The Best Material Handling Equipment for Your PEI Business

Efficient material handling is crucial for businesses of all sizes, especially on Prince Edward Island where space and resources can be limited. The right materials handling equipment can significantly enhance productivity, safety, and overall operations.

In this post, we'll delve into four essential pieces of material handling equipment: utility carts, hand trucks, pallet jacks, and strapping. These versatile tools are designed to streamline your workflow, reduce manual labour, and protect your products. Whether you operate in agriculture, fishing, tourism, or manufacturing, understanding the benefits and applications of these equipment types can help you optimize your operations.

Click on each section to explore how these essential tools can transform your business.

1. Utility Carts
2. Hand Trucks
3. Pallet Jacks
4. Strapping

If you are in the market for material handling equipment, contact us. We're here and answer all your questions and provide you with the perfect equipment for your needs.

Contact Island Handling

Top ​Material Handling Equipment

1. Utility Carts

Utility carts are a very versatile piece of material handling equipment.

​Utility carts are unsung heroes in the world of material handling. Their versatility makes them indispensable for a wide range of industries, including those on Prince Edward Island.

What are Utility Carts?

Utility carts are wheeled platforms designed to transport various items within a facility. They come in a multitude of sizes, configurations, and materials to suit diverse needs. From small, lightweight models for office supplies to heavy-duty carts for industrial applications, utility carts offer a flexible solution for moving goods efficiently.

Benefits of Utility Carts for Your PEI Business

Businesses, particularly those in sectors like agriculture, fishing, and tourism, often face unique logistical challenges. 

• Agriculture: Transporting supplies, tools, and harvested produce can be labour-intensive. Utility carts can streamline these tasks, reducing physical strain on workers and increasing overall output.
• Fishing: Moving equipment, supplies, and catches requires efficient handling. Utility carts can help fishermen and processors transport items safely and quickly.
• Tourism: Whether it's restocking supplies in hotels or moving luggage in accommodations, utility carts can improve service and guest satisfaction.

​Utility carts are a type of material handling equipment that can significantly enhance your efficiency and productivity in these environments.

Key Features of Utility Carts:

• Versatility: They can handle a wide range of items, from small packages to bulky equipment.
• Durability: They are built to withstand heavy loads and frequent use.
• Maneuverability: They are easy to navigate through tight spaces.
• Customization: Utility carts are available in various sizes, configurations, and materials to meet your business's specific needs.

​By investing in the right utility carts, Island businesses can optimize their operations, improve employee safety, and enhance overall efficiency.

2. Hand Trucks

Hand trucks are great for transporting bulky or heavy items. 

Hand trucks, also known as dollies or truck dollies, are indispensable for transporting bulky or heavy items. For businesses on Prince Edward Island, they are essential tools for efficient deliveries and material handling.

What Are Hand Trucks?

Hand trucks come in various designs to suit different needs. Here are some common types:

• Upright hand trucks: This is the classic design with two wheels and a vertical handle.
• Convertible hand trucks: A convertible hand truck can be used as both a two-wheel hand truck and a four-wheel dolly.
• Appliance hand trucks: This type of hand truck is specifically designed for moving large appliances with features like straps and wider platforms.
• Stair climbing hand trucks: Stair climbing hand trucks are equipped with additional wheels for navigating stairs.
• Specialty hand trucks: These hand trucks are designed for specific industries or loads, such as furniture dollies or keg trucks.

Choosing the right hand truck depends on the types of items you need to move, the frequency of use, and the environment where it will be used.

Benefits of Hand Trucks for PEI Businesses

Hand trucks offer numerous advantages for Island businesses:

• Versatility: They can handle a wide range of items, from boxes and crates to appliances and furniture.
• Efficiency: They significantly reduce the physical strain of manual lifting and carrying.
• Portability: They are compact and easy to store when not in use.
• Cost-effective: They provide a budget-friendly solution for material handling needs.

PEI businesses in sectors such as retail, delivery services, and construction can benefit greatly from using hand trucks to improve productivity and employee safety.

​3. Pallet Jacks

Pallet jacks are indispensable material handling equipment.

Pallet jacks, also known as pallet trucks or pump trucks, are indispensable material handling equipment when you are working with palletized goods. For businesses on Prince Edward Island, they offer numerous advantages.

What Are Pallet Jacks?

Pallet jacks are manually operated equipment used to lift and transport palletized loads. They feature two forks that slide under a pallet, allowing the operator to elevate the load and move it with ease.

Types of Pallet Jacks

Pallet jacks come in various types to suit different operational needs. Here are some common types:

• Manual pallet jack: This is the most basic type of pallet jack. It is operated by hand using a hydraulic pump.
• Electric pallet jack: Powered by a battery, electric pallet jacks offer you increased efficiency and reduce operator fatigue.
• Walkie pallet jack: A walkie pallet jack is an electric pallet jack where the operator walks behind while controlling the unit.
• Rider pallet jack: Rider pallet jacks are larger electric pallet jacks with a platform for the operator to stand on while driving.
• Weighing scale pallet jack: This type of pallet jack is equipped with a scale to measure the weight of the pallet load.

The optimal type of pallet jack depends on factors such as load weight, frequency of use, workspace size, and operator preference.

Benefits of Pallet Jacks for PEI Businesses

Pallet jacks are particularly useful for Island businesses due to their:

• Efficiency: They dramatically increase the speed and ease of moving palletized goods within warehouses, loading docks, and transportation vehicles.
• Ergonomics: By reducing manual lifting, pallet jacks help prevent injuries and improve worker safety.
• Space-saving: They optimize storage space by allowing for efficient stacking of pallets.
• Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of industries, including agriculture, fishing, and manufacturing.

PEI businesses, whether they're handling agricultural products, seafood, or manufactured goods, can benefit significantly from incorporating pallet jacks into their operations.

​4. Strapping

Strapping provides secure and efficient containment of goods for transportation and storage.

Types of Strapping

Several types of strapping are available, each with specific properties and applications:

• Steel Strapping: Known for its strength and durability, steel strapping is ideal for heavy-duty applications such as securing large pallets or industrial machinery.
• Polyester Strapping: Offering a balance of strength and flexibility, polyester strapping is suitable for a wide range of products and is often used in the food and beverage industry due to its cleanliness.
• Polypropylene Strapping: Lightweight and economical, polypropylene strapping is well-suited for lighter loads and is often used in retail and distribution.

Related Strapping Products

To effectively apply and secure strapping, several complementary products are used:

• Steel Strapping Tensioner: This tool applies tension to the strapping, ensuring a tight and secure seal.
• Steel Strapping Cutter: Used to cut the strapping to the desired length.
• Steel Strapping Sealers and Seals: These devices create a secure closure for the strapping, preventing tampering and ensuring product integrity.

Benefits of Strapping

Strapping offers numerous advantages for material handling:

• Product Protection: Protects goods from damage during transportation and storage.
• Load Stability: Prevents shifting and toppling of loads, enhancing safety.
• Efficiency: Streamlines the packaging and securing process.
• Cost-effective: Provides a reliable and economical method for securing goods.

By selecting the appropriate type of strapping and utilizing the necessary tools, businesses can optimize their material handling operations and ensure the safe transport of their products.

Trust Island Handling for the Best Material Handling Equipment in PEI.

Established in 1987, Island Handling Systems Inc. is your one-stop shop for all your material handling needs in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. We are a family owned business with over 44 years of combined expertise in the material handling industry,

Island Handling offers you a comprehensive selection of:

• Forklift parts
• Pallet jacks
• Strapping machines, and much more

Our convenient location at 100 East Royalty Road offers you a showroom and parts department, while our second building onsite is a fully equipped service department and bulk storage to ensure they have what you need, when you need it.

Contact us today to get started.

Contact Island Handling