Spring has sprung, the wildflowers have bloomed, and the summertime heat is just around the bend, which means it’s time to start preparing your material handling equipment and operations to be able to handle the summer time heat.

As the world of material handling turns to electrics power for energy efficacy and a greener environment, there is a gaping hole in most operations’ energy conservation plans - called their loading dock. Most all product-based businesses have a loading dock or docks to deliver or ship raw materials or finished goods to warehouses, distribution centers or the end customer. With some planning and implementation of warehouse products, energy leakage from loading docks can be minimized.

Regardless of your industry, demand for your product could reach all-time highs significantly faster than you might have originally expected. While this may seem like great news for any business, most warehouse managers know that an increase in demand translates to needing more storage space for stocking goods. This means that without the right warehouse design solution, enterprises run the risk of running out of room in their warehouse, resulting in slower fulfillment times. Luckily, very narrow aisle (VNA) solutions exist for this exact scenario, allowing businesses to better fulfill orders as they come in. VNA warehouse designs work by making your aisles as narrow as possible and using tall racking systems so that you can take advantage of every inch of your facility. Keep reading as we explore the two main components of VNA warehousing: turret trucks and specialty VNA warehouse pallet racks.

When the working storage capacity of a warehouse exceeds the 85 percent utilization level, productivity levels tend to take a dive. This can be attributed to a variety of issues, like extra work caused by the commingling of multiple pallets or SKUs in storage locations, overly congested receiving and shipping docks, and so on. The best way to remedy these problems is to increase your warehouse’s storage capacity, but that doesn’t always have translate to a whole new shelving system. Keep reading as we explore some alternatives for increasing your facility’s storage capacity – from changing your aisle widths to reimagining your existing used pallet racking – and what your options are if you do choose to purchase a new system.

When done right, optimizing your warehouse shelving can increase your storage space and improve productivity. There are many options when it comes to purchasing, installing, and maintaining your pallet racking. Unfortunately, with this seemingly endless number of options comes more room for error. Keep reading as we discuss seven of the most commonly made storage mistakes, from choosing a bad layout from the get-go to engaging in poor used pallet racking practices and more.

Managing a pool of industrial vehicles can be a challenge even in the best of times. Add external influences that managers have little control over – like new legislation, rising costs, and even crises that can affect the supply chain (such as the Coronavirus pandemic) – and fleet management can soon become seemingly impossible. Luckily, there are valuable solutions that forklift service companies can offer to help fleet managers make the task less unwieldy. Many of these solutions involve helpful software that works to coordinate fleet management activities and support the role of the manager. Keep reading as we delve into the purpose and challenges of fleet management, along with how Darr Equipment’s Fleet Track software can set your warehouse up for success.

Because today’s consumers have become increasingly accustomed to receiving their goods extremely fast, businesses of all sizes – from mom-and-pop shops to large corporations – need to streamline their order picking practices in order to deliver products in the most efficient manner possible. This is especially true for enterprises that rely on warehouse staff or automated equipment to fulfill orders.

Forklifts are the workhorses of the material handling industry – and rightfully so. Their popularity can be attributed to their versatility and durability. While they can be used for many applications and serve a wide array of purposes, a lift truck’s most important job is to efficiently transfer products from one location to another. While modern-day forklifts are sturdy machines, there are still a lot of moving parts involved. With the large loads and heavy usage that these lift trucks are expected to handle, it only makes sense that forklift repair and maintenance is necessary with such a powerful piece of equipment. Read on as we discuss how to repair the three most common issues with forklifts.

Winter is coming – is your lift truck ready? While most warehouse managers understand the importance of regular forklift maintenance, not all of them remember to take extra care of their fleet when the colder months come rolling in. Regardless of whether you choose to let a forklift service company take care of your heavy machinery or prefer to do it in-house, there are some essential pre-season maintenance tasks that you should perform. These tasks are extremely vital, as they can protect your business from unexpected downtime, repair bills, and employee injuries.

If you are in the market for a high lift pallet jack, you need to understand the different types available for purchase before you actually buy. The two types of pallet jacks include manual and electric, and both have their own pros and cons. Because the price difference between these two types of pallet jacks is quite substantial, you will want to make sure that you evaluate all of the specs so you know which one is right for your specific application. Keep reading as we take a look at some of the features you should consider when deciding between an electric versus manual pallet jack.

Used pallet racking is incredibly cost-effective and even good for the environment, as it reduces the amount of resources and emissions required to produce a new racking unit. However, if you have plans to order secondhand shelving from an industrial equipment dealer, be sure check the condition of the racking prior to purchasing. This is mainly because used racking can create hazardous situations in your warehouse if it is in poor condition. In order to determine if the used racking is conducive to a safe working environment, it is important to look at the amount of rust on the unit, damage to any beams, and the integrity of the uprights. Read on as we explain when to accept and when to reject a racking system by evaluating these three factors.

Because products must remain in good condition while they are being stored, proper shelving is an essential part of any warehouse space. However, many business owners can agree that picking the right shelving system for their warehouse is one of the most challenging tasks to perform. Fortunately, there are warehouse solution services that exist with the sole purpose of guiding you through the shelving selection and installation processes. This, coupled with the benefits below, makes installing heavy duty industrial shelving less intimidating.

Have you ever wondered if doing something as simple as changing the layout of your warehouse could impact your bottom line? News flash: it can, and in a big way. Warehouse optimization involves examining every corner of your workspace to improve the health of your business and maximize your warehouse’s potential. There are many ways that you can go about optimizing your warehouse space, including adjusting the layout of your space, implementing the right technology for your application, installing warehouse storage racks that best suit your needs, and so on. To reveal the best course of action for your business to achieve maximum warehouse potential, enterprises often seek the help of an experienced warehouse solution provider. These companies have the ability to guide you through whatever challenges your warehouse might present, while advancing the efficiency, productivity, and safety of your warehouse environment at the same time. Read on as we discuss some tips for maximizing your warehouse space and what to look for in a third-party warehouse solution company.

Picture this: you have a huge project lined up that requires a bunch of new equipment. However, like many other warehouse managers, you might be looking for options other than shelling out the cash to purchase all of your industrial equipment outright. Luckily, there is a way to solve the outrageous-upfront-cost debacle, and it’s called renting. Renting allows you to skip the high upfront expenses associated with buying new equipment and allows your third-party industrial equipment dealer to handle operating and maintenance costs. It also eliminates other fees that deal with insurance and government licensing that you would normally have to pay for. So, renting is a simple solution, right? Not so fast, though – there are several key factors to look out for when choosing a warehouse equipment rental company. Keep reading to discover the most important things to look for in an industrial equipment rental company.

Regardless of whether you are relocating to a new warehouse, expanding your current warehouse, or simply need a temporary storage solution, purchasing a pallet racking system is a major decision. Pallet racks are not only a significant financial investment, they are also an integral part of your warehouse’s day-to-day operations. Before deciding on a new racking system, you must first consider your options. Fortunately, there is no shortage of warehousing supplies, both new and used, available for purchase. While there are several benefits associated with buying new pallet racks, there are just as many advantages to purchasing used pallet racking. The deciding factor will ultimately depend on your application, but you must first understand the pros and cons of each. Read on as we explore the advantages and disadvantages of used versus new pallet racking systems.

Forklift service should be performed regularly in order to avoid costly repair issues. It is suggested that forklifts be serviced about every 200 hours of use. Then the question becomes time use or actual pedal use? Determining use is comparable to the little sticker that an automotive repair facility places on your windshield after an oil service showing the “Next Oil Change: Date and Mileage” recommendation. There is a mile use and a time use distinguished. With forklift service, it is a pedal use and a time use distinction.

As a warehouse manager, you probably know that any disruption to the daily workflow is a large inconvenience and could have a serious financial impact on your business. This is why it is critical that you regularly maintain and service every piece of machinery you own. Forklifts in particular are very important for facilitating everyday heavy lifting that exists in a warehouse environment, making them an especially important piece of equipment. While many companies do understand the importance of forklift maintenance, they are not always sure how often it should be performed. Read on as we discuss some guidelines to determine how to best plan your fleet’s maintenance schedule and some key maintenance tasks that should be performed.

A high lift pallet jack is an affordable, user-friendly alternative to lift trucks and forklifts. It features a hydraulic mechanism that allows a single operator to lift a full-size pallet and move it around a warehouse without excessive strain. Keep reading as we explore the types of pallet jacks available, how to use one, applications for your machine, and the advantages of owning a pallet jack.

When selecting what type of forklift to buy, the mast is one of the most important forklift parts to consider. The forklift’s mast is the portion of the truck that lifts, lowers, and positions loads that are being supported by the forks. Each type of mast has its own set of advantages and disadvantages for different applications depending on their height and stacking requirements. There are four main styles of forklift masts, and they are outlined below.

Starting in 1932, the now famous Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) has been offering attractions including everything from a calf scramble to live musical entertainment to cowboy-inspired art to carnival rides and more. HLSR’s involvement in educational programs has also attracted a younger crowd to participate in the Rodeo happenings, with the Rodeo committing $27 million to educational programs in 2020. The Houston Rodeo’s high level of success can be attributed to several things – one of them being the volunteers and small businesses that are responsible for providing things like yummy carnival snacks, Texas-approved cowboy boots, and keeping the grounds beautiful. Darr Equipment was honored to be able to fulfill that last responsibility by using CAT Lift Trucks to prepare and maintain the grounds for our fellow Rodeo-goers. Read on to see the ways we celebrated this year’s brief but exciting HLSR.