How To Choose the Right Material Handling Equipment
Load Weight & Dimensions
- For any material handling equipment rental, start with the heaviest load and the largest dimensions you need to move or place, including pallets, crates, or bundled materials
- Sizing for the true load prevents instability and ensures the equipment can maneuver and lift safely without exceeding rated capacity
- Include everything the equipment must handle: people, tools, materials, and attachments; so you stay within rated capacity and avoid damage
Lift Height & Horizontal Reach
- Confirm the maximum vertical lift height and furthest horizontal reach required for your materials
- For reaching over obstacles, into trucks, or across gaps, telehandlers provide superior forward reach while maintaining stable load capacity
- For substantial overhead lifts and extended horizontal placement of heavy, bulky materials, a crane truck offers the necessary height and outreach to clear site obstructions. For precise vertical placement of lighter loads at moderate heights, material lifts are effective
Site Constraints & Maneuverability
- Assess the site's physical limitations against the overall equipment dimensions: gate/doorway widths, overhead clearances, ground conditions, and required turning radius
- Material lifts are ideal for indoor use, navigating narrow aisles, and operating under low ceilings due to their compact footprints
- Telehandlers offer superior maneuverability over uneven, soft, or sloped outdoor sites, with options for 4WD and articulating steering
FAQs About Material Handling Equipment
Whether you need to move or lift material on solid ground or on mud, rocks, hillsides and other rough terrain, we have the material handling rental equipment to help you get your project done right. Our selection of material handling equipment is designed for the movement, protection, storage and control of materials during the manufacturing, warehousing and consumption process.
Our massive material handling rental fleet includes hoists, cranes, jacks, winches and more, all manufactured with safety and efficiency in mind. With such an extensive lineup of machinery, finding the right material handler rental that provides enough power, lift height and versatility to suit your needs has never been easier. Learn more about material handling in our FAQ section below.
Material handling equipment consists of any mechanical equipment used for moving, storing, positioning or otherwise controlling materials. Examples include cranes, hoists, material lifts and other miscellaneous material handling equipment such as air winches and bottle jacks.
Material handling equipment is most commonly broken down into four categories or types: storage and handling, bulk material handling, industrial trucks and engineered systems.
When choosing the suitable material handling rental or purchase for your project, there are several factors to consider. First, is the material you'll be handling solid, liquid or gaseous? Next, knowing the material's shape, dimensions and weight is key to selecting the right equipment. Other factors include whether the substance is toxic, corrosive or sensitive in any way. Additionally, certain materials will require special handling due to their fragility. These factors are essential to consider when selecting the right machinery. If you need further assistance choosing the right tool for the job, contact a United Rentals representative.