Do you find yourself needing to move tires, coils, pipes, and lumber in your operation? These are just a few of the large loads that heavy-duty attachments are capable of lifting, loading, and transporting with ease. Learn more about how these can help increase your efficiency and productivity.

Toyota Heavy-Duty Forklift Attachments

TELESCOPIC BOOM ATTACHMENT

Toyota’s High Capacity Adjustable Wheel Base features a telescopic boom and an extendable counterweight, making moving large and awkward loads much easier. An additional feature that makes the High Capacity Adjustable Wheel Base an attractive option is the remote control. There is an easy-to-use remote control option that can be added to the truck that allows the operator to control all functions of the forklift, including the counterweight extension at the touch of a button. The Remote Control option allows for easy and precise movement of large loads like industrial machinery and engines.

COIL RAM AND COIL-TAPERED FORK ATTACHMENTS

Coil Rams are similar to carpet poles but have a shorter boom with a larger diameter. This attachment is fitted with a heavy-duty backplate and a profiled end that makes the coil ram a dependable option for loading and transporting steel coils, concrete tubes, and various types of pipes. Due to its versatility, the Coil Tapered Fork Attachment often times makes for a popular alternative. Coil Tapered Fork Attachments come with the same dependable features as the Coil Ram while allowing the operator to transition between material handling needs more efficiently.

TIRE HANDLER ATTACHMENT

While regular forks can fulfill a variety of different handling needs, sometimes there is a need for a specialized attachment such as the Tire Handler. Sure, regular forks could move tires if need be; however, it may not be the most efficient method if you are moving them regularly. The tire handler attachment allows the operator to move more tires quicker, and reduce the risk of potential damage to the product. Regular forks could puncture the tires, but the Tire Handler utilizes a clamp that significantly reduces the risk of puncture damage.

Pipe Hold Down Clamp

Pipes and logs are only a couple of materials that make for easier and more secure handling with the Pipe Hold Down Clamp. This attachment features arms that are mounted on top of the carriage and then clamp down on the cargo to keep it from tipping or rolling off of the forks, and potentially damaging the cargo. Additionally, it provides excellent operator visibility that allows for easy loading and unloading. When the operator isn’t utilizing the clamp option the arms can be positioned vertically for more versatility. For tips on securely transporting cargo such as pipes, be sure to read this blog on preventing damage to heavy loads.

Paper Roll Clamp

Paper is among the most delicate products being handled, and therefore it oftentimes requires a specialized attachment such as a paper roll clamp. To help reduce the risk of damage to the product, these attachments can be outfitted with various pads to meet your material handling needs. While it’s called a Paper Roll Clamp, paper is not the only product it is capable of transporting. Various types of pipes and tubes, such as concrete pipes, can also be transported using the Paper Roll Clamp. Tilt Control, rotation, and pressure control are just a few of the available features on the Paper Roll Clamps, with some models having a handling capacity of 20,000+ pounds.

Every organization strives for operational efficiency and these attachments are just a few options that allow for increased efficiency and productivity when it comes to lifting large and heavy loads.

While their use is rising in popularity, many common misunderstandings still surround electric forklifts. Electric forklifts are low-emission vehicles powered by an electric battery that also serves as the counterweight. Toyota Electric Forklifts can utilize either lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries, depending on the need of the buyer.

If you open yourself up to the idea of utilizing electric forklifts, you can see how the following misconceptions are easily dismissed.

Electric Forklift Misunderstandings

ELECTRIC FORKLIFTS DON’T OFFER THE SAME PERFORMANCE AS AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE FORKLIFT.

One of the most common misconceptions associated with electric forklifts is that they do not provide the same high-level performance as internal combustion (IC) engine forklifts. However, specific electric models are made to operate with similar performance to internal combustion forklifts.

High voltage electric models are equipped to perform comparably to their IC counterparts. Higher voltage translates to more power, meaning you can benefit from increased travel, lift, and acceleration speeds. Built with a lift capacity ranging from 4,000-11,000 lbs., the Toyota 80V Pneumatic forklift has the strength, speed, durability, and reliability needed to perform in tough environments such as concrete and oil and gas, while minimizing emissions.

COST OF OPERATING AND MAINTAINING THE EQUIPMENT IS TOO EXPENSIVE.

Another misunderstanding about these lifts is that operation and maintenance costs are too extravagant. In addition, some view the upfront cost of the forklift battery to be too costly.

However, over time they require less maintenance due to having fewer components than their IC counterparts. These lifts can also have a longer lifespan, allowing owners to maintain and use their forklift for longer periods of time.

To maintain an IC forklift, items such as filters and oil will need to be replaced with use. However, electric forklifts do not have these components, which can reduce maintenance and labor costs. Electricity also typically costs less per kilowatt-hour to operate, resulting in a reduced cost of operation. This can lead to significant ROI for your business.

ELECTRIC FORKLIFTS CANNOT OPERATE OUTDOORS.

The misunderstanding that electric forklifts cannot operate outdoors may stop many businesses from purchasing them. Many industries, including construction, general manufacturing, and block and pipe, need forklifts to work outside while carrying heavy loads.

Toyota produces specific forklift models that can operate indoors and outdoors, like the 80V Pneumatic Forklift. It offers low-maintenance and low emissions while supporting rugged, outdoor, traditionally IC applications.

ELECTRIC FORKLIFTS CANNOT LIFT AS MUCH AS INTERNAL COMBUSTION FORKLIFTS.

Not only is this incorrect, but it can hinder buyers from converting their fleet from IC to electric. Toyota electric forklifts have a lift capacity of up to 40,000 lbs. And they are designed and tested to safely lift their maximum capacity to a designated lift height, similar to their IC counterparts.

Electric forklifts continue to grow in popularity and are being utilized in a variety of industries. 

There are quite a few applications where lithium-ion batteries make sense to power your forklifts – but some are garnering more attention than others.

The cold storage industry is the most obvious because of lithium’s ability to perform in a wide range of temperatures and environments.

In cold storage, lead acid batteries don’t perform as well because of condensation, and also because cold temperatures impede the chemical reaction in lead-acid batteries that releases electricity to power the forklift.

While this can also happen in lithium-ion batteries, the temperature of LiBs can be more easily regulated to combat this outcome. For example, unlike lead-acid batteries, LiBs can be manufactured with heaters installed to endure cold environments, and some LiBs feature active cooling elements to help in extreme heat applications.

Many lithium-ion batteries come with a rating of IP65 or greater, meaning the battery’s internal components are protected from water and condensation, as well as in temperatures as low as minus-31 degrees.

The main reason condensation isn’t an issue in lithium-ion batteries is the fact the cells are completely sealed and free from air. Lead-acid batteries are vented with air space in the cells, which allows condensation to form and impacts the chemical balance of the battery.

Lithium-ion cells operate most effectively in temperatures ranging from -4 degrees up to 140 degrees. But certain lithium chemistry combinations can expand that range – allowing LiBs to function better and last longer in extreme conditions.

A battery with a chemistry of lithium-iron phosphate or nickel cadmium, for example, performs better in cold applications than other types – effective in temperatures as low as -25 degrees. For high-temperature applications, nickel-metal hydride cells perform best – operating in temperatures up to 275 degrees.

If you use electric forklifts for applications where extreme temperatures are present, making the shift to lithium-ion technology may be the right solution for you.

Original post HERE

The proper maintenance and handling of forklift batteries is imperative to their longevity. There’s a right way and a wrong way to maintain and handle forklift batteries and doing it properly will ensure your investment is maximized.

Proper Handling

Forklift batteries can be heavy and dangerous if not handled properly, so it’s important to be educated on the correct way to handle them. Use these tips for some ideas about handling batteries properly:

1. • Use special equipment, like a walkie pallet jack equipped with a transfer carriage, to maneuver the battery. Because of the weight of some forklift batteries, no single person should attempt to move a forklift battery alone. Steel toe shoes should also be worn while moving the batteries.

• • An eye and hand washing station should be nearby. Should any hazardous liquid come in contact with hands or eyes, a hand and eye washing station should be conveniently located nearby to remove it as quickly as possible.

• • Chemical-resistant protective gear should be worn while maneuvering batteries. Having a conveniently located eye and hand washing station is necessary, but chemical-resistant gear should also be worn to keep the need for the station at bay. This includes safety glasses and gloves.

1. • Remove all metallic jewelry when handling and charging.

Proper Charging

Properly charging a battery is all about doing it at the right time, for the right amount of time. Use these tips when charging your forklift battery:

1. • Designate an area specifically for battery charging. This is an OSHA-recommended best practice.

• • Remember that lead acid batteries should be charged at 80 percent depth of discharge. Charging prior to 80 percent can result in reduced battery life depending on the type of battery.  Discharging the battery past 80 percent depth of discharge can also be detrimental.

• • If your battery overflows, take time to rinse it. Rinsing your battery after an overflow will help prevent corrosion.

• • Ensure compatibility between the battery and the charger. The charger that is being used should match the voltage/amperage of the battery. Color coding the connectors and clearly labeling the chargers can help to prevent accidentally connecting a battery to the wrong charger. Proper training is also imperative.

• • Avoid overcharging the battery. Some batteries have battery management systems that can prevent overcharging. If yours doesn’t, take precautions not to overcharge it, which can reduce the battery’s life.

• • Charge and operate the batteries at the proper temperature. Charging a battery in extreme cold or heat can cause reduced service life. Since battery types and specifications may vary, contact the battery manufacturer for their recommended charging temperature range.

• • Add water when needed after the charging cycle. Adding water to a wet-cell battery prior to charging the battery is a common mistake. Pure or distilled water should be used and the watering should occur after a full charge cycle to bring the electrolytes to the proper level.

• • Ensure the charger is turned off before connecting or disconnecting the battery.

In the heartland of the United States lies a small farming town with big city architecture and some of America’s most important engineering operations. Columbus, Indiana is the home of Toyota Forklift and we are proud to be assembled in the USA.

The American economy is a well-oiled intricate connection of businesses working together. At Toyota Forklifts, we know that if we get our jobs done in manufacturing, other businesses are getting their jobs done all across the country. At our Columbus, Indiana headquarters, we are proud to employ thousands of hard working Americans. Outside of our home base, 66 members of the Toyota dealer network sell forklifts straight to the hands of customers. If a product needs moved, you can bet we help move it, from coast to coast, through American warehouses, railyards, and ports, and in businesses ranging from family farms to fortune 500 companies. When we do well, we know other businesses are also doing well. People helping people—it’s the American way.

At Toyota we believe our core values drive the work that moves the American economy every day.

1. Always be faithful to your duties

The hard-working American culture means showing up and doing the right thing every day. Not only do we move our own company forward, but we strive to contribute to the overall betterment of the American economic infrastructure.

2. Always be studious and creative, striving to stay ahead of the times

We are innovators and inventors, just like our forefathers. Staying ahead of the times means a constant pursuit of improvement. Never be satisfied with average.

3. Always be practical and avoid frivolousness

The Toyota Production System is world-renowned and our lean style of management is commonly reproduced around the country. Other businesses have adopted our Kaizen attitude in order to be more profitable, efficient, and effective.

4. Always strive to build a homelike atmosphere at work that is warm and friendly.

The Midwest is known for the warm and homelike environment it fosters. Treating every member of our Toyota family like a valued part of our shared success isn’t just a business philosophy – we know that it’s true. And we know being generous means giving back to the community. Toyota has made a mark in Columbus by giving scholarships to disadvantaged youth, donating 50 cherry blossom trees to the city of Columbus, and supporting many other local philanthropic missions. Community is at the heart of our business.

5. Always have respect for God and remember to be grateful at all times.

Being an industry leader comes with responsibility. Showing gratitude for all that we have and all that we work for is key to our success.

While we are proudly assembled in the USA, this Japanese phrase integrates well into our patriotic culture here in Columbus, “Monozukuri wa hitosurkuri” – making things is about making people. Toyota Forklift values that Americans are passionate about working hard. Just like this country, we are a melting pot of people from all walks of life coming together for a common goal – getting the job done. People are the core of this business.

Original Post: Anna Harris, TMHU Marketing Intern

The cost of a forklift is always more than the dollar amount you pay for it. Service and maintenance … repairs … downtime to complete maintenance and repairs … replacement parts. It all adds up.

At Toyota, we get it. And we’re committed to being your complete material handling partner throughout the entire life of your ownership — that’s the Toyota 360 Support Promise that comes standard on every Toyota Forklift you buy and allows you to take advantage of:

Toyota Certified Technicians
Toyota Genuine Parts
Toyota’s industry-leading standard warranty program
The Toyota Mobile Service app

But even with all of that, many customers find that they want even more peace of mind — a way to reduce the risk of maintenance emergencies and lower the cost of potential repairs even further.

Enter Toyota 360 Support Plus: an upgrade option that provides you a year of planned maintenance and an extended product assurance guarantee with the Toyota Extra Care Warranty program. It also allows you to add on the extra option of T-Matics support.

Both are fantastic plans that provide the most comprehensive support in the industry. But maybe you’re wondering: Is upgrading to Toyota 360 Support Plus right for you?

To get a recommendation specific to your operation — taking into account all of the variables and considerations of your usage and application — we recommend contacting Dillon Toyota Lift. But here is a good general guideline.

Upgrading to Toyota 360 Support Plus May Be Right for You If …

You have a large fleet to manage with a lot of moving pieces to keep on task and productive.
You would have a productivity disaster on your hands if even one of your forklifts needed repairs unexpectedly — and you want to minimize every possible risk.
You want extended product support assurance.
You don’t mind spending a little more up front in order to save a lot of time and money later.
You use telematics on your forklifts and want the added option of support for that technology.
You prefer to have things done on your timetable as much as possible.
You’d rather be proactive in preventing unexpected downtime emergencies than reactive in dealing with them when they arise.

Original Post: Shannon Potelicki, Content & Communications Copywriter, Toyota Material Handling

Electric vs. Internal Combustion Engine Forklifts

The great debate – electric forklifts versus IC (internal combustion) forklifts. This decision is not only for new companies. Established companies may also weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each fuel, especially if there is a shift of priorities to “go green.”

Electric Forklifts

The forklift industry has experienced a shift in sales, with electric forklifts now accounting for nearly 60% of the forklift market. Electric forklifts are rising in popularity due to advances in technology that are allowing them to operate more comparably to internal combustion engine forklifts in regards to performance and run time. The emergence of fast-charging capabilities, higher-voltage outputs, and new and improved battery, pump, and motor technologies are some of the reasons for these breakthroughs.

Electric forklift advantages include:

• No exhaust emissions: Electric forklifts are powered by electrical energy sources such as batteries or fuel cells, which eliminates an employee’s exposure to potentially harmful exhaust emissions.
• Reduced maintenance costs: Electric forklifts use no disposal waste (i.e. engine and transmission fluid) and a high percentage of battery lead can be recycled.
• Operator ergonomics: Less noise and vibration is generated by the electric forklift, reducing operator fatigue.
• Decreased repair costs: Electric forklifts have less moving parts to maintain and repair. AC motor technology further eliminates brushes to create no spark hazard and better speed control.
• Lower long-term fuel costs: Batteries for the electric forklift can be recharged. Although the upfront costs for batteries and chargers can be expensive, the return on investment over time is typically higher than when using fuel.

With these advantages come other factors to consider. Although electric forklifts have lower lifetime fuel costs, the initial cost is higher. In addition to the cost of the battery, an area for charging, watering and cleaning must be arranged. Certain electric forklifts can be at a disadvantage when using the forklift in an outdoor application, depending on the design of the forklift. Many forklifts today, including Toyota’s 3-Wheel Electric and 80V Pneumatic models are designed to protect critical forklift components from potential damage due to water intrusion. Downtime can also be experienced if the battery is not charged or equalized properly.

IC Forklifts

The market is still strong for IC forklifts. They account for about 40% of the forklift market and are viable solutions for both indoor and outdoor applications.  IC forklifts tend to be more popular for outdoor, high-capacity applications and for specialty applications such as paper roll handling and container handling.

IC forklift advantages include:

• Flexible application: IC forklifts are good indoors and outdoors. They operate well in rain and other inclement weather.
• Multi-shift use: The fuel savings associated with electric forklifts is greatly diminished or negated when multiple batteries are required to keep an operation running. These batteries also take up additional space in a facility, reducing efficiencies and increasing operating costs.
• Lower initial cost: On propane powered forklifts, only the investment of propane tanks and their storage area is needed to operate the forklift. Gasoline, diesel, and CNG powered forklifts are usually purchased when refilling stations are conveniently available. The infrastructure for these stations, however, can be very expensive if they don’t already exist at your facility.
• Easy to refuel: IC forklifts running out of fuel do not require a lengthy charging period. An operator can easily replace the propane tank in 5 minutes and then continue production. Gasoline, diesel, and CNG powered forklifts can also be refueled in a matter of minutes depending on their location. This is especially important with a multi-shift operation.

Other factors to consider when purchasing an IC forklift include providing ventilation in the warehouse due to emissions, operator fatigue due to noise and vibration and the physical requirements of changing propane tanks. Finally, if the operation does not require an IC forklift you should consider the lifetime costs of maintenance, repairs and fuel cost when compared to an electric forklift.

LP vs. Gasoline vs. Diesel vs. CNG Powered Forklifts

Once you’ve made the choice to go with internal combustion engine powered forklifts for your operation, you now need to decide which fuel type is best for you.  The following tips should help to point you in the right direction.

Liquid Petroleum Gas (LP) – LP is ideal for customer locations that do not have gasoline, diesel, or CNG refilling stations readily available.  If you’re purchasing forklifts for a new facility, LP has the lowest initial cost since all you essentially need to purchase are LP tanks and a place to store them.  LP tanks can also be swapped in a matter of minutes, which can reduce your amount of downtime when refueling.  LP forklifts are available with both cushion and pneumatic tires and are ideal for both indoor and outdoor operations.

Diesel – Diesel fuel is highly efficient and can provide longer run times in general compared to other fuel types. One by-product of the combustion process with diesel is soot, which can accumulate in the exhaust system of a forklift and needs to be removed. Most Toyota forklifts are built with diesel oxidation catalysts so that this is slowly burned off over time, but there are some forklifts out there that use diesel particular filters that need to go through a manual regen process to burn away these deposits.  This can lead to more downtime since the forklift must be parked and not in use for the manual regen process to complete.  In general, diesel engines also have higher torque than their LP or gas counterparts, which can provide increased gradeability and acceleration. While fuel pricing is subject to change, diesel currently costs more per gallon than gasoline, providing a better return on investment over years of use. Diesel forklifts are generally only available with pneumatic type tires and are designed for outdoor use. This is mostly due to the fact that they are louder machines and produce more emissions than LP or gas powered forklifts.

Gasoline – Gasoline only powered forklifts are pretty rare in the material handling industry due to the popularity of dual fuel forklifts and the general lack of gasoline fueling stations, but they do serve a purpose. For customers that have refueling stations readily available, conveniently placed, and able to accommodate the size of their fleet, there is little reason to use LP or dual fuel configurations. Gasoline powered forklifts also do not have an LP tank and bracket on the back of the forklift, which can increase rearward visibility. They are also typically more powerful than their diesel alternatives and can provide increased travel and lift/lower speeds.

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) – Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered forklifts also require the appropriate refilling equipment in order to operate, but this type of fuel provides some distinct advantages. CNG is better for the environment and for overall air quality due to the fact that it produces less emissions and the natural gas dissipates into the air as water vapor and carbon dioxide in the event of a leak. Unlike LP forklifts, the CNG tank is never removed, but is actually refilled which can reduce downtime and operator strain. Infrastructure for CNG refueling stations, however, can be expensive due to the large amount of land required and general cost of equipment and installation. This, along with other barriers to entry such as obtaining the proper permits and having an adequate natural gas supply make CNG an unpopular choice in the current material handling market.

Toyota’s full line of equipment ranges from the small but sturdy hand pallet truck to the colossal beasts that make up our line of container handlers. Oftentimes, load capacity and application needs will determine the best type of material handling equipment you’ll need. But sometimes the decision may be a bit more subtle.

A Toyota Hand Pallet Truck (HPT) may be exactly what you need to get the job done for smaller applications – but a Toyota Electric Walkie Pallet Jack might work just as well. The load capacities between these two products aren’t much different. The HPT’s capacity weighs in at 5,500 pounds while the Electric Walkie maxes out at 4,500. How do you decide between the two?

Electric Pallet Jack vs. Manual Pallet Jack — Using a Toyota Hand Pallet Truck

While the HPT can lift a higher capacity than the Electric Walkie, heavier loads mean more exertion from the operator, making it better suited for shorter run times and quick material handling jobs. It’s an economical option whose size makes it highly versatile and ergonomic without any of the complexities of electrical wiring or battery maintenance. It’s a great fit for retail, cold storage, and general warehousing industries!

Electric Pallet Jack vs. Manual Pallet Jack — Using a Toyota Electric Walkie

The Electric Walkie takes the strain off the operator, making it ideal for mid-distance runs and ease of operation when working on trailers, dock plates, and ramps or slopes. An electric disc brake comes in handy when working on a grade where you may need to stop, and the anti-rollback system conveniently assists in keeping a load stationary during a transition from braking to moving. The HPT doesn’t have a similar system, meaning that the operator must maintain the stability of the load through physical exertion or sitting the load down. On a grade, the momentum can make this difficult.

A bit bigger than an HPT, this walkie is still a great fit for efficiently moving products through a warehouse and is designed with convenience in mind. Its drive motor makes it easier to navigate over dock plates and to both pull and raise loads, ideal for higher cycle applications.

Sometimes it’s the small things that make a big difference. If you’re not sure which product is the best match for your operation, feel free to reach out to Dillon Toyota Lift for more information.  

Original Post: Anastasia Sistevaris, Communications Copywriter, Toyota Material Handling, USA