Hubtex North America  

PO Box 90
Fredericksburg,  VA  22404-0090

United States
540-898-8636
https://www.hubtex.com/en-us

• Booth: S31003

HUBTEX is your trusted partner for managing long, heavy, and bulky loads. Our sideloaders, order pickers, and customized materials handling equipment are meticulously tailored to meet the unique requirements of each customer. Designed to enhance material flow for both production and trading companies, our products prioritize space efficiency, safety, and operator well-being. Whether it's a basic multi-directional forklift or a high-spec narrow aisle sideloader for multi-shift operations, HUBTEX delivers solutions across nearly every industry and trade sector. Based in Fredericksburg, VA, and Brookville, OH, HUBTEX North America maintains an expanding sales and service network across the US and Canada, ensuring comprehensive support for our clients.

 Press Releases

• Introducing the industry's first sensory aisle entry assistant from HUBTEX (Aug 19, 2024)

  Increasing storage capacity in confined spaces: By using multidirectional sideloaders in narrow-aisle warehouses, companies benefit from maximizing their storage capacity. Consequently, operators face challenges with this warehouse layout: One is entering the narrow aisle with pinpoint accuracy. HUBTEX has developed the industry's first sensory aisle entry assistant, enabling equipment handling long goods to enter aisles without collision. All PhoeniX models can be equipped with the new assistance system. 

  The principal working environment of multidirectional sideloaders is narrow aisles. Guide rollers with corresponding rails mounted to the rack are the dominant method to keep the forklifts on track.

  Just four inches is the distance between the sideloader and the rack. Facilitating the approach into the aisle is usually a funnel whose size is determined by the length of the transported goods. Long loads lead to long funnels resulting in wider transfer aisles. 

  Entering a narrow aisle without assistance always poses a challenge for operators. If there is only a small deviation from the right path, the sideloader, its load, the rack or the rails could be damaged. Overhanging loads and reverse entry don’t help the situation either. HUBTEX has long recognized this challenge and now offers a solution through innovative sensor technology.

  Assistance when it is needed

  The system processes the raw data of a 2D lidar sensor. The laser scanner determines the relative distance to the entry funnel and orients the vehicle to the center of the aisle. “Based on this information, the assistance system aligns the truck centrally in front of the aisle and parallel to its course. The truck can therefore enter the aisle without colliding. This allows the driver to concentrate on monitoring the vehicle's surroundings and set a speed appropriate to the situation,” explains Michael Röbig, head of product management at HUBTEX.

  There are two versions available: a stand-alone system and an integration into the pedestrian safety system. The big advantage is that if a bystander safety system has already been installed, the same sensors can be used to enter the aisle. Dual use of the existing hardware results in cost advantages for the aisle entry system.

  The patented automated aisle entry system helps save money by minimizing damage to loads, racking, and the sideloader. Additional costs can be saved when planning new rack systems as the entry funnels can be designed less robust.

  More information: https://www.hubtex.com/en-us/products/systems/narrow-aisle-entry-assistant

• The new FluX 45 from HUBTEX: Pallet transport and long goods transport combined (Aug 19, 2024)

  The FluX 45 is the new electric multidirectional counterbalance forklift truck from HUBTEX with a load capacity of up to 4.5 t. The Fulda-based company is replacing its predecessor with an even more compact 2-in-1 forklift with greater load capacity. The compact FluX 45 is the perfect solution when customers are regularly moving pallets, as well as some long loads. This option is significantly safer than handling long goods with forklifts.

  Customers find the new FluX 45 multidirectional forklift particularly effective when they are mainly moving palletized loads, but regularly have to move long loads laterally. The forklift is primarily used in building centers or manufacturing companies in the plant and mechanical engineering industries. Conventional forklifts were traditionally used in these industries as they could optimally transport palletized loads and were very popular with forklift drivers due to their excellent all-round visibility and handling characteristics. However, conventional forklifts sometimes encountered problems when transporting long loads. Conventional forklifts require wide aisles. There is also an increased risk of accidents because the surface of the long goods in contact with the lift truck is often too small or the long goods have to be lifted over obstacles.

  "Users must then decide whether to invest in a specialized sideloader. Given the short operating times, this often makes little economic sense. With the FluX 45, users benefit from a truck that can be used flexibly as both a forklift and sideloader, eliminating the need to invest in two vehicles. At the same time, the robustness and longevity of our forklifts significantly reduce the total cost of ownership," explains Michael Röbig, head of product management at HUBTEX. Like all models in the FluX series, the new FluX 45 also boasts compact dimensions and high load capacity. The length of the truck has been reduced by 14 percent compared to its predecessor model, making it even more maneuverable. The lift mast with tilt function is another attractive feature. This allows the FluX 45 to be used like a forklift for loading and unloading trucks, for example, or alternately to be used as a sideloader for transporting long loads through narrow hall doors. At the same time, it ensures a high level of safety on uneven surfaces, which is particularly advantageous when used outdoors. HUBTEX also incorporated higher ground clearance and larger tires during development in order to optimally equip the new FluX 45 for outdoor use.

  Continuous steering and easy handling of long goods

  Thanks to a low-noise and environmentally friendly electric drive combined with innovative 360° endless steering, the FluX 45 outperforms all other trucks when it comes to maneuverability, efficiency, and user-friendliness. This enables smooth changes in direction from lengthwise to crosswise travel without stopping. The ergonomics of the cabin of the new FluX 45 have been optimized to ensure maximum driving comfort. All-round visibility was also a primary focus for HUBTEX during development. A central seating position, generously proportioned and low entry height, more compact lift masts, and optimized fork carriage with sideshift all help to improve visibility. There is a choice of enclosed exterior cabin or open interior cabin. 

  Further information about the FluX 45 can be found at https://www.hubtex.com/en-us/products/electric-multidirectional-counterbalance-forklifts/flux-45 .

• Lateral transport with space-saving potential: the new MaxX 60 from HUBTEX (Aug 19, 2024)

  HUBTEX is expanding its MaxX series with a new model – the MaxX 60 electric multidirectional sideloader. The model is designed for handling long goods with a load capacity between 5 and 6 t both indoors and outdoors. The MaxX series incorporates the most popular features of the Phoenix electric multidirectional sideloader, yet maintains an attractive price-performance ratio. The MaxX 60 is therefore a cost-effective alternative to older diesel vehicles, particularly when used for loading and unloading trucks.

  The MaxX 60 is strategically designed to be suitable for a wide range of applications in long goods handling, for indoor or outdoor use. When developing the new model, HUBTEX focused on optimizing outdoor performance. The aim was also to create a truck that could navigate tight contours in narrow environments. The configuration therefore includes large tires and high ground clearance – both of which are essential for outdoor use. At the same time, the new MaxX 60 has a compact load bed height so that the rack capacity can be optimally utilized when moving between rack aisles indoors. "By combining a high ground clearance of 7”, large elastic tires, and a reduced load bed height of 21”, the MaxX 60 can make optimal use of the storage space inside while remaining as versatile as possible outside. This was our aim during development, as the option to use the industrial truck both indoors and outdoors is very important to our customers," explains Michael Röbig, head of product management at HUBTEX. 

  Another special feature of the new MaxX model is its drive. The industrial truck is equipped with two powerful 7 kW electric motors, which ensure impressive driving performance (even on inclines) – an important feature for outdoor use. The ergonomically equipped cabin, which proved popular with previous models, is also maintained in the MaxX 60. The cabin is optimized for a high level of driver comfort and clear all-round view. The alignment of the lift mast also increases the visibility. The design is tailored precisely to the load capacity range of the MaxX 60. 

  Optional 360° HX steering available with the MaxX 60 

  Users of the MaxX 60 don't have to forego the patented HX 360° steering. The steering is available as an option and allows smooth changes in direction from lengthwise to crosswise or circular travel without stopping. The HX steering is particularly popular for block storage of bulky panel materials, but also has other advantages. For example, it significantly reduces wheel wear as the wheels no longer turn on the spot.  The MaxX 60 is the perfect addition to the HUBTEX MaxX series. The entry-level MaxX series was previously available in three versions with a load capacity of 3 to 4.5 t. The trucks impress with high quality and performance combined with an attractive price-performance ratio. The trucks in the MaxX series combine the most popular and best-selling features of the HUBTEX electric multidirectional sideloaders. They provide a good alternative to older diesel trucks in the affordable entry-level range. "If users want a truck that can be customized further, we are also happy to advise on our PhoeniX series," explains Röbig. With an almost endless number of possible combinations (application-specific fork carriage designs, cabins, lift masts, and individual equipment options), the PhoeniX modular system can be used to create a perfectly customized HUBTEX multidirectional sideloader. 

  More information is available at https://www.hubtex.com/en-us/products/electric-multidirectional-sideloaders/maxx-electric-multidirectional-sideloaders.

• Time for a New Breed: The Phoenix 2840 – The New Workhorse of the Steel Industry (Aug 26, 2024)
  Making sideloaders capable of hauling steel day in and day out is what HUBTEX has been known for since its first appearance in the US in the early 90’s. Consequently, each new model has big shoes to fill. When the time comes for a new sideloader, Hubtex always draws from the knowledge and experience gained by maintaining a good and close relationship to their customer base. Apart from heavy loads, long shifts, and rough conditions, the demands on material handling equipment can vary widely across the steel industry. Hubtex’s response is a modular concept adaptable to individual needs. Customers can choose between four different stand-up cabin and chassis set-ups and select joystick or lever operation. Increasing storage density by squeezing out every inch available floor space unites the different versions. “If you can make it in the steel trade, you can make it anywhere.” With this in mind, HUBTEX focused on handling steel in all its variations—bars, profiles, plates, and coils. The goal of the design team in Germany was to make the perfect sideloader even more perfect. In other words, it better matches our customers' expectations. “The new standard 2840 can be tailored to operators needs and the customer’s preferences more closely than any other sideloader on the market,” says Alexander Baumann, Managing Director of HUBTEX North America. "Our stand-up cab is available in four versions, allowing operators to choose the side of the sideloader where the cabin should be mounted. Customers can select between a low entry for order picking or a higher entry for the benefit of a shorter sideloader, all within the 2840 standard. While some operators prefer the typical HUBTEX joystick, others favor the fingertip controls they are accustomed to—now both options are available without leaving the standard setup. Switching to the new HUBTEX 2840 from its predecessor or any other handling equipment is seamless and effortless," Baumann continues. Also, a new standard for Hubtex sideloaders: 3,000 plus working hours. Superior design delivers superior quality. A new standard for HUBTEX sideloaders: 3,000+ working hours. The design team has worked hard to improve reliability and access to all service points. The shift to a modular system has increased the use of standard components and equal parts across all sideloader variants, making maintenance easier and prolonging the critical up-time. To further enhance the safety and productivity of the new Hubtex, it can be equipped with an automated aisle entry system and the Hubtex Load Manager. Once programmed the load manager stops automatically at the desired lift height. The mast reach is also programable ensuring the load always sits securely on the forks. The automated aisle entry system benefits the operator by steering the sideloader automatically to the center of the aisle. This ensures smooth entry without causing any bumps or damage to the load or the surrounding area. truck. Another advantage for owners of this new workhorse: spare parts are stocked in the US, resulting in minimal interruptions to material flow.

 Products