A-frame panel cart
A cart or a dolly with a tapered upright on either one side or two and a load carrying area for each tapered side. Sheet or panel type materials will sit on the load carrying area and lean against the up right in order to keep the material on edge. These carts are perfect for materials like plywood, drywall, glass and doors.
Ackerman Steering
Steering geometry in which the innermost front wheel of a trailer turns tighter than the outermost front wheel. The wheels use linkage to tie them together. The centerline of each front wheel meet at the exact point they cross the centerline of the rear wheels. Proper steering geometry will help reduce thrust loading and the amount of scrubbing between the wheels and the ground. This type of steering is similar in nature to the front wheels of an automobile.
Adjustable floor lock
A floor lock that has an adjustment feature that is used to change the effective overall height of the lock. There are two versions of adjustable floor locks, one adjusts automatically, and the other is adjusted by use of a threaded floor pad.
AGC (Automatic guided cart)
A type of AGV that travels underneath a cart, engages it an moves it to the desired destination and drops it off. Automatic guided carts are also known as a tunneling AGV, Under Cart AGV and a Lurking AGV.
AGV (Automatic guided vehicle)
A powered vehicle that has a guidance system that can travel from point to point without direct input from an operator. Automatic guided vehicles use systems like electromagnetic, optical, gps or other systems to track the location of the cart. AGV’s have various fail-safes like collision avoidance systems. AGV’s have programming that determines how it acts, the parameters that it adheres to, and the paths that it can take.
Air Compensated Pintle Hitch
A pintle hitch that uses air to cushion and take away slack in a pintle / loop connection. It takes away wear and tear of the coupler and can lead to a more comfortable ride.
Aircraft Tug
A piece of material handling equipment designed specifically for moving aircraft in and out of hangers.
ANSI (American National Standards Institute)
A private, non-governmental, non-profit agency that develops US standards. https://www.ansi.org/
Artificial Intelligence
The ability for a computer to learn. By learning the software must perceive expected and unexpected conditions, decide how to respond and then plan appropriate actions.
AS/RS (Automatic Storage/Retrieval System)
A system which handles product, stores the product, and retrieves the product with a degree of automation. The system is made up of both the physical devices that do the work, and the control system that acts as the brain. Systems can vary from small simple ones, to giant complex warehouses with computer generated logic running behind the scenes decisions.
ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange)
It is an encoding standard for characters that can be created via computer.
ASRS Industry group (Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems)
An industry group of the suppliers and manufactures of automated storage and retrieval systems that meet to develop standards for these types of systems. http://www.mhi.org/as-rs
Automated Order Picking Machines
An order picking machined that is designed for picking in high volume applications, where the materials are small and consistent in size allowing the process to become automated.
Automatic lubricator
A device used to automatically lubricate moving parts of a machine. Used in machines like conveyors, cnc machines, and more.
Automatic Sortation
A system that recognizes products based on characteristics like size, weight or other factors. Automatic sortation is often used in conjunction with conveyors.
Automation
A system that automatically does something. It can automatically load and run machines. It can pick and retrieve materials for shipment. It can convey, sort, stack and perform secondary operations like deburring, cleaning or painting.
Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)
Computer controlled wheeled pieces of equipment that are typically battery powered. AMRs determine their own paths if their is a problem with the pre-determined path. Unlike AGVs they are adaptive.
Ball Bearings
A type of bearing that use bearing balls to keep separation between the inner raceway and outer raceway of the bearing. The balls allow rotation between the inner and outer race. The grooves in the raceways helps the bearing resist thrust loading. Ball bearings can be made in an open construction, shielded construction or sealed construction.
Ball Hitch
A rigid hitch that is made up of a spherical shaped ball on top of a threaded shaft that is designed to be used in conjunction with a ball socket coupler. Ball hitches provide a tow connection with little play.
Ball Socket Coupler
A coupler that is made in the shape of a socket that is designed to be lowered over a ball hitch and then latched and locked to keep it from becoming uncoupled.
Ball transfer
A device that encases a ball that is surrounded by smaller bearing balls, and is able to be mounted to a surface. The ball allows omni-directional movement of various materials over its surface.
Ball transfer table
A table, or other flat surface in which an area of ball transfers are mounted in order to move flat materials omnidirectional in a plane parallel to the mounting surface.
Barcode Scanner
A scanner that is used to communicate information that is stored on a label to a computer system
Bascart
Batch picking
A method of order picking in which you group like items of multiple orders together. The theory is that the order picking becomes more efficient as you reduce the overall travel distance of the order picker.
Bearing Seal
A seal made of a metal and/or a flexible material that is used to keep grease or oil in and contaminants out of the bearing housing. Common materials are rubbers and nylon.
Belt conveyor
A conveyor with a flexible belt that allows small products to be transferred without falling through the openings of a conventional conveyor. Belts can be made of various materials like rubber, nylon, plastic, all the way up to steel belted. Belt conveyors are usually powered.
Bins
Containers used to store and transport small parts, helping keep them organized.
Boat Lift
A piece of material handling equipment that uses mechanical means like electric motors, hydraulics, pneumatics or hand cranks to lift a boat out of a body of water.
Bolt hole pattern
A pattern of holes or slots in a mounting plate, flange, web or other mounting surface that allows fasteners to mount one device to another device.
Boom lift
A piece of equipment that has a wheeled base, a hydraulic arm and a railed basket. The operator controls the basket from the controls found within the basket. Also known as a cherry picker or a man lift
Boom truck
A boom truck is a combination of a commercial truck with a boom crane mounted on the bed. The crane can rotate around giving full access to the area immediately surrounding the truck. Out riggers are employed to ensure the crane is stable throughout the lift.
Booster conveyor
A powered conveyor that is used to re-gain elevation that is lost in a gravity conveyor line.
Box Truck (cart)
A material handling cart with four raised sides used to keep materials inside the cart. Often the box truck will have a raised deck for improve ergonomics.
Box Truck (vehicle)
A straight truck with an enclosed rectangular box on the back for hauling product. Also known as a box van, a cube van or a cube truck.
Brake Rollers
Conveyor rollers with a braking mechanism mounted underneath to slow or stop moving product on the top of the conveyor. The mechanism can be mechanical, electrical or pneumatic.
Bridge Crane
A bridge crane is an overhead crane that has a beam that bridges at least two runway rails. The bridge travels in a direction that is parallel with the runway rails. A hoist is mounted to the bridge and travels perpendicular to the two runway rails and parallel to the bridge. The hoist has wire rope from which the hook block is suspended from.
Burden Carrier
A powered vehicle used for both towing and carrying loads on its own truck bed.
CAD (Computer Aided Design)
A system comprised of computer hardware, design software and an operator. CAD is used to design parts and assemblies, check for form fit and function, detail them, test and analyze the results. CAD can be performed as a stand alone unit for smaller, less complex designs. Workgroups are often employed for larger more complex designs.
CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing)
A system comprised of computer hardware, design software, and an operator that takes CAD models and converts the into programs using parameters set up by the operator. These programs are then transferred to CNC machines that can then machine the parts.
Cantilever Racks
A form of racking in which arms protrude from vertical beams. This type of rack gives a full clear shelf when accessing from the front. They are commonly used for long items…like a bundle of lumber.
Car Dolly
A dolly that is made to capture the front two wheels of a front wheel drive towed vehicle, and is pulled by connecting it to the towing vehicle by couplers and safety chains
Carousel
Carousels carry baskets around the track, using computers to control which baskets arrive at the operator at a specific time.
Carpet Pole
A forklift attachment that is made up with a long pole that attached to the fork truck at the carriage. The pole is then inserted inside the roll allowing the forklift to pick it up.
Carton Clamp
A forklift attachment that has flat sides that contacts the sides of cartons.
Car trailer
A trailer specifically designed to carry wheeled vehicles like cars, trucks, SUVs and vans. They typically come with ramps to drive the vehicle up on. Some trailers have tilting beds and hoists in order to pull un-operable vehicles up on them.
Caster
A mechanical device that holds a shaft in which a wheel rotates around. Casters can be classified into swivel and rigid types. Each type is used for a specific purpose. Each type has its own operational characteristics.
Caster Brake
A brake that is installed onto a caster that will stop the wheel from turning when it is engaged.
Caster Steer Trailer
A platform truck that is reinforced and has couplers added to it in order for it to be towed. A caster steer trailer is well suited for an application where materials need to travel great distances and then be pushed by hand to awaiting staging areas.
Casting
A part that is made by pouring molting metal into a mold until it cools and holds its shape. Casting can be made from steel, iron, aluminum, bronze and various other metals. Some processes use hi-production automatic machines. Some processes make one piece at a time and still done by hand.
Center of gravity
The center of gravity is the point at which the weight of an object is concentrated.
Centrifugal Force
The pseudo outward force acting upon an object when it travels in an arc. It is used to explain the perceived force when the observer has the frame of reference of rotating with the object. It is magnified when either the speed of the object increases, or the radius of the arc decreases. It is represented by the formula F=mw^2r where F=force, m=mass, w=angular velocity and r=radius.
Chain conveyor
A conveyor in which one or more chains are used as the method of conveying product.
Chain Drive
A way of transmitting power from an engine or motor to the shaft that is being driven by the use of chain and sprockets.
Chain Guard
A safety device used to cover a drive chain and sprockets to provide a barrier between the moving components and the operator or bystanders.
Chain Roller Conveyor
A conveyor in which the treaded rollers have a sprocket attached and is driven through the use of a chain.
Chain Slings
A choker style chain sling for overhead use. Choker slings are equipped with a grab hook to allow the sling to be adjusted to accommodate the load.
Chair Truck
A cart that is designed to carry and hold fold up chairs when not in use. Used in places like schools, churches, funeral homes, etc.
Channel Mounted Pintle / Ball combo
A pintle hitch / ball hitch combo with 2 mounting holes that allow it to be easily adjusted up and down a channel to accommodate different height couplers.
Channel Mounted Pintle Hitch
A conventional pintle hitch with two mounting holes that allow it to be easily adjusted up and down a channel to accommodate different height couplers.
Cherry Picker
A piece of equipment that has a wheeled base, a hydraulic arm and a railed basket. The operator controls the basket from the controls found within the basket. Also known as a boom lift or a man lift
Chute
A trough in which bulk materials pass through with the aid of gravity.
Cleat
A device that is either attached to/or built into a conveyor belt, or other conveying surface and is used to help propel product in the direction that the conveyor is traveling. Widely used in bulk conveyor systems especially when traveling up hill.
Cleated Belt
A conveyor belt with cleats as defined above.
Clevis
A mechanical device made up of a yoke, with two holes at one end to make a pivoting connection, and a threaded connection at the other end. The pivoting connection is made by installing a clevis pin through the two holes in the yoke, and one hole in the mating part.
Coefficient of rolling friction (rolling resistance)
Is a number that represents the amount of friction between a rolling cylinder made up of one material, and a flat surface made up of another. When figuring out the actual force needed to create movement, the radius of the cylinder must be taken into account. See below for a more in depth answer found in Hamilton Caster’s white paper titled “Rolling Resistance and Industrial Wheels” – http://www.hamiltoncaster.com/portals/0/blog/white%20paper%20rolling%20resistance.pdf
Coefficient of sliding friction
A number that represents the amount of resistance between two surfaces. It is a ratio of the mass, and the force required to push the object perpendicular to the engagement of the surfaces.
Coil Hooks
A C-shaped hook that is designed to pick up steel coils through their inner diameter via an overhead crane.
Coil Pallets
A pallet that is specifically designed to hold a steel coil with some sort of blocking or other structure to keep the coil from rolling. The coil may then be strapped to the pallet to further secure it. The pallet gives a forklift the means to lift and move the steel coil
Coil Rack
A material handling device whose main purpose is to provide a means to keep the steel coil from rolling. Racks can be set on the floor is a warehouse facility when storing coils. Racks are also used when securing coils onto a semi trailer bed, along with other dunnage and chains and binders.
Coil Ram Forklift Attachment
A forklift attachment that is fashioned into a single long pole that is used to lift a coil by being inserted in the coils center hole.
Coil Shuttles
A cart that is designed to handle steel coils and has flanged wheels that allow it to move back and forth on a track.
Coil Upender
A coil upender is a mechanical device used to tilt a coil 90 degrees to allow it to be taken off of, or put onto a pallet.
Collaborative robots (Cobots)
A robot that shares a task with a human. Whether it is the human helping the robot, or the robot helping the human. They are great for simple repetitive tasks and tasks that take great precision and dexterity.
Conestoga trailer
A flatbed semi trailer that has a cover that is on rails that can easily be retracted and extended over the load. Resembling a Conestoga Wagon from many years ago.
Conspicuity tape
Reflective red and white tape used on over the road trailers to increase visibility. It is often used by safety conscious manufactures of towable equipment.
Contract Warehouse
It is a warehouse owned by a separate entity that will handle shipping, receiving and storage of your product for a specific time and cost outlined in a contract. Can be a part of a Public Warehouse or a 3PL (third party logistics)
Conveyor
A mechanical device used to move product from one location to another using power or gravity to propel the product. The conveyor can be made up of rollers, wheels or belts. The can travel horizontally, inclined or vertically.
Conveyor and Sortation Systems (CSS)
An industry group whose purpose is to promote the growth of conveyors and sortation systems in industry. http://www.mhi.org/conv
Counterbalance truck
A fork truck that uses the batteries and/or weights for stability when lifting. The load being lifted is outside the polygon of wheel contacts.
Counting Scale
A scale that can not only weigh the items put on it, with a few measuements like tare weight, and item weight, it will tell you how many items there are. Counting scales are very useful during physical inventory time.
Coupler
A mechanical device used to connect a tow vehicle to a trailer, or two trailers together.
Cradle dollies and carts
A cart or dolly outfitted with uprights and a load carrying area that will cradle long materials. The load carrying area can be made many different ways and out of different materials depending upon the load it will carry. Common cradle materials are steel, wood and nylon slings. Cradles can be lined with rubber or uhmw to protect the load.
Crane
Crane Manufacturers Association of America, Inc. (CMAA)
An independent trade organization that works in conjunction with the Material Handling Industry (MHI). Advocates for the safe application and operation of overhead traveling cranes. They develop specifications and design standards . http://www.mhi.org/cmaa
Crate
A box, usually made from wood, with a removable top and access for forks underneath. Crates are used for storing or shipping product, and designed to be picked up by a fork lift.
Cross Belt Sorter
A system in which rotating carriers are mounted to a conveyor and at the point the desired product reaches the carrier, it will rotate to divert to the proper conveyor, chute or bin.
Cross Docking
An action performed in a distribution center where incoming materials come in on trailers on one side of the dock, unloaded and then loaded on trailers on the opposite side of dock.
Crowned Pully
A pulley in which there is a taper from the edge of the pulley face to the center of the pully face having the largest diameter at the center. Pulleys are crowned to help keep the belt from wondering off without the use of guides or flanges.
Cube
The measurement of the area a load takes up in a warehouse or trailer. It is a product of the overall length (l) x width (w) x height (h) that the load occupies.
Cube Utilization
The ratio of occupied space to overall space usually given as a percentage.
Curved conveyor
A section of conveyor with a degree of curve to allow the direction of travel to change.
Cylinder truck
A two wheel hand truck or dolly that has cradles or other means to secure gas cylinders for transport.
D-ring
A lashing ring in the shape of a “D” that is used for securing cargo
Dead Man Brake
A brake system designed to slow and stop a moving piece of equipment in case the operator lets go of the handle. Companies like Hamilton Caster have added these types of brakes to their carts as an option.
Decline Conveyor
A conveyor that transports product down a slope.
Department of Transportation (DOT)
A federal agency responsible for developing the nations transportation system. https://www.transportation.gov/
Direct Ship
A sales process, also referred to as drop ship, in which three entities come together to fulfill the transaction. The buyer buys a product from the seller. The seller sends the info to the supplier. The supplier ships the product directly to the buyer.
Distribution Center (DC)
An intermediate warehouse that accepts incoming product, unpacks and repackages it for shipping the product to its final destination.
Dock Bumpers
Bumpers made from a durable compressible material like rubber and is mounted to docks or buildings to protect them from damage.
Dock Leveler
A mechanical device that compensates for the differences in height between docks and over the road trailers. Once the truck is parked against the doc, and the trailer doors are open, the leveler can be lifted and then flattened inside the trailer creating a secure bridge like feature for fork lifts and pallet jack to load the trailer
Double Trailer Truck
Also referred to as a “Double Bottom” or a “Tandem” is when a Semi-truck pulls 2 trailers at once. The first trailer is connected to the Semi’s 5th wheel, the second trailer is then coupled to the first trailer by a coupler. Pintle hitches and loops are commonly used to couple the two trailers together.
Drag Link
Is a tie rod that connects a front hound assembly to a rear hound assembly of a trailer. These types of linkages typically allow the assemblies to move in opposite directions.
Drawbar pull
The amount of pulling force applied to an object in a horizontal direction. For non powered trailers, it is the force applied through the coupler required to move the trailer. On forklifts or tuggers, it is the amount horizontal force it can generate to initiate movement.
Drive in rack
A rack that is designed to allow fork truck to drive into it and deposit pallets on a continuous rail. The back of the rack has bracing preventing you from driving through. These racks are used in a LIFO manner. Last in, first out.
Drive through rack
A rack that is designed to allow fork trucks to drive into it. These racks do not have bracing so it is possible to drive through, or to drive in from the other side. These racks also have the same rails as the drive in rack that allow depositing of skids.
Drop Ship
A sales process, also referred to as direct ship, in which three entities come together to fulfill the transaction. The buyer buys a product from the seller. The seller sends the info to the supplier. The supplier ships the product directly to the buyer.
Drop Pintle Hitch
A style of pintle hitch used in industrial applications and allows it to be uncoupled by use of a pull ring. The pull ring allows a chain, rope or cable to be attached to the drop pintle it in order for the tow vehicle operator to disengage it from the operators seat.
Drum cradles
A dolly that is made to attach to a drum in the vertical position, tilt it over on its side and store it in the horizontal position.
Drum dollies
A structural dolly with swivel casters that is made to hold a 55 gallon drum.
Drum hand truck
A two wheel hand trucks that has two nose prongs and chime to grab and hold drums for transport.
Drum Handling Attachments
A forklift attachment with clamping or other mechanism designed to grab, hold or position 55 gallon drums. They can be found in singles or doubles, rotating and tilting versions. Some are powered and some are manual using chains, levers or screws.
Dumpster
A metal container with a flip open top and side fork pockets to allow a garbage truck to pick it up and empty it into the garbage truck.
Dunnage
Loose pieces of wood, or other disposable material used to brace and secure product for shipment. It can be anything from 4×4’s used to secure large pieces of equipment, to shredded paper, foam peanuts and bubble wrap used in packing boxes.
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
EDI is an electronic way to exchange data. In inventory management EDI is often used to automatically exchange data like purchase orders and shipping notices.
Electronic Product Code (EPC)
An EPC is the RFID version of a UPC barcode. An EPC stores more information including the serial number. This makes using EPCs for tracking in a Quality system very desirable in that it supports traceability.
Emergency Stop Switch (E-Stop)
A switch used during an emergency to immediately stop motion.
Engine Hoist
A wheeled hoist that is designed to allow engines to be pulled from vehicles. A hydraulic cylinder is attached to a hinged arm that provides the movement that allows the engine to be elevated. Once elevated, the hoist is then rolled away from the vehicle until the engine clears the vehicle.
Engine Stand
A stand used in the automotive industry in which an engine can be mounted to a face plate and rotated 360 degrees to facilitate improved assembly. Engine stands are sometimes equipped with wheels to enable the engine to be easily moved.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
A computer system that controls many aspects of a company’s manufacturing or distribution activities. Functions include, but are not limited to Sales, Purchasing, Engineering, Production Planning, Warehousing, Financials and much more.
Ergonomic Assist Systems & Equipment (EASE)
An industry group of the MHI that promotes that practice of good ergonomics in the workplace. They work closely with NIOSH and the academic community in developing best practices, educational materials and things of that nature. http://www.mhi.org/ease
Ergonomics
Accounting for the human factor when designing equipment or a process. The end goal is to make the human performing the task, or using the equipment as safe as possible from injury and overuse stress.
Expanded Metal
A metal mesh that is created by making slits in a sheet of metal, then pulling the sheer apart until diamond shape openings appear. Expanded metal is used for gratings, guards, shelves and things of that nature that need to let light, air or other material to pass through the sheet.
Explosion proof lift trucks
Forklifts designed to be used in dangerous areas where combustibles are present. They are designed in such a way as to not produce and sparks (either from contact or static electricity buildup). They are designed to not have components reach a pre-defined temperature.
Extendable Conveyor
A conveyor that can be lengthened or shortened to fit an ever changing need. One example is a conveyor that extends inside of a truck to aid in loading and unloading.
Fast Charging
A method of charging batteries used in material handling equipment quickly. This allows the batteries to take a charge in multiple short periods throughout the day like during breaks, lunches, meetings, etc. This method of charging every time the equipment is not in use is called opportunity charging.
Fast pick
Refers to the storage of fast moving items in a designated area that is easily accessible and reduces labor.
Feeder (conveyor)
A conveyor belt used to control the rate of delivery of packages or products along a conveyor line.
FIFO
A method in warehousing where stock is rotated so that oldest stock is pulled first. Commonly known as First In First Out.
Fifth Wheel Steer Trailer
An Industrial Trailer that has a platforms supported by a rigidly mounted rear running gear and a pivoting front running gear that rotates on a fifth wheel type plate assembly. Hounds attached to the front running gear assembly have a pivot that a tongue attaches to that allows the tongue to rotate up and down. The trailer can be outfitted with a rear coupler that would allow for towing multiple trailers in a train.
Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
A computer analysis of stress and deflections performed on a 3d solid to determine areas of higher stress, and give the designer an opportunity to reduce them. It helps a designer move material from areas of lower stress to areas of higher stress in order to make the most efficient use of the raw materials.
Flapper gate (conveyor)
A hinged or pivoting gate or plate that is used to selectively direct materials.
Flat bed semi trailer
A semi trailer that is made up of a single flat deck which allows loading and unloading with a crane. These trailers are versatile and give the operator a next to infinite number of ways in which to secure the load. Used heavily to ship structural steel, coil steel, machines and any other large and unwieldy product.
Flatbed Towtruck
Also known as a rollback towtruck is a trucks designed to load and transport disabled vehicles with all four wheels off of the road. This could be necessary if the tires are flat, the suspension is damages or the vehicle is four wheel drive.
Flexible Conveyor
An accordion style conveyor that can be curved around corners, shortened or lengthened in order to but the end of the conveyor right were it is needed. This type of conveyor is very useful when loading trucks with a lot of small packages. Think of a UPS or FedEx delivery truck.
Floor Load
A method of loading a trailer or container so that the load is directly on the ground. It allows for better cube utilization. The downside is that it can be more labor intensive than other methods of loading.
Floor lock
A mechanical device that when actuated, is used to immobilize a cart, platform truck, trolley or dolly. A floor lock works by passing some of the weight of a cart to a friction pad that contacts the floor. Read more – https://materialhandlinginsider.com/floor-locks-what-they-are-what-they-do-and-how-they-work/
Floor Space Utilization
The ratio of occupied floor space to overall floor space expressed as a ratio.
Flow Rack
Rack that is pitched from the back to the front, allowing containers of materials to be put in the rear and be picked from the front. When the front container gets emptied, it is removed and the next container moves to the picking slot.
Foot Plates
The flat plates with holes mounted to the bottom racking columns used to anchor the racking system to the floor.
Forging
A piece of metal that has been heated then formed by hammering into a die. The result can be a near net part or a part that only has to be minimally machined.
Fork lift attachment
A piece of material handling equipment that its purpose is to add additional functionality to a forklift. For example, spreader beams, lifting hooks and fork lift extensions are all examples of a fork lift attachment.
Fork lift truck
A versatile piece of material handling equipment designed to lift and move materials about by the use of forks.
Fork positioner
A lift truck attachment that allows the operator to adjust the fork spacing without having to get off of the forklift.
Four Way Pallet
A pallet fabricated in such a way as a forklift can access all four sides of the pallet.
Four Wheel Steer Trailer
An Industrial Trailer that has a platforms supported by a pivoting rear running gear and a pivoting front running gear that rotates on a fifth wheel type plate assemblies. Hounds attached to the front running gear assembly have a pivot that a tongue attaches to that allows the tongue to rotate up and down. The trailer can be outfitted with a rear coupler that would allow for towing multiple trailers in a train. Four wheel steer trailers are know for their accurate towing, that each successive trailer closely follows the path of the one in front of it.
Free lift
In the fork lift world, it is the distance the forks can travel vertically before the mast begins to extend.
Furniture Dolly
A dolly, usually made of wood, with carpet covered pads on each end to protect the furniture that it carries. Usually utilized to carry large pieces of furniture like desks, shelves, entertainment centers, filing cabinets and things of that nature.
Gantry Crane
A single or double girder crane that is mounted to free-standing legs as opposed to being permanently mounted to a structure.
Gas Spring
A gas spring is a mechanical device that uses compressed gasses to extend or contract a shaft in or out of a tubular housing. The pressure of the gas over the area of the piston determines the amount of force that the gas spring can generate. Unlike conventional springs, the force remains relatively constant throughout the stroke of the shaft.
Gaylord
It is a corrugated container that is made to the size of a specific pallet and then attached to the pallet.
GMA Pallet
A pallet made to the specifications set by the Grocery Manufacturer’s Association. It is basically a 40″ x 48″ four way pallet 5″ high
Gravity conveyor
A non powered conveyor of rollers or wheels pitched in order to advance materials by use of gravity alone.
Ground support trailer
A trailer that can be towed singularly or in a train behind a tugger or tow tractor intended to be used at an airport or airbase. Ground support equipment is specifically used to support aeronautical operations, either military or civilian in nature.
Guardrails
Railings made of pipe or tube used to as a safety measure to keep people or product from falling from an elevated floor.
Guidance Systems
A system used to guide automatic vehicles. There are many types that include wire guided, rail guided, laser, optical, magnetic strip
Hammer Link
Also known as “Hammer Lock”, “Hammerlink”, “Hammerlok” and various other aliases, a hammer link is used to couple two pieces of chain, or other lifting devices to chain. Rated for overhead lifting, Hammer links are easy to assemble in the field which makes them a valuable tool for any rigger. Hammerlok, the trade name for the coupling from Columbus McKinnon has been around since the 1950s.
Handrail
Pipe or tubing rail that runs up a stairway to allow pedestrians to hold on as they traverse the stairs
Hand pallet truck
A non-powered pallet truck that lifts a pallet or a skid off of the floor enough for it to be moved by hand.
Hand Truck
Non powered material handling equipment made of a structural frame, a nose and a handle. The nose is loaded with the material to be moved. The operator holds the handle and tilts the hand truck back to balance it on two wheels. Hand trucks are highly maneuverable and perfect for the delivery truck driver.
High Heat Casters
Similar in nature to casters you see everyday, but made with specific materials and using special lubricants that can handle the increased temperatures. Temperatures ranging from normal ambient temperatures to 700 degrees and above make High Heat Casters ideal for harsh environments like ovens and kilns. Hamilton has a wide variety of high heat casters that can be found at – https://www.hamiltoncaster.com/Applications/High-Heat
Hitchpin
A pin with a handle that is used to couple two things together, usually provided with a way to positively lock it from being accidentally withdrawn.
Hoist
A mechanical device in which a motor is used in conjunction with wire rope and a block in order to raise and lower a hook used for lifting overhead.
Hoist Manufacturing Institute (HMI)
An industry group of suppliers of hoisting equipment. HMI is represented on a number of standards developing committees. http://www.mhi.org/hmi
Hoist Ring
A lifting ring that can be bolted to a piece of equipment and used for overhead lifting. The ring can both swivel and rotate in order to keep the ring from binding
Horsepower
A measurement of time rate of doing work. It can be defined as moving 33,000 lbs a distance of 1 foot over a time frame of 1 minute. Alternatively it can be described at 550 ft/lbs per second. Electrically it is 746 watts
Inching pedal
On lift trucks and other heavy equipment with an internal combustion engine, the engine needs to be at a certain rpm to create pressure for the hydraulics. An inching pedal allows that to happen. An inching pedal acts like a combination of a clutch and a brake. When slightly depressed, it puts the forklift in neutral, when fully depressed it acts like a brake.
Inclined Conveyor
A powered conveyor that transports product up hill.
Industrial Trailer
A wheeled cart with couplers that is towed by a tow tractor or other powered vehicle. There are various types of trailers, each having their own strengths and weaknesses.
Industrial Truck
Vehicles used for industrial purposes. Generally used to move materials within and industrial facility.
Institute of Caster and Wheel Manufacturers (ICWM)
Industry group compromised of suppliers of casters, wheels and platform trucks. They meet regularly to develop and promote standards and guidelines for the industry sector. The develop educational materials and collect and report statistics. http://www.mhi.org/icwm
Inventory
Materials that you buy, sell, trade, store, consume or produce that is an integral part of your business and you keep track of.
ISO Shippping Container
A shipping container that is manufactured to standards that allow it to be used for shipping on boats, stacked and secured, shipped on over the road trailers and over railroads.
Jib Crane
A hoist that is mounted onto a horizontal beam, also called a jib. The hoist has the ability to move along the length of the beam. The beam can be mounted to the wall, or a vertical column. The beam is often hinged to allow it to rotate about the hinged point.
Job shop
A manufacturing operation that is set up to manufacture items to a customers specifications.
Johnson Bar
A two wheel dolly with a long handle and a sharply bent nose. The dolly uses the wheels as a the levers fulcrum. The nose is slid under the load, and force is applied to the end of the handle. Mechanical advantage is achieved due to the ratio between the length of the nose and the length of the handle. AKA as a Pry Bar or a Lever Dolly.
Just in Time (JIT)
A method of material planning in which the needed materials are delivered to the point of use, at the time that they are needed in order to reduce waste.
Kanban
A method of stock replenishment that is triggered by a card or other form of notification that is set at a pre-defined level.
Kick Plate
A piece of plate mounted vertically to a guardrail and touching the ground to keep debris from falling off the edge.
Knuckle Steer
A form of automotive type steering used on industrial trailers in which wheels pivot on a knuckle supported on a cantilever axle.
Lashing Rings
A round or d shaped rings that can be mounted to a piece of equipment to allow binding or securing of the piece of equipment or the load that it carries. Lashing rings are not intended for overhead lifting. Do not confuse lashing rings with lifting rings or lifting points. Follow the manufactures instructions and warnings for mounting and use. Follow any applicable codes and regulations that may apply. Failure to do so may cause damage or injury to equipment or personnel.
LBF
The abbreviation for pounds of force is lbf. The term lbf is equal to the force needed to accelerate an object with 1 lb of mass 32ft/sec/sec.
Lever Dolly
A two wheel dolly with a long handle and a sharply bent nose. The dolly uses the wheels as a the levers fulcrum. The nose is slid under the load, and force is applied to the end of the handle. Mechanical advantage is achieved due to the ratio between the length of the nose and the length of the handle. AKA as a Pry Bar or a Johnson Bar.
Lean Manufacturing
A manufacturing process with an emphasis on reducing waste. Producing only what is needed, exactly when it is needed, while reducing time, defects, wasted motions, and over production.
LIFO
An abbreviation for Last In First Out. It is a method in which you use the newest inventory first. In a warehouse it is what happens when you use a pushback rack
Lift Manufactures Product Group (LIFT)
An industry group of manufacturers that serves as a resource for standards, best practices and information for scissor lifts and other equipment that lifts, rotates, tilts and otherwise positions materials for ease of use. http://www.mhi.org/lift
Lifting point
A point or a component of a piece of equipment or product that is intended for use in overhead lifting. Lifts need to be properly planned to ensure safety for all involved. Manufacturers instructions and safety codes and regulations must be followed to ensure safety for all.
Lifting ring
A lifting point that is in the shape of a ring that is also know as a hoist ring
Lifting beam
A beam used in overhead lifting, in which a center attaching point is connected to the crane, and the load is attached to multiple attaching points below the beam. The beams structural integrity is what resist the bending moment when loaded.
Lift Gate
A powered gate usually found on the back of straight delivery trucks. In secured position, gate is flipped up out of the way. Care must be used when lowering and raising wheeled equipment, to ensure that the load/equipment does not roll off of gate.
Lift jack
A wheeled jack that is used in conjunction with a semi-live skid to lift up the front of the skid and facilitate moving. The trunnion or hook grabs a hold of the hole in the tongue. The jack handle then pivots down using leverage to lift the front end of the semi-live skid.
Lifting Magnet
A device with strong magnets that can be used to lift heavy steel plates. Once the plate is in position, the lever is actuated to release the plate.
Lifting Shackle
A forged or cast ring with a removable pin that is made to be inserted into a hole and used for overhead lifting
Lights Out Warehouse
An automated warehouse. Describing it as “lights out” means that no humans need to be present in that area to perform actual work.
Load binder
A mechanical tool used to connect two pieces of chain and then apply tension between them. A handle creates the input force, the ratcheting mechanism holds and the threaded internal parts create the mechanical advantage.
Load Capacity
A rating provided by the manufacturer or other entity that states the amount a piece of equipment can support. Load capacities can be stenciled on the equipment, applied using a load plate, included on an approval drawing that is signed by a customer, or included on a manual for the equipment.
Loading Dock Equipment Manufactures (LODEM)
Suppliers of loading dock equipment that meet to promote and develop codes, standards, nomenclature, information and educational materials concerning dock equipment. http://www.mhi.org/lodem
Load locks
Load locking device that are used within trailers to secure the load. They are adjustable and expand to reach from one side of trailer to the other. They are also know as cargo bars, or load bars.
Loop (coupler)
A coupler that is made in the shape of a donut that is mounted to a piece of wheeled equipment that allows it to be towed. It may be attached through welding or mechanical fastening like attaching bolts.
LOTO
A safety procedure where a machined is locked out, with a keyed lock to ensure that no one accidently turns on the machine. It can be used when a machine is deemed unsafe for operation, or when a maintenance technician is working on the machine.
Lowboy Semi Trailer
A flatbed semi trailer with a section that is dropped down lower that the rest of the trailer to allow it to carry taller product and to keep center of gravities of that product lower than a conventional trailer.
LTL (Less than a truckload)
A shipment that does not meet the load rating or the cubic feet limit of a trailer. The trucking company can then put other peoples freight in the trailer along with yours.
Lubrication fitting
A fitting, often with a check valve, that is mounted into a piece of equipment that allows a grease gun to lubricate it. There are many type of lubrication fittings. Straight type, angled type, drive type and threaded to name a few.
Lunette (coupler)
Often called a lunette ring or a lunette loop it is a coupler in the shape of a donut that is typically installed on the front of a trailer to allow a powered vehicle to tow it.
Lurking AGV
A type of AGV that travels underneath a cart, engages it an moves it to the desired destination and drops it off. Lurking automatic guided vehicles are also known as a tunneling AGV, Under Cart AGV and AGC (Automatic guided cart).
Machinery Skate
A dolly that has multiple wheels or rollers that are mounted in like with each other and allows the dolly to move in two directions, forward and backwards. Machinery skate are used a lot in the rigging industry.
Manufacturing Cell
A group of machines arranged in close proximity and in such a way as to allow for single piece flow, the backbone principle of lean manufacturing.
Man up
An adjective that describes fork trucks or order pickers where the operator travels up with the load. This gives the operator a lot better view, and access to the parts in the rack.
Material Handling
The control, protection, storage and movement of materials not only throughout a companies value added process, but also their entire supply chain. Without material handling, the entire value stream comes to a screeching halt.
Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA)
The Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association is a trade association that concentrates on the distributors of Material Handling Equipment. https://www.mheda.org/
Material Handling Industry (MHI)
Trade association that encompasses the Material Handling and Logistics Industry. http://www.mhi.org/
Mezzanine
A raise floor with in a building that can be utilized as warehouse space, offices or other areas. They can be a structural part of the building, free standing, or even built into a racking system.
Milk Run
In manufacturing it is often a term used to describe the delivery and pickup of materials on a defined route, usually on a set schedule. Usually new materials are delivered and empty containers or skids are taken away.
Mobile Automation Group (MAG)
Industry group of suppliers of Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs). Their purpose is to develop educational materials, to have input in the creation of standards, and the collection and publication of industry data. http://www.mhi.org/mag
Mobile Crane
A mobile crane is a crane with a telescopic boom that is mounted to a truck or a tracked vehicle. Mobile cranes have motors and can be moved under its own power to and from the site where it is to be used.
Modex
Supply chain and manufacturing trade show. https://www.modexshow.com/
Mold On Rubber Tired Wheel (Mort)
A wheel in which a rubber tread is liquid cast onto a cast iron wheel center that has a bore in a hub which usually houses a bearing of some type.
Monorail Manufactures Associations (MMA)
An independent incorporated trade association affiliated with the Material Handling Industry. The MMA is represented in committees that develop codes, standards and certifications. http://www.mhi.org/mma
Motorized Pallet Truck
A motorized version of a pallet jack. They can be divided into two basic types, a walkie, or a rider. With a walkie, the operator walks behind the equipment. With a rider, the operator rides on top of the equipment.
Mounting plate
A plate, usually flat in nature, that allows one device to be mounted to another. Mounting plates typically have holes or slots that allow mechanical fasteners to secure the first device to the second device.
MRO
An abbreviation that stands for maintenance, repair and operating inventory. Two catalogs that cater to this sector is McMaster-Carr http://www.mcmaster.com/ and W.W. Grainger https://www.grainger.com/
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
An organization that promotes productive workplaces through safety and health research. They develop codes and regulations geared to keep the workplace safe. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/index.htm
Narrow aisle fork truck
A fork truck designed to transverse narrow aisles, generally regarded as 8-1/2′ to 10-1/2′. Standup reach trucks fill up most of the offerings in this category.
Nestable Pallets
Pallets that are designed in such a way that when not in use they can be stacked inside of each other. That way the unused pallets will not take up as much space as the sum of the number of pallets and their dimensions.
Nylon Sling
A sling for overhead lifting that is made from nylon fibers that are sewn into straps and layered together. The multiple layers adds to the sling’s strength an safety.
Opportunity Charging
A method of battery charging that dictates that when a piece of equipment is not in use it is parked in a specific area and hooked up to a charger.
OSHA
Occupational Safety and Health Act develops safety and health acts and enforces compliance with those acts. – https://www.osha.gov/
Order Picker Truck
A high lift fork truck in which the operator stands on a platform and travels up with the truck. This allows for manual picking of product. The product can be loaded onto a pallet, an order picker platform, or an order picker cart (Eleva-Truck)
Order picker
A person that picks product from a warehouse to fulfill an order.
Order picker cart
A cart used in the process of order picking. Depending upon the product being pulled, the cart can take many forms. From shelf trucks and cubby hole carts to eleva-trucks.
Overall Height
In the context of a caster, the overall height is the dimension from the top of the swivel assembly, to the bottom of the wheel.
Oversize Load
Generally speaking, any load that is wider than 102″ (8′-6″) in the United States is considered an oversized load. Other key criteria would be a load more than 102″ tall, longer than 48′ or 53′, heavier than 46,000 lbs, depending upon placement of axles. Again these are generalizations and actual laws may vary depending upon where you are travelling to, and the route you are taking to get there.
Packing Machine (Foam in place)
A packing machine that uses expandable foam to fill up the empty space around a product in a box. These machines offer the ultimate protection and versatility for products during shipment.
Pallet
A platform used to stack product for storage or shipment. Pallets are a staple in the material handling industry. They can be made of wood, steel or plastic. They are fabricated in such a way as to allow a fork truck to pick them up and transport them.
Pallet flow rack
A pallet rack with slightly pitched lanes that allow pallets to flow from the back to the front due to gravity
Pallet Inverter
A pallet Inverter, also known as a pallet rotator allows a whole loaded pallet to be rotated 180 degrees in order to switch pallets. Sometimes it is so that a damaged pallet can be replaced. Sometimes it is because a business uses a different pallet in plant, than the pallets the material is shipped in on.
Pallet Jack
A piece of material handling equipment that’s sole purpose is lifting and moving loaded pallets. Pallet jacks can be manual, or powered. Pallet jacks come in many different sizes with varying capacities and lift heights. Powered versions can also be classified as a walkie or a rider. In a walkie, the operator walks behind the jack. The operator rides on a rider pallet jack truck. Also known as a pallet truck.
Pallet puller
A material handling piece of equipment that uses a clamping action to grab the stringer of a pallet and drag it. Pallet pullers are used to pull pallets to the back of a semi truck or delivery van to a point where a fork truck can access it.
Pallet Rack
A common rack made up of uprights, beams and decking used to hold palletized loads
Pallet truck
Another name for a pallet jack.
Paper Roll Clamp
A forklift attachment that uses two curved plates to clamp the sides of a paper roll in order to lift it. Some models have a rotate option that allow positioning the material in any orientation.
Percent Slope
Percent slope is simply defined as the rise divided by the run represented as a percentage. So a grade that rises 1 foot over a distance of 12 feet has a slope of 1/12 and a percent slope of 8.3%.
Physical Inventory
Physical Inventory is the process of counting all inventory in a business. Most companies shut down while this is happening so that they are not trying to hit a moving target. Most companies do this once a year.
Pick to Carton
Pick to carton / pick to box is a process where the materials are picked and placed directly in the carton. The advantage to doing this is reducing the double handling that the operators may have otherwise.
Pick to Light
A system where pick locations are equipped with a light, and a computer system lights up the correct parts to pick. The advantage to the type of picking is accuracy.
Pillow Block
A bearing that is mounted into a housing with bolt holes that is designed to mate with a shaft. Sometimes the inner race is equipped with a set screw or a keyway to secure the shaft to the bearing’s inner race.
Pintle Ball Combo
A pintle hitch that uses a ball coupler to for the hook portion of the hitch. The ball hitches are usually replaceable which allows the user to determine what size ball they need. This combination hitch gives the operator versatility allowing them to tow trailers with different styles of hitches.
Pintle Drop Mounting Plate
A pintle mounting plates that have multiple holes for different mounting heights, biasing one side to allow for a drop, and a square shank for mounting into a tubing reciever.
Pintle Hitch
Pintle hitches are robust mechanical devices used to couple wheeled equipment together to facilitate towing. Pintle hitches have three distinct parts. A rigid frame called the body. A pivoting latch that gives access to the body and a positive locking pin that secures the latch in the closed position. Pintle hitches mate with a lunette eye to make the connection. Sometimes referred to as pintle hook.
Pin Wheeling
A method of loading a truck in which each pallet is rotated 90 degrees from its neighbor. Under certain conditions, pinwheeling can increase the cube utilization.
Pipe Nipple
Basically a piece of pipe threaded at both ends.
Pipe Fittings
Fittings used to combine multiple pieces of pipe, fittings, and equipment. They come in many varieties like elbows of varying degrees, tees, unions, reducers and so on.
Plastic Platform Truck
A platform truck in which the bed and the frame is a single piece plastic extrusion to which casters and a handle is added to.
Plate Clamp
A clamp that is made for lifting plates vertically. The clamping jaw is made in such a way as the more weight is exerted, on the clamp, the more clamping force is applied to the plate.
Platform Truck
A structural frame fashioned into a platform that is supported by casters. The material to be moved is set onto the platform and the operator pushes on the handle to initiate movement. Through the mechanical advantage of the wheels, the operator is able to move weight that he would not be able to by hand.
Pneumatic Wheels
A tire made of rubber with a hollow center section that is mounted on a steel rim. The hollow section is them filled with air to provide cushion and load carrying capability to the wheels. A car tire is a good example of a pneumatic tire
Powered pusher
A powered piece of material handling equipment used to push/pull carts and other non powered wheeled equipment. Its claim to fame is that instead of powering one cart, you can use the drive system to power many carts.
Press On Tires
Tread bonded to a steel ring that can be pressed on and off of a wheel center. Commonly used on fork trucks, this type of tire can be replaced instead of buying a whole new wheel. The treads can be made from many different grades of polyurethane and rubber. They can also be smooth or grooved in order to give the tire the characteristics that the customer is looking for.
Promat
Material Handling and logistics trade show that that happens every other year. Promat boasts attendance in excess of 50,000. https://www.promatshow.com/
Protective Guarding Manufactures Association (ProGMA)
Members are suppliers of fixed protective guarding that protect personnel, equipment and product. They develop standards and educational materials. They collect and report market statistics. http://www.mhi.org/progma
Pry Bar
A two wheel dolly with a long handle and a sharply bent nose. The dolly uses the wheels as a the levers fulcrum. The nose is slid under the load, and force is applied to the end of the handle. Mechanical advantage is achieved due to the ratio between the length of the nose and the length of the handle. AKA as a Lever Dolly or a Johnson Bar.
PSI
PSI is the abbreviation for pounds per square inch or more precisely pound-force per square inch. Pounds per square inch (lb/in^2) is a measure of pressure.
Push back rack
A flow rack that has a pitched lanes which facilitates product moving towards the front of the rack. When new product is loaded into the rack, the older product is pushed back, causing a last in/first out process.
Rack Manufactures Institute (RMI)
Members are suppliers of industrial racking. They gather to develop standards and guidelines for testing. They gather and report industry statistics. http://www.mhi.org/rmi
Rack Safety Net
A retractable net that spans the opening of a pallet rack from vertical post to vertical post. This type of net if effective when small boxes of product are stacked on a pallet that is sitting in the rack.
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
The technology that allows digital information to be encoded in a tag, label, card or chip, that can be read via radio waves.
Rail Carts
A simple platform cart outfitted with flanged track wheels to facilitate traveling on rails. Rails can come in many forms like outside rail road tracks, in floor tracks, inverted angle iron tracks and so on.
Reach Trucks
Fork Lifts that have a multi-stage mast that allow it to reach heights greater than a standard lift truck. Reach trucks are a great choice for warehouses.
Receiver Mounted Coupler Channel
A channel mounted to a receiver shank that allows for multiple mounting heights and insertion into a receiver tube.
Reciever Mounted Drop Ball Hitch
A coupler with a shank that mounts into a square tube receiver, has a drop to lower the ball hitch height.
Recevier Mounted Pintle / Ball Combo
A Pintle / Ball combination hitch that has a shank for insertion into a receiver tube.
Receiver mounted pintle hitch
A pintle hitch with an integrated shank for installing into a receiver tube. A hitch pin is used to lock it in place by being inserted through the holes in the receiver and coupler.
Receiver Tube
A piece of square tubing with holes through 2 opposing walls that allows a coupler to be inserted and pinned in place. Receiver tubes are mounted to either a vehicle or a cart / trailer and allow coupler to be removed or changed.
RFID Reader
A reader that is able to extract information from an RFID tag via radio waves.
RFID Tag
A tag which is encoded with information that can be extracted via radio waves by an RFID reader.
Rigid Caster
A caster in which the horn and the mounting surface is rigid in nature. The direction of travel is the same as the direction of the wheel.
Rolling Ladder
A ladder that is mounted on casters to allow the ladder to be pushed throughout the warehouse. The casters are usually spring loaded in such a way to allow the legs of the ladder to contact the floor when the weight of a person steps onto the ladder. Ladders like this are commonly seen at home improvement stores and warehouses.
Roll Off Container
A container made of steel with a bottom, four sides and a open top, four wheels on bottom, and a hook and rollers. Made to be used in conjunction with a roll off truck, to be dropped off and picked up at point of use. These containers are heavily used in the garbage and recycling industries.
Roll Off Truck
A straight truck designed to work in conjunction with roll off containers or dumpsters. Truck transports, drops off and picks up containers at point of use.
Rough Terrain Forklift
A forklift with large pneumatic tires intended to be used on rougher terrain like excavation sites.
RPM
An abbreviation for revolutions per minute. Used to measure things like engine speed, input/output shaft speeds, wheel speeds, etc.
Safety Chain
A chain with hooks or other methods of attachment that is used between a tow vehicle and a trailer, or two trailers, as a safety device in case of coupler failure.
Safety Mat
A rubberized mat that can provide traction, trap dirt or water in order to help prevent falls. Mats commonly have beveled edges to help prevent tripping. They also sometimes have the edges painted a bright safety color, like safety yellow to give a visual signal of the mats location.
Scissor Lift
A lift that uses pivoting linkages to create a scissor mechanism that offers the ability to lift great distances, but takes up little room in the lowered position.
Sheave
A grooved pulley designed to carry a belt, rope or wire rope.
Shopping Cart
Side Mounted Floor Lock
A floor lock that has the mounting plate located in such a way as it can be mounted on the side of the equipment instead of beneath it.
Self adjusting floor lock
A floor lock that automatically adjusts to variations in distance between the mounting surface and the floor.
Self Dumping Hopper
A container, used for recyclables or garbage, that can be picked up by a forklift or a crane and that dumps itself by actuating a lever.
Semi-live skid
A piece of material handling equipment that is a platform supported at one end by rigidly mounted wheels, and at the other end by structural legs. There is an eye the protrudes from the front end in between the legs that accommodates mating with a lift jack.
Shelf Truck
A cart that has multiple platforms or shelves located directly above each other and supported by vertical uprights. The carts are supported by casters and have a handle which allows the operator to push to initiate movement.
Shipping Cardboard
Shipping cardboard sold in rolls used to wrap product for protection during transit or storage.
Shipping Foam
Shipping foam sold in rolls, sometimes perforated for easily separating into pieces.
Skatewheel conveyor
A conveyor made up of a multitude of skate wheels mounted in a structural frame.
Slat Conveyor
A conveyor made up of slats that are attached to a roller chain to allow for the movement of product. Slat conveyors offer more support and are stationary in relationship to the load being carried. They are good for materials that are stored in bags which could conform to the shape of conventional conveyor rollers. Slat conveyors are a lot like belt conveyors but can handle heavier parts.
Slew Drive
A slewing bearing with a worm gear and a motor to power the assembly.
Slings
A strap with and opening at each end that is used for overhead lifting. Slings are commonly made out of materials like nylon that is strong, yet conforms and protects the material being lifted. Slings can also be made out of wire rope and chain.
Solid Pneumatic Wheels
Used widely in the ground support industry, the solid pneumatics offer some of the cushioning characteristics of the pneumatic without the possibility of getting a flat. The downside is that if the temperature of the tire gets too hot, they can have a blowout. That is a possibility if they are towed to fast for too long. Please contact your solid pneumatic supplier for any concerns.
Sortation Conveyor
A conveyor that allows for diverting specific packages to various take off lines.
Spreader Beam
A beam used in overhead lifting that resists the compressive forces of two or more lifting legs that are at an angle, effectively keeping them spread apart. Spreader beams are often adjustable to make them more versatile when rigging up different sized objects.
Spring Loaded Pintle Hitch
A pintle hitch that is mounted with a spring that allows for rotation, and uses the spring to reduce impact and shock loading.
Stacker truck
A piece of material handling equipment that is a mix between a walkie pallet truck, and a lift truck. It is used to stack product. The operator walks behind the truck using battery power to drive the wheels and lift the forks.
Stock Chaser
A narrow powered vehicle where the operator stands on the rear of the vehicle with the load carrying bed in front of him. Stock Chasers are narrow to allow them to fit in tight aisles. Behind the operator there is a ladder that allows the operator to reach tall shelves.
Storage Cabinets
Industrial duty storage cabinets used to secure and protect valuable materials, tools and consumables. Dividers, bins and drawers help organize and put product at your finger tips.
Storage Manufactures Association (SMA)
Suppliers of industrial storage equipment that come together to develop standards, educational equipment and product testing. http://www.mhi.org/sma
Straddle Carriers
A piece of material handling equipment that is designed to straddle large cumbersome objects like shipping containers, pick them up and move them to their desired destination.
Strapping Cart
A cart designed to carry around steel strapping used in packaging and shipping. A tray used to carry strapping clips, strapping tensioner, cutters and other tools.
Stretch Wrap Dispenser
A handheld device used to dispense stretch wrap by hand. Operator would walk around the object to be stretch wrapped layering the wrap with each trip around the product.
Supply Chain
A proverbial chain that describes the linking of all of the steps that convert raw materials into a finished product residing in the hands of your customer. Includes steps like procurement, inbound logistics, warehouse storage, manufacturing, warehouse storage, customer order, outbound logistics.
Swivel Caster
A caster that has a swivel assembly attached to its top plate which allows the horn rotate about its centerline. The center line of the wheel is offset from the center line of the swivel assembly creating a swivel offset. The swivel offset allows the caster to rotate so that the wheel trails the direction of travel.
Swivel Lock
A mechanical device used to lock the swivel assembly of a swivel caster, essentially converting it into a rigid caster. Swivel locks typically come in a 4 position models that lock the caster at 90 degree intervals.
Swivel offset
In the context of a caster, the swivel offset is the dimension between the centerline of the swivel assembly, and the centerline of the wheel. It is this offset that allows a caster to swivel until the wheel is in a trailing position in reference to the direction of travel.
Swivel Pintle Hitch
Tapered Bearing
An anti-friction bearing compromised of a bearing cup and a bearing cone. Tapered bearings resist thrust loading. Tapered bearings must be used in a pair, or with another type of bearings in order to resist thrust loading from both directions. The cup is pressed into the housing of the equipment. The cone is inserted and then properly pre-loaded.
Telehandler
A telehandler is a rough terrain forklift with an attachment mounted on the end of a telescopic boom. Sometimes referred to as a lull or a telescopic forklift. Used heavily in construction, industry and agriculture.
The Robotics Group (TRG)
Made up of leading manufacturers, integrators, consultants, and component suppliers of robotic solutions designed specifically for warehousing and distribution applications. They develop educational and training materials, and collaborate with committees that develop standards. http://www.mhi.org/robotics
Thrust Bearing
A bearing that is designed to primarily carry its load in a axial manner as opposed to a radial load.
Tie Rod
A mechanical device used to tie two components together so that as the first component moves, the second component also moves. Due to the geometry between the components and linkage, the components can move in the same direction, opposite direction, in unison with the same rate, or at different rates. Ackerman steering geometry is an example where the components move in the same direction but at different rates. Tie rods can come in many forms, but can be classified easily as adjustable and non adjustable.
Toe Jack
A hydraulic jack that has a bent toe that in its lowered position is very close to the floor. It is used to raise heavy objects enough to position something beneath it like dunnage or a dolly. Toe Jacks are used heavily rigging companies moving large heavy objects.
Toggle Clamp
A clamp that uses both lever advantage and toggle joints in order to magnify the force applied to the handle. With toggle joints the amount of force increases exponentially as the angle of the linkages become more shallow.
Tongue Weight
Tongue weight is the amount of vertical force that is applied at the coupler. When towing, adequate force is needed to facilitate proper trailability. Couplers have a rated tongue weight that they can carry.
Top plate
A mounting plate, common to casters and floor locks, that is located at the top of the device. Top plates are typically equipped with bolt holes or slots that match industry standard bolt hole patterns.
Tote
A container similar to a bin, but typically larger and more robust to handle the stresses of transporting product.
Tow Tractor
In the material handling world a tow tractor is a powered vehicle designed to tow carts and trailers around a factory/warehouse environment. Tow tractors are usually battery powered, but can be powered by gas, propane or other methods.
Trailer Jack
Truck Mounted Forklift
A straight flatbed truck in which a specially designed forklift can be mounted to the back, allowing it to be used when the truck is to be unloaded at the delivery point.
Turntable
Two way pallet
A pallet that can only be accessed from 2 of the 4 sides.
Two wheel Hand Truck
Non powered material handling equipment made of a structural frame, a nose and a handle. The nose is loaded with the material to be moved. The operator holds the handle and tilts the hand truck back to balance it on two wheels. Hand trucks are highly maneuverable and perfect for the delivery truck driver.
Universal Product Code (UPC)
Is a code that is uniquely assigned to a product using industry standards to make it easy to identify that product throughout the supply chain. It appears as a barcode on the products packaging.
Utility Trailer
A small un-enclosed trailer that is pulled behind a motorized vehicle. Commonly sold to consumers, the basic Utility Trailer is equipped with a deck, low side rails, a spring loaded axle, tongue with coupler and a rear gate. Utility trailers are easily customizable for whatever your needs may be (think landscape trailer, with racks, hooks, etc for weed eaters, blowers an things of that sort.
Vertical Coil Lifter
A mechanical device use to grab a steel coils when they are sitting up on one of the ends of the coil.
Very Narrow Aisle Lift Truck
A fork truck designed to transverse very narrow aisles, generally regarded as 5′ to 7′. Standup reach trucks, order pickers and turret trucks fill up most of the offerings in this category.
Wand
A barcode reader, sometimes referred to as a light pen, used for hand scanning of barcodes.
Warehouse
An industrial building that is used as a place to store and organize materials. Warehouses can be used to store raw parts coming in from a vendor, or finished parts that have been through the manufacturing process already. Warehouses can also house products that need to age, like whiskey, wine, or cheese.
Welded Wire Rack Deck
Decking made from fabricated wire mesh, reinforced with structural steels used to span the beams of a pallet rack. The wire mesh allows dirt and debris to fall through, while also allowing sprinkler water to reach the lower levels in the event of a fire.
Wheelbarrow
A cart with a dished out body, wheel(s) on the front, two stationary legs and handle at the rear. The load goes in the dished out body and the operator grabs the handle lifting the legs off the ground. Approximately half the load is supported by the wheel, the remaining load is supported by the operator.
Wheel chock
A piece of material handling equipment, made into a shape that resembles a triangle, and is wedged between a wheel and the ground. It is a economical, effective means to stop a wheel from being able to roll in one direction. Commonly used in pairs to ensure the wheel can’t roll in either direction. Most commonly made from rubber, but you can also find steel and wood versions.
Winch / Winch Strap
The combination of a winch / winch strap is used to secure loads on trailers. Commonly used on semi-trailers, they allow quick securement of typical loads. Different variations are under trailer, side of trailer, and sliding. The straps are typically nylon and have a flat hook
Wishbone Coupler
A coupler used on industrial trailers that is made in the shape of a wishbone. They are fabricated in such a way as they can be rotated and stored in a vertical position when not in use.
Work sampling
A process where a pre defined sample is taken from products being produced in order to check them or perform some other type of activity. (For example, every tenth weldment needs to be visually inspected, measured for key characteristics and die penetrant testing done).
Work station
A dedicated area for work to be done. It can be a dedicated area to a specific person, or group of people to remain at (for example: Jim’s weld booth). It can also be an area set up for a single specific function, that can be performed by many (for example the bearing pressing workstation).
Zero Pressure Accumulating Conveyor
A conveyor designed in such a way as there will not be any pressure between adjacent packages on the conveyor line. This type of conveyor helps alleviate damage to fragile products at the point where they accumulate.
Zone Picking
A method of order picking in which a warehouse is separated into zones, typically of like items. Workers are assigned to a specific zone. For each order, that employee picks the parts from their zone. Those parts are then sent on where they will meet up with parts from other zones to complete the order.
