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When Consulting a Pallet Rack Expert is Critical

seoserviceusa92@gmail.com (Searchberg Searchberg) — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 07:58:27 GMT

Specifying, buying and installing a pallet rack shouldn’t generally be a problem for you, but there are situations in which if you are involved in, you’re better off consulting an expert before making your purchase.

Let’s take a look at some of these situations.

When your warehouse is located in a seismic zone

Pallet racks to be installed in seismic zones need to be specified with the right set of connectors and baseplates to ensure safe warehouse operations. Buying off-the-shelf racks can be risky for such projects and should be avoided.

A pallet rack expert will help you choose the right seismic pallet rack for your location.

When you are low on space and need to maximize your storage capacity

Configuring a pallet rack system within a limited space can be tricky. And unless you know about all types of pallet racks available on the market and the different ways they can be assembled and installed, you could struggle with the configuration. This is where consulting a pallet rack expert can help.

Pallet rack experts have the knowledge to optimize a pallet rack system for maximum storage capacity. They are aware of the strategies that need to be implemented to find a solution that best complements your available installation space and operational needs.

When you’re adding a new rack to an existing rack

Mixing racks is not unusual; many warehouse operators do that, especially when they’re reworking their current facility.

That said, adding a new rack to an existing rack system requires deep planning. One must ensure that the two racks are compliant with each other, and that the overall performance of the rack system isn’t compromised after installation.

Consult a pallet rack expert before taking on any such project.

When you want to store an unusual load

Some loads are relatively straightforward to store, and you know the type of pallet rack they need to go in. However, some loads—bulky, odd-shaped or large size—can be challenging to handle and require special consideration.

If this is the first time you’re handling an unusual load at your facility, consult a pallet rack expert about the rack system you should choose to store it. Never try to “ make ” things work.

What KD Equipment Brings to the Table

At KD Equipment, we help you choose the right pallet rack for your U.S warehouse facility. We’ve more than 30 years of experience in this field and have helped many clients with their pallet rack deployment needs. Reach out to discuss your pallet rack project today.

Protecting Your Warehouse from Cluster Fly Invasion This Winter

Tue, 26 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMT

While having an odd visit from a cluster fly at your warehouse in the summer is pretty much a norm and usually not a cause for concern, in winter, however, it can be a big problem. Because when the temperature outside begins to fall, a cluster fly does not visit your warehouse alone; it brings many of its pesky friends with it—hence the name “ cluster ”.

“Attribution Required”

Together, they invade your warehouse and send your operations on a bothering buzz, creating problems for your employees. These flies are not dangerous though, and it’s very rare that they may carry any pathogens. But working alongside a cluster of them is something that your warehouse staff is not likely to take in a good way.

And imagine if a customer pops up at your facility while the cluster flies are having fun? It could leave a bad impression on them.

So why is cluster fly invasion a problem in winter and not in summer?

Cluster flies like to live in warm environments. In summer, that’s not a problem for them, because the temperature outside is already quite warm. In the winter months, however, the days are cold, and the nights are even colder, so these flies seek shelter.

Your warehouse sits in the open, nice and warm with the HVAC system continuously pumping heat inside it. Cluster flies see your warehouse as their temporary shelter, and they move in masses.

Once inside your warehouse, they remain there, until the first dawn of spring breaks into light. During their stay, they’d lay eggs, which adds to their population and makes your warehouse even more crowded.

What can you do to stop cluster flies from entering your warehouse?

There is only one practical solution to this problem, and that is to cover and seal all the possible openings at your warehouse from which they might enter.

There are many potential access points through which cluster flies can enter your warehouse. For example, wall cracks, windows, and gaps around lights, fans and baseboards. However, the most common entryways are your frequently-opened warehouse doors. They are the biggest openings at your warehouse, and these are the areas that you especially need to watch out for.

Installing bug screens on your warehouse doors can be an effective way to stop cluster flies from entering through them. Additionally, you can also install air curtains over them for even greater protection.

At KD Equipment, we sell high quality bug screens and air curtains for industrial facilities. Visit our online store to order a bug screen and/or air curtain for your warehouse today.

Protecting Your Warehouse Employees and Equipment with Bollards and Guard Rails

Mon, 25 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Warehouses are high activity environments. They have several moving components and mobile people. And it’s this very “active” nature of these facilities, which makes them inherently dangerous.

Whether you’re talking about slip and trip incidents, forklifts bumping into racks, or pallet jacks falling off loading docks, warehouse accidents are quite common, and they present serious risks for critical injuries and expensive equipment damage.

That said, you can mitigate warehouse accidents and protect your warehouse employees and property by using adequate safety products.

Today, in this blog, we’ll be discussing two such safety products: bollards and guard rails.

Bollards

Bollards are short, sturdy posts, typically made of steel. They are installed at high-risk locations, mostly around shelves and racks to provide protection against impact accidents. Additionally, they can also be used as blockades to direct pedestrian or vehicle traffic flow at the facility.

Bollards come in bright yellow construction, which also makes them useful as visual barriers. You can deploy them at loading docks or other elevated platforms to alert employees and forklift operators of potential drops.

To describe bollards in one word:

They are the “soldiers” of the warehouse.

Bollards can last for years. Their robust design means they need very little maintenance.

Guard Rails

Much like bollards, guard rails are primarily used to protect warehouse employees and equipment from fast moving forklifts. However, they provide a more continuous form of protection by completely zoning out sensitive locations thanks to their running design.

Guard rails can also be used at the edges of raised platforms as fall protection solutions. In addition, they can also be used to isolate workers from energy sources.

When buying guard rails for your facility, it’s important to choose a guard rail system with high impact resistance rating tested at a high speed. Rail systems with higher impact resistance ratings offer better protection. To learn more about impact resistance rating, click here .

KD Equipment Sells High Quality Bollards and Guard Rails

At KD Equipment, we stock and sell high performance bollards and guard rails. Our bollards and guard rails have been manufactured from the best steel on the market, and offer excellent service life.

Talk to our representative today to order bollards and guard rails for your warehouse.

How HVLS Fans Can Help Keep Your Facility Warm in Winter

Sat, 23 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMT

When you think of “fans”, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind?

Cooling, right?

Fans keep our buildings and homes cool in hot, humid summer months, making us feel comfy.

But if you’re thinking about investing in HVLS fans for your industrial facility, you’ll be pleased to know that these fans can be used beyond summer and into winter as well.

Using HVLS Fans in Winter

Okay, let’s understand one thing first:

Not ALL HVLS fans can be used in winter; only fans that come equipped with bi-directional motors can be used in winter months.

At KD Equipment, we stock bidirectional HVLS fans .

So how do HVLS fans work in winter anyway?

Fans, by design, run counterclockwise. When fans run counterclockwise, they push cool air down to the floor. This cool air evaporates the sweat from your skin, creating a wind chill effect that makes you feel cooler.

However, when you run a fan in reverse, i.e., in clockwise direction, it pulls up cool air from the bottom of the room and pushes the warm air down to the floor.

HVLS fans use this latter ability to circulate hot air and keep your facility warm in winter months. But as we mentioned earlier, not all fans have this feature, and if you’re buying an HVLS fan and you want to use it in winter, you must get one that comes fitted with a bidirectional motor.

You might ask why use HVLS fans in winter when you already have an industrial HVAC system pumping heat into your facility?

Well, that’s because HVAC systems are although great at pumping out heat, they’re not great at distributing that heat efficiently.

Industrial facilities usually have high ceilings, and any warm air that HVAC systems pump into these buildings, it rises and collects in the upper half of the buildings. Meanwhile, the floors, where the heat is really needed, remain cold.

You then need to run your HVAC system continuously to keep your building warm and make your employees feel comfortable. This increases your energy bills.

By running an HVLS fan in parallel, you can cut down on much of this extra energy consumption and distribute the warm air more uniformly and faster inside your building.

Find Out More About HVLS Fans

If you’re interested in finding more about HVLS fans or which model you should pick for your facility so that your heating, ventilation and cooling needs are efficiently and adequately met, talk to our representative today.

At the Warehouse: Practicing Safety Around Loading Dock Leveler

Fri, 22 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMT

A dock leveler is a critical piece of equipment that ensures smooth handling of load at the dock site during loading and unloading operations. It is typically mounted to the dock face, where it serves as a bridge between the loading dock and the bed of a truck, enabling forklifts, pallet jacks and other material handling equipment to safely move across the two platforms.

Given the important function they serve, the safety of dock levelers is an important issue that must be kept in check to prevent injuries and mishaps at the jobsite.

Below we discuss a few essential guidelines and tips to practice safety when working with and around dock levelers.

Have a Spotter on the Field to Assist Your Forklift Operators

Maneuvering a forklift around a leveler can be difficult. Forklift operators need to be mindful of the edges, overhead clearance distances and dock walls when directing a load to its destination. Even a small misjudgment can prove to be costly and dangerous.

Having a spotter who can guide your forklift operators to safely maneuver their vehicle around and on the leveler can greatly help you reduce loading dock accidents at your facility.

Use Bumpers, Mirrors and Chocks

Bumpers and mirrors on a dock leveler provide additional assistance to forklift operators. They help them know when they need to backup and how much they need to backup in order to avoid any falls or barging incidents. As for chocks, they prevent movement of the forklifts during the unloading process.

You can use bumpers, mirrors and chocks to make your loading dock operations safer.

Keep the Area Clear During Loading and Unloading

The dock area should be kept clear of traffic during loading and unloading to avoid any distractions. Only workers authorized for handling the load should be allowed near the loading dock. This includes your forklift operator, spotter and any other staff who is responsible for moving the load materials onto or off the forklift.

Keep the Levelers Well Maintained

Lastly, invest in maintaining your levelers. Service them regularly to keep them in tip top shape. If there are any repairs, make sure to address them promptly.

Missing concrete, failing motors and damaged dock boards are the last thing you need when working around loading dock levelers.

Looking for a Reliable Dock Leveler Supplier or Service Shop?

KD Equipment is at your service.

We offer high quality dock levelers and dock leveler repairs for U.S warehouses and industrial facilities. Get in touch with us today to discuss your loading dock leveler needs.

How Air Curtains are Used in Different Industrial and Commercial Settings

Fri, 22 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Air curtains are fan-powered devices that are installed at entryways to efficiently separate two different environments, without limiting the access of people or vehicles. They accomplish this function by creating an invisible air barrier across the entire width and height of an opening.

“Attribution Required”

Air curtains have been around since the early 20th century. However, they have become increasingly common over the last couple of decades, with many businesses using them for climate control, insect control and other applications.

Let’s take a look at how air curtains are used in different industrial and commercial settings.

Air curtains for indoor climate control

Climate control remains by far the most common application of air curtains . Especially, here in Florida, air curtains are often used on exterior doors of restaurants, hotels, shopping malls, and college libraries to keep unconditioned air from entering into conditioned spaces. Conversely, air curtains are also used for ex filtration of conditioned air present inside a building.

Of course, the installation of air curtains for climate control is not only limited to exterior doors. Many industrial facilities with cold storage operations use air curtains to maintain adequate cooling temperatures inside their cold storage rooms. Maintaining the right temperature levels is crucial for such facilities to prevent product spoilage.

Air curtains for insect control

Air curtains can also be found at food processing and health care facilities where they are primarily used for keeping out flies, bees and other insects.

Insects can be a big nuisance to deal with. Additionally, they carry germs and pathogens, which can be dangerous for human health. At highly sensitive facilities, like food preparation factories and hospitals, insect control is must. In fact, there are laws laid out that govern the directives for insect control at these establishments.

Air curtains help keep insects out by providing an efficient seal over doorways.

Lesser Known Applications

Air curtains also have other—though lesser known—applications. For example, they are used at wastewater treatment plants for odor control. Similarly, they are used in paint shops to reduce over spray.

Find Out More About Air Curtains

If you’re interested in finding more about air curtains or which air curtain unit you should choose for your facility, talk to our customer representative today; we would love to help you with your query.

A Conveyor Sized Question: Belt or Roller?

Thu, 21 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMT

A belt conveyor is also a better choice if you have vertical conveying needs.

When conveying loads vertically, you need a conveyor system that can grip the loads, or else the loads can fall off the conveying track.

Belt systems do a great job of holding onto loads as they move vertically. Roller systems, on the other hand, lack this feature.

Another situation, where you’re better off using a belt conveyor than a roller system is when you need to integrate additional processing such as scanning or pre-sorting into your conveying operations.

A belt conveyor will ensure that the loads are in the right orientation when moving along the line, making scanning and presorting easier. With a roller conveyor this can be a problem, as the load may shift or rotate, leading to incorrect readings or orientations at the scan/presorting counter.

When Use a Roller Conveyor

Roller conveyors are typically used for conveying heavier, larger, non fragile loads that need to be moved over long distances.

They are also perfect for picking and packing applications due to the low coefficient of friction they offer on the lines, making it easier for the employees to interact with the load.

Roller conveyors are mostly used at loading docks.

Conclusion

So as you can see, choosing the right conveyor for your facility is a matter of loads, application and function. Evaluating and determining your operational needs is the key to making the correct decision when it comes to choosing between a belt system and a roller system.

At KD Equipment, we sell both belt and roller conveyors . Our conveyor machines are manufactured to the highest standards of quality and tested on maximum capacity to make sure you get a high performing conveyor for your operations. We can also help you decide which conveyor to choose for your facility.

Interested in a quick chat?

Reach out to us.

The Quest to Find Hidden Storage Capacity in Your Warehouse

Wed, 20 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Warehouses and distribution centers are constantly faced with the challenge of managing inventory in a limited space. Running a large-scale warehouse incurs heavy cost on the business, making it critical for owners to run it as efficiently as possible and make continuous efforts to optimize it.

Industry experts believe that the maximum occupancy of a warehouse should be around 85%. Space utilization that’s more than 85% not only affects productivity in terms of movement and storage, but it also means that your warehouse doesn’t have room for unexpected urgent orders.

The goal of warehouse optimization is to increase the quantity of stock in the most optimum space, while ensuring that it can be moved safely yet effectively.

Here are some ways you can increase the capacity in your warehouse:

Extend Your Racks Vertically

If the floor space in your warehouse is tight, it’s time to explore the vertical capacity. Modern shelving systems provide optimal vertical storage that can improve the overall capacity drastically. However, before you start installing upright racks, ensure that the base plates are sized properly.

Also, before you add more tiers, preplan how you’re going to transport stock at higher levels. Portable lifts are great for this purpose; they provide maximum vertical travel in a compact size.

Change the Storage Medium

After evaluating the use of vertical capacity in your warehouse, take a look at the depth of storage. Change the storage medium to higher density equipment by moving from single-deep racks to double-deep racks. Drive-in and push-back racks are great higher density equipment options. However, keep in mind that they limit the accessibility to FIFO and LIFO.

Reduce Aisle Width

Aisle width in warehouses typically ranges from 10 to 12 feet, but can be reduced to around 5 to 8 feet. However, when minimizing aisle width, the material handling equipment should be taken into consideration. Can your ergonomic equipment work in these narrow aisles?

Try to design the minimum width in a way that doesn’t compromise operating efficiency.

Install Mezzanine Shelving

If you’re looking for a more permanent storage solution—and not to mention a cheaper solution than leasing space with addition square footage—then install mezzanine shelving. It frees up the valuable floor space and adds another level to your warehouse operations. It is undoubtedly one of the best ways to attaining warehouse space optimization.

Get Your Hands On State-Of-The-Art Storage Products Today!

Make use of the hidden storage capacity in your warehouse with our variety of storage products including pallet racks, shelving and mezzanine products . We’re also a top loading dock equipment supplier in Tampa, Florida.

Why HVLS Fans Are Perfect for Keeping Your Farm Cattle Cool and Stress Free

Fri, 11 Oct 2019 12:00:55 GMT

Why HVLS Fans Are Perfect for Keeping Your Farm Cattle Cool and Stress Free

Dairymen have long shared heat and ventilation concerns on dairy farms. Excessive much heat makes cows feel uncomfortable, they eat less as a result, and naturally produce less milk .

While traditional basket and panel fans do help dairy farm owners solve the problem of heat and ventilation control, these never were, nor they could be ever be the solutions farm owners can completely rely on.

For one, basket and panel fans consume too much electricity. And second, they generate turbulent breezes, which disturb pollutants and dirt particles inside barns and cause all sorts of health issues for the animals.

As such, the only solutions that can work for dairy farms should be:

· Energy efficient

· Able to provide steady airflow

· Able to maintain effective ventilation

HVLS fans fit these specifications like gloves:

· They are typically powered by one to two-horsepower motors. This makes them extremely energy efficient.

· They have airplane-inspired engineered airfoils. These airfoils feature winglets that create steady jets of air.

· They have large diameter fan blades, often measuring up to 24 feet. These blades move huge amounts of air across all areas of facility.

And here’s a little fact for you:

Did you know the HVLS fan industry actually started with dairy farming?

Yes, the first HVLS fan was created as a dairy farm cooling fan back in 1998. Since then, manufacturers have been improving the HVLS fan technology not only for dairy farm operations, but also for every other environment that needs onsite climate control.

Aside from keeping the herd cool and the barn air fresh, HVLS fans are also great at keeping the pesky flies away from holding areas which might otherwise stress the cows.

How to choose the best HVLS fan for your dairy farm?

If after reading all this, your interest in HVLS fans has been piqued, and you’d like to have one installed at your dairy farm, it’s worth knowing what to specifically look for when shopping for a HVLS fan.

· Make sure the HVLS fan fits the space in which you want to install it

· Make sure the HVLS fan fits your ventilation needs

· Make sure the HVLS fan comes with the warranty

· Many modern HVLS fans come with variable speed controls, so that’s another thing you may want to look into.

Here, at KD Equipment, we sell high quality HVLS fans . Visit our online store to check out our complete HVLS fans range.

Tips To Avoid Costly Conveyor OPERATION MISTAKES

seoserviceusa92@gmail.com (Searchberg Searchberg) — Thu, 26 Sep 2019 11:59:15 GMT

1. No Regular Inspections.

2. Not Observing Temperature

3. Insufficient Repair Parts

4. Overloading The Equipment

5. Inadequate Training

KD Equipment offers a wide range of conveyors from trusted manufacturers, perfect for use in Warehousing & Distribution, Order Fulfillment, Aerospace, Government Military & Agency, Automotive, Parcel Handling, Appliance, Cabinetry & Furniture and Food & Beverage industries!

https://www.kd.equipment/

Tips to Prevent Damage in Rack Aisles

seoserviceusa92@gmail.com (Searchberg Searchberg) — Thu, 26 Sep 2019 09:59:40 GMT

Where there are heavy pallets, loading equipment, and people, there’s always the potential for damaged loads. Dented rack frames and damaged pallets are telltale signs of warehouse wear and tear.

So without further ado, hereare some practical methods that can prevent damage to loads, racks, or the facility itself:

Protect the walls behind the racks

Push-through damage is quite common for rack sections that are installed against a facility wall.

You can prevent this by installing floor-level beams at the back of the rack. This preventsthe pallets from touching the back wall. Additionally, floor-level pallet stops can be bolted behind upright frames to block the pallet.

Just make sure that theprotection isn’t loose—it should either be bolted to the floor or installed on the rack system.

Protecting your load beams

In addition to frames, beams are often damaged during loading and unloading. Defective beams can compromise entire rack systems, and spill loads, making them highly unsafe.

When loads are lifted too far up, they can bump against theload beams located right above and dislodge the connectors. Installing locking devices or loading clips is standard practice fora majority of teardrop beam racks. The clips click into place, preventing the beam from dislodging in case the bottom of the beam is bumped during a lifting accident.

Since the clips can snap when the capacity increases, add a bolt to the connections for higher levels of protection. It’s worth mentioning that a rack safety program should check for snapped clips, damage to beams and loosened frame connections.

Protecting palletized loads

Here are some simple techniques that can reduce the issue of damage to loaded pallets:

· Load the pallets correctly. Loads that are off-center or misaligned will put stress on the decking as well as the rack system, damaging them in the process.

· Partial load drops not only cause product damage, but they can also be extremely dangerous to warehouse workers. Make sure to catch falling loads with measures such as wire panels, safety straps or rack safety netting.

· Wrapping pallets stored at high storage positions ensures that the load is less likely to fall.

· Clear aisles and organized racks help workers see the pallets clearly, reducing impact accidents of all types.

One-stop shop for all your warehouse solutions!

With over threedecades of experience under our belt, our material handling company has established itself as a one-stop shop for all your warehousing needs in Tampa, Florida.

From repairing damaged pallet racks to providing a wide range ofergonomics and loading dock equipment , we’re the go-to company for all your material handling requirements. Contact us for more information.

How to Increase the Longevity Your Conveyor

seoserviceusa92@gmail.com (Searchberg Searchberg) — Wed, 25 Sep 2019 09:42:41 GMT

Your conveyor system is the backbone of your facility’s automated processes—it moves products fast, and does so efficiently, while also ensuring employee safety.

However, when a conveyor system slows down, or worse, breaks down completely, your whole production line will come to a screeching halt, costing you resources, time, and ultimately, money.

Operate as intended

Using your conveyor system incorrectly can decrease its lifespan. Be mindful of the following issues when using it:

· The wrong loads: Placing loads that are too heavy or too large on the conveyor can wear down its components. If the load size changes significantly, you may have to alter the conveyor.

· Shock loading: Although dropping loads on the conveyor should be avoided, it is inevitable. You can always shock-load your conveyor, but make sure to understand how the conveyor is loaded or unloaded at different points because shock-loaded conveyors can break down due to increased impact.

· Changing environments: Using your conveyor in an environment it wasn’t designed for leads to accelerated failures—due to chemicals, oils, and contaminants. When re-tasking your old conveyor, make sure you’re aware of the environment it was originally designed for and the new environment you’re going to use it in. Introducing machines that cause airborne debris and dust can impact your conveyor.

· Follow design specifications: For instance, disregarding the drive types and account loads when increasing the speed of your conveyor system may cause its components to get damaged over time.

Conveyor maintenance

Make sure your conveyor maintenance is a predictable and designed process. It should be consistent, regular, and scheduled. A well-maintained system performs better, lasts longer, and is safer in the long run.

Make sure to take into account the following stress points in your conveyor maintenance program:

· Connections and belting

· Electrical components of the system

· Investigate noises in the system reported by the staff

· Universal joints, pulleys and bearing should be lubricated

The value of your conveyor maintenance program comes from its predictability. Frequent hands and eyes on the system can help you detect problems and proactively replace damaged or worn-out components. Keep in mind that your conveyor will last longer if you’re consistent and systematic.

Get a wide range of conveyors at KD Equipment!

From belt roller conveyors to line shaft conveyors and gravity rollers, check out our variety of conveyors to pick one that’s exactly right for your operations.

We also provide ergonomics and loading dock equipment for all your warehousing needs and material handling requirements. Contact us for more information.

A Facility Owner’s Checklist for Installing an HVLS Fan

seoserviceusa92@gmail.com (Searchberg Searchberg) — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 10:37:20 GMT

So after exploring all your options, you’ve finally decided that an HVLS fan will be the best choice for your facility’s ventilation needs, and have gone and bought one. Now there is just one more step left to complete before you can start enjoying the savings and comfort of your HVLS fan and that’s installing it.

Like any other piece of equipment, an HVLS fan needs proper installation planning to ensure effective functioning. Below is a checklist of what you need to consider when installing a new HVLS fan.

Determine fan placement for optimal airflow

This is the most crucial part of the installation process. You must place your fan such that it covers all areas of the facility that you want the airflow to reach.

Consider any obstacles in the room that may create dead spaces. Take into account any heat-generating machines that may impact the airflow. Section the areas into high priority and low priority regions.

Map these room details and decide a location for the fan accordingly. If you feel you need to move things around to optimize results, work out a convenient and practical rearrangement.

Decide if you want to integrate the fan with your existing BMS or not

It’s always recommended to integrate your HVLS fan with your existing building management system (BMS) as doing so provides additional energy savings and ensures optimal fan performance. However, you can opt out of this integration if you want to.

Should you decide to go ahead with the first—preferred—option, make sure to plan for it properly to achieve the best results?

Review local building codes before starting the installation

That pretty much goes without saying; however, it’s still worth mentioning.

An HVLS fan installation should always be done in line with local building codes. This is to ensure compliance.

Consult a structural engineer for load and mounting method approval

Finally, have your site inspected by a structural engineer to be sure that your building roof can handle the load of the fan and the mounting method that you’ve selected is appropriate for the purpose.

Make adjustments where needed based on the recommendations proposed by your structural engineer.

One last note before we go: always hire a licensed electrician for installing HVLS fans, since DIY installations are not safe and can put your investment at risk.

For further reading: 5 common HVLS fan myths—debunked!

Turn Your Warehouse into a Powerhouse with These Simple Tips

Mon, 23 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMT

An efficient and well-maintained warehouse is an asset that helps your organization improve customer service, operate in an environmentally-friendly way, and cut overall costs. But the caveat is that warehousing mistakes impact your organization’s bottom line!

There are various ways to use your warehouse to build value for your organization. Here are some simple practices that you can implement in your warehouse to give it a competitive edge:

Adopt Lean Warehouse Operations

Efficient warehouse operations open the doors for a range of areas that are ripe for long-term, significant, and sustainable savings.

From reductions in container unloading and handling times to greater flexibility in adapting to changing market conditions, lean operations bring about a revolutionized warehouse mindset.

The only way to improve worker productivity is to analyze the workflow in the warehouse with the aim of minimizing the amount of time spent on each task. For example:

· Update the inventory list based on item popularity. Locate items that are frequently ordered; you’ll need to think both horizontally and vertically. For instance, items stored in the back of the warehouse at ground level are more accessible than items that require a forklift.

· If certain items are often ordered together, store them in the same vicinity to reduce the need for back-and-forth traffic in the warehouse.

· Investigate ways to reduce the time spent on processing paperwork.

Keep in mind that the more efficient picking and packing processes are, the less time is spent checking inventory. Moreover, stock replenishment will be reliable and concise, and lost sales opportunities will be minimized.

Additionally, high-quality loading equipment makes your workflow more effective, adding productivity and value to your warehouse services.

Improve Year-Round Productivity with HVLS Fans

Studies have shown that employees who work in comfortable indoor environments are more productive and less prone to making errors.

Maintain a comfortable temperature in your warehouse in a cost-effective manner by installing HVLS warehouse fans. Installed under your warehouse’s rafters, these industrial fans move air gently throughout the space.

The HVLS evaporative cooling feature reduces the indoor temperature, helping workers stay cool. Plus, the fans reduce humidity levels, overall energy costs, and minimize the dangers of sweating slab syndrome .

Moreover, by opting for an HVLS model that can run in reverse, you can benefit from the fan in winters as well. A Go Fan Yourself HVLS fan pushes warm air down to ground level when it is collected near the ceiling in cool weather. This keeps the workers warm without the need for bumping up the thermostat.

Buy state-of-the-art industrial fans today!

Add value to your warehouse with energy efficient industrial fans . We provide a large variety of warehouse solutions like HVLS fans, loading dock equipment , curtains and air doors and high-quality overhead doors in Tampa, Florida. Contact us for more information.

Winterizing Your Loading Dock

Fri, 20 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMT

It’s that time of the year again; when you need to prepare the warehouse for seasonal changes. Your first priority should be to winterize the door and dock area of the facility, otherwise energy efficiency will slip out the backdoor—literally!

Your loading dock can be the most dangerous parts of your warehouse in the winter. The weather conditions can reduce visibility and make the floors slippery. Therefore, it’s essential to prepare the docks for the changing seasons.

Here are a few places to begin the loading dock winterization:

Inspect dock shelters and seals

Typically, the function of dock seals is to line the outer edge of your loading dock, sealing any gaps when loading/unloading. It’s crucial that you inspect these dock seals for damage or wear and tear from trailers bumping into them.

Make sure to replace any worn out dock seals, because an ineffective seal puts dock operations at risk of losing energy from cold or warm air leaving the building during loading processes. Additionally, this puts the products, equipment and people at risk from the elements. Precipitation caused by damaged seals can make your warehouse icy, wet and slippery—a serious safety risk for employees behind the wheel or on foot.

Dock shelters, on the other hand, are curtain-like covers designed to protect the area between the building and the truck trailer. Dock shelters are usually installed in places where dock seals aren’t an effective solution. For example, dock shelters are used in a facility that accommodates a varying range of truck sizes and styles. Similar to dock seals, dock shelters must be inspected for damage.

Inspect overhead doors

In some cases, overhead sectional doors can get damaged from equipment, reducing their thermal resistant properties. The door’s damaged section is likely to get replaced with non-OEM parts—when done by someone other than industry professionals—leading to improperly sealed gaskets. This, in turn, reduces the door’s energy efficiency.

Review visibility

Industrial Supply Magazine recommends operators double-check the exterior lights at the loading zones during winters. Exterior lights should be visible and working when in use.

Blustery snow can significantly decrease the visibility, in which case, signaling devices and the lights outside your facility become critical guides for your drivers. Moreover, make sure that the lines and markers on the pavement that direct traffic are still visible. Repaint them if the paint has worn away or faded over the summers.

Our one-stop shop has a solution to all your warehousing needs. From loading dock shelters and seals to state-of-the-art loading dock equipment, we have everything you’ll need to prepare your warehouse for the winters!

Is It Time to Reconsider Your Old Conveyor and Replace It?

Thu, 19 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Conveyors are dream machines for warehouse operators. They take operational productivity to the next level, significantly improve worker efficiency, and tirelessly run for years, generating excellent return on investment. But they are machines in the end. And like every machine, they need to be replaced at some point. The challenge for facility owners then lies in accurately determining when to replace an old conveyor, especially when there’s still life left in the old dog.

If you too are contemplating over this question, but can’t decide whether this is the right time to replace your old conveyor or not, look for the following four sure signs of conveyor replacement to clear up any confusion:

1. You Conveyor Has Become a Constant Source of Maintenance and Repair

Initially, the unscheduled repairs were far and few to encounter, but now they pop up every so often. Sometimes, it’s the motor, sometimes the chains, and at other times, premature belt failures. Your team has grown frustrated and these frequent breakdowns are costing your business big time.

2. Spare Parts Have Become Increasingly Difficult to Find

You really have to search the market hard to find spare parts for your conveyor. In fact, sometimes the parts aren’t available at all in the local market, and you have to import them from other countries. The situation is getting worse day by day.

3. You Have Shifted to a New Product and the Design of the Product is Affecting Your Conveyor Efficiency

You just had to take this decision forced by competition and industry demands. But now that you have shifted to a new product, you’re realizing that your old conveyor configuration is struggling to adapt to the change. Your warehouse productivity has taken a major dip, and your employees are finding it hard to operate the conveyor efficiently.

4. You are Clearly Being Held Back by an Outdated Conveyor Technology

Your conveyor is quite old in terms of technology and that old technology is hitting your business with opportunity cost. You know you can sort and process more units in less time, cut down your electricity bills and further improve work ergonomics, but the outdated conveyor technology may be stopping you from doing all this.

So, does your old conveyor need replacing?

KD Equipment can assist you in your conveyor replacement project.

We stock a large inventory of high performing conveyors ideal for warehouse, packaging, parcel handling, and food and beverage manufacturing facilities. Check out our complete conveyor range here .

Specifying dock leveler for your facility

seoserviceusa92@gmail.com (Searchberg Searchberg) — Wed, 07 Aug 2019 11:54:14 GMT

Opting for the right loading dock equipment is crucial to maintaining proper material transfer in and out of your facility—resulting in less damage to equipments, fewer injuries and lower maintenance costs.

So what exactly are dock levelers?

Critical for dock operations, dock levelers are used to bridge the gap between the transport vehicles and the facility—which sit at uneven heights—so that equipment is easily loaded and workers can cross back and forth safely. The dock levelers are commonly mounted to the dock face or recessed into pits at the dock doors.

Considering the purpose of your dock leveler, make sure to take into account the load capacities and truck heights for efficient unloading and loading operations. Depending on your needs, there are multiple options for dock levelers that you can choose for your facility:

Mechanical Dock Levelers

For loading docks that may not have power, mechanical dock levelers are the answer! They’re not only a great economical choice but they also offer great value.

Mechanical dock levelers are operated with springs via pull chains. They truly have one-of-a-kind dock plate design, which includes a header and lip lug that provides a gap-free bridge between the loading bay and truck. Plus, you can get unrestricted float with a simple hold-down release. Moreover, these dock levelers are ideal for busy facilities as the walkout lip extension accounts for smoother and efficient operations.

Hydraulic Dock Levelers

When dealing with high volumes of rugged and powerful equipment, hydraulic dock levelers are ideal for the job. Their simple design features a straightforward, one-button operation that raises the deck, extends and lowers the lip onto the bed of the truck and then stores the leveler.

The power in a hydraulic dock leveler is provided by a frame-mounted, enclosed integral hydraulic assembly. You can be sure to find maximum durability when working with hydraulics due to its heavy-duty designs, high-pressure seals and polished rods.

Edge of Dock Levelers

Edge of dock levelers are an affordable option for light-volume loading bays. These units are simply mounted to the dock edge, instead of being installed in a pit—offering a higher degree of safety and ease of installation. This makes them ideal for loading and unloading environments that has minimal variance in trailer heights.

The edge of dock levelers are an excellent and budget-friendly alternative to hydraulic or air-powered dock levelers that don’t compromise on performance or reliability.

Get Your Hands On A Wide Range Of Loading Dock Equipments

If you’re looking for dock levelers that can withstand the test of weather elements in addition to offering superior ergonomics, you’ve come to the right place. We have state-of-the-art loading dock equipment including hydraulic, mechanical, edge of dock, dock roll-off barrier levelers and much more.

Moreover, we provide top-notch warehouse solutions like HVLS fans, scissor lift tables and high-quality overhead doors in Tampa, Florida. Contact us for more information.

AIR CURTAINS HOW ARE THEY BENEFICIAL?

seoserviceusa92@gmail.com (Searchberg Searchberg) — Mon, 05 Aug 2019 10:42:45 GMT

Commercial air curtains are a worthy investment. They help business owners reduce their running costs associated with heating/cooling.

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) defines air curtains as the stream of air that circulates across a doorway of a conditioned space.

Air curtains block the unconditioned air from entering into conditioned space by projecting an air stream over the entrance.

Air curtains offer a number of benefits to business owners. Here are some of them:

SAVE ENERGY

With customers coming in and going out throughout the day, it gets difficult to maintain the indoor temperature.

Air curtains, being an energy efficient option, retain the temperature of the space by preventing the untreated air from mixing with the treated air.

REDUCE LOAD ON THE AC UNITS

Air curtains help reduce strain on the AC units by keeping the hot air out, thus improving their functionality.

PREVENT FOUL SMELL

By keeping the outdoor air at bay, air curtains also play a big part in blocking the unpleasant odor from entering into the building.

PREVENT BUGS AND POLLUTANTS

Apart from maintaining the temperature, air curtains also create a barrier against pesky bugs and microscopic pollutants and particulates.

INFOGRAPHIC BY

KD EQUIPMENT

Why You Need Industrial Screen Doors for Your Facility

Wed, 24 Jul 2019 05:22:10 GMT

Summer brings the much awaited bright sunshine and cool breeze. Refreshing, comfortable; and in the case of a commercial or industrial facility, a true staff pleaser—keep the dock door open and let’s for a moment enjoy the beautiful weather. But quite often a moment turns into a few hours, and sometimes even into a whole shift if the doorway isn’t supervised.

The result?

A mob of bugs, mosquitoes, flies and birds heading your way. Muck; the mess. Ouch; the bites. Grim; the unhealthy. Not so beautiful now, eh?

Installing screen doors, however, can eliminate these concerns. These doors are exclusively designed for insect control at commercial or industrial premises. They keep unwanted visitors—bugs, flying pests, rodents, birds—out and allow the fresh air to enter the building. Your staff can now enjoy the pleasant weather without worrying about the inconveniences that come with it.

In addition, screen doors also deter unauthorized personnel from strolling into sensitive areas. This can be of special significance to food processors who must ensure food safety at their premises.

Food is a basic commodity; one that we need on a daily basis. Food processing, packaging and distribution facilities serve as the easiest routes pathogens to spread. Of course, screen doors on their own can’t stop such instances, but they can be collectively used with other security protocols to ensure food safety.

So, what options have you got in industrial screen doors?

Industrial screen doors come in three basic designs:

· Manual slide screen doors – These doors are designed with a sliding configuration and compress into a compact bundle when opened.

· Spring-assisted roll up screen doors – These doors are designed with a rolling configuration and are supported by a spring-assisted mechanism.

· Powered roll up screen doors – These doors are designed with a rolling configuration and are controlled by electrical motors.

Regardless of whichever screen door type you choose for your facility, make sure it offers the following features:

· Robust build

· Easyoperations

· Tight seal

· Convenient maintenance

Here, at KD Equipment, we sell high quality industrial doors . Our industrial doors are made in the US and are built to last. Visit our bug screen section to view our complete collection of industrial screen doors.

Dock Seals and Shelters – Inexpensive Solutions with Big Benefits

seoserviceusa92@gmail.com (Searchberg Searchberg) — Tue, 23 Jul 2019 12:04:43 GMT

Those little gaps around the parked trailers at your loading docks are costing you money each and every day. It’s high time you do something about them.

Trucks and trailers rarely ever sit perfectly onto loading dock door openings. In almost all cases, there exist tiny pockets of spaces between loading dock door openings and trailers when the latter is parked for loading or unloading. These tiny pockets of spaces give way to heating and air conditioning leaks and cost you thousands of dollars in energy bills per year. In addition, they also serve as a point of entry for bugs, flying pests, rodents and weather elements that can damage your products and create an uncomfortable environment for your staff to work in.

Those little gaps do not sound so trivial now, do they?

However, there is a very easy and convenient way to fix them. Enter dock seals and dock shelters…

Dock seals and dock shelters are essentially environmental control solutions exclusively designed for loading docks. They are installed on the edge of loading dock doors to keep unwanted outdoor elements from entering inside the building.

Dock seals are typically made of vinyl-coated foam padding. This foam padding is designed to be compressible to allow a tight seal between the dock door opening and a trailer. Since dock seals lack a sturdy backing, they can wear out easily at loading docks that receive high traffic.

Dock shelters in contrast are designed with a proper structure which makes them more robust. They have curtains that act as vestibules, allowing trucks and trailers of varying sizes to sit perfectly onto dock door openings. Think of them as enclosures with curtains.

Although dock shelters are more durable than dock seals, they lack the sealing effectiveness of the latter. Both solutions are inexpensive; however, dock seals cost much cheaper than dock shelters.

It must be mentioned here that docks seals and dock shelters cannot be used together, and you must pick onefrom the two. We recommend talking to a loading dock equipment professional who will help you choose the right solution for your loading dock sealing needs.

Here, at KD Equipment, we sell both loading dock seals as well as loading dock shelters. Our loading dock seals and shelters are made in USA and are manufactured and tested to the highest standards of quality and performance. Visit our Dock Seals and Shelters section to view our complete range of loading dock seals and shelters.

Food for Thought: Why Your Restaurant Needs an Air Curtain

Mon, 22 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

When you’re in the business of serving customers with clean and hygienic food in a comfortable environment, an industrial-grade air curtain could be the best investment you can make.

Make no mistake; the aromatic, delicious food you serve at your restaurant is a magnet for the flying pests that carry more than 140 pathogens. Every time, your customers or staff enter or exit your restaurant building, these pests find a way in and feast on the food that you’ve just taken out fresh from the stove or oven. This puts your restaurant at risk of spreading diseases, not to mention it puts off your customers who certainly don’t want bugs and flies disturbing them during their hearty meals.

Then there is the problem of constant transfer of air.

When your customers move in and out, the hot (or cold) air from the outside enters the inside of your restaurant building. It’s simple physics. This puts an unnecessary load on your restaurant’s heating and cooling system as it has to work harder to maintain a comfortable environment for your customers. The brunt then falls on you in the form of higher energy and HVAC maintenance bills.

This is where installing an air curtain can help.

Air curtains create a powerful air seal which keeps conditioned air inside the building of your restaurant and pests and unwanted air currents out. This allows you to maintain high sanitation standards at your restaurant and reduce your restaurant’s energy bills. The result is happier and more satisfied customers and more profits.

Thanks to the recent technological advancements, air curtains today are available in varying sizes and designs. That way, you can choose an air curtain which best fits the size of your restaurant door and best complements your restaurant décor.

The best part?

Air curtains are quite affordable, so you don’t have to worry about blowing a big budget on purchasing one either.

Here, at KD Equipment , we sell high performing industrial air curtains to small and mid-size businesses. Our air curtains are made in the USA and manufactured to the highest standards of quality to provide customers with reliable solutions for their air sealing needs. Visit our air curtains section to view our complete air curtains collection.

A Guide to Portable Loading Ramps

Fri, 19 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

There’s been a rise in demand for portable loading ramps in the cargo industry. It’s just a simple forklift, but it can tremendously help in the cargo loading process, enabling the goods to be moved easily from truck to door. Here’s a brief guide that can help you learn more about portable loading ramps.

Applications

Primarily, there are two choices of portable loading ramps: Ground-to-Truck and Ground-to-Dock.

Ground-to-Truck Loading Ramps

Ground-to-Truck Loading Ramps enable a forklift to transfer goods to and from a semi-trailer at a ground level. It’s particularly useful in scenarios where there are no permanent loading ramps available or additional loading ramps are required temporarily to move the goods.

Ground-to-Dock Loading Ramps

Ground-to-Dock Loading Ramps serve as an affordable and simple solution for converting a loading lock into a drive-in door. It eliminates the requirement of having a permanent concrete drive in a ramp, which can be expensive to build from scratch.

Benefits

Here are three key reasons why portable yard ramps have become such as sought-after equipment:

Portability

Portability; it’s in the name. Portable loading ramps are built to facilitate loading and unloading process over different kind of surfaces and under a wide range of environmental conditions. Therefore, they are an ideal choice for businesses that are always active and busy.

The ease of movement using the loading ramps can enable smooth transportation of goods. You can simply use a tow bar to move the ramp to your desired location and move around your shipment without breaking a sweat, making it a great alternative to the permanent loading dock.

Durability

Portable loading ramps are made with strong materials (usual steel) that can withstand heavy loads and harsh weather conditions. They are durable, strong, and long-lasting piece of equipment that can last for decades if used correctly .

That being said, it’s important to take care of the equipment i.e. not exceeding the largest weight capacity and not extending the inclined height beyond the specified limit. The best part: portable loading ramps require little to no maintenance.

Affordability

Portable loading ramps are super-affordable and come with a lower price tag compared to the fixed loading ramps, which can break your bank. Preferably, you should consider buying a new portable loading ramps for your cargo business.

The price of a new ramp roughly costs between six grand to fifteen grand, depending on the quality and specifications. However, if you’re short on cash, you may go for the used ones or perhaps use a combination of both new and used portable loading ramps.

Looking to purchase portable loading ramps for your business? Get in touch with KD Equipment . Based in Florida , we’re a material handling company with over 30+ years of experience in providing premium warehouse solutions. We offer an extensive range of warehouse equipment including air doors, HVLS fans , and loading dock accessories. To learn more, call us today at 888-792-9995 or visit our website.

Air Curtains 101: Commercial Applications

Tue, 16 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Air curtains are a great choice for any business that’s looking to keep its premises safe from contaminants and pollutants or to maintain optimal temperatures inside its facility.

Let’s discuss the top five commercial applications of air curtains:

Cold Storage Facilities

When someone opens the door to a cold storage facility, it results in heat transfer and allows cool air to escape, which leads to increased energy costs for businesses. Moreover, a certain temperature must be maintained in cold storage facilities to ensure that the quality of stored goods is not compromised. Air curtains ensure that cool air doesn’t escape the room; hence, they help solve both problems.

Supermarkets

Supermarkets also benefit from air curtains in several ways. First, they help maintain optimal temperatures inside the building, which can preserve food items and perishable items that are temperature-sensitive.

Furthermore, they also prevent airborne particles, dust, and other pollutants from entering the building, contaminating food, or triggering allergies in shoppers.

Warehouses

Warehouses contain food items, medicines, and several consumable products which need to be stored in a controlled environment. Unfortunately, dust, flying insects, smoke, and other contaminants from the external environment can have an effect on the quality of these items, which can put the health of those who consume them in jeopardy. By using air curtains, these items remain safe and secured to ensure the highest quality.

Commercial Kitchens

Air curtains offer numerous benefits to commercial kitchens, enabling them to maintain the safety and quality of the food. They also ensure that toxins such as smoke particles are not able to enter and keep insects and pests out of the kitchens. This is important as pests can lead to food poisoning if muddled up in the food.

Bakeries and Cafeterias

Bakeries and cafeterias face constant foot traffic, so it’s very common for the door to remain open for an extended period of time, which can give passage to dust, fumes, pests, and smoke. Moreover, it also allows the cold air to escape the room. Air curtains are the perfect solution to maintain optimal temperature and safety of the food items while also allowing customers to easily enter and exit the premises.

Looking for quality air curtains for your commercial business, contact KD Equipment . We’re a Florida -based material handling company that provides high-quality air curtains and air doors. We use industry-leading tools and services and offer the most comprehensive air curtain solutions, which will give you complete peace of mind. Call us today at 888-792-9995 or visit our website for more details.

5 Common HVLS Fans Myths — Debunked!

Mon, 15 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Maintaining efficient airflow inside an industrial facility is extremely challenging for businesses, due to problems such as poor duct coverage and leakages that make it difficult for HVAC systems to move air effectively. That’s where HVLS fans come in.

HVLS fans help create an optimal level of airflow. This can be particularly beneficial for warehousing facilities. However, there are a few myths floating around the internet that might discourage businesses from taking advantage of the numerous benefits that HVLS fans offer.

Here are five common myths about HVLS fans, debunked:

Myth #1: They don’t have long range

This is the most common misconception regarding HVLS. In fact, HVLS fans help move large volumes of air around the space. The slow-moving, but large fans can cover up to 30,000 sq. ft. of area, which can help in circulating air in big facilities, ensuring that no area remains uncovered.

Myth #2: They consume a lot of energy

Though it’s true that HVLS fans are considerably large, they don’t consume a lot of energy. That’s because they work under aerodynamic principles, which enable them to run efficiently for an extended amount of period without taking up a lot of electricity.

As a matter of fact, they work on one or two horsepower motors, owing to the hollow aluminum blades and smart air-capturing design.

Myth #3: They require a large infrastructure

Again, this myth has manifested due to the size of HVLS fans. While they are large and may weighty, they’re also not heavy to the extent that extra ceiling support is required to install them. They come in different designs and sizes, so the weight of the fans varies considerably.

Myth #4: They’re extremely expensive and not worth the money

This couldn’t be farther from the truth. HVLS fans are a great investment which provides a good return on investment. They help to properly circulate air and keep the space cool, which has a multitude of monetary and non-monetary benefits.

For instance, cooler conditions can help minimize energy costs and also keep employees’ morale high, leading to higher levels of productivity.

Myth #5: It’s redundant without an HVAC

While it’s true that HVLS fans work the best when combined with an HVAC system, saying they cannot function without one is false. Even if there’s no HVAC unit installed in the facility, HVLS fans can be utilized to make the facility more comfortable and improve the overall airflow of the space. It also reduces humidity which can prevent slippery floors and also help to avoid condensation and mold issue.

Looking to install HVLS fans in your commercial space, contact KD Equipment. Based in Florida , we’re a material handling company that offers premium HVLS fans. Our experienced technicians will safely install the HVLS fans in your facility to help ensure that it remains cool and comfortable, which will improve the productivity and help to control the energy cost, Call us today at 888-792-9995 or visit our website for additional information.

Edge of Dock or Dock Leveler – Which One Should You Choose?

Mon, 15 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Edge of docks and dock levelers are critical loading dock equipment used to bridge the gap between the loading dock and the bed of a truck or trailer.

Loading docks typically have steel faced bumpers or rubber bumpers installed on their outside to protect them from potential damage from trucks or trailers. This creates an 4 – 8 inch gap between the loading docks and the beds of trucks or trailers. In order to move pallet jacks, forklifts or other material handling equipment over this gap, warehouse operators need a bridge. This is where edge of docks and dock levelers come into play.

Since both edge of docks and dock levelers serve the same purpose, it’s redundant to have them both for your loading dock operations. You need to pick one. But which one should you choose?

Choosing Between an Edge of Dock and a Dock Leveler

If you’re on a limited budget and you want a quick and easy solution, an edge of dock might be a better choice for your loading dock operations. That’s because an edge of dock is easy and inexpensive to install. It can simply be mounted to the face of your dock and welded to the steel angle to complete the installation process. With a dock leveler, on the other hand, installation is much more difficult and expensive, as you first need to prepare the surface and frame the pit before you can proceed with installing it.

However, if you’re not restricted by your budget, a dock leveler could be an ideal solution for your loading dock operations. There are a couple of reasons for that:

· First, a dock leveler offers a larger operating range compared to an edge of dock, which gives you more flexibility when working with trailers of varying heights.

· Secondly, a dock leveler provides a far smoother transition from dock to trailer and trailer to dock, enabling material handling equipment to be moved much more safely across the bridge.

As always, you should choose an option that best suits your operational needs and budget. Here, at KD Equipment, we sell dock levelers as well as edge of docks. Our dock levelers and edge of docks are made in the USA and tested to the highest standards of quality and performance. Visit our online store to learn more about our loading dock equipment and products.

The Benefits of Installing Big Fans in Your Warehouse

Wed, 19 Jun 2019 07:10:40 GMT

In order to maximize warehouse output and efficiency and overcome maintenance challenges, businesses have started shifting their focus to cost-cutting. But costs aren’t the only reason why warehouse efficiency is crucial; it’s also central to customer satisfaction.

Storage space organization, technology , and safety precautions all have a direct impact on the final product that’s delivered to the end user.

One important factor that has a direct effect on the efficiency of your warehouse space is ventilation. In this post, we will discuss the many benefits of installing big fans in your warehouse.

Employee health

For any good business, employees hold the same value as customers and other stakeholders. Most warehouses, however, are not air conditioned; this can cause many problems for the workers who have to stay inside them for long hours. Things get progressively worse in summer, when temperatures soar and the risk of getting a heat stroke is high.

Big fans—also known as the HVLS fans —keep the space well-ventilated and lead to a more productive environment. One of the biggest benefits of these fans is that irrespective of the size, they’re quite silent, and therefore, don’t hamper work progress. When heat-related stress is reduced and the indoor climate is regulated, productivity automatically increases.

Protects inventory

Warehouses can hold anything; from heavy duty machinery to perishable goods and food products. Product safety is especially important if the goods are designed for consumption by humans.

HVLS fans make sure that air is well circulated across the indoor facility, so that there’s no chance of any items perishing or become unfit for consumption. This is an important measure to make sure that all goods remain fresh, irrespective of how long they’ve been stored for.

Prevents moisture

Humidity buildup can result in huge losses for businesses if left ignored. Moisture not only damages the ceiling, walls, and floors, but also the cartons and other storage accessories within a warehouse. What you get as a result is damaged inventory, a foul smelling indoor environment, and mold buildup. Also, moisture can make floors slippery, contributing to the risk of major workplace injuries.

HVLS fans ensure a uniform flow of air across the facility at all times and regulate internal humidity. When the air quality is improved, you can also rule out the possibility of fumes lingering in the facility.

KD Equipment has been in the Florida warehouse equipment industry for around thirty years. We manufacture a wide range of warehouse equipment, including HVLS fans , air doors , and loading dock accessories. For further details, get in touch with us today.

Dock Levelers: Understanding the Different Types

Thu, 13 Jun 2019 14:20:45 GMT

When it comes to loading dock operations, dock levelers are of vital importance: both from an efficiency and safety standpoint. Dock levelers are engineered to act as an interface between delivery trucks and loading docks, and are designed to streamline the process of loading and unloading goods.

Having a dock leveler that’s perfectly suited to your specific load capacities and vehicle heights is vital for efficient loading and unloading activities. Thankfully, there’s a variety of dock leveler options available in the market so you can choose the one that suits your facility and load needs best.

To help you understand the different of types of dock levelers available, we’ve put together a short guide for you.

Air-Powered Dock Levelers

Air-powered dock levelers are the preferred options for many warehousing enterprises because of their exceptional simplicity, reliability and cost-effectiveness. Since they only have a few moving parts, air-powered dock levelers are easy to maintain, which is a big part of their long-term cost-effectiveness. KD Equipment currently offers air-bag dock levelers that are paired with push button-activation for better worker safety and ergonomics.

Hydraulic Dock Levelers

Loading docks that deal with a higher load capacity require more powerful, rugged equipment. This is where hydraulic dock levelers come in. These are specifically engineered to handle extremely high-volume loading dock workloads. In addition to having a simple design, closed-loop hydraulic dock levelers are also simple and affordable to maintain. Furthermore, most hydraulic dock levelers have push button-activation as standard.

Mechanical Dock Levelers

Mechanical dock levelers are best for facilities where there’s no electrical supply in the loading docks. Mechanical dock levelers can be manual or spring loaded, and are simple and economical to operate.

Edge of Dock Leveler

For loading docks that typically have a light workload, edge of dock levelers can be a cost-effective option. Unlike other types of levelers, they don’t require a pit for installation, and can be simply mounted to the dock’s edge. Compared to other dock leveler solutions, edge of dock levelers are much easier to install and provide better safety as well. However, their service range is quite limited.

With over three decades of experience in providing high-quality warehouse solutions, KD Equipment is one of the biggest names in the warehouse equipment industry. Based in Florida , we provide a wide variety of warehouse equipment including HVLS fans , air doors , and loading dock accessories. Get in touch with us for further information.

How to Mitigate Risk in the Warehouse

seoserviceusa92@gmail.com (Searchberg Searchberg) — Thu, 30 May 2019 12:22:23 GMT

Every year, warehousing enterprises in the Unites States lose millions of dollars due to unforeseen risks. Natural disasters such as floods, and issues such as product damage and employee theft cost distribution companies billions of dollars.

When the operations of an enterprise involve the use of a warehouse or a storage facility, it’s vital to perform a careful assessment of all associated potential risks. This will help reduce the likelihood of incidents, and lessen their severity even if they do occur. Failure to do so will leave the facility vulnerable to heavy losses which can have a detrimental effect on the organization’s performance.

Below is a list of major risks to consider when evaluating risk in a warehouse.

Fire

Typically, warehouses are large cavernous facilities that are packed tightly with stored goods. This means that even a small fire can prove to be highly destructive. Apart from the obvious product damage, fire can lead to employee injuries and structural damage.

However, there are numerous effective measures that can be taken to mitigate the risk of warehouse fires. They include:

· Installing fire suppression mechanisms such as smoke detectors, sprinklers, extinguishers and fire doors

· Perform regular maintenance of fire detection mechanisms

· Ensuring that the facility is in compliance with current building safety codes

· Training workers to practice fire safety

Flooding

Flooding is another common warehouse risk, particularly in areas such as Florida, which are highly-susceptible to natural disasters. Floods not only pose a risk to the inventory, but it also pose a risk to the structure of the warehouse itself. Here are the preventative measures you can take to mitigate the risk of flood damage in your warehouse:

· Regularly conduct flood risk assessments to identify the areas that are particularly vulnerable to flood damage

· Install removable or permanent barriers in the openings of the facility to prevent flood water from entering the building.

· Ensure that electrical sockets and outlets are installed above ground level so they’re clear of possible flood water.

Loading Dock Safety

In most warehouses, the loading dock is the central hub of operations. Loading dock operations generally involve the use of heavy machinery such as forklifts, dock levelers , etc, which increase the likelihood of accidents and mishaps. These following preventive measures can be taken to mitigate the risk of loading dock accidents:

· Ensure that the load you place on the dock plate doesn’t exceed its load capacity

· Make sure the movable dockboards are secured in position so they don’t slip

· Make sure the trailer wheels are secured into position before you start loading or unloading.

With over three decades of experience in providing high-quality warehouse solutions, KD Equipment is one of the biggest names in the warehouse equipment industry. Based in Florida , we provide a wide variety of warehouse equipment including HVLS fans , air doors , and loading dock accessories. Get in touch with us for further information.

Selecting the Best Dock Leveler for Your Facility

seoserviceusa92@gmail.com (Searchberg Searchberg) — Thu, 30 May 2019 12:17:07 GMT

In most warehouse settings, the loading dock is the main hub of operations. Streamlined loading and unloading of goods is essential to a warehouse enterprise’s efficiency and productivity, and anything that hinders this activity can be detrimental to the company.

When it comes to streamlining loading dock operations, identifying the correct interface between the delivery trucks and the loading dock itself is of vital importance. Failure to do so not only jeopardizes the safety of employees, but can also lead to inefficiencies in the workflow. In order to choose the best dock levelers , enterprises that are operating a warehouse or a distribution facility first need to understand their loading docks and the products they’re dealing with.

However, to help you make a smart decision, here are some important considerations to make when buying dock levelers for your facility.

Dimensions (Length & Width)

The dock leveler’s length is a crucial determinant of the dock leveler gradient. This gradient needs to be less than the loading equipment’s maximum grade capability. The dock leveler’s length is based on the maximum height variance between the truck beds and the loading platform. Dock levelers are available in different lengths, ranging from 5 to 12 feet. 8 feet is the most popular length, as it’s suitable to a wide range of applications.

When it comes to standard dock leveler width, the main options are 6’, 6.5’ and 7’. 6 feet wide dock levelers are most popular as they’re suitable for a wide range of applications. However, wider dock levelers are more suitable for side-by-side pallet arrangements and wider trailers.

Load Capacity

The load capacities of dock levelers are standardized by maximum load – even if it’s occasional. According to Standard EN1398, a dock leveler’s capacity is measured on just one axis of the lifting trolley, on 2 wheels that are one meter apart. The most standardized dock leveler load capacity is of 6 concentrated tons.

Activation System

Push button-activated dock levelers are the most popular because of the exceptional safety and ergonomic benefits they provide. Activation systems with spring or manual counterbalance should only be used when electricity is unavailable. As they require less maintenance and service, push button-activated dock levelers are also more cost effective in the long run.

HVLS Fans: How Low Speed Makes Them More Efficient

Wed, 29 May 2019 00:00:00 GMT

In recent years, the popularity of High Volume Low Speed (HVLS) fans has risen dramatically among industrial businesses, particularly those for whom temperature and climate control are important requirements. In addition to optimizing the airflow in your space, an HVLS fan will also help you make significant savings on energy costs.

How Do They Work?

HVLS fans work in quite a simple manner. Their long lightweight blades gently push large amounts of air downwards, where it travels along horizontally along the floor. This process keeps the air moving around the room in a circular motion at a stable speed, and prevents pockets of air sitting stagnant.

Low Speed Airflow Benefits

The primary advantage of keeping air moving at a slow speed is that it’s non-disruptive and the airflow optimization achieved is much greater compared to conventional high speed floor fans. Also, when large volumes of air are circulated around the room, it effectively counteracts the ‘rising heat’ effect, and maintains a uniform room temperature. In large, cavernous spaces, HVLS fans can potentially reduce the temperature from 7 to 11 °F .

Energy Efficiency

HVLS fans work in combination with HVAC systems or the natural ventilation. However, while HVAC systems are efficient at distributing air, they’re not good at mixing it. Since warm air rises, there can be a difference of up to 20 °F between the ceiling and the floor in tall, cavernous facilities. HVAC units often work extra hard to make up for this difference, which leads to a wastage of precious energy.

As we mentioned above, an HVLS fan allows constant circulation of air, which mixes air and removes the different layers of temperature from within it. This process is known as “destratification” , and it reduces the load on the HVAC systems, which naturally leads to lower energy consumption.

Selecting the Right HVLS Fans for Your Facility

When shopping for HVLS fans, it’s important to remember that not all products are the same. Owing to the drastic rise in demand, manufacturers of HVLS fans now offer products in a variety of sizes and specification, which means that you can now buy HVLS fans that are designed to optimize airflow to your specific requirements. So analyze the needs of your facility before you make a buying decision.

Determining the Cost of an HVLS Fan

Tue, 28 May 2019 12:37:39 GMT

Because of their affordability, versatility and the amazing energy-saving benefits they offer, High Volume Low Speed (HVLS) fans have become extremely popular within the industrial landscape. From large warehouses, to storage facilities, to manufacturing plants, all types of enterprises are installing HVLS fans to reduce energy consumption and optimize airflow in their buildings.

Because of this recent spike in demand, manufacturers of HVLS fans are now offering products in a variety of shape, size and specifications. While the increased number of options is certainly a positive, it does make it challenging to evaluate the cost of an HVLS fan.

The following factors are the biggest influencers when it comes to the price of an HVLS fan.

The Size

The size of an HVLS fan is directly proportional to the volume of air it pushes down. In other words, the bigger the fan the more powerful it is.

Installation

Installation is something that most buyers forget to consider when looking to purchase an HVLS fan. However, it can contribute a significant amount to the final cost of the fan. But, don’t make the mistake of cutting corners and saving money during installation. In fact, paying a little extra here can help you make the most of the HVLS fan.

A poorly installed HVLS fan will not only fail to optimize the airflow in your facility, but will also increase your energy bills – two things that will impact the ROI of your fan.

The Air Exchange Rate

An HVLS fan works by moving large volumes of air, a process which creates a slightly negative pressure in the room. The unit of measurement of this process is referred to as the “air exchange rate” or ac/h for short.

So how exactly is an HVLS fan’s air exchange rate measured? Well, it involves the usage of tracer gases which are not naturally found in a room. After the fan has been used in a room for a specific period of time, the concentration of the tracer gases is measured, with the results indicating the amount of air the fan can move. Rising hot air can sometimes have enough heat to overcome the cool air the fan is pushing down. Therefore, the fan must have an air exchange rate that’s high enough to cool the area it’s installed in. Typically, HVLS fans with a higher AC/H rate are more expensive.

Keeping Cool: How to Control Warehouse Temperature

Mon, 27 May 2019 00:00:00 GMT

If you’re in the distribution or warehousing business, you know how crucial it is to maintain a stable temperature at your facility. Certain products need to be stored at specific temperatures, particularly if they’re perishable goods; the machinery in your facility also requires a specific temperature to perform optimally and last but not the least, the comfort of your employees is also a major consideration. And that’s not all; proper temperature control is also essential for reducing energy consumption and costs.

Keeping these things mind, we’ve compiled a list of measures that can help you improve temperature control in your warehouse.

Installing HVLS Fans

While most warehouses and storage facilities rely solely on HVAC systems for their temperature control needs, this approach can be quite expensive and can result in a lot of energy waste. While HVAC units are efficient at providing cooled or heated air to specific areas of a facility, they’re not good at optimizing the airflow.

This problem can be solved by installing High Volume Low Speed (HVLS) fans. These special industrial fans are engineered to move large volumes of air at speeds of 3 to 5 mph, which creates an evaporative, cooling effect. A single HVLS fan can serve an area of more than 20,000 square feet and can reduce temperature by up to 11°F . By circulating air efficiently around the facility, HVLS fans can help reduce the load on your HVAC system, which ultimately results in significant energy savings. HVLS fans can also significantly reduce humidity and allow for better warehouse temperature control.

Increase the Energy Efficiency of Your Loading Dock

Loading docks are among the largest contributors of heat/cooling loss in warehouses, with damaged dock doors being a major culprit. Damaged dock doors often have gaps in the frame which become an entry point for unwanted drafts. The HVAC system has to then work extra hard to maintain the correct temperature, which results in high energy bills.

If your dock doors are inefficient or worn out, consider replacing them with high-quality insulated industrial doors that can effectively keep out drafts and can hold up in the rough warehouse environment.

Furthermore, installing seals and shelters across your loading dock can also help in maintain a stable temperature in your facility. Dock seals and shelters allow trailers to compress to the perimeter of the dock door when they back into the loading bay. This effectively seals the gaps and prevents outside air from entering the facility.

HVLS FAN APPLICATIONS

Mon, 20 May 2019 00:00:00 GMT

As the name indicates, HVLS (High-Volume/Low-Speed) fans circulate large amounts of air while moving at a low speed.

HVLS fans are widely used in commercial and industrial spaces.

DID YOU KNOW

One HVLS fan reduces energy consumption by 30% IN SUMMERS.

HVLS fans create a comfortable work environment by moving air in an effective way.

As they produce little noise, workers are less likely to get distracted. They focus and perform better in large spaces.

APPLICATIONS OF HVLS FANS

AGRICULTURE

HVLS fans distribute air over a large area, thus keeping the agricultural facility cool throughout the day.

The circulation of air reduces condensation on products and floors.

The efficient air movement also contributes to reducing the energy costs.

With HVLS fans, the temperature between the ceiling and floor remains consistent.

AVIATION

By mixing the warmer and cooler air, they minimize ceiling-to-floor differentials.

As a result, the moisture on the floor is reduced, leading to safer conditions in an aircraft hangar.

FITNESS CLUBS

Proper air circulation is important in fitness clubs. Insufficient airflow leads to air pollution which, in turn, causes multiple health issues.

Places with high humidity, stagnant air or limited ventilation may cause Sick Building Syndrome.

Infographic By KD EQUIPMENT

Purchasing A Crane Or Hoist: The Ultimate Guide For Beginners

seoserviceusa92@gmail.com (Searchberg Searchberg) — Fri, 29 Mar 2019 12:45:02 GMT

First Ask Yourself

What are the weight requirements of the hoist jobs?

Should the equipment be movable or stationary?

Do you need the crane to be able to rotate?

NOW LET US TAKE A LOOK

After you've determined what you need, you can narrow your choices and buy a crane/hoist system that's best suited for your specific requirements.

WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS?

Mounted Jib Crane

Gantry Crane

Bridge Crane

Important Factors To Consider

Working Height Always consider your maximum working height requirements.

Account for any future changes in your weight requirement before choosing a hoisting equipment.

Often overlooked, this feature allows you to work around obstacles.

FOR QUALITY MATERIAL HANDING EQUIPMENT

Get in touch with the experts at

KD EQUIPMENT

Understanding the Total Cost of Ownership of Conveyors

seoserviceusa92@gmail.com (Searchberg Searchberg) — Wed, 13 Mar 2019 05:27:51 GMT

Purchasing a conveyor is no ordinary investment, as it requires a considerable amount of capital. This is one of the primary reasons why most business owners spend a lot of time browsing through available options before selecting one that meets their requirements without straining their budget. However, in many cases, buyers fail to include the additional long-term costs which incur besides the price mentioned on the equipment’s invoice.

In this blog, we’ll help you understand what the total cost of ownership of a conveyor is and the steps you can take to keep this cost as low as possible.

Total Cost of Ownership: What’s it all about?

The total cost of ownership of a conveyor (or any equipment) is an accumulation of all direct and indirect costs associated with the purchase of the equipment. In simple words, it’s an estimated sum of all short term and long term operational and maintenance costs of the conveyor. The cost of ownership of any equipment is determined by taking into account parameters such as the initial cost (IC), operational costs (OC) maintenance costs (MC), and useful life (UL).

Controlling Total Cost of Ownership of Conveyors

Conveyors belts are complex systems with intricately designed electrical and mechanical parts. Each of these components has a significant impact on the total cost of ownership of these machines. Here are some tips you can follow to keep this cost under control.

Effective Control Configuration

Conveyor belts are equipped with a number of features, most of which can be controlled remotely to cut down on operational costs, which in turn reduces the overall cost of ownership of the belt. When the belt isn’t in use, your operators can switch it off using the automated sleep feature to keep its energy consumption to a minimum.

Boost Power Train Efficiency

Ensure all the elements in your conveyor’s power train are energy efficient. These include the conveyor’s motor, its gear box, and the lubrication used to keep it functioning smoothly. Even a minor decline in energy consumption can lead to a considerable decrease in per annum operational and maintenance costs.

Replace Manual Drive with a Direct Drive

Conveyors with chain and sprocket drive typically require more maintenance in a year than those with a direct drive. Replace your manual drive with a direct drive to lower the total cost of ownership of your conveyor belt.

Interested in purchasing a high-performing conveyor to automate material handling in your facility? Let us help you out!

KD Equipment has been supplying quality conveyor and material handling equipment to commercial and industrial companies in Miami, Sarasota, Tampa and other cities in Florida for more than 3 decades. Our team works tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive handling products manufactured by only the very best in the business. Our extensive range of equipment includes pallet racks, loading dock ramps, dock seals, dock bumpers, air curtains and more.

You can request a quote or find out more about material handling equipment and storage solutions available on our platform by contacting our representatives at 888-792-9995!

Your Ultimate Guide to Industrial Air Curtains

seoserviceusa92@gmail.com (Searchberg Searchberg) — Wed, 13 Mar 2019 05:20:35 GMT

Air curtains are more popular in industrial settings now than they have ever been before. According to studies, the air curtain market in Europe, which primarily caters to the needs of commercial and industrial clients, is expected to experience a 3.9% growth within the next four years.

One of the root causes of this growing demand of air curtains in industries across the globe is their remarkable ability to keep conditioned air locked within an enclosed space and utilizing minimum space and energy to do so. The curtains are also particularly helpful in preventing pests and insects from entering your premises.

If you’re thinking of buying an air curtain for your facility, here’s comprehensive guide to these powerful devices to help you make an informed choice.

Air Curtains: What Are They?

With their rectangular metallic body, air curtains share much similarity with air conditioners in terms of appearance. However, these devices differ vastly from air conditioners when it comes to primary function and features. Unlike ACs, air curtains aren’t designed to regulate the temperature of a room. They’re placed at the entrance (or exit) of an enclosed space and supply enough air to create an invisible barrier, which helps saving energy and keeping crawling critters at bay.

Choosing an Air Curtain: What to Consider?

The performance of an air curtain depends on a number of factors, which need to be taken into consideration in order to select a curtain that is best suited to your needs.

Size and Output Capacity

When it comes to choosing air curtains, a lot of prospective buyers believe that the bigger the size of the curtain, the better its output capacity and performance will be. While this is true, not every facility needs a jumbo air curtain. In most cases, people end up overspending on giant air curtains, which in turn elevate the facility’s energy costs as well. To select an appropriately sized air curtain, measure the height and width of the door over which it is to be installed beforehand.

Air Velocity

Air curtains which propel air at high velocities are capable of generating incredibly strong air barriers. Such curtains are perfect for warehouses of industries, particularly at entry and exit points of packaged goods. Air curtains which propel air at moderate to low speed on the other hand, are more suitable for entryways of restaurants and cafes.

Air Temperature

In terms of air temperature, air curtains can be classified into two categories i.e. heated and non-heated air curtains. Heated air curtains are perfect for colder regions, as the barrier of heated air they produce helps in preventing chilly breeze from entering the facility. Non-heated air curtains on the other hand are preferred for refrigeration rooms.

How Can I Get One?

Planning to install air curtains in your industrial set-up to reap the multitude of benefits they have to offer? Connect with us!

KD Equipment is one of the leading material handling solutions providers in Florida, offering material handling equipment that’s not only highly durable but also budget-friendly. We aim to help commercial clients located across Florida streamline their logistic operations with our range of warehousing products, which includes air curtains, pallet racks, HVLS fans, loading dock boards, dock seals and more.

Request a quote for high performing air curtains today or learn more about the products in our extensive collection by getting in touch with our representatives at 888-792-9995!

Industrial Environments and the Summer Heat: What You Can Do

seoserviceusa92@gmail.com (Searchberg Searchberg) — Wed, 13 Mar 2019 05:12:15 GMT

With spring approaching, the cold spell that gripped Florida at the beginning of 2019 has almost broken. However, during summer the temperature levels in the Sunshine State can rise up to 109 F, making outdoor activities nearly impossible.

In industrial environments in particular, it can be fairly difficult to keep the internal temperature at a comfortable level during summer, due to the heat expelled by heavy machinery and chemical processes.

Here are some tips you can follow this summer, to keep the heat in your facility under control.

De-stratify Air with High Volume, Low Speed Fans

It’s easy for heat to build up in vast storage areas, such as warehouses. High Volume, Low Speed fans (HVLS) are essentially oversized industrial fans, with blades measuring up to more than 7 feet. These large blades of HVLS fans allow them to efficiently mix up layers of hot and cool air, which de-stratifies it and lowers the temperature of any room. What sets HVLS fans apart from other air conditioning options is their ability to regular internal temperature of a room while utilizing minimum amount of energy.

Follow Temperature Based Segmentation

Maintaining internal temperature in high-traffic locations such as warehouses and loading docks is a constant struggle, as conditioned air inevitably leaks when goods are moved from one point to another. To resolve this issue, you can consider dividing your plant in different zones on the basis of temperature. For temperature based segmentation, you can use air curtains or vinyl strip doors at the entrance and exit points areas with varying temperatures. This will allow you to contain the cool air inside and prevent the warm air from penetrating into the cooled room.

Insulate Adequately

Identify any points through which heat can flow into your facility. Check if there are any gaps between the doors installed in your facility through which conditioned air could be escaping your facility. Insulate these points with pre-made seals or apply sealing agents to close them off.

Interested in installing a high-performing HVLS fan in your facility? Get in touch with KD Equipment !

We’ve been supplying superior quality warehousing solutions to commercial and industrial companies in Florida at affordable rates for more than 30 years. Our extensive range of equipment includes loading dock ramps, dock seals, levelers, air curtains, door tracks, pallet racks, HVLS fans and more. Our team upholds our commitment to quality and excellence by thoroughly inspecting equipment before shipping it out to our clients.

You can request a quote for Z-Tech, Z-Tech 3, Taz and other premium quality HVLS fans by contacting our representatives at 888-792-9995.

A Handy Conveyor Maintenance Checklist for Facility Owners

Tue, 12 Mar 2019 05:36:59 GMT

Conveyors have gradually turned into an integral part of warehousing and logistic operations of industrial and commercial set-ups across the globe. With the trend of automation on the rise, more and more companies are installing these belts in their facilities to increase operational efficiency and overall productivity.

Conveyor belts, much like all industrial equipment, need regular inspection and maintenance to continue their operations smoothly. A poorly maintained conveyor is not only a serious safety hazard but it can cause a considerable amount of financial loss to the company in case of a total or partial breakdown.

In this blog, we’ve compiled a comprehensive conveyor maintenance checklist which you can refer to, to ensure that your belt is running in optimum condition at all times.

Daily Check

While most companies hire personnel to thoroughly inspect conveyors, your conveyor’s operator can easily carry out these daily checks. The operator should be required to report:

1. Any visible signs of wear and tear on the body on the conveyor

2. Spillage and debris on or around the belt

3. Improper belt tracking

4. Misplaced safety guards and devices

Monthly Check

Your operator can carry out these inspections as well, but it’s always better to consult professional maintenance experts for monthly maintenance. These experts, with years of experience under their belt, are familiar with the ins and outs of the conveyor; therefore have a far better understanding of all potential safety risks and hazards.

During the monthly inspection of a conveyor, the operator should check:

1. Photo eyes of the equipment

2. Drive torque of hardware

3. The condition of belt’s lacing

4. The turning of rollers

5. Alignment of guard rails

Quarterly Check

Your conveyor’s quarterly inspection should be relatively more comprehensive than those conducted on a daily and monthly basis. Such inspections may require you to halt operations and temporarily shut down the belt, so it can be checked properly. The inspection team should focus on checking:

1. The level of oil in reducers

2. The tension in drive chain

3. The alignment of drive sprocket (if the conveyor isn’t direct drive)

4. The bearing bolts and screws.

The key to having a smooth, problem-free conveyor is to purchase one from a reliable supplier of industrial equipment, such as KD Equipment. We’re proud to be Florida’s leading loading dock equipment and material handling equipment supplier, catering to the needs of commercial and industrial clients based in multiple cities across the state of Florida, including Miami, Jacksonville and Tampa.

Request a quote for high quality conveyors today or get in touch with our team at 888-792-9995 to learn more about the solutions we provide.

For Facility Owners: Choosing the Right Cantilever Rack for Your Facility

Tue, 12 Mar 2019 05:23:30 GMT

Cantilever racks serve as ideal storage solutions for long, bulky and heavy items that can’t be stored on conventional pallet racks. These racks come in a variety of types, capacities and sizes. In this article, we discuss how you can specify a cantilever rack for your specific application, and in turn, choose the right rack for your facility.

Choosing the Right Cantilever Rack for Your Facility

To choose the right cantilever rack for your facility, you first need to establish its specifications.

Determinethe column spacing

Start by determining the column spacingbest suited for your application.

Column spacing is defined as the spacing between the upright columns of a cantilever rack, measured center to center.

To determine the initial rack column spacing for your specific application:

1) Measure the length of your load

2) Divide the length by 2

Test the column spacing by using wood blocks on the floor. If the load is sagging between the wood blocks, add another wood block; the columns spacing will now reduce to one-third of the load length. Keep testing until the deflection is eliminated. This would be your final column spacing.

Specify the arms

Next you need to specify proper arms for the rack.

Specifying arms for the cantilever rack includes:

· Specifying arm type –Rack arms come in two configurations: 1) flat, and 2) tilted. Flat arms are used for storing flat-shaped loads while tilted arms are used for storing cylindrical loads.

· Specifying arm load capacity– The load capacity of the arm is calculated by dividing the weight of the load by the total number of arms that would support the load.

· Specifying arm length – The length of the arm should at least be equal to the depth of the load to avoid overhangs.

· Specifying arm spacing – The spacing between two arms on a column is the sum of load height, clearance height and arm height.

Calculate the rack height

The third step in the process is calculating the rack height.

The rack height is the total height of your rack column. It is calculated as follows:

1) Multiply the arm spacing by the number of storage levels that you intend to install on a single column on the rack.

2) Add (base height x 2) to the result.

This would give you the total rack height. Make sure you have sufficient ceiling height to accommodate this type of cantilever rack inside your facility. If the rack height exceeds the height of the room, reduce the number of storage levels.

Find thecolumn load capacity

Last but not the least, determine the maximum load capacity of the rack column.

To determine the maximum load capacity of the rack column, simply multiply the arm load capacity by the total number of storage levels that you intend to install on a single column on the rack.

This completes the cantilever rack specifying process. You can now shop from a range of storage products that meet your established specifications.

KD Equipment is your one-stop shop for everything material handling and storage. We sell a complete range of industrial material handling and storage solutions—including cantilever racks —to businesses in Florida. Visit our online product section to view our complete product catalogue.

So How Do HVLS Fans Work to Cool Your Workers Off?

Mon, 11 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMT

HVLS fans are becoming increasingly popular in commercial, agricultural and industrial settings. These fans keep the facilities cooler in the extreme of summer heats, improving indoor air quality and providing a comfortable work environment for the workers.

But how do HVLS fans actually work?

How HVLS fans work

HVLS fans work the same way as traditional ceiling fans. They have blades that rotate to push the surrounding air downwards. The resulting air current moves across the contained space, activating the body’s natural cooling mechanism by facilitating evaporation of sweat from the skin surface. Consequently, the individual feels cooler, refreshed and relaxed.

It’s worth mentioning, though, that the evaporative cooling effect produced by HVLS fans is much more pronounced than that produced by traditional high velocity speed fans.

The reason?

The massive size of the blades that are found on HVLS fans!

Compared to traditional ceiling fans, the blades on HVLS fans are designed to be much larger in size; the blades of a typical HVLS fan range from 6 to 24 feet in length.

What this does is that, when an HVLS fan rotates, it displaces larger volume of air compared to a conventional ceiling fan, pushing lots of air to the ground. When the air hits the ground, it moves out horizontally; it has to, because it has got more air behind it. This creates a stronger (yet gentle) current of air which is responsible for the more pronounced evaporative cooling effect.

What’s really surprising in all this is the factthat an HVLS fan accomplishes superior cooling at much lesser energy compared to a traditional ceiling fan.

Yes, HVLS fans are far more energy efficient than traditional high velocity fans; their blades rotate much slower. However, because of the larger air displacement involved, the slower velocity of the blades of these fans never becomes their operational limitation. In fact, it only makes these fans less noisy, which can be considered an added benefit for industrial and commercial facilities, where noisier work environments are avoided for better.

Closing Words

In short, HVLS are by far the one of the best industrial cooling fans available on the market right now. They offer excellent airflow performance, consume less energy compared to traditional ceiling fans and provide noiseless operation.

If you’re interested ininstalling high quality HVLS fans at your facility, visit our online store to shop from our extensive range of branded HVLS fans.

KD Equipment is your one-stop shop for all your industrial equipment needs. We sell material handling equipment , loading dock equipment, warehouse equipment, environment control equipment and overhead doors to commercial and industrial companies in Florida.

How to Accomplish Optimal Product Flow for Your Gravity Conveyor

Mon, 11 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Gravity conveyors are among the most powerful material handling tools used by both small and large sized operations. Usually installed on a decline, these conveyors utilize the slope of the conveying line to move products quickly, efficiently and economically from one location to another.

The success of any gravity conveyor project depends on ensuring that the conveyor is set up the right way to accomplish optimal product flow. However, this is much easier said than done. Many times, facility owners aren’t simply aware of the strategies required to accomplish this objective, which somewhat limits the operational potential of their investment.

This article shares a few key recommendations for setting up your gravity conveyor for optimal product flow.

Specify for steeper gradient

The gradient of a gravity conveyor is controlled by adjusting the heights of the infeed and discharge terminals of the conveyor. By specifying a conveyor with an elevated infeed and a demoted discharge terminal, you can design a conveyor with a steeper gradient. This way, you can accomplish faster product flow for your facility. Keep in mind, however, that you don’t want the gradient to be too steep as it can damage the load during the conveying process.

Design for longer and straighter conveying line

Another way to accomplish faster product flow is to set up the gravity conveyor with a longer conveying line. Loads on longer conveying lines tend to flow faster than loads on shorter conveying lines. Also, try to avoid curves or turns and keep the design of the line as straight as possible.

Customize for load weight

It’s also important to customize your conveyor so that it fits the weight of your load. A conveyor improperly specified in terms of load weight can make your products move too slow, which can affect the productivity of your operations. Typically speaking, heavier loads always move faster than lighter loads on the same conveyor, at the same gradient.

Closing words

Always test your gravity conveyor for product flow before going live. It’s relatively easy to make adjustments to a conveyor before it goes into operation than when it’s already live and running.

KD Equipment is your one-stop shop for everything material handling . We sell a complete range of industrial material handling equipment—including gravity conveyors—to businesses in Florida. Visit our online product section to view our complete product catalogue.

Loading Dock Equipment—Why You Need Them

Fri, 08 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Loading Dock Equipment—Why You Need Them

Typically linked to warehouses, loading docks are recessed bays that are used as platforms to ship and receive goods with ease. They’re where freight trucks are loaded and unloaded by loading dock personnel.

For companies whose operations are heavily dependent on the transportation of goods from one place to another, the significance of these docks cannot be overstated.

Loading and unloading shipments from these trucks is a high-risk activity, performed by loading dock personnel on a day-to-day basis. To keep your workforce safe from hazards and your dock operations efficient, it’s important to facilitate the staff with appropriate loading dock equipment.

In this blog, we’ve included some reasons why you should consider investing in loading dock equipment for your warehouse.

Minimize Workplace Hazards

There are a lot of Intense load lifting and material handling activities that take place on loading docks. As the staff moves goods in to and out of delivery trucks, the risk of potentially life-threatening accidents and injuries associated with these activities is very high. In fact, nearly 25% of all industrial accidents occur at loading docks, according to studies.

While it isn’t possible to eliminate the risk of loading dock accidents entirely, employers can certainly reduce them with the help of loading dock equipment, such as dock levelers. These levelers equalize the gap between the trailer bed and dock floors, allowing your staff to load and unload shipment from trucks either manually or with the help of forklifts.

Optimize Loading Dock Operations

Developing firms are always looking for opportunities to increase their operational efficiency. Purchasing loading dock equipment allows such companies to optimize their loading dock operations.

Consider the example of wheel raisers, which are widely used loading dock equipment. Wheel raisers optimize loading dock operations by raising the back of the trailer to dock height, for hassle-free movement of goods. Moreover, the use of automated loading dock equipment minimizes human intervention in the movement of goods, which enables companies to reduce labor cost.

Combat Demurrage and Detention

Demurrage and Detention are additional costs charged when the amount of time spent by shipment or its containers at your loading docks exceeds the free-time allotted by the carrier company. This typically happens when the loading and unloading of cargo isn’t efficient enough.

To reduce or eliminate Demurrage and Detention charges, employers need to boost the efficiency of loading dock operations, which is only possible with the help of loading dock equipment.

Loading dock equipment play a crucial role in keeping logistics smooth, safe, and profitable. If you’re interested in purchasing safe and durable loading dock equipment for your firm, get in touch with us!

KD Equipment is a reliable supplier of load lifting and material handling equipment based in Florida. We help commercial and industrial set-ups located in Tampa, Miami or surrounding areas streamline their operations with our load lifting and material handling solutions. Our comprehensive range of quality loading dock equipment includes mechanical dock levelers, hydraulic dock levelers, hydraulic scissor lifts and more.

To request a quote, get in touch with our team representatives today!

4 Reasons to Install Air Curtains in Your Commercial Premises

seoserviceusa92@gmail.com (Searchberg Searchberg) — Thu, 07 Mar 2019 13:55:35 GMT

Providing a comfortable indoor temperature to customers is crucial for commercial premises. And while the installation of conventional cooling and heating solutions is a hefty investment, the installation of air curtains provides an invisible barrier, which does not allow the internal air to escape.

In addition to being an energy-efficient solution, air curtains maintain your indoor hygiene by keeping dust and insects at bay.

Before discussing the many benefits of air curtains, let’s take a look at what an air curtain is and how it functions.

What’s an Air Curtain?

Also known as air doors, air curtains are designed to generate a stream of air that segregates the outdoor and indoor environment by creating an air seal. This air seal maintains a constant indoor temperature, without restricting the flow of traffic.

In order to activate the air seal, the stream of air must reach a defined threshold. For this purpose, the technology uses a fan, nozzles, and plenum to generate a stream of air, while maintaining a balance of volume and velocity.

Here’s why air curtains are a must-have in your industrial facility.

1. Indoor Comfort

By maintaining a uniform indoor temperature, air curtains ensure the comfort of clients by preventing encroaching hot streams of air during high temperatures and vice versa.

2. Energy Efficient

Whether it’s the scorching summers or chilly winters, you need heating and cooling equipment to maintain the temperature of your commercial facility. Air curtains surpass these solutions by preventing air leakage by 65%, thus maintaining a uniform temperature.

3. Keeping the Doors Open for Your Customers

Closed business doors don’t appear quite welcoming to your customers. With air curtains, however, you don’t need to close your doors. Their functioning mechanism creates an invisible air seal that doesn’t hinder the influx of customers.

4. Keeping Dust at Bay

With their invisible air seal, air curtains serve as an invisible barrier, keeping dust, smoke, bad odors, and insects at bay.

This is particularly useful for facilities dealing with the manufacturing and packaging of food items. In fact, many health codes require the installation of air curtains on the back doors of kitchens to prevent insects and bugs. The FDA also recognizes the use of air curtains as an effective measure to prevent food contamination.

If you’re looking for high-quality air curtains for your food processing or industrial facility, you’ve come to the right place!

KD Equipment is a reliable supplier of economical and durable commercial solutions, catering to the needs of clients in Orlando , Tampa, Sarasota, and multiple other cities of Florida.

We provide a comprehensive range of air curtains and air doors with varying specifications. With our years of experience, we can provide you with a design that best fits your application requirement!

Bug Barriers: 3 Benefits of Using Bug Screens

seoserviceusa92@gmail.com (Searchberg Searchberg) — Thu, 07 Mar 2019 13:51:04 GMT

Think pest infestations are only limited to summer time? Nothing could be further from the truth!

An outbreak of insects in your warehouse can not only contaminate your goods, but puts your workforce at the risk of harmful diseases as well. Contrary to popular belief, pest infestations can take place at any time of the year, which is why you need to take measures to keep your facility protected all year round.

Installing a bug screen is a quick and efficient way to minimize the possibility of infestation. Typically made out of screen mesh, these bug screens are installed at the entrance or exit to any enclosed space.

If you’re on the fence about purchasing a bug screen for your firm, take a look at some of their benefits mentioned below.

Eliminate Outdoor Pests

Warehouses, particularly those storing edible products, are highly vulnerable to infestations. Pests like ants, mice and rats can sneak into your storage facility through open doors and gaps and gnaw at products, leaving them unsuitable for use.

While keeping the door shut at all times is practically impossible, you can prevent these unwanted guests from entering your facility and damaging your products with the help of bug doors.

Improved Ventilation

The quality of air declines quickly in closed off spaces, due to the accumulation of bacteria and debris. Bug screens are made out of wire mesh, which means they allow fresh air to pass through them. This helps in improving in-facility ventilation and adds to employee comfort.

Make the Most of Natural Light

Bug screens allow you to make the most of natural light, which helps in cutting down on energy costs. Working in a dull environment with minimum exposure to sunlight has a direct impact on workplace performance and can take a toll on the mental and physical health of your workers. By letting some of that natural light in, you can boost workplace performance and raise employee satisfaction.

Think your facility could use a bug screen? Consult KD Equipment!

KD Equipment is a reliable supplier of cost-efficient and durable warehouse solutions, catering to the needs of commercial clients in multiple cities across Florida, including Tampa, Miami, Orlando, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, Lakeland and Sarasota.

When it comes to industrial equipment, compromise on quality is not an option. Having been in the business for 30 years now, we source all of our products from trusted and reputable manufacturers and provide them installation to help streamline their operations.

Request an online quote for our bug barriers and vinyl doors today, or get in touch with our representatives at 888-792-9995!

4 Things to Look For When Selecting Machine Guards

seoserviceusa92@gmail.com (Searchberg Searchberg) — Tue, 05 Mar 2019 12:33:10 GMT

Accidents related to heavy machinery and equipment with mobile parts are more common than you might realize.

In fact, according to OSHA , such accidents were responsible for the deaths of more than 50 construction workers in 2017. Most of these fatal accidents take place when employers fail to provide protective devices, such as machine guards.

These safety guards are installed around fast-moving heavy machinery, and decrease the possibility of accidents by acting as a protective shield. As machine guards differ from each other in terms of size and material, it’s important to thoroughly assess the features of each guard, to select one that’s best suited to your needs.

Here are some factors that you should consider before purchasing a machine guard.

Protection from Maximum Machine Hazards

The purpose of a machine guard is to protect your employees from machine hazards. Therefore, the first thing you should be evaluating a machine guard on is its ability to provide adequate and effective protection from maximum number of hazards.

Ideally, the guard should be able to protect your staff from mobile and electrically-charged parts, debris, extreme temperature changes and open flames.

Compliance with Applicable Standards

Machine guards aren’t optional. According to OSHA, these safety devices need to be installed around all heavy machines that pose a threat to the safety of workers. OSHA has also established a comprehensive set of rules and regulations regarding machine guarding, which needs to be taken into account when purchasing machine guards.

Ease of Maintenance

Just like all industrial equipment, machine guards need semi-regular maintenance in order to function as an efficient protective shield. During the selection process, make sure to check if the machine guard can be serviced without being removed from its position. This will simplify the maintenance routine for your staff.

Assess Additional Risks

An inappropriate machine guard can be a source of additional risks. Any cutting edges, burrs or irregularities on the body of the guard could place your workers at the risk of serious injuries. Assess the machine guard thoroughly during selection to ensure that it doesn’t add to workplace hazards, instead of mitigating them.

If you’re interested in purchasing durable machine guards to protect your capital investment from damage, get in touch with us!

KD Equipment is a Florida-based warehouse solutions provider offering high-quality commercial grade equipment, such as dock levelers , column and post protectors, machine guards and more at affordable rates. We pride ourselves in our ability to have catered to the warehouse needs of a diverse clientele over the last 30 years.

Request a quote online, or contact our representatives at 888-792-9995 to learn more about our products and services.

Understanding the Connection between Workplace Ergonomics and Mental Health

seoserviceusa92@gmail.com (Searchberg Searchberg) — Tue, 05 Mar 2019 12:28:19 GMT

Stress due to workplace environment is a growing concern in the U.S., costing employers $300 billion a year. A survey report in 2017 suggested that 61% of people reported their work to be a major cause of stress.

While work-related stress can occur due to numerous reasons, poor workplace ergonomics tops the list. A report by the OSHA suggests that manual handling of loads is the leading cause behind work-related illnesses.

What Contributes to Poor Workplace Ergonomics

Manual Handling

According to OSHA standards , the recommended weight limit for an individual is 51 pounds, which is adjusted according to their posture, the distance covered, and the duration for which they’re lifting the object. Any manual handling activity that exceeds this standard can cause fatigue and physical strain.

Excessive Pressure

Individuals carrying heavy equipment for longer durations are often subjected to excessive strain, resulting in musculoskeletal disorders.

Awkward Postures

Certain work-related activities require awkward body postures like carrying objects over the shoulder, kneeling, and lifting objects over back. When continued for prolonged durations, these activities can result in ruptured tendons and compressed nerves.

Impact on Mental Health

Stress

In addition to damaging their physical health, poor workplace ergonomics drastically affects the mental health of your workers. Incompatible workstation design leads to increased processing cycles and exposure to awkward postures and high forces, thereby subjecting immense psychological stress on the working individual. This added stress can directly influence your employee’s behavior. Studies show that prolonged durations of stress often lead to a decrease in performance efficiency and cognitive functioning.

Poor Work Quality

Inappropriate machinery and equipment is a leading cause behind frustration among workers. There’s a fair possibility that your employee becomes disengaged and less productive if the job becomes physically exhausting.

Minimum Engagement of Employees

Workplace ergonomics has a significant effect on the performance of your employees. Your employees perform their tasks more diligently once they’re satisfied with their working conditions.

What Can Be Done?

Installing Lift Tables in your workplace can significantly improve your production capacity and revenue generation. Start by identifying potential ergonomics concern and assess possible solutions.

If you’re an industrialist seeking for effective ergonomic equipment in Florida, get in touch with KD Equipment ! Our range of products includes spring loaded levelers, tilters, portable lifts, scissor lift tables, vacuum lifters, and drum handlers.

Get in touch with us today and we’ll provide a product that meets your industrial requirements!

5 Factors to Consider While Designing Modular Buildings

seoserviceusa92@gmail.com (Searchberg Searchberg) — Mon, 04 Mar 2019 08:33:20 GMT

Running short on space in your in your industrial facility?

Nothing’s more frustrating than watching your production capacity being hampered due to lack of space. While expanding your property space is a hefty investment, there’s a more economical solution to make your building space-efficient.

By installing modular offices, you can utilize your extra space to create an additional office, a clean room, or a production space. In addition to that, these buildings are also available in double stories to make sure you never run short on space.

Before choosing a modular building, consider these factors to make sure you don’t end up with a design that isn’t compatible with your application.

1. Space Requirements

Modular buildings are well known for design flexibility, but it’s important to understand your space requirements before you choose one for your commercial or industrial facility.

While browsing for modular building designs, choose spacious buildings to avoid congestion and hindrance in navigational activities. Communicate your space requirements to your contractor to make sure he’s on the same page as you.

2. Configuration of Modular Buildings

Whether you’re choosing modular buildings for office cubicles or just creating space for machine enclosures, design configuration is a critical factor to consider. Choose a building design that can be customized according to the size and weight-bearing requirement of your application.

To make the most of your building space, you can install a load-bearing roof on your modular building to make space for a second story office or a production space. By using appropriate supporting structures, these modular buildings can support up to 125 psf.

3. Ease of Access

When looking for an efficient modular office, always look for a design that’s equipped with panels for electrical conduits, telephone lines, internet connections, and ventilation. This ensures ease of access, facilitating your processing activities.

4. Flexibility

Flexible installation and relocation is another factor to consider while looking for a modular building. Choose a design that can be easily assembled, without needing specialized equipment and tools.

5. Sound Proofing

If you’re an industrialist, you must be all too familiar with the noise of running machinery and labor. A noisy environment can affect the productivity of your employee working in the nearby modular building. However, by choosing designs that are compliant with the Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating, you can set up a noise-free working environment for your employee.

If you’re looking for additional office space for your commercial facilities in Tampa, Florida, get in touch with KD Equipment. We offer double story modular buildings that are noise and fire rated. In addition to that, we also deal in loading dock equipment , mezzanines, and industrial doors.

Short on Space? Mezzanines Can Help

seoserviceusa92@gmail.com (Searchberg Searchberg) — Mon, 04 Mar 2019 08:20:47 GMT

For firms experiencing rapid growth, managing warehouse storage density can be a challenge. As your business makes progress, your storage needs begin to outgrow the capacity of your current warehouse.

If more than 85% of the available storage space in your warehouse is already occupied, you’re probably looking into methods to optimize the placement of goods in your facility.

That’s where mezzanines can help!

Mezzanines are elevated platforms typically constructed from steel, and installed as an intermediate floor between ground and first floor of the facility. These platforms help in maximizing the space utilization in your warehouse, by allowing you to use the vertical space for storage or as a working area.

In this blog, we’ve highlighted some of the benefits of mezzanines for warehouses short on space.

It’s a Hassle-Free Solution

The most prominent benefit of mezzanines is the easy increase of floor space they offer, in comparison to storage space optimization alternative methods, such as warehouse remodeling. Mezzanine installation consumes relatively less time and unlike conventional remodeling it doesn’t hinder the internal operations of your warehouse.

Cost-Effective Space Optimization

Warehouse expansions can be expensive. If you’re on a tight budget and can’t afford to invest thousands of dollars in construction of an additional storage space, add a mezzanine to your warehouse. The cost of installation of a mezzanine is substantially lower than the costs incurred in leasing more land.

Better Storage, Better Safety

Pushing a warehouse well beyond its storage capacity can be a safety hazard for your team, as clutter and improper storage of goods elevates the risk of workplace accidents and injuries. By improving storage space utilization, a mezzanine reduces the possibility of trips and falls, which can occur frequently if your warehouse is filled beyond its storage capacity.

Customize According To Your Needs

Warehouse layouts vary from business to business. Each storage facility has different needs; therefore each one requires different storage space optimization solutions, which can be customized if necessary. Mezzanines are such flexible storage solutions. The design of these mezzanines for each warehouse can be altered according to the needs of your facility.

Interested in installing a mezzanine in your facility? When it comes to installation of mezzanines, it’s important to contact skilled and experienced professionals, such as KD Equipment.

With over 30 years of experience, we’re among Florida’s top warehouse solutions providers, offering quality loading dock equipment , overhead doors, pallet racks and more to commercial set-ups.

Request a quote online today, or c ontact our representatives for details regarding the products we supply at 888-792-9995.

Your Ultimate Guide to Industrial Air Curtains

Thu, 28 Feb 2019 16:54:34 GMT

If you’re thinking of buying an air curtain for your facility, here’s comprehensive guide to these powerful devices to help you make an informed choice.

Air Curtains: What Are They?

Choosing an Air Curtain: What to Consider?

The performance of an air curtain depends on a number of factors, which need to be taken into consideration in order to select a curtain that is best suited to your needs.

Size and Output Capacity

Air Velocity

Air Temperature

How Can I Get One?

Planning to install air curtains in your industrial set-up to reap the multitude of benefits they have to offer? Connect with us!

KD Equipment is one of the leading material handling solutions providers in Florida, offering material handling equipment that’s not only highly durable but also budget-friendly. We aim to help commercial clients located across Florida streamline their logistic operations with our range of warehousing products, which includes air curtains, pallet racks, HVLS fans, loading dock boards, dock seals and more.

What is a Mezzanine and Do You Need One?

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 09:51:54 GMT

Mezzanines are typically built from steel, and serve as ideal vertical storage solutions for existing constructions by leveraging unused air space inside warehouse and factory buildings.

· What is a mezzanine?

· What and How can you benefit by adding a mezzanine to your facility?

Mezzanines are an elevated platform, existing independent of the building structure, and supported by adequate concrete foundations and columns. It is traditionally composed of steel and can be designed with various deck options, including metal bar grate, finished wood and concrete.

These are perfect for:

· Hosting work areas

· Housing in-facility offices

· Supporting conveyors

Benefits of mezzanines are they provide optimization of space by leveraging unutilized vertical space inside the building. This enables facility owners to expand their operations without spending on the cost of setting up a separate infrastructure or relocating.

Using these structures, can also help improve operational efficiency, by allowing owners to build a hub of workstations inside one single building, thereby enabling a more seamless and coordinated workflow.

As your needs change, they can be disassembled and moved around for repurposed applications, serving as a perfect modular solution for businesses.

Are you interested in learning more about how a mezzanine can work for you?

KD Equipment can help!

We’re one of the leading suppliers of mezzanines in the United States, servicing both small and large sized operations. We offer economical solutions to your specific needs. Get in touch with us today to discuss how we can help.

KD Equipment Teams Up with Discovery Channel’s, Richard Rawlings on a Garage Rehab Project.

Tue, 19 Feb 2019 19:29:48 GMT

Episode to Be Aired 02/19/19

Viewers can watch the inspirational transformation journey of a struggling Tampa Florida, motorcycle repair shop as the story goes on-air on February 19th 8p.m. ET/PT on the Discovery channel

Tampa , Florida – 02/19/19: KD Equipment, a Florida-based material handling equipment and warehouse storage solutions provider, is all set to feature this week on Discovery’s popular TV series, Garage Rehab with Richard Rawlings, as the company joins hands with Richard Rawlings and his team to revitalize a struggling motorcycle repair business in Tampa, Fl. The episode will be aired on February 19th 8 p.m. ET/PT.

KD Equipment has over 30 years of experience in providing cost effective material handling equipment and warehouse solutions to clients. The company is known for its unwavering commitment to product quality and customer service and is a trusted name in the industry.

“When we were contacted by Garage Rehab’s team, no second thoughts ever crossed our mind, we just had to agree to it,” said a KD Equipment spokesperson. “It was an opportunity for us to positively impact someone’s life and help their business transform for the better. And that’s what KD Equipment stands for – to serve our clients and help them grow.”

The company fabricated a custom yard ramp, from ground level to dock height, to allow the company the ability to get the motorcycles into the building.

“It was a great experience to be part of such a project, and to work with such a great team. We provided our equipment expertise for the remodeling of the shop. I can’t reveal much, because for that you need to watch the show, but I’m sure viewers will absolutely enjoy it,” concluded the spokesperson.

More details about KD equipment and the company’s product line can be obtained by visiting the website address given below.

About KD Equipment

KD Equipment is one of the largest suppliers of storage solutions, material handling equipment, loading dock equipment and overhead doors in the U.S. The company supplies high quality products at affordable prices, including pallet racks, conveyors, modular offices, safety guards etc.

Contact Details
Website: https://www.kd.equipment/

Postal Address: 5004 East Fowler Avenue, Suite C-309, Tampa, FL 33617

Contact number: 888-792-9995

Why Are They The Best Option For Your Business?

Mon, 11 Feb 2019 00:00:00 GMT

What is a modular building?

A modular building is a pre manufactured building. Also known as modular office space or prefab office, these buildings are customizable and easy to construct.

The process of modular building construction involves construction of the individual. sections (modules) in an off-site controlled manufacturing facility.

These components are assembled together like a puzzle at the final site.

According to FM l's Prefab and Modular Construction Survey, 40% of contractors

said that modular construction is a growing part of their companies.

Modular buildings offer a number of benefits to the business owners. They are cost-effective, reliable, portable and flexible.

Here are some of the reasons modular buildings are the best option for your business:

Modular buildings are strong. The walls, floor and roof are combined and sealed to make an integrated assembly.

They are high-quality because the components are made in controlled environments. They are kept from harsh elements that might affect their durability.

Modular buildings are environment-friendly. Unlike on-site construction, less waste is produced.

Moreover, many modular construction facilities recycle materials to develop customized modu ar buildings.

Modular buildings help save a lot of time. With the effective techniques and advanced equipment, the buildings take less time to get developed.

As the construction process is less time-consuming, the Labor costs are also reduced.

Infographic By

KD EQUIPMENT

What’s the Right Pallet Rack for Your Operation?

Wed, 06 Feb 2019 11:55:17 GMT

What’s the Right Pallet Rack for Your Operation?

Are you shopping for a pallet rack but don’t know where to start with?

If so, then you’ve come to the right place!

This blog will walk you through the different available pallet racks and the type of facility they work best in.

However, before we get to discussing your pallet rack options, we would like to review four key application factors that will largely determine the ideal configuration of the rack suited to your operation.

Determining the ideal configuration for your rack

Examine the following application factors:

1) Weight and size: Knowing what needs to be stored by weight and size is the first step in determining the right pallet rack option for your business.

2) Inventory throughput and rotation patterns: What type of operation do you run – FILO or LIFO? What’s the inventory turnover rate for your facility? How often do you need access to a certain item?

3) Facility specifications: Understanding your facility specifications is critical to implementing an appropriate pallet rack that works and fits well into the available space.

4) Equipment needs: What type of equipment will you need for the rack? How the equipment will be used with the rack?

Now, that you have established an idea of what type of pallet rack will work best for your operation, let’s take a look at the different types of racks available and their features.

Types of pallet racks

There are mainly four types of pallet racks available that you can choose from:

· Selective pallet racks: These are the most common types of pallet rack found in storage facilities. They offer loading selectivity, high inventory accessibility and easy routine maintenance. They are best for high throughput operations.

· Cantilever pallet racks: These racks are ideal for storing long, heavy and awkward sized materials. Their greatest benefit is space optimization. They also allow easy forklift access. They are best for timber and piping operations.

· Drive-in pallet racks: These are perfect for high-density storage needs. Also, they allow for convenient storage with less aisle space. Loading selectivity is not their strongest point however. They are best for low rotation, high density operations.

· Pallet flow racks: These types of racks offer two access points which allows for simultaneous loading and unloading. They address two key priorities– inventory rotation and storage density. They are ideal for FIFO operations.

So, which pallet rack do you think will best suit your operation?

At KD Equipment we offer all types of pallet racks , including selective, cantilever, drive-in and pallet flow racks. Get in touch with us today for your pallet rack needs.

3 Reasons HVLS Fans Outshine Alternative Methods

Tue, 29 Jan 2019 10:00:13 GMT

In industrial settings, keeping the in-facility temperature at a suitable level is challenging yet essential. Warehouses constructed for optimum security typically have only a few open vents and windows. Due to this reason, heat can get trapped within the enclosed storage space. This not only drags down the productivity and overall performance of workers, but can also lead to fatal health conditions, such as heat strokes, if the temperature is allowed to escalate beyond the suitable limit.

To keep the temperature well within the guidelines set by OSHA, companies need to invest in cooling systems that are capable of regulating air across large spaces with minimum power consumption. While there might be multiple options to choose from, HVLS fans are hands down your best bet!

These High Volume, Low Speed fans are typically installed in commercial spaces and optimize air distribution better than any other industrial grade air-conditioning setup.

In this blog, we’ve included some of the reasons why you should choose HVLS fans over alternative cooling methods.

Improved Air Movement

A feature of HVLS fans that sets them apart is their ability to move large volumes of air in a 360-degree circle. Unlike other cooling devices, HVLS fans have unusually large blades (typically over 7 eet!). These allow them to distribute air evenly in all directions. This increased circulation replaces hot, humid air with drier air more quickly, and keeps the temperature at an optimum level.

Reduced Energy Costs

As HVLS fans circulate air across a larger area in fewer revolutions, the installation of these fans can help you reduce energy costs. The efficiency of HVLS fans also helps in minimizing HVAC tonnage, which in turn allows you to save up on energy.

A Year-Round Solution

If you’re looking for a year-round solution that can keep your facility cool in the summer and warm in the winter, HVLS should be on top of your list!

In the summer, these fans reduce the in-facility temperature by up to 7 degrees. The movement of HVLS fan blades de-stratifies heat layers in winter by pushing warm air layers downwards and allowing it to mix with cooler layers below. This de-stratification helps create an even temperature.

Are you in need of a large-scale cooling solution for your facility inFlorida? Get in touch with us!

KD Equipment is a proud supplier of top-of-the-line HVLS fans, such as Z-Tech, Z-Tech 3 and Z-Chill. These industrial fans are easy-to-install and manufactured specifically to cover large floor areas with minimal power consumption. We also provide quality loading dock equipment and commercial doors. .

To request a quote or learn more about your options, contact our team representatives at 888-792-9995.

At the Shop Floor: Using Conveyors to Improve Work Ergonomics

Thu, 24 Jan 2019 13:30:14 GMT

Conveyors are characteristically ergonomic. They reduce manual shifting, lifting, pulling and pushing of loads, conveying products from one area of the shop floor to another area of the shop floor in anautomated and “stress-free” way.

Whether part of a larger system or serving as a stand-alone material handling solution, conveyors are great for reducing operation-related safety risks and improving work ergonomics.

Let’s take a look at a couple of cases demonstrating the contribution of conveyors in establishing an ergonomic operation, and then walk through some essential conveyor design considerations.

Conveyors For Moving Pallets

Pallets are routinely handled on pallet jacks. While this mode of pallet handling is fine for point-to-point applications, it’s not recommended for work flows that require pallets to be moved consistently through the facility.

Pallets are heavy and require brute muscle power when moved on jacks. This can cause musculoskeletal issues for the facility staff. By using floor mounted conveyors, you can transport pallets conveniently between workstations without manually dragging them all the way through.

Conveyors For Moving Loads From One Level To Another

Manually moving loads from a higher level to a lower level involve significant risks of back injury. Even if moved through lifting equipment, there’s always the fear of the load dropping on someone.

Such risks and concerns can be eliminated by using chutes, reciprocating or incline conveyors that enable easy delivery of loads to the floor level. Which of these conveyors should you purchase? Contact our conveyor experts for tailored guidance.

General Ergonomic Design Guidelines For Conveyors

If you’re interested in purchasing a conveyor to improve work ergonomics at your facility, there are a few design guidelines that you might want to make note of:

· Always set the conveyor height at average knuckle height for maximum ergonomics

· Adequately size the conveyor width so that your staff won’t have to lean over the running belt to pick up an item

· Factor in the load height when setting the height of your conveyor

We hope you find the information in this post useful.

KD Equipment is one of the largest suppliers of material handling equipment in the U.S. We supply high quality products at affordable price, including conveyors, pallet racks, cranes, hoist, drum handlers etc. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our product portfolio.

Loading Dock Safety: OSHA Recommendation and Some Tips and Solutions

Thu, 24 Jan 2019 13:25:36 GMT

In storage facilities, about one in four accidents happen at or near loading docks.

What makes the loading docks so vulnerable to accidents?

A mix of high activity, bumping forklifts, exposure to elements, elevated platform and strong buzz of industrial equipment.

Talk about the perfect (deadly) fall!

It’s therefore, imperative that facility owners take every possible step to ensure safe operations at their loading docks.

What can facility owners do to make their loading docks safer?

Let’s see what OSHA recommends in this regard.

OSHA leading the way!

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends that wall openings designed with more than a four-foot drop should be equipped with fall protection barriers. Since, almost all loading docks are at least 48 inches tall, they are subjected to the OSHA safety recommendation.

Even those loading docks that may fall technically outside the “four-foot drop” requirement, are advised (although, not recommended)to install some sort of fall protection solution, as injuries are just as possible at lower elevations as they are at higher elevations.

There is one important point worth mentioning here: facilities can use visual barriers instead of physical barriers if they find that barriers are restricting the flow of their operations.

This alternate recommendation is also established by the OSHA.

Some examples of fall protection solutions that facility owners can use at their loading docks include:

· Cut-to-size safety rails

· Low elevation machine guards

· Bollards (as visual barriers)

· Dock roll-off barrier levelers

· Removable dock safety gates

Aside from fall protection solutions, facility owners can also use dock door sealing products to minimize infiltration of outside elements that may cause workers at the edge of dock area to slip and fall. This solution although is not included in OSHA recommendations, it nevertheless serves to reinforce loading dock safety.

Here at KD Equipment, we sell a variety of loading dock doors as well as loading dock safety equipment including bollards, safety rails, low and high elevation forklift guards, dock roll-off barrier levelers and dock door sealing solutions. All our products are handpicked from highly reputable equipment manufacturers in the industry, ensuring our customers only get the best solution for their operation. We also help arrange convenient equipment financing solutions. Contact us today to learn how we can help you make your loading dock safer.

Some Common Causes of Pallet Rack Collapse (And What You Can Do)

Wed, 23 Jan 2019 10:02:19 GMT

A pallet rack collapse can be a disastrous event for any facility. The most concerning thing about it? It never happens in isolation.

Due to the interconnected nature of pallet racks, when one pallet rack falls, it’s usually an entire row or series of pallet racks that collapse.

This can injure the facility staff and cost the facility owner thousands of dollars in inventory loss.

But why do pallet racks collapse in first place? And more importantly, what can you do to prevent such a mishap at your facility?

Cause: Poor Rack Design

A poor rack design is one the most common and basic causes of pallet rack collapses. If your pallet rack isn’t designed correctly, sooner or later it will collapse.

What can you do?

It’s critical that you adequately design your pallet rack . Consult and involve a rack design expert if needed. Some essential things to consider when designing a pallet rack for your facility are:

· Pallet rack height-to-depth ratio

· Pallet rack beam capacity

· Pallet rack load capacity

Cause: Installation Errors

Improper installation of pallet racks can also cause rack failures. Often, to save installation costs, facility owners improperly install pallet racks and do not use the right installation hardware. This ultimately leads to bad outcomes.

What can you do?

Fortunately, almost all pallet rack installation errors can be rectified. Speaking of some common installation errors (and their fix):

· Not bolting the rack to the floor: use an anchor to secure the rack

· Skipping on safety clips: inspect the racks and install safety clips where missing

Cause: Forklift Bumps

When pallet racks are struck by forklifts, there’s always a good chance that they’ll collapse, either at that very moment or later due to jostled loads or structural damages.

What can you do?

There are several steps you can take. These include but are not limited to:

· Install guardrails around your pallet rack

· Keep the aisles free of clutter

· Frequently and consistently inspect your racks for structural damages

· Instruct your staff to operate forklift at low speed

Cause: Using old racks

Pallet racks are designed for maximum performance. However, like everyother piece of equipment, they can develop wear and tear over time. This makes them vulnerable to structural failures.

What can you do?

Avoid using old and damaged pallet racks. Adequately replace them with new ones. If you must use them, then make sure to use them with lighter load.

Has a pallet rack ever collapsed at your facility? What caused the rack to collapse and what did you do to make sure it didn’t happen again?

KD Equipment is one of the largest suppliers of storage solutions, material handling equipment and loading dock equipment and overhead doors in the U.S. We supply high quality products at affordable price, including pallet racks, conveyors, modular offices, safety guards etc. Contact us to learn more about our product portfolio.

The Need to Know: Safety Rails and Impact Ratings

Tue, 15 Jan 2019 13:14:33 GMT

Safety rails are special types of safety guards used in industrial facilities to protect people, structures and machinery from heavy forklifts. They are usually installed around a pallet rack, near a wall, around a work cell or along a production line. Their high visibility and excellent impact resistance make them ideal for protection applications.

When shopping for a safety rail, there are many things that facility owners need to consider to choose the right rail for their specialty protection needs.

The most important consideration?

The impact a safety rail is capable of resisting. In other (more technical) words, the impact resistance rating of the safety rail.

The impact resistance rating of a safety rail is the quantitative measure of the impact the rail can deflect while maintaining integrity. It is specified in pounds and standardized at a specific forklift speed.

Here at KD Equipment, we sell safety rails with an impact resistance rating of 10,000-pound, standardized at 4 mph.

The standardization part of the impact rating is critical to understand here. Different safety rail manufacturers use different speed standards during testing which must be factored in when purchasing a safety rail.

You simply can’t look at one safety rail that claims it can withstand 10,000 pounds and compare it to another that claims it can withstand 8000 pounds and assume the former is a sturdier solution. To know this, you must also know what speed standard was used in the testing of each rail. Speed can make a big difference.

It’s worth mentioning here that not all safety rails available in the market are marked with impact resistance ratings. As such, you should avoid purchasing these products because they are usually of sub-standard level.

One last thing to keep in mind: impact ratings of safety rails do decrease with each successive hit.

It’s therefore important that you replace your old and damaged safety rails in due time to avoid any inconvenience.

KD Equipment is one of the largest suppliers of storage solutions, material handling equipment and loading dock equipment and doors in the U.S. We supply high quality products at affordable price, including safety rails, pallet racks, conveyors, modular offices, air curtains etc. Contact us to learn more about our product portfolio.