A Walkie Rider Pallet Jack is an electric-powered pallet jack in which an operator stands on an integrated platform while operating. They are designed to easily move products through a warehouse or distribution center. Its power, maneuverability, and ergonomic design allow operators to efficiently make long runs from one end of the facility to the other and comfortably handle multiple stops.

Walkie Rider Pallet Jacks: A Customizable Solution for Many Applications

The Walkie Rider Pallet Jack provides a reliable solution to the challenges faced in a variety of industries and applications, including beverage, cold storage, food storage, general manufacturing, general warehousing, and retail. It operates effectively indoors as a low-level warehouse picker and pallet mover.

With the wide range of options and accessories, the Walkie Rider Pallet Jack can be customized to improve your operation’s productivity and efficiency. For example, customers who move materials in and out of cold climates can add a cold storage conditioning option that helps protect components from water and condensation. The galvanized option includes all the elements of the cold storage option, but adds more protection against corrosive environments.

Some of the popular options and accessories include:

Battery compartment rollers — Provide rollers at the bottom of the battery compartment and dual side gates to allow the pallet jack battery to be rolled out from either the left or right hand side of the truck.
Coast control with jog buttons — Allows the end-controlled rider pallet jack to be moved forward at the touch of a button for low-level order picking while walking next to the forklift.
Load wheels and drive tires — Different compound types and load wheel configurations are available to assist with long runs, tight turns, and pallet entry. See our How to Make Decisions Between Polyurethane and Nylon Pallet Jack Wheels for more information.

Walkie Rider Pallet Jacks Available from Toyota

Toyota offers two models of the Walkie Rider Pallet Jack:

End-Controlled Rider Pallet Jack
Center-Controlled Rider Pallet Jack

Both models are AC-powered with a multifunction control handle with angled handgrips and wrap-around hand guard and have a load capacity of 6,000 to 8,000 pounds.

The major difference between the End-Controlled Rider Pallet Jack and the Center-Controlled Rider Pallet Jack is the positioning of the operator platform. The End-Controlled Rider Pallet Jack operator stands on the platform on the tractor side and rides with the unit, while the Center-Controlled Rider Pallet Jack operator to stands on the platform between the forks and the battery. Also, the End-Controlled Rider Pallet Jack has a maximum fork length of 144 inches and the Center-Controlled Rider Pallet Jack has a 103 inch maximum fork length.

Despite having some design differences, the two models share similar functional advantages. The multifunction control handle allows riders to simply manage all the controls with either hand. In addition, the high-speed interlock allows operators to maintain a top travel speed of 6.2 mph with a full load for long-distance transport without continuously pressing a button.

Other important advantages include:

Programmable performance parameter that can be customized through a digital display to adjust for a variety of job applications.
Self-diagnostics to simplify troubleshooting and eliminate the need for an external hand-held analyzer.
A glance-and-go display that provides a quick summary of key information.

Original Post: Hunter Liggett, TMH Marketing Intern

Construction, maintenance, and facility enhancements offer complex needs, especially when they occur in areas that are already in use. Current infrastructure can block access to a needed area. Equipment use of varied sorts can cause task execution headaches. And the people in high traffic environments challenge operators to move carefully to remain productive while remaining unobtrusive, allowing people to use those spaces with little interruption. A vertical mast lift offers one answer to help meet each of these challenges.

What is a Vertical Mast Lift?

Vertical mast lifts are a type of aerial work platform intended to provide access to high reaching tasks while allowing for tight fitting access and a small space footprint. While similar to scissor lifts, vertical mast lifts utilize a multi-stage mast that accommodates a smaller footprint than traditional personnel lifts like scissor lifts. They come equipped with platform extensions that extend beyond the base of the vehicle.

Navigating Existing Infrastructure with a Vertical Mast Lift

Facility designers often pay close attention to the long term maintenance needs of the operation. Sometimes those designers consider what equipment can be used to fulfill those needs. But over the lifetime of any evolving work environment, unexpected infrastructure changes arise – as do unexpected maintenance needs.

A vertical mast lift can help meet high reaching maintenance needs when original or new facility infrastructure can be difficult to navigate. With a width of only 30 inches and a length of four and a half feet, the AICHI Vertical Mast Lift can fit through standard doorways, in between tight racking, or in other spaces obstructed by infrastructure. Have a need to fit between ducts for heating and cooling work or pipes to fix facility plumbing? The platform dimensions of a vertical mast lift are built to access these spaces. And with many models like the AICHI Vertical Mast Lift equipped with zero-degree turn radius, versatility in maneuvering is optimal for tight locations. Has a new rack appeared directly beneath an electrical box you need to access? Position an AICHI Vertical Mast Lift next to the rack and use its 15-inch platform extension to reach over the rack and get to the task.

Integrating Vertical Mast Lifts with Other Equipment

Smart operations managers and construction project managers plan routing of their equipment carefully to make the most use of the space and assist operators in maintaining efficient operation. When maintenance needs arise in areas with high traffic from other equipment, a vertical mast lift’s small footprint can help optimize space. By working close to exterior walls of a facility or on the outside perimeter on a construction site and taking up little space, other industrial equipment can maintain optimal operation and efficiency.

Using Vertical Mast Lifts in Public Places

Maintenance in and around buildings that grant public access is a common need. While proper precautions need to be exercised when performing maintenance around non-facility personnel/operators, vertical mast lifts come equipped with features to assist in the protection of both the operator and passersby. The AICHI Vertical Mast Lift features systems like anti-rollback and lift interlock when a steep grade is detected. Standard pothole protectors and reduced travel speed when elevated also enhance the protection provided to the operators when working at height.

Vertical mast lifts are versatile and offer an excellent solution for accessing difficult to reach areas for maintenance. While they do provide a flexible solution, key considerations such as platform height need and weight requirements must be considered. As these requirements increase, consider investing instead in an AICHI Scissor Lift for increase height and weight capacity with a slightly larger physical footprint.

Original Post:  Mark Faiman, Product Planning Manager, Toyota Material Handling

Forklift accidents can happen anywhere, but because loading docks are typically narrow and elevated, they’re one place where extra caution should be used. Common loading dock incidents include falling off the edge of the dock, and skidding or slipping due to wet or icy conditions. So how can the risk of loading dock accidents be reduced?

First and foremost, make sure the trailer is secured to the dock using a locking device, either on the trailer’s rear impact guard or rear wheel.  One common and dangerous issue that can arise when loading and unloading trailers in a loading dock, is the truck driver not realizing the forklift is still in the truck and pulling away, which causes the forklift to roll out. “Trailer Creep”, which happens when trailers gradually move away from the dock because of constant movement inside them, can also happen. The only way to prevent these two things from happening is to completely secure the trailer with a locking device on the trailer’s rear impact guard or rear wheel.

Clean off the surface of the loading dock. One common cause of accidents involving forklifts and loading docks is ice or water covering the dock. Clean the dock off before operating the forklift on it to help prevent sliding issues.

Also, remember to always maintain a safe distance from the edge of the loading dock. OSHA doesn’t recommend a specific measurement between a forklift and the edge of a loading dock, but you should implement good judgment to avoid falling off the side of the loading dock. Painting the edges of the loading dock a bright color is one thing you can do to help forklift operators stay aware of dock edges.

By doing the three things above, you’re well on your way to reducing accidents on loading docks, but keep these things in mind too:

• Anyone operating a forklift should be trained. Proper operating training is the number-one way to prevent accidents.
• Implementing a daily loading dock inspection is important to the safety of operators and truck drivers alike.
• Keep the product secure on your pallets by covering them in plastic or metal.
• Double check floors of trailers before driving on them to ensure they’re sturdy enough to handle the weight of the forklift.
• Consider creating a dock shelter to keep rain and snow off loading docks, which can cause them to be slippery.

Original Post:  Jake Stewart, Digital Copywriter, Toyota Material Handling USA

It’s a given – Dillon Toyota Lift has you covered when it comes to forklifts.  But did you know we also offer racking, dock equipment, cleaning equipment, scissor lifts, batteries, and attachments? That’s right – DTL is your full solutions provider for everything material handling, including warehouse design!   

Do you need to set up a new warehouse or better utilize your current space? Dillon Toyota Lift's Warehouse Solutions team can provide project design and layout, seismic engineering, permit application/approval, and more.  Not only that, we can purchase the racking and warehouse systems, and manage the installation process. Leave it to our in-house Warehouse Solutions team to figure out just what you need.

Does your warehouse or facility need a good cleaning? DTL also offers a full-line of Advance Industrial Cleaning Equipment that includes sweepers, scrubbers, sweeper-scrubbers and wet/dry vacs.  

Do you need more space in your facility? Dillon Toyota Lift also offers mezzanies.  Mezzanines can create additional space for a variey of different uses from storage to extra office space.  

As you can see, Dillon Toyota Lift has specialties that extend beyond the #1 selling forklift (Toyota).  If we can’t provide a solution, we can point you to an expert. So, the next time you need something unique for your facility or business, contact Dillon Toyota Lift!

It’s a given – Dillon Toyota Lift has you covered when it comes to material handling equipment. But did you know we also offer warehouse design and system integration?   Today's warehouse can range from simple shelving to complex systems.  Whether your business is growing or just starting, an efficient warehouse is more important than ever.

Dillon Toyota Lift Warehouse Solutions specialize in material handling equipment, warehouse design and system integration.   DTL knows that your business has specific needs and material handling is not always a one size fits all package.  We believe the key to a successful system begins with communication, planning and focusing on your needs.  Dillon Toyota Lift Warehouse Solutions offers a full range of services, including:  

Preliminary Consultation & Data Collection
• Project Design & Layout
• Equipment Purchasing
• Seismic Engineering
• Permit Application & Approval
• Project Management
• Professional in-house Installation
• Employee Training

Ready to get started?  Contact us today! 

If you’ve heard an anecdote beginning with, “Well, so-and-so said. . .” you are likely not alone. Part of our human nature means relying on our gut instincts and, while trusting your gut is something to be proud of, doing so isn’t always appropriate. Ensuring operational efficiency and the long-term value and ROI of capital equipment such as forklifts means having a good handle on how that equipment is being used within your operation. You may have a strong hunch about how equipment is being operated, but backing up that intuition with solid data is always the way to go! A vehicle management system (VMS) is a way to make sure you’re getting the right data to help you take firm, decisive action.

Trust me, I know how overwhelming data management can seem. And the data you’ll receive from a VMS like Toyota’s T-Matics Command or T-Matics Mobile can be overwhelming – unless you establish a few clear goals right from the beginning.

I’ve found that setting up a few key goals is a great place to get started with T-Matics or any VMS. For forklift operators and managers, vehicle uptime is often the “true north” that ensures a high efficiency and ROI. Adding T-Matics to the forklifts in your fleet can help your Toyota technicians have a clearer understanding of your needs and to ensure that you have maximum uptime in your organization.

Fault Code Notifications

Fault code notifications managed via T-Matics Mobile give instant insight into forklift malfunctions to help you understand the cause behind your forklift’s breakdown. When sensors are able to discover potential problems before the affected forklift is inspected by your technicians, they’ll be better prepared by having the correct parts in hand right when they arrive, increasing their efficiency. First-time fix rate is also increased as diagnostics are constantly running in order to provide technicians the insight they need to be successful.

Planned Maintenance Intervals

The problem with calendar-based planned maintenance is its failure to show the actual needs of a forklift because it relies on ambiguous and historical understanding of usage and need. With a VMS like T-Matics, planned maintenance can be scheduled based on activity rather than on a predetermined calendar date, meaning you’ll get maintenance right when you need it.

Utilization Monitoring

When you capture data effectively, you can turn it around into information that can be handed over, clearly and accurately, to your technician. By painting a detailed picture of your forklift utilization to your technician, they will be better at anticipating any upcoming compilations and at using this information to perform accurate diagnostics on current and potential breakdowns. The more your technician knows about a forklift’s utilization, the better equipped they are to deliver the best services.

Peak Usage Monitoring

T-Matics data offers insights into when your forklifts are being used most often. Use this knowledge for improving operational efficiencies, especially since it will allow you to distinguish between login and motion hours. These insights can also give you and your technician a good understanding of when they should be working on your forklift so they don’t interrupt your operation. Planned maintenance and fixes of problems not leading to breakdown can be performed during slower periods of your operation.

Written by:  Linley Kullman, Telematics Support Administrator, Toyota Material Handling, USA

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 Contact Dillon Toyota Lift for more information.

Written by:  Anastasia Sistevaris, Communications Copywriter, Toytoa Material Handling, USA