Industrial material baskets are designed to safely hold or store all types of supplies so they can be moved with forklifts or cranes. Material lifting baskets are strong enough to hold large amounts of debris, dirt, rocks, and building materials. Some are even designed to safely transport personnel. 

Since this type of equipment is so essential for material transportation and lifting, you must have the right kind on hand depending on the application. The industrial material basket needs to meet the specific design, size, and safety requirements for the task at hand. Additionally, you want to get a storage container that will last you for a long time – especially since material hoist baskets withstand a lot of wear and tear.

Here are some useful tips from an industrial hardware supplier to guide you toward the exact industrial material basket you need based on application. 

1. Safety First – Ensure It Meets OSHA Regulations

As with all industrial equipment, safety is paramount. The material handling basket must be sturdy enough to withstand the maximum weight load and also have a reinforced design to prevent any pieces from denting, snapping, or warping.

All material lifting baskets must meet OSHA’s requirements in terms of measurements, safety reinforcements, and even color.

For example, OSHA’s 1926 standards require that any personnel baskets have a guard rail that runs around the entire rim to prevent anyone from falling out of the enclosure. There must also be access gates equipped with safety latches that open toward the inside of the container. All entrance points of the material hoist basket for personnel must be painted in “diagonal contrasting colors” such as yellow and black.

While all material handling baskets sold in the US should meet this standard, be cautious of purchasing from off-shore manufacturers as they may not meet these regulations. Check to make sure that all of the lifting systems have OSHA and ASME safety ratings. Also ensure that any industrial material basket you use has adequate and functioning safety features in place such as a guardrail system, perimeter grab rail, anchor points, or a non-slip deck.

2. Check the Loading Capacity

Of course, you should never use an industrial material basket that is not rated to hold the intended load’s weight. But you should also check that the weight of the material basket itself does not exceed the equipment’s load capacity.

For instance, say that you need to hoist building materials that way 5,000 lbs. If the material lifting basket that you purchase is 1,000 lbs. then you can only use it with equipment whose load capacity is at least five times greater than this total. In this case, the crane’s, truck’s, or forklift’s load capacity would need to be a minimum of 30,000 lbs.

If you do not have equipment that meets these standards, it may be best to use a lighter material lifting basket or lower your load weight.

Further, OSHA’s compliance requirements state that any personnel basket must be able to support five times the weight of the maximum intended load. So, the material basket’s capacity for a 1,000 lb. would need to be 5,000 lbs. plus the additional 1,000 lbs. for the container itself.

Other considerations to take into mind when choosing a material hoist basket are the dimensions.

Will the length, width, and height of the sides accommodate the materials that will be stored inside? Does the length of the forks fit into the slots correctly? Are there any special attachments required?

3. Purchase from a Reliable Industrial Material Baskets Supplier

There are lots of styles and designs available depending on the type of application and intended purpose. Some material hoist baskets are more versatile than others and some are specifically designed for singular tasks.

Your best bet is to purchase items through an industrial material basket supplier with a wide range of options. They can help you determine the best design based on your application. Additionally, hardware suppliers often have faster delivery or pickup options so you can get your equipment quickly.

Connecting with an industrial material basket supplier means that you have a team of experts to help you find the exact type that matches your usage. 

A material baskets supplier can also supply you with top-rated designs made from better materials than cheaper offerings. Investing in higher-quality lifting equipment can save you money in the long run since it will last far longer and not damage nearly as easily. 

At Elite Sales, we carry a wide range of personnel, forklift, and industrial material baskets in various sizes to match up with all kinds of applications. 

 For instance, you can purchase the SAF-T-LIFT Personnel Basket in sizes ranging from 3’x3’ and up to 4’x6’ to hold multiple people at once. Material handling baskets are also available with slanted or straight sides, depending on the style of forklift used. We also carry additional material baskets accessories like crane rigging kits, utility caddies, and heavy-duty skip pans. 

4. Choose the Right Material for the Material Handling Basket

Choosing the suitable material ensures safety, durability, and efficiency when using material handling baskets. Usually, you can choose from four types of materials. They are plain steel, stainless steel, galvanized steel, and Inconel. 

Let’s check them out one by one. 

A. Plain Steel

Plain steel is a cost-effective option for material lifting baskets. But, it is susceptible to rust and corrosion. So it is not suitable to handle highly acidic or corrosive materials. You can use it only for general purposes.

B. Stainless Steel

This is a popular choice for material hoist baskets due to its strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion. You can use it to lift and carry acidic or corrosive materials. It can withstand high temperatures. It is also easy to clean, making it a hygienic option for the food and pharmaceutical industries. Today, most material baskets suppliers use grade 304, 316, and 330 stainless steel alloys.

C. Galvanized Steel

Galvanized steel is another option for material hoist baskets. It is coated with a layer of zinc to protect it from rust and corrosion. It is more durable than plain steel but may not be as corrosion-resistant as stainless steel.

D. Inconel

Inconel is a high-performance alloy known for its resistance to high temperatures, corrosion, and oxidation. It is best suited for extreme environments, such as aerospace and marine applications. But it is an expensive option.

Conclusion

Industrial material baskets play a crucial role on many construction sites and manufacturing plants. They must be strong enough to withhold extremely heavy weights, yet light enough to not exceed the lifting equipment’s weight load limit. 

If you need any assistance finding the correct industrial material basket for a specific intent, look no further than Elite Sales. We are one of the leading distributors in the country and we carry a wide range of material baskets, along with other industrial equipment.

Make Elite Sales your one-stop shop for all of your industrial lifting equipment needs. You can contact our team by calling 1800-458-6659 or sending us a message online.