How “Green” is Your Lift Truck Fleet?

As an authorized MOFFETT forklift dealer, HTX Material Handling is proud to announce that we now offer a wide selection of truck-mounted forklifts. Learn more about truck-mounted forklifts, their benefits, and why you should choose a MOFFETT forklift for your facility.

 A truck-mounted forklift, also known as a piggyback forklift, is a truck with an open, payload-carrying bed equipped with a forklift attached to the back. The forklift is secured with hooks, chains, or latches to prevent shifting when the truck is moving.

A truck-mounted forklift’s job is to carry materials to a job site or warehouse. Once it reaches the location, the forklift detaches and deploys to load, unload, and move materials to the site.

MOFFETT is committed to creating innovative, efficient truck-mounted forklifts that support safety, cost efficiency, and reliability. When you choose a MOFFETT forklift, you get a wide range of benefits like:

Many industries depend on MOFFETT forklifts, from recycling and distribution to industrial gas and building supplies.

Whether you have new or used forklifts, proper fleet management is crucial for successful warehouse operations.

MOFFETT piggyback forklifts are known for delivering a variety of products under the toughest conditions. As one of the most flexible delivery systems today, MOFFETT forklifts, like the piggyback, are compatible with most truck models and are transported using the unique MOFFETT shock-absorbing mounting kit.

Choosing the right forklift for your needs can be daunting. Here are a few things to consider before choosing a piggyback forklift for your operations:

At HTX, we offer a variety of MOFFETT forklifts with purchasing and rental options. Whether you need a forklift for a single project or want to test one out before committing to the investment, we can accommodate your needs.

Our MOFFETT forklift models include:

Avoid operating your forklift’s battery in high temperatures to preserve its lifespan. Using or charging the battery in an environment that’s more than 92 degrees Fahrenheit can cut its life expectancy in half. If you work in an environment where operations are completed in extreme heat, choose a battery designed for hot weather conditions.

HTX Material Handling prevents unexpected inconveniences with our planned maintenance services, including forklift battery maintenance. When you rely on us to preserve your battery’s lifespan, you get a long-lasting forklift battery that’s reliable, consistent, and optimized for efficient use.

With our team of experienced technicians servicing your material handling equipment like your forklift fleet, your machinery remains durable, reliable, and safe. We also offer forklift repairs and parts replacement services to maintain the proper functioning of your equipment. Contact us today to schedule your next maintenance service.

Even quality MOFFETT forklifts need maintenance to operate efficiently. That’s why HTX’s team of highly trained and certified technicians also provides MOFFETT parts, expert diagnostics, repairs, and maintenance to protect your forklift investment. With our Total Maintenance and Repair contracts, your MOFFETT forklift gets the right parts and care it needs to ensure your 2-in-1 material handling solution remains an important, hassle-free part of your operations. Contact us today to learn more about MOFFETT forklifts. 

Scheduling planned maintenance isn’t the only step you can take to ensure your forklift is running smoothly and saving you money—optimizing your forklift’s battery life is another way to protect your investment and preserve your machine’s performance.

You don’t always need an expert to optimize your forklift battery. Here are some steps you can take to preserve your machine’s battery life:

Choosing the wrong battery charger can deplete battery life earlier than expected. You can preserve your forklift battery’s life by checking with the manufacturer to confirm that you have the right industrial charger for your model. Start by asking an experienced technician if the amp hour rating is compatible with your machinery.

Charging your battery is a little more complicated than simply attaching your battery to the charger. To optimize and preserve your machine’s battery life, the charger must be connected to the battery correctly and involves the following steps:

A significant part of forklift battery maintenance is maintaining proper fluid levels. To optimize your battery life, keep a regular maintenance schedule that includes adding water to the battery—not enough water causes the battery to overheat, while too much water causes acid dilution.

To repair or replace? That is the question. If your forklift isn’t running smoothly, decide between repairing or replacing your equipment.

As part of your maintenance schedule, be sure to equalize your battery. Equalizing your battery balances the acid levels to preserve life expectancy and reliable performance. If you don’t equalize your forklift’s battery regularly, the acid concentration increases at the bottom of the battery, reducing its lifespan.

Have your forklift battery regularly tested by a professional to locate any potential problems and avoid battery failure. You can also invest in a battery status system to test your batteries without a professional.

Keeping your forklift’s battery clean is another essential way to preserve its life expectancy. Cleaning your battery with baking soda, hot water, and the manufacturer’s recommended amount of general cleaner prevents corrosion and is often required to maintain the manufacturer’s warranty.

Avoid operating your forklift’s battery in high temperatures to preserve its lifespan. Using or charging the battery in an environment that’s more than 92 degrees Fahrenheit can cut its life expectancy in half. If you work in an environment where operations are completed in extreme heat, choose a battery designed for hot weather conditions.

HTX Material Handling prevents unexpected inconveniences with our planned maintenance services, including forklift battery maintenance. When you rely on us to preserve your battery’s lifespan, you get a long-lasting forklift battery that’s reliable, consistent, and optimized for efficient use.

With our team of experienced technicians servicing your material handling equipment like your forklift fleet, your machinery remains durable, reliable, and safe. We also offer forklift repairs and parts replacement services to maintain the proper functioning of your equipment. Contact us today to schedule your next maintenance service.

Have you considered modern warehouse solutions to improve your facility operations? There is a wide range of equipment that increases productivity, reduces employee injuries, and saves you money.

This blog explains the types of solutions available today, like:

Recruiting the right employees and implementing modern warehouse solutions ensures that your facility runs like a well-oiled machine. Consider the following equipment and systems to keep your operations running smoothly.

If you’re operating a facility with limited space, warehouse storage solutions allow you to maximize storage space without increasing your facility footprint. Storage racking systems like automated pallet storage solutions are ideal for manufacturing and distribution operations with limited space. Pallet rack systems are energy efficient and provide consistent operation in a variety of extreme environments, including chillers and freezers. With pallet storage systems, you reduce inventory damage, prevent shrinkage, and enhance order fulfillment accuracy.

Along with storage racking systems, there are other types of warehouse storage equipment that improve your operations:

Adding the right storage systems to your warehouse maximizes your space, helps your staff locate inventory, and increases product protection.

Investing in warehouse material handling equipment is a great way to improve operations at your facility. By allowing machinery to complete tasks, you automate a variety of manual processes at your warehouse, resulting in a wide range of benefits like:

Lean warehouse management improves facility efficiency using a 5S methodology.

Your warehouse loading dock is one of the most essential areas of your facility. Shipping and receiving processes should go smoothly without interruptions or accidents. Using the right dock equipment can optimize your area’s workflow and prevent employee injury. Examples of dock equipment that makes your shipping and receiving processes more efficient, customizable, and safer include:

Conveyors are machines that move materials from one location to another. Using conveyor warehouse solutions at your facility automates manual processes to save time and increase productivity. They allow accumulation without line pressure to limit product damage, reduce handling costs for repetitive tasks, merge and divert for a balanced workload, and transport products between processes efficiently. Conveyor belts also require minimal human interaction, which reduces the risk of injury.

Different types of conveyor systems to consider for your warehouse include:

Lifting equipment like aerial lifts and forklifts make lifting, loading, and unloading warehouse products easy and efficient. Some lifting equipment may look small, but they have excellent lifting and loading capabilities—many can handle carrying loads up to 35,000 pounds. This innovative warehouse solution eliminates manual handling and increases efficiency and safety at your facility.

Packing warehouse solutions include equipment that allows you to wrap a product or design a container to provide protection and easy handling during shipment. With the right packing equipment, you can reduce labor costs and provide consistency while wrapping goods. Investing in packing equipment also improves inventory management by eliminating product separation, saving you time during inventory counts.

Packing warehouse solutions to consider include:

At HTX Material Handling, our modern warehouse solutions make processes more accurate and efficient for a variety of industries. We offer a variety of material handling equipment developed by leading manufacturers like:

When you count on HTX, you get every warehouse solution you need to run your facility smoothly, from storage racking systems and equipment to loading dock machinery and conveyor systems. We also offer quality parts and comprehensive maintenance services for forklifts to keep your equipment in good condition. Contact us today to partner with a material handling professional who cares about your bottom line—every time.

Even workers who undergo hours of pallet racking safety training and strictly follow protocols can make mistakes. To prevent this unfortunate reality from becoming a catastrophic event, you can install rack safety products. Continue reading this article to learn about the best racking protection products for warehouses and storage facilities.

As a warehouse worker, one of your most important responsibilities is safeguarding the people and inventory stored at your facility. With so many people, pieces of equipment, and forklifts moving around the floor, accidents are bound to happen. All it takes to endanger the safety of your workforce and products is for a forklift driver to become distracted and bump into a pallet rack system.

Shielding the upright frames and cross beams of a racking system is one of the most critical steps in racking protection. Without pallet racking protectors and other rack safety products, any impact jeopardizes the structural integrity of a shelving unit or can even cause it to collapse. Fortunately, pallet racking protectors are designed to avoid bumps and impacts from reaching racking columns.

Solutions like warehouse post protectors and rack safety products enhance warehouse safety for everyone and everything involved. The machinery and equipment used to move pallets around floorspace are heavy and powerful. Even a low-speed impact can render racks useless.

Think of what a hassle it could be if you had to remove all the inventory from a rack because it’s been damaged. Now imagine your warehouse is already full. Even worse, what would happen to your bottom line if an accident destroyed a rack’s worth of product due to crashing to the ground?

Racking protection is a cost-effective and straightforward way to avoid:

Now that you have a better understanding of why pallet racking protectors are important, let’s explore some rack safety products you can incorporate into your warehouse.

The most common damage to racking systems is caused by lift equipment impact. That makes warehouse post protectors, also called column guards, a crucial element of racking protection. Guards act as a barrier of pallet rack protection between the equipment and individual columns of the rack’s interior frame. If you have ground-level loading and unloading at your facility, pallet rack post protectors are necessary.

A great way to protect the frames of storage racking is to install end of row protection. End-of-row guards help prevent forklifts and other machinery from bending the frame. These rack safety products also defend against sliding pallets or pallets stored outside the storage unit from being pushed into the frame.

The more narrow your aisles are, the harder it is for drivers to navigate them. Down-aisle pallet racking protectors help prevent forklifts from running off course and crashing into columns and pallets. They also add an essential layer of protection when performing high lifts to the upper levels of racks.

It’s far too easy for a forklift operator to be off by just a few inches while loading and unloading or maneuvering around a corner. This makes the bottom portion of the rails the most susceptible to impact. Guard rails are a necessary pallet racking protector in high-traffic areas.

Not all pallet racking protectors are explicitly made to defend against the damaging effects of forklift impact. Along with components like warehouse post protectors, you can increase your safety efforts by installing:

Keeping your rack upright is only part of the battle when it comes to racking protection. If you store pallets on the top level of your system, you should consider frame extensions. Frame extensions act as a barrier that prevents products from falling to the ground level following forklift impact.

While items falling from the highest level of your racking system present the highest degree of danger, any pallet can cause the direct consequences. Adding sturdy plastic, polyethylene, or wire mesh netting to your racks keeps your inventory secure and workers safe from crashing into them. As an added benefit, enclosed racking protection can also protect high-value items from theft or tampering.

Rack safety products are built to withstand the force of powerful forklifts and other heavy-duty machinery, but they’re not indestructible. If your pallet racking protectors were damaged during an impact event, they can often be repaired.

Mac Rak repair kits are available in a wide variety of categories, including:

They also offer various repair kits for several different rack system configurations.

HTX is the leading provider of material handling and warehouse equipment. Our team is deeply rooted in our principles of integrity and dependability, and we work hard to make sure our customers’ needs are met. Your safety goals are important to us, and we want to contribute to your success.

We supply businesses throughout Dallas-Forth Worth and Houston with the highest-quality pallet racking protectors. We also offer a wide range of warehouse storage solutions, including automation, handling systems, conveyor systems, and loading dock solutions. If you’re looking to partner with a company that puts as much emphasis on delivering the highest level of customer service, products, and solutions, reach out to HTX.

Warehouse efficiency and productivity have been significantly tested over the last two years. Managers have to deal with labor shortages that expose the flaws associated with lean management techniques. Many businesses have started improving their forklift fleet management to minimize the impact of supply chain shortages. Read more about the new challenges facing fleet managers and the benefits of proper fleet management and logistics.

Warehouse managers haven’t been immune to the recent labor shortage crisis. A reduced workforce limits productivity and impacts the bottom line.

Fuel consumption has always been a concern, but recent price surges have highlighted the importance of proper fuel management. Gas forklifts consume significant amounts of fuel, and rising costs have impacted profitability.

Supply chain issues and rising fuel prices have raised the overall cost of forklift fleet vehicles. This has placed greater importance on properly maintaining forklifts.

Staff shortages and increased prices have forced warehouse managers to work harder and smarter. A well-designed forklift fleet management program provides the following benefits for supply chain logistics:

Warehouse workers have to do more work in real time to keep up with recent increases in demands. A properly implemented forklift fleet management system allows efficient communication throughout the workplace. Employees are more productive when working as a cohesive unit, and fleet management and logistics keep everyone working towards the same goal.

The rising costs for new and used forklift trucks have raised the importance of maintaining the equipment you already have. Developing a maintenance schedule as part of your forklift fleet management program extends the service life of equipment by letting you know when it’s time for forklift vehicle maintenance. Keeping your lift trucks in peak condition keeps your warehouse productive and provides long-term cost savings.

Few events cause greater delays in warehouse operations than employee injuries. A well-designed management program properly trains your staff and prevents accidents by encouraging safe driver behavior.

Implementing a management system with forklift tracking software requires a careful analysis of your entire warehouse. Here are some steps to consider for your forklift fleet management and logistics system:

Thoroughly survey your warehouse and pinpoint the areas that need improvement. Effective forklift fleet management isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Knowing what’s most important to you and your staff factors into what areas you focus on. Take time and determine the most important goals for your organization, then use that information to choose the technology your organization needs.

Capture data about your fleet using forklift tracking software. The information gathered helps you determine the service level guidelines your business needs and narrows down your maintenance provider options.

This is where you can use your fleet management information to find cost-saving opportunities. It’s also important to review critical safety and training programs so your employees practice proper workplace habits.

Deploy your forklift fleet management program. Keep careful notes on how often forklifts are in operation; this plays a key role in following your new maintenance program and maximizes your equipment’s service life.

A well-run forklift fleet management program is always evolving. Communicate with your employees and decide what needs to be adjusted. With forklift fleet management, your warehouse can avoid the pitfalls that often impact businesses during supply chain shortages.

The HTX team understands the impact that forklift fleet management and logistics have on the long-term efficiency of warehouses. That’s why we work hard to help managers address new challenges by offering comprehensive maintenance service plans. Our program is designed to limit downtime and maximize employee productivity. Our services include:

Well-kept equipment allows your employees to effectively complete their daily tasks. HTX offers forklift repair services that keep your equipment operational. We take pride in only employing trained and certified technicians who have expert knowledge on forklift equipment. Our staff undergoes regular training and testing to maintain that knowledge. Partnering with us means you never have to worry about costly forklift downtime.

Regular maintenance boosts productivity, increases profits, and reduces the chance of injury. HTX offers an industry-leading planned maintenance program that keeps your fleet vehicles in peak condition. Our expert technicians work around your schedule before visiting your facility and inspecting your forklift equipment. We train our technicians to catch issues early, so they can take proactive measures that prevent costly repairs or product replacements. Our maintenance services provide the peace of mind you need.

HTX Material Handling has been helping companies across the Houston and Dallas areas with their material handling needs since 2019. Businesses partner with us because they know our solutions maximize efficiency. We stay committed to integrity and dependability by offering high-quality equipment from leading brands, including:

We understand that each business has unique needs, and our team provides a transparent process that focuses on your budget. Contact HTX today to learn more about how our services meet the new challenges facing fleet managers.

Whether your forklifts are new or used, proper management is critical for your warehouse’s operations. A forklift fleet management system reduces overall costs, improves efficiency, and keeps your staff safe. Here are some tips for improving your forklift fleet management.

Having a complete record of your fleet inventory is the first step to improving forklift fleet management. This involves recording each lift’s make, model, and serial number. Also, documenting the engine models and tire types allows your team to quickly service equipment and minimize downtime.

Making sure your forklifts are up to date helps you manage your fleet and track maintenance needs. Regularly evaluate your equipment by keeping records on age, mileage, condition, and recent repairs. This allows you to replace equipment before major issues develop.

Your operators are an important part of your forklift management, and making sure they’re properly trained reduces repair costs, keeps your business OSHA compliant, and enhances warehouse safety. Well-trained workers increase productivity because they’re less likely to make mistakes, allowing them to focus more on their tasks.

Manually keeping track of a fleet is time-consuming and difficult. Forklift tracking software allows warehouse managers to easily track costs, equipment conditions, and maintenance needs. This solution enhances workplace productivity by:

Forklift management software minimizes downtime by allowing users to report any issues.

Effective communication between management, technicians, and operators is key to making sure your forklifts remain in working condition. Verify that all employees are on the same page regarding the operation and maintenance of equipment. Set clear expectations and keep detailed records about driver activity.

Arranging your warehouse’s layout to maximize your fleet’s strength enhances your forklift fleet management. Research your lift’s capabilities and determine how your warehouse can be set to suit its capabilities. For example, a forklift that fits in narrow aisles allows you to push your shelves closer together. This reduces transit time at your facility and boosts productivity.

Balancing a warehouse staff and forklift fleet management is difficult for business owners. Partnering with a quality provider lets you focus on more valuable tasks and provides peace of mind knowing your equipment is protected.

We understand the effects improper forklift fleet management has on your business. That’s why HTX offers a comprehensive maintenance service plan designed to limit downtime and maximize your warehouse’s productivity. Our services include:

Partnering with a reputable company allows for a rapid repair turnaround time and minimizes loss of productivity. Our team of trained and certified technicians has years of experience working with forklifts. This knowledge allows them to quickly repair your lifts and keep your warehouse functioning.

Forklift breakdowns decrease the productivity of your warehouse, reduce profits, and increase injury risk. HTX offers a planned maintenance program that keeps your equipment in excellent condition. Our planned maintenance programs are designed to suit your needs. Our experts work around your schedule to visit your facility to inspect your equipment. We train our technicians to catch issues at an early stage, allowing them to take proactive measures and prevent costly repairs. Our services ensure your equipment runs smoothly.

HTX Material Handling has been helping businesses across Houston and Dallas with their material handling needs since 2019. We partner with our clients to maximize their business’ efficiency and streamline processes. Our team delivers on our commitment to integrity and dependability by offering equipment from the leading brands, including:

We realize that not all company needs are the same and offer a transparent process that focuses on your bottom line. Contact us today to learn more about how our services enhance your warehouse’s forklift fleet management.

Most warehouse managers face the difficult task of maximizing productivity and improving efficiency while reducing wasted resources. Efficiency warehouse management is challenging because several parts and processes are moving simultaneously, making it difficult to determine warehouse process improvement opportunities. Lean warehouse management is one of the most effective techniques for improving warehouse operations. Learn more about how it improves your ability to run a successful warehouse.

Lean warehouse management involves developing warehouse operations that minimize resource consumption without sacrificing productivity. Its goal is to make sure your team never uses too many resources while completing their tasks.

Lean warehouse management improves efficiency by providing a 5S methodology that cleans and organizes your warehouse:

Sort involves defining the necessary and unnecessary processes used in your warehouse. The ultimate goal is to understand which warehouse aspects prevent your team from reaching their full potential. Sort is the first step toward optimizing the good habits that exist in your company.

Streamline is where your team starts optimizing your positive warehouse processes and eliminating the operations that limit your employee’s efforts. Eliminating inefficient practices is the first step; make sure your company’s productivity isn’t sacrificed by removing these parts.

Streamlining also verifies how your warehouse team accomplishes their important duties efficiently. Without unnecessary tasks to complete, your workers can focus on the jobs that matter.

A clean warehouse is a productive warehouse. Make sure your warehouse is consistently clean by putting learning materials in easily accessible areas and placing trash cans throughout your facility. Installing the right storage solutions in your warehouse also prevents clutter.

Standardizing involves developing new procedures for your warehouse staff. These processes should include contingency plans to follow when errors happen. An important element of the standardized step is making sure your workers understand the new system and why it’s in place.

Sustaining productivity requires your staff to adhere to existing protocols and management to make continuous improvements. This balancing act allows you to avoid developing bad habits that impact efficiency. Soliciting feedback from team members regularly is another critical element of this step, since listening to your staff provides key insight into the effectiveness of your lean warehouse management program.

At HTX, we know how important dependable products are for your business. That’s why we only sell high-quality equipment from leading brands. Learn more today.

Our Brands

We understand how important improving warehouse efficiency is to the health of your business. Our team offers solutions designed to improve warehouse operations, including:

Maximizing storage space and eliminating clutter is critical for improving warehouse efficiency. HTX offers pallet storage solutions to optimize under-used vertical space. Our inventory management solutions allow for consistent operations and minimize order inaccuracies.

Industrial conveyor systems are specially designed to transport pallets, cartons, and other packaged materials across a facility without impacting productivity. HTX offers technologically advanced conveyor automation solutions that reduce handling costs and enhance employee safety.

Implementing an effective supply chain system is critical to enhancing warehouse efficiency. HTX provides material handling systems that streamline the inbound handling process and increase outbound handling accuracy. Our systems offer the flexibility required to stabilize product flow throughout a facility.

Making sure your workers are focused on high-value tasks improves warehouse operations. We offer automation systems that perform simple tasks throughout the day and allow your workers to focus on important elements, like product quality and outbound load stability. Our automation solutions enhance accuracy and produce predictable lead times.

Enhancing warehouse efficiency starts at the loading docks. Delays while unloading products creates travel times issues throughout your business. Our innovative loading dock solutions are designed to increase order fulfillment and improve productivity at your facility.

HTX is the leading provider of material handling and warehouse equipment. Our team is deeply rooted in our principles of integrity and dependability, and we work hard to make sure our customers’ needs are met. Your goals are important to us, and we want to contribute to your success. Partnering with us allows you to streamline processes, regulate workflow, and enhance productivity. Contact us today to learn more about how our solutions increase warehouse efficiency.

When purchasing your material handling equipment, you want to make sure that the lifts you’re buying are durable and versatile. Baoli began manufacturing industry-leading forklifts for multiple industries in 2003. Now part of the KION Group, it remains committed to building efficient and high-quality lifts that enhance productivity. Read more about the selection of Baoli forklifts offered by HTX.

HTX understands how valuable forklifts are to the productivity of your business. That’s why we maintain an extensive inventory of high-quality Baoli trucks. Our selection includes:

Baoli’s series of KBD 25/30/35 internal combustion counterbalanced pneumatic tire trucks feature a max loading capacity of 5,000 to 7,000 pounds, making it ideal for transporting heavy items. These lifts are powered by an industry-leading engine system that provides outstanding quality and superior performance. The timing chain-driven camshaft maximizes durability, and the innovative deceleration fuel shutoff boosts energy efficiency.

The KBD 40/50 lifts manufactured by Baoli offer state-of-the-art comfort for drivers. Equipped with a fully suspended and cushioned operator compartment, super elastic tires, an adjustable suspension seat, and a tilt steering column, these trucks are built for long-term use. Plus, with a max lifting capacity of almost 10,000 pounds, the KBD 40/50 makes moving heavy items around a warehouse easy. The turbo diesel engine provides high-quality performance and features an innovative fuel mapping system that increases fuel efficiency.

Baoli’s KBG 25/30/35 forklift models are designed for performance levels that exceed the standard for economy forklifts. Equipped with a diesel engine and an electronic control unit that includes fuel mapping, these trucks provide enhanced fuel efficiency. The KBG 25-35 series is also equipped with a timing chain-driven camshaft that allows maximum durability. Plus, it features an overhead plexiglass guard, making it ideal for outdoor use.

With a 3,500-pound maximum lifting capacity, Baoli’s KBET 18 electric counterbalance sit-down truck is ideal for multiple warehouse applications. Its energy-efficient design allows continuous operation throughout the day and is compact enough to maneuver in narrow aisles. Manufactured with superelastic drive and steer tires and an external rearview mirror, the KBET 18 increases productivity and safety.

HTX is Dallas’s Houston’s leading provider of material handling equipment because we offer forklifts from leading brands. Read more about our selection.

Our Forklift Brands

Finding the right forklift supplier is just as important as finding the right brand. HTX Material Handling has become the leading forklift dealer for Dallas and Houston because we offer superior customer service and enhanced forklift performance. Our services include:

Our Total Maintenance and Repair contracts provide peace of mind by simplifying your operations and budget. Our team of certified technicians has extensive knowledge of the equipment we sell, allowing them to repair your machines quickly.

Forklifts are a significant investment, and regular maintenance increases their working life. HTX offers a planned maintenance program that catches minor issues before they become major problems. One of our expert technicians visits your facility and performs any necessary repairs to keep your equipment running. We also work around your schedule, so you don’t have to worry about impacting productivity.

Are you in the market for a forklift but aren’t sure which one is right for your needs? HTX offers a comprehensive forklift rental program that lets you test out the vehicle before you purchase it. Our rental equipment features the most up-to-date technology and exceeds industry safety standards. Whether you’re looking to rent for one day or one month, HTX makes renting a forklift in Houston and Dallas easier than ever.

HTX is the leading provider of forklift trucks for Dallas and Houston because we offer high-quality products that enhance warehouse productivity. Our goal is to set a new standard for customer service and support in the material handling industry. We communicate transparently and keep our promise to help you maximize the efficiency of your business. Contact us today to learn more about our selection of Baoli forklifts.

Finding the right material handling equipment for your business is a critical decision. Purchasing your lifts from well-known manufacturers increases productivity and employee safety. That’s why HTX only offers high-quality equipment from leading brands like JLG. Read more about this leading equipment brand and its selection of products.

JLG Industries is a leading manufacturer of lifting equipment, including forklifts, scissor lifts, boom lifts, and more. With a strong commitment to innovation, safety, and reliability, they have established itself as a trusted brand in the material handling industry. They cater to a wide range of industries, including construction, warehousing, manufacturing, and more.

JLG forklifts have earned a reputation as favorites in the material handling industry for several reasons. Their robust construction, reliable performance, and versatility make them ideal for various applications. Whether lifting heavy loads in a warehouse or navigating rough terrains on a construction site, JLG forklifts deliver exceptional results. In addition, their commitment to safety features and ergonomic design ensures optimal user experience and reduces the risk of accidents.

Over the years, JLG’s equipment has gone through significant advancements and improvements. From early models to the latest designs, they have consistently incorporated new technologies and features to enhance the performance and efficiency of their lifts.

For example, in 2022, the company made strides with increased electrified solutions and model options for meeting client demand, expanding its product portfolio, and enhancing existing lines. One of these enhancements comes via the 670SJ Boom Lift with self-leveling capabilities. This model acknowledges and adapts to the reality that most job sites are not flat, improving job productivity and stability overall.

This level of dedication toward continuous improvement is what sets JLG miles apart from other material handling brands.

HTX offers a wide variety of world-leading JLG equipment, such as the following:

The articulated and telescopic trailers built by JLG offer multiple applications for indoor and outdoor use. With heights ranging from 35 to 79 feet, skilled workers can use these trailers to easily reach limited access areas. Their light weight allows them to be towed to nearly any site, and they feature an innovative stabilizer that provides an even platform on uneven surfaces. These trailers offer exceptional outreach, versatile performance, and easy maintenance.

The lightweight self-propelled booms JLG offers are among the most versatile machines on the market. With adjustable heights of up to 61 feet and low ground pressure for sensitive surfaces, they’re ideal for working outdoors and on concrete.

These booms also feature hydraulic outriggers that can be set up in under 30 seconds, eliminating the need for heavy counterweights. The light weight of JLG’s self-propelled boom means you don’t need a commercial driver’s license to operate it, allowing increased use for small contractors and businesses.

The electric articulating boom lifts allow your staff to reach what others can’t. With maximum heights approaching 130 feet, working in limited access areas is much easier. Some of the benefits of JLG lifts include:

JLG’s lifts offer industry-leading duty cycles that allow for longer periods of operation and faster battery charging.

Some models boast automatic traction control that allows them to work on uneven surfaces inside the warehouse and out in the field.

JLG’s electric lift provides long-term environmental benefits by creating zero emissions.

If you’re looking for equipment that offers comfort, confidence, and functionality, look no further than telehandlers. These machines include best-in-class cabs and enhanced visibility. JLG’s telehandlers help operators accomplish several tasks with the ideal combination of strength, versatility, and technology.

JLG manufactures telescopic booms that allow straight and direct elevation. They offer the best outreach compared to other brands and can operate on difficult ground conditions. With simultaneous and proportional movements, these booms provide superior driver comfort and safety.

JLG’s scissor lifts deliver long-lasting performance that increases warehouse productivity. HTX offers two types:

The electric scissor lifts offered by JLG are designed to last longer, minimize operating noise, and produce zero emissions. They increase efficiency and safety for your workers because they’re outfitted with the latest technology.

JLG’s line of engineer power scissor lifts is ideal for managers looking to increase lifting capacity. These lifts offer a larger work area and work effectively in all terrains.

Vertical masts are perfect for maintenance work in tight spaces. JLG’s industry-leading vertical masts are available in two options:

Push-around lifts eliminate the need for scaffolding and allow workers to get closer to important overhead work. They’re also versatile enough to maneuver through standard doorways and narrow aisles.

JLG’s driveable vertical mast lifts feature superior battery life, making them more reliable than other models on the market. With excellent maneuverability and user-friendly controls, these masts are ideal for any warehouse.

For superior warehouse solutions, choose HTX Material Handling. Our mission is to become the premier servicer and supplier of material handling equipment—that’s why we combine knowledge and experience to create the best value for our customers.

When you choose to work with HTX Material Handling, you can expect world-class products and services, including lift trucks, warehouse automation, telematics, autonomous vehicles, and more. We provide immediate parts availability, planned maintenance and equipment repair, short-term and long-term rental equipment, and fleet management and optimization.

Forklifts are a major investment. The decision to rent, lease, or buy a forklift will impact your operations in the long term. The cost-effectiveness of a forklift lease or purchase depends on your unique situation. Do you need an entire fleet or just a few lift trucks? Do you want gas-powered or electric forklifts? With material handling equipment becoming stronger by the year, it’s a good idea to reconsider how you purchase forklifts. 

The best thing warehouse managers can do for their fleet is take the time to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing, leasing, or renting a forklift. Understanding factors like the maintenance cost year by year for a forklift makes the decision simpler. Keep reading if you’re unsure where to start with your cost analysis.

Rentals are a short-term solution. Renting a forklift can last from a few weeks to several months. When you have a seasonal peak and need to move more freight than usual, it’s a good idea to rent a few lift trucks to meet the demand. The cost to rent a few forklifts to bolster your numbers during the holiday rush is worthwhile if you don’t need permanent assets. 

Renting gives warehouse managers the flexibility to experiment. Rental costs for forklifts are often paid on a month-to-month basis, during which you can swap equipment with your dealer. If you want to try out a new type of forklift without buying one, renting the machine for a week or two allows you to test whether the lift truck is compatible with your fleet. 

Rentals are more expensive than the purchasing or leasing options because the forklift rental price includes the maintenance cost and the time that the lift truck is idle at the supplier before dispatch. You also rarely have the option to purchase a rental from the dealer. The machine heads back to the dealership as soon as you stop paying the forklift rental cost.  

Monthly leasing payments vary depending on the type of forklift and the lease term. For example, a forklift with a value of $25,000 could cost around $600 a month to lease. Much like the cost to rent, maintenance fees can be included as part of the monthly leasing payment. With the ability to pay for forklift maintenance ahead of time, you can forecast your budget more accurately. 

The forklift leasing option reduces downtime by providing a predictable replacement cycle. When you sign a lease term, you set the number of years for the agreement. You can match the replacement schedule to your unique needs, increasing productivity and efficiency at your facility. Leases also have a tax advantage—in most states, leasing is a tax-deductible operational expense. 

Common leasing options include: 

Much like the cost to rent, leasing a forklift is more expensive than buying the asset. If you decide to purchase the machine at the end of the lease term, it’ll cost more than if you’d bought it outright beforehand. Leases can also restrict the hours of usage. If you exceed the agreed-upon limit, you pay the penalty. 

Before entering an agreement with a leasing company, make sure you understand the service details. Take the time to investigate the dealer’s repair and planned maintenance capabilities. Entering a forklift leasing term is a significant decision. You want to partner with a supplier who can help you avoid downtime. 

Buying a forklift is your best option if you want total ownership. If your company is stable and plans to use the lift truck for at least 20 years or you need the asset on your books as capital equipment, a forklift purchase is recommended. As an owner, you’re free to customize your forklift to your liking with modifications and other installments. 

You also have the option to resell your lift truck, which can increase your return on investment if you’ve kept the machine in good condition with routine forklift maintenance. There are many ways to approach a forklift purchase. Evaluate your situation and review your company’s policies to find the best match.  

Do you value quality, durability, and longevity in lift trucks? HTX Material Handling offers high-quality industrial equipment from top-of-the-line brands. Our rental equipment exceeds industry safety standards and can accommodate your facility’s specific needs. We update our inventory with state-of-the-art technology to ensure you get nothing but the best. If you prefer to own your assets, we offer machines from Hubtex, Baoli, and Linde. 

Ready to improve the comfortability and productivity of your fleet? Reach out today and learn more about our approach and our resources. 

Retiring a forklift is a tough decision. Forklifts don’t come cheap, and if you’re unsure how to measure forklift life, you may be putting your equipment to rest too soon. However, keeping a forklift in service for too long negatively impacts productivity and safety in your facility.

Is your lift truck in constant need of repairs and forklift services? Does it lag behind the rest of your forklift fleet? Understanding how soon repairs should be made for a forklift and when purchasing a new forklift is the better option is vital to effective fleet management. Keep reading to learn how to track the lifespan of a forklift and optimize your fleet.

The economic life of a forklift is measured in hours. The average forklift runs for 2,000 hours per year, and the average total lifespan of a forklift is 10,000 hours. However, if you use a specialized machine from a high-end manufacturer, the lifespan of a forklift can be as long as 20,000 hours.

Other factors significantly influence the economic life of a forklift. Equipment used for multiple shifts in cold temperatures will have a different expectancy than a lift truck used indoors in a clean environment. By scheduling routine forklift maintenance, you can prevent sudden breakdowns in your fleet and ensure your machines operate as efficiently as possible.

Forklifts that don’t receive routine inspections and repairs can inflate your maintenance costs. Unexpected malfunctions lead to downtime, and if you ignore the problems, the cost of ownership can skyrocket. If you want to prevent untimely equipment failure and put off a forklift replacement, build a planned maintenance schedule and stick to it.

Another variable in forklift life is whether the truck is electric or uses an internal combustion engine (ICE). Electric forklifts last longer than ICE machines because electric lift trucks have fewer moving parts. A battery typically lasts around five years.

Regular forklift maintenance makes all the difference in the lifespan of a forklift. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has determined that workers shouldn’t use a forklift if it isn’t in excellent operating condition. A damaged forklift affects productivity in your facility and creates unsafe conditions for your employees.

You should perform forklift repairs and maintenance based on the hours used to ensure safety and efficiency. Schedule forklift repairs for every 200 hours a truck is operated. A professional technician can ensure the safe operation of your machine with replacement parts like fuel, air, and oil filters. They can also inspect the distributor point as well as drive belt tension, sparkplugs, and rotors.

Along with age and scheduled maintenance, you should also conduct forklift repairs if you experience any of the following circumstances:

Regular maintenance and prompt attention to any signs of trouble are key to preventing major forklift breakdowns and ensuring the safety of operators and those around them. Developing a preventive maintenance schedule and encouraging operators to report issues can help keep forklifts in good working condition. Additionally, many companies choose to have their forklifts inspected by qualified technicians regularly to catch potential problems before they become serious.

Do you have faith in your forklift fleet? HTX Material Handling can increase the lifespan of your forklift with routine maintenance and repair services.

Choosing between a forklift repair or purchasing a new forklift altogether is easier with the aid of a cost analysis. Before making a decision, estimate the maintenance cost per hour for the machine. New forklifts have a low cost of ownership, but the maintenance costs surpass the lift truck’s usefulness over time. If you need forklift repairs for one machine more frequently than any other truck in your fleet, it’s time to consider a replacement.

When performing a forklift cost analysis, ask yourself the following questions:

If your machinery has served 10,000 hours, it may be time for a new forklift. Consider the conditions to which you’ve exposed the lift truck and whether it’s a gas-powered or electric forklift. If your forklift has created dangerous situations by dropping loads or losing power during operation, it’s a good idea to forego forklift repair and take it out of commission.

So, which option is best when you’re experiencing equipment problems: forklift repair or purchasing a brand new forklift? The answer ultimately depends on the multitude of factors discussed.

The more you use your truck, the more often you should conduct forklift repairs. If your forklift isn’t functioning as efficiently as it used to, and you’ve put nearly 10,000 hours of use in it, you may want to consider getting a replacement. However, if an unexpected dip in performance has suddenly arisen and your machinery hasn’t been inspected in a considerable time, it may simply need repairs.

If your equipment is beyond the point of repair, but you’re not quite ready to invest in a new forklift, renting is another viable option. Forklift rentals are an affordable way to keep your warehouse productive without making any hasty commitments. They also allow you to try out potential equipment options you may eventually be interested in purchasing.

Whether you need help establishing a forklift repair schedule or a new forklift for your warehouse, it’s best to consult a specialist like HTX to determine your needs.

Selecting the right forklift plays a significant role in the success of your business, which is why HTX offers material handling equipment from the most dependable brands, including HUBTEX. The brand offers high-quality equipment with innovative technology designed to increase your workplace productivity.

Continue reading to learn more about the selection of HUBTEX products that HTX offers.

HTX offers numerous types of certified HUBTEX equipment, each designed to perform specific tasks and keep your business operations running smoothly. Here are some of the most popular pieces of equipment.

HUBTEX’s line of multi-directional lifts is ideal for moving pallets, packets of sheets, tools, cable drums, and round materials down narrow aisles. HTX offers four varieties of these side loader forklifts:

Perfect for outdoor use, the HUBTEX Four-Way lifts move through narrow aisles quickly, reducing the distance between the rack rows and allowing you to create more space. Other benefits of these forklifts include:

HUBTEX’s X-Ray Mover simplifies aircraft cargo processes by accomplishing tasks usually performed by multiple vehicles. This innovative air cargo vehicle results from a joint project between HUBTEX and DIMOS and is adaptable to all air cargo terminal applications. Some of the benefits of the X-Ray Mover include:

The industrial assembly systems manufactured by HUBTEX play a key role in efficient manufacturing processes and help reduce production delays. HTX offers the following fully and semi-automated solutions:

HUBTEX’s industry-leading line of Tool Changers improves workplace efficiency by reducing changing times for pressing and stamping tools. Other advantages include:

HUBTEX’s variety of forklifts and equipment is extensive. Learn more about their offerings through HTX.

Using HUBTEX’s high-quality forklifts and material handling equipment offers numerous benefits in various industrial and warehouse settings that your business could utilize. Here are some reasons to consider adopting the brand’s industry-leading equipment:

Investing in HUBTEX’s forklifts and material handling equipment pays off in the long run by enhancing safety, productivity, cost-efficiency, and overall operational performance. It also contributes to a safer and more satisfying work environment for employees.

Forklifts are the backbone of efficient warehouse management. They increase employee productivity and safety by moving heavy materials over short distances. Deciding which forklift brand to purchase is a daunting task for any warehouse manager; cost, safety, and efficiency are all elements that factor into that decision. HTX offers equipment from leading forklift manufacturers, including Linde. Read more about Linde’s forklift line and their equipment we offer.

Linde has established itself as a leading forklift manufacturer. Their equipment offers many benefits, including:

The electric forklifts by Linde are specially designed for maximum visibility to enhance the safety of your driver and other warehouse employees.

Linde’s electric forklifts require minimal maintenance and are built to last.

Linde’s forklift trucks feature adjustable seats and a driver-friendly control layout that enhances comfort for the operator.

Linde’s line of internal combustion forklifts is engineered with an energy-efficient ventilation system that produces low emission levels.

HTX understands the important role forklifts play in your warehouse, which is why we keep an extensive inventory of high-quality Linde lift trucks. Our selection includes:

Counterbalanced trucks manufactured by Linde provide a combination of reliability and freedom of movement. The ergonomic seat design offers a unique operating experience and an optimal field of vision. Linde designed their counterbalanced trucks with a low center of gravity that minimizes tipping risk, and the innovative curve control automatically reduces speed when turning.

Linde’s narrow aisle trucks efficiently move materials in areas with limited space. These trucks have a series of intelligent safety systems that minimize the risk of accidents and collisions. Narrow aisle trucks boost productivity at your warehouse because they move and lift simultaneously and provide above-average speed.

HTX offers Linde pallet trucks with an innovative steering system that allows efficient one-handed control. Linde’s pallet trucks are durable and require minimal maintenance because they’re built with reinforced tilers and dust-protected motors.

Available with pneumatic and cushion tires, the Linde internal combustion trucks provided by HTX feature efficient handling and complete safety benefits that make them ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. Developed with the driver in mind, the adjustable armrests and back-friendly seats maximize comfort, while exceptional visibility ensures safety for your employees.

Linde developed their tow tractors to reach top speed quickly and manage increasing throughputs efficiently. The innovative multiple braking systems guarantee safety in any driving environment.

Who you source your forklift from is just as important as what forklift brand you buy. HTX Material Handling offers customer service that maximizes forklift performance, including:

HTX offers Total Maintenance and Repair (TM&R) contracts that simplify your operations and your budget. Our trained and certified technicians have extensive knowledge of the equipment we provide, enabling them to repair your machines quickly. We’re an OEM parts supplier and always keep an expansive inventory of high-quality parts.

HTX believes that prevention is the best approach to forklift repair. That’s why we offer a comprehensive planned maintenance program that gives you the most from your equipment. Our technicians can catch and repair issues early, which prevents costly repairs and minimizes downtime.

Our forklift rental program gives you the opportunity to experience Linde products firsthand before purchasing. Our entire line of rental equipment is certified and features the most up-to-date technology.

HTX is the premier provider of forklift trucks for the Houston and Dallas areas because we provide high-quality products and superior customer service. Our mission is to establish a new category of supplier in our industry, one that sets the standard for customer service and support. The success of our customers is what drives our industry-leading service and innovation. Contact us today to learn more about our inventory of Linde forklifts.

Warehouse equipment has components that are subject to wear and tear. Seals, gaskets, and motors need to be replaced after a certain number of hours, and are subject to failure if left unattended. But how do you keep track of the number of hours each machine has been used? Subscribing to planned maintenance through a TM&R agreement means your supplier will keep track of usage hours and provide on-site service when required. In this blog, we’ll discuss what a TM&R is and the benefits it provides.

A TM&R agreement is a written contract that provides regular services to equipment at a fixed cost. These services include routine maintenance and replacements at no additional charge if the provider can’t repair it. The scheduled maintenance services in a TM&R typically include:

Each machine in your warehouse is a significant part of your success. A poorly maintained machine provides a lower return on investment than a well-maintained machine.

As a warehouse key decision maker (KDM), having your equipment in working order is a critical component of the overall efficiency of your workplace.

Often referred to as a fail-and-fix approach, a reactive maintenance strategy is ineffective and costly. Waiting for your equipment to break down before reaching out to a trained technician leads to expensive repairs and lengthy downtime. Without regular maintenance, you risk significant damage to your equipment that may be beyond repair.

Preventive maintenance programs involve replacing parts or overhauling equipment on a regular schedule. Traditional preventive maintenance programs can prevent many potentially expensive problems, but they don’t account for every issue.

Predictive maintenance is a step up from preventive maintenance, because it forecasts equipment failure at specific intervals. Companies now use data-based programs that record previous failure events to predict future problems. Technology allows you to improve predictive capabilities by increasing the amount of data gathered.

Proactive maintenance programs offer the most benefits to the consumer. Intelligent monitoring and integrated data are combined to provide up-to-date information on the condition of your equipment. Proactive maintenance lets you stay on top of the performance of your systems at all times.

Long-term maintenance programs offer several advantages for the consumer, including:

TM&R contracts provide cost savings by reducing the need for unexpected repairs. Some warehouses don’t have the equity to invest in large repair projects; a TM&R agreement allows KDMs to budget for monthly installment payments without worrying about significant repair costs. Maintenance service agreements offer supplemental benefits as well. Regularly serviced equipment runs more efficiently, leading to energy savings and reduced labor costs.

Maintenance contracts are a form of quality assurance. A provider wants to build a long-term relationship with you, and they won’t achieve this by supplying faulty equipment that’s prone to breakdowns.

Performing routine maintenance keeps equipment running smoothly and extends its lifespan.

A maintenance contract gives you peace of mind that repairs will be handled effectively. Regular maintenance means one less thing for you to worry about.

TM&R contract subscribers are given priority service when they need emergency repairs.

Consider the following when deciding whether a TM&R agreement is suitable for your business:

Evaluating these factors will give you a solid understanding of whether a TM&R agreement is right for you.

HTX understands that material handling is a job best performed with efficient machinery. Your employees rely on KDMs and managers to supply them with up-to-date equipment so they can complete their work. Ensuring your machines are in top condition keeps operations smooth and your employees happy.

Our TM&R contracts streamline your operations and keep your budget in check. We provide informed monthly expenditures and work hard to keep you satisfied. Some of the repair services offered by HTX include:

HTX provides timely planned maintenance on the equipment you purchase from us. Our comprehensive planned maintenance programs mean there’s no need to take time to schedule service or halt operations. HTX comes right to your facility to perform regularly scheduled service on your equipment. Our technicians are trained to proactively catch and address issues to prevent costly repairs.

We only employ certified technicians with years of experience and extensive knowledge of industrial equipment, so we can offer an in-depth and educated opinion on how to repair your equipment correctly. Our experts will have your equipment up and running with limited disruption to your operations.

HTX offers the best equipment for your needs and provides parts from the most well-known brands on the market, including:

Your goals as a business are important to us. We contribute to your production needs with our forward-thinking solutions and high-quality machinery. Contact HTX today if you’re looking to increase workplace efficiency and improve the safety of your employees.

Domestic retail imports saw a significant increase in the first half of 2021. The recent surge in product inventory increased the need for proper warehouse optimization techniques.

Operating an efficient warehouse while handling demand increases is a top priority for any manager. Let’s review some warehouse efficiency ideas that can improve your workplace productivity.

Managing warehouse processes enhances your workers’ ability to pick specific order components accurately. Reducing order fulfillment time and increasing the accuracy of your process will make your warehouse more efficient. Here are some tips on how to improve your warehouse process:

Warehouse management systems optimize flow by analyzing the best use of floor space based on task and material characteristics. Using management software allows for accurate inventory management and improves worker performance. Other benefits include:

Warehouse management systems require workers to enter transactions using an individual user account, producing a paper trail that ties transactions to a specific worker. Increased accountability minimizes product theft.

A warehouse management system reduces waste by alerting you on which units are perishable and in need of a sales push.

Warehouse management systems streamline the entire process, from order to delivery. By providing inventory updates and accurate delivery dates, you improve your relationship with clients.

Digitizing your order tracking process mitigates potential problems. For example, replacing paper order forms with digital barcode readers minimizes the risk of human error and improves warehouse efficiency. Barcode readers that work directly with your warehouse management system allow for immediate inventory updates.

A real-time location system pinpoints where lift trucks and other high-value assets are in your facility. Using a location system reduces time spent looking for misplaced warehouse equipment.

Implementing warehouse automation increases the productivity of your warehouse and reduces labor costs. Autonomous lift trucks for moving products or making repetitive motions free up your workers for more important tasks.

An efficient warehouse layout makes your workers’ jobs easier and lets you determine the volume of products your facility can safely hold. Here are some warehouse layout optimization tips:

How you organize the inventory in your warehouse has a significant impact on efficiency. Stocking high-demand items towards the front of your warehouse reduces the time spent retrieving them. Consider the type of client you serve when planning your layout. Facilities that fulfill large orders for retailers need to provide wider aisles for lift trucks, while warehouses that ship directly to consumers need to allow space for rapid fulfillment of small orders.

Every inch of space in a warehouse should have a function. Space wasted on low-demand items negatively impacts efficiency. Dedicating the storage of low-demand items to remote corners of a warehouse helps maximize warehouse space for items that are frequently in demand.

Warehouse managers increasingly have to store more items with less space available. Improve space utilization by using vertical storage. Install higher racks to hold seasonal or low-demand products; this allows you to keep additional products without increasing your storage area. Stacking pallets high provides an ideal location for extra inventory.

If your operations require shipping or cardboard boxes, creating a storage area above the dock doors lets you keep them close without taking up valuable space.

Your employees must be able to find products as quickly as possible. A warehouse with a confusing layout and scattered items increases the time spent looking for inventory. Arrange your warehouse in a way that’s easy for all employees to understand. Consider installing labels at the ends of aisles detailing what’s stored there; labeling storage areas helps your workers retrieve items quickly.

To improve traffic flow, designate specific lanes for vehicles and employees. Guardrails or floor tape provide a good barrier between people and equipment. For narrow aisles, consider marking out one-way flow patterns. Traffic moving in the same direction in tight spaces limits accidents and improves productivity.

The equipment you use in a warehouse plays a significant role in operational efficiencies. Selecting the right material handling equipment, combined with a well-planned layout, allows for maximum warehouse space optimization.

Install high-density pallet racking that can store more items than your old racking to increase storage capacity. To avoid safety hazards, select models with higher capacities than needed to avoid overloading them. Adding racks and beams in lower places for shorter items allows you to store more items in the same amount of space.

Wire baskets provide full visibility of the contents while securely holding them. Available in a wide range of sizes, wire baskets fit into almost any warehouse layout.

Rack guards keep products from falling off of racks and into aisles. Fallen products require time to replace and create hazards for vehicles driving down aisles. Fragile products may break if they fall, leading to lost revenue.

HTX Material Handling understands that each warehouse has its own unique storage needs. That’s why we partner with the best vendors to offer our customers superior services and equipment. Our innovative warehouse solutions allow you to eliminate unnecessary physical labor and enhance your operations. Contact HTX today if you’re looking to streamline your warehouse processes, regulate workflow, and improve employee safety.

Aerial lifts are vehicle-mounted machines with extendable platforms to elevate personnel. Lifts are ideal for projects where scaffolding isn’t an option, such as roofs or HVAC equipment. However, lifts can also pose safety hazards if mishandled, accounting for up to 3% of all construction-related deaths.

Knowing the hazards associated with aerial lifts and becoming familiar with the safety requirements provided by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) can ensure safe operating conditions on job sites.

Understanding aerial lift safety and the hazards associated with operating these pieces of equipment is crucial. Here are some reasons to adopt proper safety precautions.

Electrocutions can happen when working close to power wires. An electric shock can even transfer to you from your equipment if it isn’t electrically insulated.

Falls are one of the most significant hazards when working with aerial lifts. Working in high winds or on unstable ground can increase the risk of falling.

Working at high heights can increase the risk of tipping over. Failing to inspect or properly set up the equipment, as well as working in strong winds, can also cause tip-overs. Opt for sturdy equipment and brands you can trust, like JLG Lift.

Though workers on the lift are at risk of injuries from falling objects, those working on the ground near the equipment need to be especially careful. Careless workers, high winds, and accidents can lead to dangerous items falling out of the lift.

If you’re a construction worker and work with aerial lifts, it’s essential to know the safety hazards associated with them.

Ejections from an aerial lift can occur when the lift hits an overhead object, when something on the ground strikes the vehicle, or when the lift tips over. Workers ejected from the lift are susceptible to severe injuries or even death.

Understanding the different types of aerial lifts is essential for proper job safety. Here are the most common types of aerial lifts available and their best applications:

Articulated boom lifts have a flexible jointed arm attached to a turntable. Boom lifts can extend from 30 to 100 feet in the air, allowing workers to access high and hard-to-reach places. Articulated boom lifts are commonly used for electrical projects and exterior cleaning. Using a reliable brand of articulated lifts, such as JLG Lifts, promotes safety and efficiency regardless of the project.

A telescopic boom lift, commonly called a “stick boom,” comprises a bucket positioned at the tip of a straight-extending arm. When operating a stick boom, the operator extends the arm horizontally and can maneuver it upwards and downwards. Telescopic booms can reach vertical heights of up to 185 feet, making them highly suitable for tasks such as cleaning, maintenance, or repairs at elevated positions, especially atop tall buildings.

Telehandlers offer horizontal reach capabilities that exceed most other equipment. Telehandlers are equipped with a boom tip that allows the quick installation and removal of various attachments. Their versatility makes telehandlers ideal for construction projects.

Often referred to as a “bucket truck” or “cherry picker,” this specialized vehicle is equipped with an extendable boom arm with a bucket or platform. Bucket trucks are commonly used by utility companies, municipal services, tree care professionals, and construction crews to access elevated work areas safely. Safety measures, including harnesses and safety rails, are often used to protect workers in the elevated bucket or platform.

Scissor lifts are large platforms with a working height of 18 to 38 feet. This aerial platform is perfect for indoor maintenance or construction tasks. Safety precautions, such as wearing a safety harness, are typically taken when working on a scissor lift to prevent accidents and ensure worker safety. 

Protecting the safety of your coworkers is a top priority for HTX Material Handling. Contact us today to see how our products can give you peace of mind.

OSHA has released a series of standard safety requirements to prevent aerial lift accidents. Following these aerial lift safety tips will keep your workers safe.

Reading the aerial lift safety manual is an essential first step in ensuring a safe working environment for everyone. After familiarizing yourself with the manual, verify that the equipment and its features are in working order. You need to confirm the operational status of the following components before using the lift:

Some issues with vehicle components are visible immediately, like a flat tire. Other vehicle components you need to be aware of are:

Keeping your equipment safe and functional is essential to aerial lift usage, whether it’s JLG or any other brand.

Once you’ve verified the vehicle’s safety, ensure the lift is ready for use. That includes:

Do not operate a lift if any vehicle or lift components are defective. You must remove a faulty aerial lift from the work area until it’s repaired.

Once you’ve confirmed that the vehicle and lift are safe to use, it’s time to inspect your work zone. Accidents can still happen even with equipment that meets safety standards, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. When checking your work zone area, be on the lookout for:

Practicing proper safety precautions before using an aerial lift can prevent serious accidents.

Safety techniques remain a priority once you’ve started using the aerial lift. Be sure to remember these protection practices the next time you’re in a lift: 

Following these aerial lift safety tips can reduce the risk of potential injuries and keep your workers safe.

The safety of our clients is a top priority at HTX Material Handling. That’s why we offer equipment that exceeds safety standards. Our aerial lifts’ advanced technological features will help your employees feel safer while working. Contact HTX today to see how our products can increase aerial lift safety for your workers.

Deciding whether to rent or buy a forklift can be a difficult choice. Read about the benefits of both options and see which one best suits you.

The forklift is one of the most important pieces of equipment in a material handling warehouse, revolutionizing the way warehouses operate since their invention in the early 20th century. Forklifts are valuable because they increase productivity, are easy to use, and reduce workplace injuries. Warehouse operators face two purchasing methods when they’re in the market for a forklift: buying or renting. In this article, we’ll go over the benefits of each option to help you understand which approach is best for you.

Renting a forklift is often the best solution when your need is short term. Warehouses that have a forklift in repair or are experiencing seasonal increases in demand will most likely find a rental to prevent production from falling behind. Renting also has the benefit of lower upfront fees, and maintenance costs are eliminated when you rent. Other benefits of forklift rentals include:

Renting a forklift comes with predictable monthly costs that you can factor into your bottom line. On average, you can expect to spend between $1000 and $3200 per month for your forklift rental.

In the market to buy a forklift but not sure which one is best for you? Renting a forklift can help you determine which model matches your needs.

Renting your forklift can maximize job efficiency and safety because a reputable rental company will provide the highest level of technology available.

If you’re in the market for rental warehouse equipment, it’s important to consider these key factors:

Having an accurate measurement of how much weight your forklift needs to carry will impact the overall cost of the rental. Forklifts have an average weight capacity of 5,000 pounds, and renting the wrong forklift for your job will create delays and additional costs.

Forklift rental services expect you to return the forklift in the same condition you received it in. Knowing how high your forklift will have to reach can keep it from tipping over, preventing damage to the equipment and serious injury to the operator.

Be sure to describe in detail where you plan to use the forklift. Forklifts designed for indoor use are equipped with different tires than forklifts used outdoors or on uneven surfaces. Warehouses with narrow aisles will need a forklift with a tighter turning radius than warehouses with more open space. Knowing this information ahead of time will help you rent the right equipment for your business.

The rental provider will likely have the equipment insured, but that won’t extend to the operator. Verifying that your insurance will cover your employees in the event of an accident will provide security and peace of mind.

Sometimes your need for a forklift becomes a year-round requirement. When that happens, it makes more sense to buy a forklift. While buying a forklift can be a hefty business expense, sometimes approaching $50,000, it does provide benefits that renting can’t offer, including:

When you rent a forklift, you’re stuck with the features it provides. Buying a forklift allows you to customize the equipment to best suit your needs.

When you purchase a forklift, you can use it whenever you want. Not being at the mercy of rental availability will limit delays when business picks up.

Purchasing a forklift offers a better return on investment (ROI), since long-term rental fees can be higher than monthly financing costs. Selling your forklift to other operators also increases the potential ROI.

IRS Section 179 allows businesses to deduct the total cost of material handling equipment in the purchasing year. This deduction can dramatically increase your upfront tax savings.

Various factors can impact the cost of a forklift. Be sure to answer these questions before shopping for your next forklift:

The higher the capacity, the more it will cost. Make sure you know the precise size of forklift you need before buying.

New forklifts cost more, but offer higher power and performance without the short-term risk of breaking down. Used forklifts will have a cheaper short-term cost, but you’ll have to replace them sooner.

Customizing your forklift with attachments or additional safety features will increase the overall cost.

Selecting the right supplier is the most critical decision when you’re renting or buying a forklift. HTX Material Handling offers high-quality and reliable rental options that exceed industry safety standards. Our certified rentals must pass rigorous testing before they become available to our clients. In the market to buy a forklift? HTX Material Handling has forklifts from Linde, Hubtex, and Baoli, three of the most trusted manufacturers on the market. Customer satisfaction is our top priority, and our principles of integrity and dependability motivate us. If you’re in the Houston or Dallas area and in the market for a forklift, contact HTX Material Handling to see the difference we make for our clients.

If you’re a key decision maker (KDM) or facilities manager, you’re obliged to prioritize work for environment safety. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) created guidelines to help you uphold the wellbeing of your employees. Therefore, properly functioning material handling equipment is key to safe and ideal work conditions.

Keeping up with repairs, inspections, and maintenance minimizes errors, reduces the likelihood of injuries, and keeps your operation running smoothly. Properly functioning equipment improves project efficiency and employees’ peace of mind while they’re driving or operating the machinery. When you perform your due diligence to get equipment repaired in a timely manner, it’s a direct reflection of your sense of responsibility.

Performing tasks with low-functioning equipment is dangerous and goes against industry standards. Hiring professionals to perform preventative and corrective maintenance prevents the problem from worsening; trying to fix it on your own isn’t recommended if that’s not your field of expertise. It’s true that some issues are inevitable and out of your control, but to minimize breakdowns and equipment failure, it’s important to invest in both preventative and corrective maintenance.

Preventative maintenance, also known as PM, is a proactive measure taken to reduce the likelihood of equipment failure. This includes having professionals perform inspections on equipment on a routine basis, change the oil on schedule, and switch out tires when necessary. Performing preventative maintenance ensures your equipment functions properly, and extends its service life. Heavy machinery is a lofty investment, so you want the money you’ve spent to have a long-term return on investment. 

Although preventative maintenance is scheduled more frequently since it involves performing tasks to keep equipment from breaking down, it requires fewer technicians, and it decreases their workload compared to corrective maintenance. Since preventative maintenance is done before anything goes wrong, your equipment continues to perform at its best. Additionally, preventative maintenance improves productivity and bottom-line performance. Because the equipment is well maintained, a breakdown is less likely to occur. Therefore, implementing preventative maintenance is a worthy investment to avoid expensive corrective maintenance.

Corrective maintenance, or CM, is the opposite of preventative because it’s a reactive measure. After equipment undergoes a diagnosis, technicians must perform corrective maintenance to fix the root cause of the failure. Although it’s an inconvenience to wait on repair, it’s important to get the equipment fixed right away. If a problem with equipment is ignored or not taken seriously and workers still use it, chances of injury increase and you will no longer meet OSHA guidelines. 

If you want to save money, avoid the need for corrective maintenance by investing in preventative maintenance instead. While repairs restore broken-down equipment to its normal working condition, planned or preventative maintenance catches small service issues before they turn into major problems that are more costly.

Remember, corrective maintenance due to unplanned breakdowns slows your progress, costing your company money in the long run due to downtime. Work orders may take a while if technicians are backed up and you’re put on a waiting list. The tools or piece of equipment you need to fix the problem could be on backorder as well, which halts business operations for a substantial amount of time. Save money on repairs and earn more with a higher resale value for equipment that’s been well maintained. Don’t wait until a problem has gotten out of control, or worse, has caused an injury. It’s better to avoid mishaps from the beginning and protect your employees and your business from incidents due to faulty equipment.

Planning and conducting maintenance offers long-term benefits. That’s why HTX Material Handling is who Houston and Dallas companies call when they need breakdown maintenance or preventative maintenance. We sell best-in-class forklifts, and we perform superior service on our products. Allow our experienced team of technicians to perform maintenance on your material handling equipment. We’re so confident in our proven capabilities, we provide guaranteed up-time with our total maintenance and repair program (TM&R). At HTX, we believe it’s our duty to keep your equipment in mint condition.

After you purchase an innovative Baoli or Linde lift truck, you need professionals to help you keep up with routine care. No need to take on the responsibility by yourself—that’s what we’re here for. Once you make a purchase from our outstanding lineup of technologically advanced equipment, we send our trained professionals out to take care of repairs, conduct inspections, and perform preventative maintenance. We make sure you get more for your money when you join our TM&R program. This helps you stabilize a reasonable monthly maintenance budget, so you don’t overspend or waste money on countless repairs that could’ve been avoided. Come and explore our inventory today and rest assured knowing we’ve got you covered moving forward.

There are many types of forklifts, and the kind you need depends on your industry and daily requirements. Learn the key differences between multiple lift truck types before finalizing your investment.

Forklifts, also known as lift trucks, come in different shapes and sizes, and they perform well under many conditions in various environments. Forklifts have different features and specifications depending on how they will be used. However, they all serve the same ultimate purpose, which is to lift, stack, and transport heavy loads with ease in production environments and in warehouses.

Different environments and materials call for different types of forklifts. Key decision makers, or KDMs, choose what type is best for their facility or project, so they can alleviate strenuous manual labor that their workers are incapable of doing on their own. When choosing a forklift, it’s important to think about how and where the machinery will be used.

There are three main elements to consider when choosing a lift truck: load center, lift capacity, and stability. It’s crucial to understand these elements and analyze a forklift’s abilities in each category before making a decision.

The lift capacity is the amount of weight a forklift can safely carry. This key factor is vital to the truck’s stability too; if it carries more weight than it’s supposed to, it leads to serious accidents that are costly and dangerous.

The load center is the distance from the forks to the center of gravity from the load. The amount of distance varies depending on the weight, lift, and angle of the load. Therefore, once these specifications are verified, the forklift operator must remember to keep the load balanced and avoid trying to lift loads that exceed its limits.

The worker operating the forklift must thoroughly review the stability triangle area located underneath the equipment. This triangle allows the truck to take care of load center issues on its own.

After taking the lift capacity, load center, and stability into consideration, also keep in mind where work will be performed. The kind of forklift you need greatly depends on whether it’s for indoor or outdoor use.

Indoor forklifts have cushion tires, which are made of smooth, solid rubber fitted around a metal band. With cushion tires, the turning radius is smaller. Because of this, they’re perfect for warehouses and factories, as they provide great traction on industrial floors. Some examples of indoor forklifts include:

Counterbalance forklifts are a warehouse and superstore necessity. This kind of lift truck features forks and a weight at the front of the vehicle, which helps to counterbalance the load to eliminate tipping hazards. Counterbalance forklifts are fueled by diesel, gas, or electricity.

The battery-operated or electric-powered counterbalance forklifts can work with a lighter load at the back too. Since the battery is the source of power, it stabilizes the vehicle, offering safe productivity.

A very narrow aisle forklift (VNA) is also called a turret truck. VNA forklifts are designed to operate in tight, narrow spaces. These battery-operated machines use electric energy in addition to the battery and operator compartment to counterbalance the weight. VNA forklifts operate on ground-based lasers or a rail-guided system, which reduces error.

This machine helps with fast pallet-handling and higher productivity. Thanks to VNA forklifts, aisle length is reduced to 1.6 meters, which means facility managers increase their warehouse’s storage capacity.

Outdoor forklifts use pneumatic tires, which are longer and wider than the cushion tires on indoor forklifts. Pneumatic tires can either be solid rubber, filled with air, or filled with foam for a smoother ride. While the solid tires cannot be punctured or popped, tires filled with air must steer clear of sharp objects in the work area.

There are a plethora of forklift brands, including Haulotte, Linde, and Baoli. Each of these are manufactured by the leaders in industrial equipment, The KION Group. Their sophisticated machinery isn’t just innovative, but it also scores high in dependability, safety, and precision. Prioritize the safety of your workers by providing them with a fleet of unmatched industrial vehicles from the best brands on the market.

HTX Material Handling is a proud affiliate of The KION Group. Our partnership with these industry leaders enables us to provide our valued customers with the world’s most trusted industrial trucks under the Linde and Baoli brands.

In addition to our inventory of several types of lift trucks, we provide unbeatable customer service. Our specialists educate you on the many brands you have to choose from, and our technicians come and perform ongoing maintenance on your equipment to keep your investments in pristine condition. Call us today to come and see our lineup of new and used equipment and make the best choice for your business.

sAlthough there are many challenges associated with material handling, forklift industry trends are on the rise. Learn about key innovations and take proactive measures to stay ahead.

The global health crisis has had a significant impact on consumer spending habits, which has increased supply chain demands. While many people are still gaining their footing after the initial blow of COVID-19, the material handling industry experienced numerous highs and lows, much like other industries around the world.

However, notable changes include reduced labor capacity (smaller staff), increased shift times, and infrequencies in availability. Because of the CDC’s instruction to social distance, warehouses had to change how they typically operate. These changes had a direct impact on productivity, sales, and profits. Thanks to the shifts in the material handling industry, be on the lookout for the following trends in 2021:

With fewer workers on site, managers and key decision makers (KDMs) have been working to increase warehouse efficiency. Countless companies and factory environments are in the process of restructuring business operations. But unfortunately, readjustment often leads to downtime. Subsequently, these reduced labor forces resulted in massive revenue losses.

For these reasons, new automation technologies are needed now more than ever. Warehouse automation scalability and versatility is necessary to perform physical movements or new configurations of workflow—this is how packages move through the warehousing process in a seamless and error-free manner.

Lean management is inspired by Toyota Industries Corporation. It’s a process of managing and organizing work to mobilize more efficient best practices. Lean management ultimately eliminates non-value-added activities and other forms of waste of time, production, and resources. As the KDM, warehouse manager, or construction site manager, it’s imperative that you introduce this form of leadership to your team. Your progress will become more noticeable as you perfect your processes.

By implementing this updated approach to facilitating workloads and responsibilities, you can enhance your company’s quality and profitability. In 2021, ensure your team members are aware and onboard with this business process moving forward.

As the manager or KDM, you’re obligated to prioritize worker safety. Safe equipment goes hand-in-hand with following the rules and regulations of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Abiding by industry guidelines and keeping your workers safe should be of the utmost importance to you. Their well-being is dependent upon material handling equipment and its level of functionality and capabilities. Avoid working with faulty forklifts and utilizing old or weak pedestrian-operated mechanisms. This is dangerous and could lead to serious injuries that your company may be held responsible for.

Incorporating lift truck solutions is essential to smoother operations. Be sure your workers have access to updated, technologically advanced forklifts and other modern material handling equipment. This is especially necessary and trending in 2021, since everyone is picking up the pace from the year before and accelerating productivity.

Also, be sure to implement ongoing maintenance. It’ll help you spot red flags and potential problems before they get out of hand. Taking this proactive measure contributes to high-functioning equipment, which leads to fewer operational errors. Since it provides precision, workers feel safer during tasks and operate with greater peace of mind.

For the months that lie ahead in the remainder of 2021, it’s important to prepare your company for greatness. The right tools and equipment, inventive business practices, and the right attitude can put you back, if not farther ahead than, where you were before the global crisis started. High-performing material handling equipment, a world-class automation system, dedicated and skillful workers, and diligent leadership sets you up for success in 2021and the years to come.

At HTX Material Handling, we provide our customers with a first-class experience. Whether you’re buying, renting, or need maintenance on your equipment, our team is well-versed and ready to help. Material handling is strenuous and tedious labor. Help your team work smarter, not harder, as we begin our journey into better days.

The team at HTX is made up of workers who specialize in forklift operations and repair. They’re trained on how to diagnose and fix any issues your forklift may be having. Plus, to prevent major malfunctions that could lead to downtime, we offer our Total Maintenance and Repair (TM&R) program for your convenience. We send our forklift technicians out to your location to perform oil changes, tire changes, and routine inspections to make sure your property is functioning correctly. We take pride in our top-of-the-line equipment and superior customer service. Our goal is to earn an everlasting partnership with you in the material handling business.

Though we’ve experienced some tough times over the past year, we’re proud to say we’re making a triumphant comeback as a nation. The crew at HTX is confident in its equipment and capabilities. We’re backed by The KION Group, which is rooted in decades of innovation and integrity. Although lift truck industry trends are always changing, one thing is constant: HTX’s growing expertise and superior customer service for the Houston and Dallas, Texas regions.

Every vehicle used in your daily operations affects the environment in some way. While it’s not possible to completely eliminate your environmental impact, understanding your work vehicles and making good choices can significantly reduce your footprint. With that in mind, let’s look at forklifts. Do you know for sure how “green” your forklifts actually are?

Running an environmentally friendly warehouse or outdoor material handling operation encompasses everything from recycling waste to conserving water to optimizing your work vehicles. Forklifts are easy to overlook but can be the deciding factor in your efforts. Here are several key elements to evaluate as you analyze how environmentally friendly your lift truck fleet really is.

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Forklifts typically use one of three common power sources: Diesel Fuel, Liquid Propane Gas, or Electricity. Diesel-powered forklifts are typically used in higher-capacity, outdoor applications, due to the longevity and durability of diesel engines in demanding work conditions. However, diesel engines still produce some concerning levels of nitrous oxides, while recent emissions regulations have virtually eliminated the release of carbon dioxide.

Electric forklifts on the other hand are classified as Zero Emission vehicles, deriving their power from a battery. Electric models are becoming increasingly popular, even in many outdoor environments. Best of all, if the electricity used to charge the lift comes from clean sources, your lift truck can be one of the “greenest” pieces of equipment in your fleet! Just remember, you’re essentially purchasing all of your fuel ‘up-front’ in the form of a battery, while your cost of operation will be drastically reduced once it’s put into service.

Propane fuel provides a decent compromise between diesel and electricity. Considered a clean energy source by the EPA, propane produces only a fraction of the emissions they did just a decade ago. While long-term exposure can be problematic, propane fuel is significantly less hazardous than it once was. Businesses that wish to avoid the higher ‘up-front’ of electric forklifts, but perhaps do not have an efficient supply of Diesel fuel, can often find a workable compromise in propane.

Your day-to-day operations have a bigger impact on your forklifts than you may realize. Maintaining your machines obviously plays an important role. Regular battery checks and (where applicable) oil changes, will extend the lift truck’s life and keep it running efficiently, further reducing your environmental impact. Keep your fleet in good working order.

Your warehouse also requires a closer look. Is your forklift model the best fit for your work environment? Unfavorable combinations, like an unregulated diesel truck in a poorly ventilated warehouse, can pose hazards to your employees and the local environment.