05 September 2023 Article

Material Handling Types and Range of Products

Material handling is the backbone of operational excellence, keeping your business operations streamlined and efficient. This vital function serves as the circulatory system of a business, ensuring that goods move efficiently from point A to point B while optimizing storage and minimizing waste. 

When it comes to material handling solutions, BT & Raymond stand out as industry leaders. Their range of products, from reach trucks to pallet movers, are designed to optimize workflows, enhance safety, and boost profitability.

What Is Material Handling and The Functions of It?

Material handling covers diverse actions concerning the shifting, safekeeping, organization, and warehousing of materials and finished goods, from the point of creation through distribution, utilization, and finally, disposal.

It's an approach that draws from various fields, such as logistics, engineering, and data analytics. The ultimate goal is to ensure that the right amount of the right material is moved to the right place at the right time and at the right cost. Meanwhile, the other core functions of material handling are mentioned below:

1. Movement

This is the most straightforward function. Movement involves transferring items from one location to another within a facility or between different facilities, maximizing efficiency and minimizing costs. Technologies like conveyor belts and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are often employed to facilitate smooth movement.

2. Storage

Adequate storage is crucial for balancing supply and demand, optimizing that space for easy retrieval and minimal waste. Racking systems, shelving, and pallets are commonly used to enhance storage efficiency. The aim is to store goods in a way that they are easily accessible, thereby reducing the time and effort required in the picking process.

3. Protection

The safety of materials is paramount, especially when dealing with sensitive or hazardous items. Protection involves measures to prevent damage, theft, or spoilage during storage and transit. This can include specialized packaging, climate-controlled storage, and secure transportation methods.

4. Control

This function is about managing the flow of materials effectively. It involves inventory management, tracking, and data analytics to ensure that goods are where they need to be when they need to be there. Advanced software systems are often used for real-time tracking and data analysis, which helps in making informed decisions.

5. Disposition

Finally, disposition deals with the end-of-life cycle of materials and products. Whether it's recycling, reusing, or disposing of waste, this function ensures that materials are dealt with in an environmentally responsible manner.

Types of Material Handling

Types of material handling


It's crucial to understand the four different types of equipment that make these functions possible. 

1. Storage and Handling Equipment

Storage and handling equipment is the unsung hero of material handling. It includes non-automated equipment like shelving, racks, and pallets that are primarily used for holding or buffering materials. The goal is to create a system where items are easily accessible and can be quickly located and retrieved.

For instance, pallets are often used in conjunction with forklifts to enable easy lifting and transportation. The design and layout of storage equipment can significantly impact the efficiency of a warehouse or production facility.

2. Industrial Trucks

Industrial trucks serve as the workhorses of any material handling system. These include forklifts, pallet jacks, and other types of trucks that are used for moving materials. Forklifts, for example, are incredibly versatile and capable of lifting heavy loads and navigating through narrow aisles. 

BT & Raymond offer a range of industrial trucks, including their state-of-the-art reach trucks, designed for maximum efficiency and safety. These trucks come with advanced features like real-time tracking and ergonomic design, making them indispensable in modern warehouses.

4. Engineered Systems

Engineered systems are automated solutions that are designed to work in harmony to facilitate the movement and storage of materials. These include conveyor belt systems, Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS), and robotic delivery systems. 

These systems are particularly useful in large-scale operations where speed and efficiency are of the essence. They are often integrated with software solutions that allow for real-time tracking and analytics, thereby providing a high level of control and optimization.

5. Bulk Material Handling Equipment

When it comes to handling large volumes of goods, especially in industries like mining, agriculture, or construction, bulk material handling equipment is essential. This category includes equipment like conveyor belts, silos, hoppers, and large containers.

They are designed to store, transport, and control enormous quantities of materials. These are specialized pieces of equipment that are tailored to handle specific types of materials, such as liquids, granules, or raw materials.

Best Material Handling from BT & Raymond

Best material handling from bt raymond

In the year 2000, Toyota Industries consummated the acquisition of BT Industries, a forklift truck enterprise based in Sweden, along with its affiliated entity, The Raymond Corporation. This pivotal transaction subsequently gave rise to Toyota Material Handling Corporation, solidifying its status as the preeminent forklift conglomerate globally.

Both BT and Raymond have carved out their own legacies in the material handling industry, and their combined strength under Toyota Industries has made them even more formidable. BT Industries has been in the business for over 25 years, specializing in components and fasteners. 

The company is known for its tailored approach and commitment to building meaningful customer relationships. On the other hand, Raymond has been a global provider of top-notch material handling products for decades, focusing on innovation and efficiency. 

Together, they offer a comprehensive range of solutions, from high-quality products to full-service value chain expertise. Here are their flagship products that are setting new standards in material handling:

1. BT Reach Truck

Bt reach truck

The BT Reach Truck series is a marvel of engineering, designed to meet a variety of warehouse needs. Each model in this series brings its own set of advantages:

2. Reach Truck N-Series

The N-Series is a powerhouse when it comes to capacity and speed. With models offering capacities ranging from 1200 to 1600 kg and a maximum speed of 11.2 km/h, this series is designed for high-intensity applications. 

The maximum lift height goes up to an impressive 8500 mm and all models are seated types, ensuring operator comfort during long hours of operation.

3. Reach Truck B-Series

The B-Series is where safety takes the front seat. With capacities similar to the N-Series, the B-Series offers a slightly lower maximum speed of 10 km/h but compensates with a higher maximum lift height of up to 8500 mm. 

The focus here is on advanced safety features, making it ideal for environments where multiple trucks operate in close proximity.

4. Reach Truck R & E-Series

The R & E-Series is the epitome of balance between robustness and energy efficiency. With capacities ranging from 1400 to 2500 kg and a top speed of 14 km/h, these models are designed to minimize energy consumption without sacrificing performance. 

The maximum lift height can reach up to an astounding 12500 mm, making it versatile for various storage configurations.

5. Reach Truck O-Series

Built for the outdoors, the O-Series offers a capacity of 1600 kg and a maximum speed of 11 km/h. With a maximum lift height of 7500 mm, this series is ruggedly constructed to withstand the elements, making it ideal for construction sites and open-air storage facilities.

6. 4-Way Reach Truck F-Series

The F-Series is a game-changer for warehouses with narrow aisles. With a capacity of 2700 kg and a maximum speed of 8 km/h, this model can move in four directions, allowing for more efficient use of space. The maximum lift height is 8000 mm, making it a versatile choice for various storage needs.

7. Reach Truck Double Deep

This series is designed for deeper storage in racks. With models offering capacities ranging from 1361 to 1451 kg and a maximum speed of 12 km/h, the Double Deep series has extended forks that can reach further into racking systems. 

The maximum lift height can go up to 11278 mm, and the operator types vary from stand-up to sit-on, offering flexibility in operation.

8. Pallet Mover

Pallet mover

The Pallet Mover series from BT & Raymond is a masterclass in design and functionality, offering two distinct models tailored for specific needs:

9. Pallet Mover W-Series

This series is designed for high-speed horizontal transport. With a maximum speed of up to 6 km/h, it is ideal for large warehouses where goods need to be moved quickly over long distances.

The W-Series comes in various models with different capacities, ranging from 1300 kg to 2500 kg. The maximum lift height for all models is 205 mm, and they are primarily walkie-type, meaning they are designed for operators to walk behind them. However, some models also offer a ride-on feature.

10. Pallet Mover P-Series

The P-Series takes ergonomics to the next level. With a maximum speed ranging from 10 to 14.5 km/h and capacities from 2000 kg to 2722 kg, this series is not just fast but also powerful. 

What sets it apart is its focus on operator comfort. All models in this series are ride-on types, and they offer a maximum lift height of up to 241 mm.

Read Also: Toyota FDZN Series One-Stop-Solution for Your Industry

Material handling is more than just moving things around but optimizing workflows, enhancing safety, and ultimately, boosting profitability. BT & Raymond offers a range of products that can be your game-changer.

Don't miss the opportunity to elevate your business operations with material handling systems from BT & Raymond, available on TRAKNUS. For a tailored solution that meets your specific needs, contact the Traknus Call Center at 1500-072 or reach out to us on WhatsApp at +62815-1106-1974 today.

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