Knowing when it's time to replace forklift tires is essential for safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in your warehouse or industrial facility. During your pre-shift inspection, make sure to look for these warning signs that your tires may need replaced:

Tread Wear: Excessive tread wear is one of the most obvious signs that your forklift tires need replacement. When the tread depth reaches the wear limit indicated on the tire, it's time for new ones.

Flat Spots: If you notice flat spots or uneven wear patterns on the tire surface, it can affect the forklift's stability and performance. This is a clear indication that replacement is necessary.

Cracks or Cuts: Visible cracks, cuts, or gouges in the tire rubber can compromise its structural integrity and safety. Damaged tires should be replaced promptly.

Bulges or Blisters: Bulges or blisters on the tire's sidewall or tread area are signs of internal damage. These can lead to blowouts or other hazardous situations and should be addressed immediately.

Loss of Traction: Reduced traction and slipping on surfaces that were previously manageable can be a sign of tire wear.

Vibration: Excessive vibrations during forklift operation can be caused by worn tires. Vibrations can lead to operator fatigue and affect the forklift's stability.

Regular inspections of your forklift tires and keeping accurate maintenance records can help you identify these signs early and replace tires as needed, ensuring the safety of your operators and the efficiency of your material handling operations.

Our certified technicians are available to assist you with recognizing potential issues and with maintenance and repair.

Dillon Toyota Lift is also offering a special on forklift tires now through November 30^th, 2023. Save 15% on tires & additional discounts available for bulk orders! *Pneumatic tires excluded.

Cascade is pleased to announce the release of the E-Series Forward Bin Dumper.
Ideal for agriculture and food processing industries, this easy-to-use series features:

• Reliable bin retention
• Increased rotation (135º)
• Bolt-on forks for easy maintenance
• Reduced effective thickness
• A dual drilled frame for class 2 and 3 mountings

For more information on the features and benefits of the Cascade E-Series Forward Bin Dumper, click here.

Being in a warehouse, and running forklifts through multiple shifts a day can be an extremely taxing job. You need to take time to charge and let them cool down, which in busy operations can be difficult. Now, with the emergence of lithium-ion batteries, opportunity charging is becoming more popular. But what is it?

What is Opportunity Charging?

Opportunity charging is available for forklifts with lithium-ion batteries and lead-acid batteries but is much better suited for LiB. With this method, the batteries can stay in the truck for multiple shifts while being charged. It also takes advantage of breaks to charge the forklift. This means, when your employees are on lunch, taking a break, or switching shifts, the forklift can be plugged in and charged. When the operator returns, the forklift will have enough juice until the next charging opportunity. While opportunity charging is still available for lead-acid batteries, it can have some negative side effects, such as shortened battery life, and increased maintenance requirements. Whereas lithium-ion batteries, it can actually extend the overall life, and there is no need for increased battery maintenance.

What type of Warehouses Utilize Opportunity Charging?

While opportunity charging is best used for multi-shift warehouses, you can schedule a warehouse consultation with your Toyota Forklift dealer to see if it would be beneficial for your business. But in a single shift cycle, you have plenty of time to allow the forklifts to charge when the shift is over. In a multi-shift cycle, you don’t have the benefit of time, so opportunity charging can be extremely helpful in reducing downtime.

Considerations for Opportunity Charging

Now that you know the basics of opportunity charging, you might be open to the idea. But before you can move any further, make sure you take these things into consideration:

• Will your operation benefit from opportunity charging?
  • As we talked about before, opportunity charging is typically for multi-shift operations. See how much time passes between each shift break and if you find that some forklifts have downtime while you wait for them to charge, opportunity charging may be beneficial.
• What kind of charging stations do you have?
  • Opportunity charging does require a specific charging station, so you won’t be able to use the same charging station as you used for your lead-acid batteries. This is an initial investment that your company will need to consider before they make a decision.
• Contact Dillon Toyota Lift if you have any doubts!
  • We can be an excellent resource if you’re thinking about changing to lithium-ion batteries and opportunity charging. We will be able to help you understand if your business needs to make a change, as well as the proper location and process for when the changes are made.

Keep in mind, opportunity charging won’t work for every operation. 

In order to take on the most demanding jobs, you need the right equipment. Tough outdoor applications, construction sites, lumber yards, and even indoor/outdoor warehouses are included. Toyota’s Core IC Pneumatic puts stability and power in your hands. Explore some key advantages of Toyota’s Core IC Pneumatic Forklift.

Benefits of a Core IC Pneumatic Forklift

PNEUMATIC TIRES 

When it comes to tires you have to consider your working conditions. When working outdoors or on uneven terrains, pneumatic tires are the best fit for the job. Pneumatic tires are most similar to those found on your truck or car and can be air-filled or solid depending on the application. The advantage of pneumatic tires is their ability to absorb uneven terrain, providing a smoother, less bumpy ride. They have a thick tread, which provides traction through loose surfaces such as gravel.

OPERATOR COMFORT  

Operating a forklift in uneven terrains and demanding environments can be tough on operators. The Core IC Pneumatic provides operators with key ergonomic features to keep them comfortable and efficient throughout their work day. With an LCD multi-function display to display performance and operational data, a premium comfort seat, load-sensing power steering, 11.8” steering wheel, and other dash-integrated features, your operators have everything they need at their fingertips. Each of these ergonomic features delivers a smoother ride and more efficient working time.

SYSTEM OF ACTIVE STABILITY 

Toyota’s System of Active Stability™ springs into action when operators encounter unanticipated loads and speed conditions. An active control rear stabilizer senses potentially dangerous turning speeds and widens the forklift’s center of gravity to decrease potential lateral tip-over. Plus, active mast control automatically limits operator actions that could cause forward or backward tipping. Thus, protecting your operator, products, and forklift.

BUILT TOUGH

The Core IC Pneumatic provides more durability for heavy, harsh conditions, more power for big loads, and more grip for uneven surfaces. Welded, roll-formed pillars provide maximum operator protection without compromising visibility. A stamped steel hood, sealed air intake, and moisture-resistant electrical connections extend the life of the forklift. While a rugged mast channel design limits mast deflection at high load capacities.

Toyota’s Core IC Pneumatic Forklift gives you the capability to knock every item off your outdoor to-do list.

In material handling, high productivity and efficiency is the goal. We know the needs of your operation are unique and frequently changing. You need a reliable and flexible forklift to help you get all of your heavy lifting done quickly and efficiently. That’s where the Core IC Cushion Forklift comes into play to make your job easier. This industry-leading forklift is useful in a multitude of industries ranging from manufacturing to retail.

The cushion tires make this forklift ideal for indoor operations. Between the cushion tires and its tight turn radius, this forklift is maneuverable in tight indoor spaces. If you need to get the job done in a plethora of settings, this forklift is the solution that continues to make an impact.

Core IC Cushion Forklift Advantages

UNMATCHED STABILITY

The revolutionary System of Active Stability (SAS) comes standard on all new Core IC Cushion Forklifts. This system detects potentially unsafe turnover situations and expands the forklift’s stability footprint, keeping your operation steady on the ground. This dynamic system is unique to Toyota forklifts, helping to keep operators, forklifts, materials, and facilities a safe place for operation.

ACTIVE MAST CONTROL

To help keep the forklift steady, load weight and mast height is monitored by the forklift to keep balance when dealing with heavy loads lifted high. With Active Mast Control, unsafe actions that could lead to forward or backward tipping are automatically limited, saving time and materials.

STRONG AND NIMBLE

With its 6,500 pound load capacity, this internal-combustion forklift can move large and heavy loads, while also fitting in tight spaces. Since the Core IC Cushion Forklift is most commonly used in indoor spaces, we know every inch of space is highly valuable. The compact frame allows this forklift to maneuver in aisles as small as 12 feet wide with its tight turning radius. With smaller aisles, you can fit more inventory and increase your operation’s efficiency.

IDEAL OPERATOR COMFORT

Since forklift operators spend their workday at the wheel, Toyota sought out to make their workplace a comfortable one. With a premium seat and ergonomic design, you’ll look forward to driving this forklift, every single shift. Power-steering that is load sensing and the 11.8” steering wheel makes maneuvering large loads more manageable. The standard LCD multi-function display provides performance and operational data with easy QR diagnostic codes to keep your operation functioning at its highest capacity.

If you know forklifts, you know the Core IC Cushion Forklift is a reliable truck that will get the job done, time and time again. With the power and lifting ability of internal combustion combined with the finesse of indoor maneuverability, this forklift serves operations with unmatched potential. You know Toyota forklifts are the leaders of moving things forward and the Core IC Cushion Forklift will impress you, load after load. 

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. 

A Toyota Reach Truck for Indoor and Outdoor Applications

Do you spend most of your day outside in a lumberyard or inside a rugged warehouse? Maybe you are required to work inside and outside? Many material handling trucks are not equipped to work indoors and outdoors or durable enough to work in a rugged indoor facility. You may think that a quick trip outside is harmless but repeat use of indoor trucks outside is not only harmful to your operators, but also your trucks. The buildup of dirt and debris and exposure to elements like rain and snow can wreak havoc on forklifts and their components, which leads to more downtime for repairs. Submitting your operators to the outdoors without proper protection can lead to reduced productivity or bad operating habits. It is vital to protect your trucks and operators for whatever environment they will be in. This is where Toyota’s Reach Truck products can assist with its indoor and outdoor capabilities.

Toyota’s Moving Mast Reach Truck products maximize productivity, performance, and efficiency. With an indoor model as well as an indoor/outdoor model, there is a truck to fit your needs. Each model features a right-hand control unit and an optional air-ride suspension seat to maximize productivity and comfort. Operators can customize performance and operating characteristics to meet their needs while also getting continuous updates on lift height, load weight, and fork alignment on a touchscreen display. Both indoor and indoor/outdoor models promote operator comfort and functionality to support productivity shift after shift.

MOVING MAST REACH TRUCK

The Moving Mast Reach Truck has lift heights up to 42.5 feet and a 5,500 lb. lifting capacity. Innovative ergonomics and technology offer clear and precise control for fast, smooth handling shift after shift. With an innovative mast design, a tilting cab, and an optional transparent roof, operators can maintain visibility at high lift heights. The Moving Mast Reach Truck features the tilting cab to reduce the risk of operator strain in repetitive high-level applications. It improves the visibility of the load so the operator can see the fork tips when elevated without moving their head.

INDOOR/OUTDOOR MOVING MAST REACH TRUCK

The Indoor/Outdoor Moving Mast Reach Truck excels with lift heights up to 24.5 feet and 3,500 lb. lifting capacity. The Indoor/Outdoor Moving Mast Reach Truck features weather protection options such as overhead and mast-direction windows, additional side windows, fan heater, and a fully enclosed cab with a door to support operator comfort in outdoor environments. This Reach Truck offers unmatched versatility due to the diameter of its large rubber pneumatic tires, high ground clearance, and multiple weather protection options. While reaching high and heavy loads can be challenging, the Indoor/Outdoor Moving Mast Reach Truck maintains a clear view with an optional panoramic roof and unique mast design, maintaining upward visibility and minimal load view obstruction.

Toyota’s Moving Mast Reach Truck products are capable of handling your most demanding challenges in warehousing, manufacturing, distribution, factory, retail, food storage/processing, and even cold storage applications. Its unmatched versatility, performance capabilities, and operator comfort contribute to keeping you going shift after shift. Whatever your needs may be, indoor or outside, these Reach Trucks are built for you. 

Do you ever wish you could easily access products on the second level of your warehouse racks? Well, now you can. Toyota’s new Low Level Order Picker comes equipped with an elevated hydraulic operator platform that gives the operator quick and effortless access to the second and, in some cases, third level of racking for countless productivity. Learn more about how Toyota’s Low Level Order Picker can help increase your warehouse efficiency.

Benefits of Toyota’s Low Level Order Picker

PRODUCTIVITY, REIMAGINED

Toyota’s new Low Level Order Picker can travel while elevated and simultaneously travels and lifts/lowers, allowing the operator to get from pick to pick quickly and efficiently. Optional hands-free lowering further enhances productivity by providing a foot-operated pedal to lower the platform. With the added load tray feature, operators are provided additional assistance when picking multiple cases at an elevated height. In addition, this lift is designed with single, double, and triple fork lengths that deliver flexibility to handle up to three pallets simultaneously.

SMOOTH TRAVEL, SHIFT AFTER SHIFT

Additionally, this warehouse warrior comes equipped with a powerful AC drive motor that provides a smooth, efficient operation while minimizing downtime. It also comes with fewer wearable parts, high energy efficiency, and less periodic maintenance to reduce downtime and operational costs so you can stay on the move.

COMFORTABLE AND CONFIDENT

At Toyota, we focus on delivering comfortable and intuitively designed equipment to help you carry the load. The Low Level Order Picker comes equipped with a new platform lift to help reduce the vibrations transferred to the load and operator. Additionally, there is a 21” spacious operating compartment with plenty of room for picking, entering, and exiting the forklift.

Deciding which warehouse solution is best for your operation can be difficult, but we’re here to help.