1. Define what Materials Handling Equipment (MHE) are, and describe their applications.

Definition: Materials Handling Equipment (MHE)

The Art and science of conveying, elevating, positioning, transporting and packaging and
storing of materials regardless of size, form and weight which effect a saving of money,
time and place.
applications of MHE
The application of materials handling equipment is very wide. It is worthwhile
to list a few of them.
Areas of applications of MHE
 Manufacturing industry.
 Building construction.
 Heavy construction.
 Mining.
 Food industry.
 Automotive and transportation industry
2. What factors will be considered when selecting the most effective and economical unloading
equipment?
 Selection of the most effective and economical unloading equipment depends upon;-
 The type of carrier to be unloaded.
 The characteristics and condition of the material.
 The unloading rate, annual tonnage.
 The means of moving cars or barges to and from unloader, and,
 In the case of large ships, the cost of demurrage(for large ships).

3. State the factors that have to be considered while selecting efficient and suitable types of
feeders.
Selection of the most
suitable type of feeders depends upon the required capacity, as well as the size, flowability,
moisture content and other characteristics of the material. Before dispatching, the material is
packed and stored in the finished product store.
4. List down some of the benefits obtained from implementing a good material handling
system.
Benefits/ objectives of good Materials handling system
i. Reduce cost
 Utilizing space to better advantage.
 increase productivity.
 Making a few number of effective movements
ii. Reduce waste
 Eliminating damage to materials during the handling process.
 Maintaining proper control over the in-and-out of stock handling process

iii. Improve working conditions

 Providing safer working conditions.
 Reducing worker fatigue.
iv. Improve the efficiency of the plant
Providing a better organization of storage facilities

5. Discuss the three main groups of material handling equipment when they are treated
according to their design features.
According to design
• This type of equipment is intended mainly for unit loads.
 • Example: Hoisting machinery, cranes and elevators
A group of machines with lifting gear intended for moving loads mainly inbatches
• This type of equipment is intended mainly for unit loads.
• Example: Hoisting machinery, cranes and elevators
• Conveying equipment
A group of machines which may have no lifting gear and which move load in a
continuous flow
They are intended for bulk and unit loads one at a time. Examples: pneumatic and
hydraulic conveyors
• Surface and overhead equipment
• A group of machines which may not be provided with lifting gear and which
usually handle loads in batches.
• Examples: trackless trucks, narrow –gauge cars

6. Describe the necessary steps that are involved in implementing a material handling systems
project.
 Steps in implementing a materials handling system
project;-

 Develop specification

 Evaluate supplies

 Evaluate bids

 Select supplies

 Award contracts