What Is MHE? Meaning, Examples, and What to Check
MHE stands for Material Handling Equipment. It includes the machines, tools, storage systems, and support equipment used to move, store, control, and protect products inside warehouses, manufacturing plants, distribution centers, and industrial facilities.
In plain English, MHE is the equipment that helps a facility move goods safely and efficiently. Forklifts, pallet jacks, conveyors, pallet racks, carts, lift tables, hoists, and automated storage systems are all common MHE examples.
MHI describes material handling as the movement, protection, storage, and control of materials and products throughout manufacturing, distribution, consumption, and disposal. That definition matters because MHE is not only about moving pallets. It also supports storage, order flow, safety, and product protection.
From MHE maintenance services to pallet racking and rental equipment, the right setup can reduce wasted travel, improve storage capacity, and help teams move product with fewer delays.
What Does MHE Mean in a Warehouse?
In a warehouse, MHE means the equipment used to receive, lift, move, store, pick, pack, and ship inventory. It can be as simple as a manual pallet jack or as advanced as an automated storage and retrieval system.
MHE usually supports four core jobs:
- Move materials: Forklifts, pallet jacks, carts, conveyors, and automated mobile robots move goods from one point to another.
- Store materials: Pallet racks, shelving, bins, mezzanines, and cabinets hold inventory until it is needed.
- Control materials: Scanners, sorters, conveyors, warehouse management systems, and labeling systems help direct product flow.
- Protect materials: Guarding, rack protection, packaging tools, load containment, and proper storage help reduce damage.
A good MHE plan keeps people, products, and equipment moving in the right direction. A poor MHE setup creates bottlenecks, damaged goods, unsafe traffic patterns, and extra labor.
Common MHE Examples
The easiest way to understand MHE is to look at the equipment used during a normal warehouse shift. Most facilities use a mix of transport equipment, storage equipment, positioning equipment, and support tools.
| MHE example | What it does | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| Forklift | Lifts, stacks, loads, and moves palletized goods | Receiving, putaway, replenishment, shipping |
| Pallet jack | Moves pallets across short distances | Dock work, staging, short warehouse moves |
| Conveyor | Moves cartons or products along a fixed path | Picking, packing, sortation, production lines |
| Pallet rack | Stores palletized inventory vertically | Bulk storage, reserve storage, high-bay warehouses |
| Shelving | Stores small parts, cartons, tools, or bins | Parts rooms, pick areas, maintenance storage |
| Lift table | Raises or lowers work to a better height | Packing, assembly, ergonomic handling |
| Hoist or crane | Lifts heavy or awkward loads | Manufacturing, maintenance, heavy assembly |
| AS/RS | Automatically stores and retrieves pallets, totes, or cartons | High-density storage, high-volume operations |
If a facility needs temporary support for short-distance pallet moves, pallet jack rental can help cover seasonal volume, dock congestion, or short-term project work.
Main Types of MHE
Different operations need different types of MHE. A small warehouse may only need forklifts, pallet jacks, and pallet racks. A high-volume distribution center may need conveyors, sorters, automation, and advanced storage systems.
Transport Equipment
Transport equipment moves materials from one place to another. This includes forklifts, pallet jacks, hand trucks, carts, tuggers, conveyors, automated guided vehicles, and autonomous mobile robots.
Forklifts work well for pallet movement, loading trucks, and stacking inventory. Conveyors work well when cartons or totes move repeatedly along the same path.
Storage Equipment
Storage equipment holds inventory until workers or automated systems need it. Common examples include pallet racks, shelving, bins, mezzanines, flow racks, and vertical storage systems.
Well-planned industrial racking helps warehouses use vertical space, reduce floor clutter, and keep inventory easier to locate.
Positioning Equipment
Positioning equipment lifts, tilts, rotates, or holds materials at the right height or angle. Lift tables, hoists, cranes, turntables, and manipulators fall into this group.
This type of MHE is useful when workers handle heavy, awkward, or repetitive loads. It can improve ergonomics and reduce strain when paired with safe procedures and proper training.
Unit Load Equipment
A unit load is a group of items handled as one load. Pallets, totes, bins, crates, slip sheets, and containers help turn many smaller items into one easier-to-move load.
For example, 40 cartons stacked on a pallet become one unit load. That makes forklift movement, storage, counting, and shipping easier.
Engineered Systems
Engineered systems combine multiple pieces of equipment into a larger material handling system. Examples include conveyor sortation, robotic picking, automated storage and retrieval systems, and integrated packing lines.
These systems can improve speed and accuracy, but they require careful planning. Layout, maintenance access, software integration, and operator training should be reviewed before installation.
How Warehouses Use MHE Every Day
MHE supports nearly every step in warehouse operations. The right equipment helps teams unload trucks, move product to storage, pick orders, stage shipments, and protect inventory.
| Warehouse task | MHE commonly used | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Receiving | Forklifts, pallet jacks, dock equipment, carts | Dock access, pallet weights, traffic flow |
| Putaway | Forklifts, reach trucks, pallet racks | Aisle width, lift height, rack capacity |
| Storage | Pallet racks, shelving, bins, mezzanines | Load limits, product type, sprinkler clearance |
| Picking | Carts, conveyors, pallet jacks, pick modules | SKU velocity, pick path, order profile |
| Packing | Workstations, lift tables, conveyors, scales | Ergonomics, carton flow, quality checks |
| Shipping | Forklifts, pallet jacks, conveyors, stretch wrappers | Staging space, trailer loading, load stability |
When pallet storage is part of the plan, warehouse racking installation should be reviewed with load requirements, forklift type, aisle width, and site conditions in mind.
Benefits of Using the Right MHE
The right MHE helps a warehouse move more product with less wasted effort. It can reduce travel time, improve storage space, support safer handling, and make inventory easier to control.
Improved efficiency
Manual movement takes time. Forklifts, pallet jacks, conveyors, and carts help workers move loads faster and with less physical strain.
A facility that uses the right MHE can reduce walking, shorten pick paths, and move product more consistently from receiving to shipping.
Better use of warehouse space
Storage MHE helps facilities use height, not just floor space. Pallet racks, shelving, mezzanines, and flow systems can increase storage capacity when designed correctly.
Better storage also helps workers find the right product faster. That matters when order volume rises or dock schedules get tight.
Safer material movement
MHE can reduce manual lifting and awkward handling. But equipment only improves safety when operators are trained, traffic paths are marked, and maintenance is handled on schedule.
OSHA requires powered industrial truck operators to receive training and evaluation from qualified people. OSHA also requires stored materials to be stable and secure against sliding or collapse.
Lower damage and downtime
Product damage often happens when materials are moved with the wrong equipment or stored in the wrong location. Proper racks, carts, pallets, conveyors, and guarding help protect goods and equipment.
At 3:00 AM, a night shift team may discover that a damaged pallet rack upright has blocked a key pick aisle. A strong MHE plan includes inspection, repair response, spare parts, and alternate flow so one damaged area does not stop the entire shift.
How to Choose the Right MHE
Choosing MHE should start with the work, not the equipment catalog. A forklift, conveyor, pallet rack, or automation system only makes sense if it fits the product, volume, building, labor, and maintenance plan.
Start with these questions
- What products are being moved, stored, picked, or shipped?
- What is the heaviest load the equipment must handle?
- How many pallets, cartons, or totes move each shift?
- How wide are the aisles and dock staging areas?
- What clear height is available for storage?
- What forklift type or equipment type already operates in the building?
- Where do traffic conflicts happen between people and machines?
- Who will inspect, maintain, and repair the equipment?
For teams that need short-term support before buying, rental equipment can help test capacity needs, cover peak demand, or keep operations running during repairs.
Common MHE Mistakes
Many MHE problems start before equipment arrives. A team may buy a forklift that does not fit the aisle, add racks without checking load data, or install conveyors before fixing the process flow.
What to avoid
- Buying before checking the layout: A good equipment choice can fail if the aisle, dock, or staging area is too tight.
- Ignoring load weight: Forklifts, racks, pallets, and lift tables must match the actual load, not an average guess.
- Skipping maintenance planning: Equipment downtime becomes expensive when no inspection schedule or repair plan exists.
- Using damaged storage equipment: Bent uprights, damaged beams, and missing safety pins can create serious risk.
- Choosing automation too early: Automation works best after the process is stable, measured, and ready to scale.
- Forgetting operator training: New equipment requires training, clear procedures, and ongoing supervision.
If rack damage is already visible, pallet rack repair should be reviewed before adding more inventory or changing the layout.
MHE Maintenance and Safety
Material handling equipment needs regular inspection, cleaning, service, and repair. A small issue with brakes, forks, belts, rollers, batteries, anchors, or rack components can turn into downtime or injury risk if ignored.
This section is not legal advice. Always follow OSHA requirements, manufacturer instructions, company safety procedures, and any applicable local rules.
Maintenance items to track
- Forklift brakes, horns, tires, forks, mast chains, leaks, and batteries
- Pallet jack wheels, hydraulic function, handles, and forks
- Conveyor belts, rollers, guards, sensors, and emergency stops
- Pallet rack beams, uprights, anchors, safety clips, and load labels
- Lift tables, hoists, controls, pins, chains, and warning devices
- Dock equipment, doors, levelers, seals, and vehicle restraints
For forklift-specific checks, a forklift maintenance checklist can help teams document daily inspections and spot problems before they interrupt a shift.
Repair, Rent, or Replace MHE?
Not every MHE issue requires a new purchase. Some facilities need a repair, some need a rental, and some need replacement because the current equipment no longer fits the work.
| Situation | Best next step | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment fails during a busy season | Rent short-term equipment | Keeps product moving while repair or replacement is planned |
| Forklift needs service but still fits the job | Repair and maintain | Protects equipment life and avoids unnecessary replacement |
| Rack damage affects load capacity | Inspect and repair before use | Helps reduce storage and safety risk |
| Order volume outgrows the layout | Review storage and flow design | Prevents more labor from covering a layout problem |
| Equipment no longer meets load or height needs | Replace or upgrade | Helps match the equipment to current operations |
MDS Industrial Corp supports facilities with equipment maintenance, racking, rentals, repairs, and project support. The best next step depends on the equipment condition, safety risk, available budget, and operational impact.
How MDS Industrial Corp Can Help
MHE decisions affect labor, safety, storage, maintenance, and uptime. MDS Industrial Corp helps warehouse and industrial teams review what they use today, what is slowing them down, and what equipment or service support makes the most sense next.
Support can include equipment rental, MHE maintenance, forklift service, pallet racking, rack installation, rack repair, dock and door support, and project planning for facility changes.
For a practical next step, gather your layout, product weights, pallet sizes, daily movement volume, current equipment list, and known problem areas before requesting help. That information makes the conversation more useful and helps avoid vague recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does MHE stand for?
MHE stands for Material Handling Equipment. It refers to the equipment warehouses, manufacturing plants, and distribution centers use to move, store, control, and protect materials. Common examples include forklifts, pallet jacks, conveyors, pallet racks, carts, hoists, and lift tables.
What is MHE in a warehouse?
In a warehouse, MHE is the equipment used to receive product, move pallets, store inventory, pick orders, stage shipments, and load trucks. It supports daily work from the receiving dock to the shipping door. A warehouse may use forklifts, pallet jacks, racks, shelving, conveyors, dock equipment, carts, and packaging tools as part of its MHE setup.
Is a forklift considered MHE?
Yes. A forklift is one of the most common types of MHE. It lifts, carries, stacks, loads, and unloads palletized materials. Forklifts are used in receiving, putaway, replenishment, order staging, truck loading, and many manufacturing workflows.
Is pallet racking considered MHE?
Yes. Pallet racking is storage MHE because it holds inventory and helps warehouses use vertical space. Rack systems should match the pallet size, load weight, forklift type, aisle width, and building conditions. Damaged racks should be inspected and repaired before continued use.
What are the main types of MHE?
The main types of MHE are transport equipment, storage equipment, positioning equipment, unit load equipment, and engineered systems. Transport equipment includes forklifts and pallet jacks. Storage equipment includes pallet racks and shelving. Positioning equipment includes lift tables and hoists. Engineered systems include conveyors, sorters, robotics, and automated storage systems.
How do I choose the right MHE for my warehouse?
Start with the work your team performs every day. Review product size, pallet weight, order volume, aisle width, dock layout, clear height, storage needs, operator training, and maintenance support. The right MHE should fit the load, the building, the process, and the team using it.
How often should MHE be inspected?
Inspection frequency depends on the equipment type, usage level, manufacturer instructions, and safety requirements. Forklifts often need pre-shift checks. Racks, conveyors, lifts, dock equipment, and pallet jacks should follow a documented inspection and maintenance schedule. Higher-use or high-risk equipment may need more frequent review.
What is the difference between MHE and material handling?
Material handling is the process of moving, storing, controlling, and protecting materials. MHE is the equipment used to perform that work. In simple terms, material handling is the activity, while MHE is the forklift, rack, conveyor, pallet jack, cart, hoist, or system that helps complete the activity.
Should I rent or buy MHE?
Renting can make sense for seasonal demand, short-term projects, breakdown coverage, or testing a new process before buying. Buying can make sense when the equipment is used daily and fits long-term operational needs. Many facilities use both, with owned equipment for core work and rental equipment for peaks or special projects.
What are common MHE safety mistakes?
Common MHE safety mistakes include skipping operator training, ignoring daily inspections, using damaged racks, overloading equipment, blocking aisles, mixing pedestrians and forklifts without clear traffic controls, and delaying maintenance. Safe MHE use depends on the right equipment, trained operators, clear procedures, and regular inspection.
Sources
Definition and safety references used for this article:
