Not All Load Turners Are Created Equal

While you can leverage other lifting devices, such as forklifts or mobile cranes, they are often cumbersome, especially when used to navigate tight spaces. They may also be expensive to maintain… not to mention safety & productivity issues. Fortunately, a load turner presents a better alternative.

Like any other equipment, however, it's best to be informed before purchasing load-turning devices. Here's what to consider when buying these devices and how they'll benefit your business. 

What are Load Rotators?

Load rotators are powerful machines designed to turn/rotate heavy and bulky loads in a workplace. 

These devices are versatile and can be used in any industry, including construction, manufacturing, shipping, or any other business that deals with heavy loads.

Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Load Turner

Choosing the proper load-turning devices for your business can be complicated. However, knowing what to look for and consider beforehand might make the purchase easier.

The Machine's Safety Features

There are approximately 20,000 machine-related injuries in the United States annually. 

This means that employee safety is vital in any work environment, and you should utilize the proper equipment to promote that safely. The use of a load turner can ensure that heavy loads can be moved seamlessly with very minimal human intervention, keeping workers safer with less risk of injury.

Ease of Operation

Load tuners are designed to improve efficiency, meaning the operator should be able to run the machine with ease. When purchasing new machinery for your warehouse or manufacturing facility it’s important to take into consideration how much easier it makes getting the job done. It’s a waste of time, and money, to purchase a piece of machinery that will be not only difficult to work, but as difficult to learn.

Type of Load

Look for a machine suitable for the types of loads you will be rotating. 

For instance, if you want to rotate delicate objects such as televisions or computer screens, you'll need a model with smooth rotation ability to avoid damage. On the other hand, if you're rotating large, heavy items, or with a shifted center of gravity, go for a powerful model with a higher torque capacity. Or if your typically turning an object that’s hot from production, look for a load turning device capable of safely handling objects at high temperatures;

Maintenance Requirements

Different load rotators have different maintenance and repair requirements and procedures. Ensuring that the unit's maintenance costs are affordable for your business is essential in the decision process when purchasing. As a rule of thumb, machine maintenance costs shouldn’t go over 5% of your total replacement asset value (RAV). If the percentage goes above the suggested number, you should look for another unit. By checking into things such as maintenance costs, you will save your company time and money in the long run. It would be counterproductive to find yourself in a position where the machine is costing too much to maintain.

Work Environment

Space is a vital factor when deciding to purchase load rotators. Ensure there's enough room on all sides without any obstructions, and nothing can get stuck in the machine during operation. 

What type of working environment do you plan to use the device in? Will workers be working nearby? If so, ensure enough room for safe machine operation away from the workers and enough ventilation for health and safety reasons. 

Why Should You Purchase Load Turning Devices?

Now that we have gone over the different factors to consider when purchasing a load turner, we can get into the reason as to why your facility will benefit from the purchase.

Here are the top 5 reasons to invest in load rotators for your business.

Increased Efficiency and Productivity

Manual load-turning is expensive, strenuous, and time-consuming. You might require several forklifts or cranes (thus several operators also) to turn a single load, especially ones that are tough and bulky. You'll incur considerable production costs and reduce revenues in the long run if you are not utilizing machinery that aids in increased efficiency within your facility.

Load turning devices are more accurate and streamlined than manual turning, enabling you to handle more loads faster and with less effort. In turn, your business will experience improved product quality (load rotators are less likely to damage products), increased competitiveness, reduced labor costs, and prompt deliveries.

Cost and Time Savings

Using multiple equipment and personnel can quickly rack up considerable operating costs. By investing in a load turning device, workers will be able to get back to working on more important jobs while leaving the heavy lifting to the machine.  With a single load turning device, your business can get more work done over a set period and consume fewer resources, such as labor, energy, insurance costs, and raw materials.

Increased Safety

Safety is always a significant concern in any working environment. The risks are higher where machines are involved, manual labor is required, and when workers need to use platforms to access high levels. 

Load turning devices are designed for an operator to operate from a safe distance. The devices make it easy to pick up, secure, and turn the load effortlessly. There's no need to have workers too near the load-turning site or doing any manually turning, reducing the risks of injuries in your working environment.

Purchase The Right Load Turner with Tractel® 

The right equipment is a must-have for any business. Understanding the load turning devices' functionalities makes it easier to research the right equipment for your job.

Tractel® has qualified and experienced staff who can help you choose the appropriate load rotators to serve your business needs. You can rest assured knowing you'll get professional expertise and support from us. Contact our load rotator experts to discuss and learn more about your load rotating concerns.

You can also visit our dedicated page to learn more about the PalTurn™.