting
When goods need to be not only moved but also lifted, a mobile lift is the ideal solution. Examples include loading racks, positioning machinery, or working at different heights.
Advantages of mobile lifts:
- Can be used flexibly at various locations within the workspace
- Suitable for a wide variety of loads, such as barrels, boxes, and industrial components
- Reduces the risk of back injuries from repeated lifting
Discover our full range of mobile lifts for every application.
Pallet turner for turning loads over
Sometimes a pallet or load needs to be tilted or turned over—for example, to inspect the underside, to swap out products, or to transfer the contents to another pallet. Doing this manually is dangerous and time-consuming.
A pallet turner performs this task in a controlled and safe manner, without requiring employees to contort themselves into uncomfortable positions. Ideal for the food industry, logistics, and manufacturing environments.
Electric winches for towing heavy loads
Some loads don't need to be lifted, but they do need to be moved over long distances and are too heavy to push or pull. Electric tow tractors take over that task entirely.
They are compact, maneuverable, and powerful enough to effortlessly move cars, carts, or heavy industrial loads. Explore the options for towing aids.
Pallet dispensers for automated handling
For repetitive pallet-handling tasks, such as stacking, depalletizing, or rotating products, automated pallet handlers offer significant time savings. They take over routine tasks that would otherwise require a great deal of manual labor.
The benefits of pallet dispensers:
- Less physical strain during repetitive tasks
- Higher throughput in the production or logistics process
- Consistent handling with no variation in quality
This type of material handling equipment is ideal for semi-automated environments where speed and reliability are key.
Hoists and lifting equipment for heavy vertical loads
Hoists and lifting equipment are the best choice for lifting very heavy or unwieldy loads, such as engines, steel structures, or large machines. They offer a high lifting capacity and are often used in conjunction with a rail system or crane.
Our range of vacuum lifters and hoists includes solutions for both light-duty and heavy-duty industrial applications. Safety and precision are always our top priorities.
Lifting Aid Testing and Customized Advice
Choosing the right lifting aid for moving heavy goods isn't always straightforward. Every work environment is different, and what works for one company isn't necessarily a good fit for another.
Before you invest, it’s worth thoroughly testing a lifting aid in your own situation—with your materials, your space, and your employees. That way, you can be sure the solution really works.
How Logitrans Handling Helps with Lifting Aids
We guide companies from the initial consultation through to the implementation of the right ergonomic lifting solution. Specifically, we offer:
- Free Workstation Analysis: Our specialists will analyze your situation and propose a suitable solution
- Demonstration Room in Drongen: Try out lifting aids with your own equipment before you decide
- Wide range of products: from vacuum lifters and pallet trucks to hoists and automated pallet handlers
- Maintenance Contracts: To Ensure Your Equipment Always Remains in Optimal and Safe Condition
- Training upon delivery: so that employees can get to work immediately, correctly, and safely
Whether it involves pallet handling, boxes, or industrial components, we always find a solution that fits your process and your team. Contact us today for no-obligation advice or a free workstation analysis.
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