In the context of logistics and warehouse management, a number of impressive solutions have emerged in recent years. While many of these have promised to revolutionise material handling, sometimes older solutions exist that remain to be superseded.
Today, we decided to take a look at one of these - skate and track loading systems. Invented over 60 years ago, modern iterations of these loading systems are still cutting edge in terms of speed, safety and cost effectiveness. If you’re considering investing in one, then below are some of the main benefits to be aware of.
Increased Speed
Joloda Hydraroll have been the main specialist in skate and track loading systems for a while now, and the systems they’ve developed are adept at increasing the speed of loading processes.
These systems allow heavy pallets or other loads to slide smoothly along recessed rollers, at a much faster rate than most alternatives.
For repetitive loading processes in particular, that involve high volumes of uniform shapes, skate and track loading systems can be difficult to beat. Compared to solutions like forklifts, there’s almost no competition.
Improved Safety
Due to the relatively static nature of these loading systems, and the reduced need for manual handling, skate and track loading solutions tend to also have a positive impact on safety issues. They reduce the need to lift heavy, cumbersome objects with machines like forklift trucks, resulting in a far more stable loading process overall.
This is important in all loading contexts, but especially in those involving dangerous or unstable materials. If a solution can improve safety, job satisfaction and loading speeds all in one, it’s definitely worth doing some more research into - at the very least.
Low Maintenance
Compared to a lot of the alternatives, skate and track solutions are exceptionally low maintenance. The main moving parts are rollers on a set of ball bearings, which hardly ever need servicing and will rarely - if ever - break.
If you’re looking for a low-cost solution that will need minimal input from your side over the coming years, then a skate and track setup could be just perfect. They’re perfect for operations of all sizes that don’t have lots of cash to invest in their loading setup, but also hardly come at much of a compromise compared to more expensive alternatives.
Compact
Skate and track loading solutions can also be ideal for environments where there is only a limited amount of space. They can be fitted into a wide variety of different spaces with minimal disruption, requiring much less infrastructural investment compared to more fully automated loading solutions.
Skate and track loading systems are a versatile solution to a range of material handling needs. If you’re looking for a cost-effective, low-maintenance option that can handle a wide variety of different items, then it’s definitely worth considering. They may not achieve the high-level automation levels of more ‘advanced’ modern solutions, but they have their own benefits that many find preferable.
