Safety Features From Toyota

Toyota Forklifts lead the industry with innovative designs and top-of-the-line customer support. At Toyota, safety comes standard, and we spend time each day developing ways to keep everyone in your facility protected, healthy, and productive. We start with the top safety concerns and ask, ?what can we do to improve our engineering to help make people safer?? It?s part of our culture of continuous improvement. We're always pushing ourselves toward what next. And it?s what led us to develop the best safety features in the industry. Innovative Forklift Safety Features: System Of Active Stability And Active Mast Control Toyota's forward-thinking engineering is what helps make Toyota Forklifts some of the safest forklifts on the market. Asking the tough questions, we found that tip-overs and falling loads were some of the most common causes of forklift accidents. So Toyota engineers went to work, and, in 1999, introduced the System Active of Stability, which comes standard on most Toyota forklifts. In conjunction with Active Mast Control, Toyota engineering is a must for the most safety-conscious operations managers. System of Active Stability (SAS) : The SAS is unique to Toyota forklifts. While many stability systems are reactive, Toyota's SAS is a proactive system that takes approximately 3,000 readings per second to ensure operator safety. Because of this proactive approach, SAS recognizes when factors could put the forklift at risk and automatically stabilizes the lift using the innovative swing-lock cylinder to prevent a tipover. Active Mast Function Control (AMC) : AMC is also unique to Toyota forklifts. This system recognizes dangerous tilt speeds when lifting payloads and slows the speed of the mast to prevent tipovers. Innovative Forklift Safety Features: Other Toyota-Engineered Safety Features But Toyota?s safety innovation does not stop at these unique features. We employ safety-first thinking in all of our manufacturing, developing the best solutions for features that seem common. The unique-Toyota approach? Safety always in manufacturing: Orange Forks: It seems so simple, but optional orange forks on our lifts prevent accidents and loss of products by assisting visibility during placement. Accurate fork placement helps prevent against spilled payloads that can be dangerous for forklift operators and other associates. Horn: All forklifts are required to come installed with a functioning horn. Rear Horn with Grip Assist: Toyota offers an add-on horn placed behind the operator on the overhead guard support leg. This ergonomic design allows operators to honk while they are turned and viewing the workspace behind the forklift. Seatbelt: Toyota forklifts come standard with a seatbelt. We also offer orange seatbelt upgrades to increase visibility and ensure proper usage of this highly-important safety feature. Overhead Guard: This safety feature protects operators from falling objects. The single component welded construction improves rigidity and safety while design considerations such as the 45 degree angle of the front cross beam improves visibility for operators moving pallets at height. Making the Best Use of Forklift Safety Features: Using a Safety Checklist These innovations in engineering are excellent and can lead to increased safety in your facility. But the best way to make sure your forklift is in optimal working condition is to use a forklift safety checklist as part of your daily walk around on your forklift. Here?s one example of those features on your Toyota Forklift that would benefit from routine checks. Making the Best Use of Forklift Safety Features: Fork Safety Best Practices All Toyota forklifts are engineered with safety in mind. That includes every part of the forklift, including one of the most important parts: the forks. But no matter how well a forklifts is engineered, using them appropriately is the responsibility of the operator. The forks can represent a problem area if used inappropriately. Be sure to regularly use a fork caliper to inspect the forks and employ the following best practices: Low and slow. Anytime you're moving, keep your forks no more than six inches off the ground and move slowly through the warehouse. Be careful not to drag your forks on the ground, however, because that can shorten the lifespan of your forks. Carefully maintain your forks. Make it a habit to check your forks every during every inspection and maintenance cycle, as designated in your operator?s manual. If your forks appear to be bent, it?s time to replace them. Stick with your load capacity. Don?t ever try to push your load capacity. Remember, your forks are only made to lift as much as your forklift says they are and trying to lift more could result in dropping a load. Only use your forks to lift. Your forks are made to lift and that?s it, so don?t try to push things or pry things open with them. Using your forks irresponsibly could cause damage making them vulnerable to dropping loads.

Why Choose A Maintenance Plan?

When you purchase your forklift, you will also have the option to purchase a maintenance plan. Dillon Toyota Lift offers different plans - most common are Planned Maintenance (PM) and Full Maintenance (FM). With a planned maintenance plan, your forklift will be serviced at every planned maintenance interval. Replacement parts and additional fixes are not included. However, the full maintenance plan will cover any maintenance need, barring specific exclusions, at a flat monthly rate. But, why should you purchase a maintenance plan upfront, when you can pay as you go? Purchasing a maintenance plan is a great way to save yourself money down the road. The first cost reduction with a maintenance plan will be in downtime. Downtime is the single most expensive cost associated with a forklift. Maintenance plans facilitate early catches and easier access to technicians, increasing your uptime. Second, a maintenance plan will ensure your forklift is getting the care it needs, making the lifespan better and longer. Third, you will have the option to pay by the month, regardless of the maintenance plan you choose, making your maintenance easier to budget for. When it comes to maintenance, which is imperative to the longevity of your forklift, a maintenance plan is the way to go.

FAQ About Forklifts

Asking the right questions at the beginning, middle, and end of your forklift buying or ownership experience is key to maximizing safety, uptime, and ROI. At Toyota, we understand how difficult it can be to get answers or to find someone who has them. Dillon Toyota Lift is with you during every step of your ownership, whether you're looking to become one or are a seasoned veteran. To get you started, here's a list of forklift faq's and their answers. How should I know which forklift I need? You?re right in asking this question because having the right forklift for your application and work environment is imperative for safety and productivity. And, the line of Toyota Forklifts is extensive. If you don?t know which forklift you need, don?t worry. Every Toyota Forklift dealer has salespeople on staff who are qualified to do a site survey at your location. The site survey will identify the forklift, or forklifts, that will be best for you and your business based on your unique needs. To get started, try our Find-A-Forklift tool. What attachments can I add to my forklift? It is important that you purchase your forklift attachment from the forklift manufacturer and that the manufacturer installs the attachment too. However, it?s important to know that adding attachments to your forklift can, and likely will, change the capacity rating. Anytime attachments are added to a forklift, the data plate should be updated to reflect the change in capacity rating. How often does my forklift need maintenance? Your best bet is to sign up for a planned maintenance agreement when you purchase your Toyota Forklift. A planned maintenance agreement ensures that your forklift will be maintained at the proper times by a qualified Toyota Technician. Does it really matter which replacement parts I put on my forklift? The truth is, yes. Your Toyota Forklift came complete with all Toyota Genuine Parts . If you start putting will-fit parts on your Toyota Forklift, you?re really compromising its durability and long-term value. Where can I get certified to operate a forklift? Contact your local Toyota Forklift dealer. Many Toyota Forklift dealers offer training of their own, but if the dealer nearest you does not, they will be able to point you in the right direction of effective forklift operator training. If I get trained to operate a forklift once, am I certified forever? No. According to OSHA, when you get certified to operate a forklift, you?re only certified until: You?ve been observed operating the forklift in an unsafe manner. You?ve been involved in an accident or near-miss accident. You have received an evaluation that revels you were not operating the forklift safely. You are assigned to drive a different forklift than you were originally trained on. A workplace condition changes that could affect safe operation of the forklift. When should I replace my forklift? We talk a lot about useful versus economic life and that?s because knowing the difference is important to you and your bottom line. Your forklift could be useful for a lot longer than it is economical, but it?s best to replace when it starts costing you money. How can I buy a forklift? When it comes to new forklifts, you have three options. You can rent, lease , or buy. Of course, you can also purchase a used forklift, but you need to be sure the person or place you?re purchasing from is reputable because forklift malfunctions can be very dangerous.

Battery & Charger Maintenance

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: 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. 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: 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.

Meet the Stockchaser

The Stockchaser is a compact industrial vehicle that is well-known for its maneuverability and strength. However, this versatile vehicle has many uses that may surprise you. Let's explore three specific jobs where the Stockchaser excels. Compact Material Handling The Stockchaser?s compact design and impressive strength make it the perfect vehicle for navigating tight spaces. Whether you?re working in a warehouse or distribution center, the Stockchaser can easily transport your heaviest loads. With a turning radius of just 66.5 inches, you can easily maneuver through narrow aisles. The Stockchaser also offers curated options, such as a stepladder, to help you reach higher shelves and maximize efficiency. Transporting Passengers Although the Stockchaser is primarily used in industrial spaces, it?s also an excellent choice for transporting guests indoors. The Stockchaser Transport can comfortably seat up to six passengers, making it the ideal vehicle for hospitals, airports, or any other sizable indoor space. With the Stockchaser Transport, you can give your guests a pleasant and timely ride. Versatile Towing The Stockchaser is a powerful towing vehicle that is often overlooked. The base model can tow up to 1000 lbs, but this can be increased by 600% with the towing package. While Columbia offers other heavy-duty models for towing the heaviest of loads, the Stockchaser is the perfect compact vehicle for towing through narrow aisles or any other limited space. In conclusion, the Stockchaser by Columbia is a versatile industrial vehicle that can handle a variety of tasks with ease. Whether you need to transport heavy loads, passengers, or tow equipment, the Stockchaser has got you covered. With its compact design and impressive strength, the Stockchaser is the ideal vehicle for navigating tight spaces and maximizing efficiency. Let's get started streamlining your material handling operations with the Columbia Stockchaser.

What is a Side-Entry End Rider?

Toyota's Side-Entry End Rider is an ergonomically friendly, electric-powered pallet jack that provides operators with the option to enter the truck from either side. Offered in a 6,000 and 8,000 lb. capacity, the forward-facing operator position allows operators to have a clear line of sight while picking and placing loads. It is the ideal truck for dock work, cross-warehouse hauling, and low-level order picking. Discover the productivity-enhancing features of this pallet jack and why you may consider adding it to your fleet. Advantages of the Side-Entry End Rider Pallet Jack The Side-Entry End Rider Pallet Jack is equipped with a best-in-class turning radius, and easy pallet entry and exit to get the job done. The forward-facing operator position provides a clear line of sight for operators when picking and placing loads. The Side-Entry End Rider keeps operators comfortable while increasing uptime with an AC drive motor and programmable performance. Key Features Include: Standard Power Steering decreases the amount of effort required to steer and increases operator comfort and efficiency. Multifunction Control Handle with ergonomically positioned handgrips, dual thumbwheels, and lift, lower, and horn buttons for simplified operation of all controls with either hand. Programmable Fork Height Travel Speed Limit helps prevent wear by slowing travel when the forks are fully lowered which can cause premature wear of the undercarriage. Want to further customize your pallet jack? The Side-Entry End Rider has a variety of options including accessory bars, storage trays, and heavy-duty casters. The option for cold storage conditioning provides protection to the bearings, bushings, and steel pins so the pallet jack can be used in cold environments. The pin code access pad option reduces the potential for unauthorized users, allowing up to 10 different options. Pallet Jacks Available from Toyota Enclosed End Rider Pallet Jack ? The Enclosed End Rider Pallet Jack offers a side stance operating position that enables operators to easily change direction and travel long runs. It is equipped with electric power steering and an AC drive motor for increased operator comfort and smooth travel. Center-Controlled Rider Pallet Jack ? The Center-Controlled Rider Pallet Jack doubles as a floor-level order picker and has an operator platform in the middle of the truck. It comes equipped with a fork height travel interlock to train operators to travel with the forks raised. End-Controlled Rider Pallet Jack ? The End-Controlled Rider Pallet Jack provides an operator platform at the end of the pallet jack, for easier entry and exit, which also doubles as a Low-Level Order Picker. The multifunction control handle with ergonomic controls offers a simplified operation for controlling the truck with either hand.

Multi-Purpose Material Handling Equipment

Finding creative solutions to everyday challenges drives your business forward. Often, the available solutions are limited to the technology or equipment at your disposal. When it comes to material handling, we often think of automation when it comes to increasing efficiency and productivity. But what if I told you using more versatile pieces of equipment could be just as effective? Why You Need Multi-Purpose Material Handling Equipment Today, when you need to perform two separate tasks, you need two different forklifts and often two separate operators performing each function. This scenario presents a significant amount of inefficiency and waste. Entering and exiting each vehicle, inspecting it, and communicating between operators and business units to complete the work takes valuable time. Sometimes, the urge to reduce waste by other means can even result in cutting corners that end up resulting in unsafe operation. Forklifts like Toyota's Center Rider Stacker, however, enable you to perform multiple tasks with only one piece of equipment and one operator. It functions as a counterbalanced forklift thanks to the mast that can reach a lift height of 72? and a lifting capacity of 2,600 lbs. It can operate as a Low-Level Order Picker by leveraging a fast, efficient center rider design with the aforementioned mast to load pallets at an ergonomic height. Additionally, it completes the work of a Walkie Pallet Jack with its ability to safely load trailers and stage product. Delivering all of this functionality in one package creates enormous benefits for warehousing, manufacturing, and distribution operations. With the Center Rider Stacker, you can lower your labor costs, operational costs, and overall equipment costs while improving productivity. In addition to applications where it can replace full pieces of equipment, it can also reduce the workload of a variety of other pieces of equipment so they can focus on other key activities. It?s also an excellent choice for conveyor-level work, cross-dock applications, and narrow aisles.

What is an Industrial Tow Tractor

An Industrial Tow Tractor is a piece of equipment capable of transporting the heaviest loads horizontally through any warehouse or distribution center. Its powerful, ergonomic, and durable design allows operators to increase their run time, so they can efficiently transport materials from one end of their facility to the other, all while remaining comfortably productive. Is an Industrial Tow Tractor Right for You? When it comes to heavy duty towing, Toyota's Industrial Tow Tractor is the right solution for the job. This versatile piece of equipment is applicable in a variety of industries, such as general manufacturing , warehousing , or the beverage industry . Designed with a towing capacity of up to 15,000 lbs. on level surfaces, this high-capacity tugger can easily tow even the heaviest of loads. With its power steering capability, you can seamlessly transport items from point A to point B, so you never have to worry about getting the job done. Advantages of Toyota's Industrial Tow Tractor include: Battery Gate Interlocks- remind operators to place the battery in the proper location before operating the forklift Cold Storage Conditioning- protects components from condensation and cold temperatures Operator Compartment Sensor- reinforces operator training by encouraging operators to stand in the operator compartment Large Magnetic Battery-Mounted Storage Tray- provides storage for operators to place their items Toyota LiB CAN Communication Interface Option- provides a fully integrated Toyota LiB battery to extend operating time Turtle Speed Button- slows the maximum operating speed for improved control and precision Additional Toyota Tow Tractor Models Toyota is no stranger to implementing cutting-edge technology. Our tow tractors are no exception. Toyota's tuggers are ideal horizontal transportation solutions for delivering materials throughout your facility. Each of Toyota?s Tow Tractors is designed with programmable performance capabilities that allow users to set parameters to meet operational goals, needs, and load capacity. Core Tow Tractor - The Core Tow Tractor is capable of towing up to 10,000 lbs. on level surfaces and comes equipped with 24V drive system and regenerative plugging that gives you the boost of power and productivity you need to keep on moving. Mid Tow Tractor - The Mid Tow Tractor features a 48V electrical system and a sit-down or stand-up option. This power player features an array of ergonomic and productivity-enhancing features that makes pulling carts or transporting materials through your facility a breeze. Large Tow Tractor - This powerhouse offers the same output features as the Core and Mid Tow Tractors but with a maximum tugging capacity of up to 50,000 lbs. on level surfaces, making it ideal for maneuvering around planes and ground support equipment.