Using forklifts effectively in any application requires assessing how they will work in concert with the other elements of your facility. From understanding your dock capabilities to making sure pallet racks and forklifts match up appropriately, a successful facility takes into account every touchpoint of forklifts in use.

An easy to overlook touchpoint that requires attention is facility flooring. Too often, operations that use forklifts experience unexpected damage to both product and equipment because floors become damaged. In this post, I’ll discuss some of the impacts of damaged floors on equipment and personnel, help identify some trouble areas on concrete floors, and discuss possible solutions to damaged flooring.

Concrete Floors and Forklift Ergonomics

The thing about forklifts? They’re aren’t equipped with the suspension system of a luxury SUV. When you roll over a bump while driving a forklift, you’re going to feel it. And while Toyota forklifts are ergonomically designed for operators’ optimal comfort, a floor that’s fallen into disrepair will place stress and strain on an operators’ body. Maintaining a floor inspection schedule is key to preventing damage. But if you’re an operator and you see or feel floor damage, make sure your report it.

Concrete Floors and Forklift or Product Damage

Most forklifts that operate indoors will have cushion tires, and cushion tires are not manufactured to withstand uneven terrain. Uneven terrain includes flooring surfaces where chunks of floor are missing or general rough patches are present. When you continually drive cushion tires on a damaged floor, you’re likely to shorten the intervals between necessary tire replacement, placing strain on the forklift and on your budget.

Damaged floors might also be hazardous for the products you’re moving. Not only will driving over damaged floors cause less than optimal work conditions for your operators, it increases the risk of product spills if items fall from pallets due to traveling over the uneven terrain. Even something as seemingly negligible as increased vibration of products on a pallet can damage certain types of materials. Making sure your floors receive optimal care helps protect your investment in the product.

An even bigger investment might be your forklifts; those capital investments need protection, too. Forklifts are designed to have a low center of gravity, so there are many points on a forklift such as under the mast and chassis where under clearance is minimal. If a clearance assessment was made prior to acquiring the forklift, this may have been done prior to any flooring damage. Should floors later become damaged, you might not have the necessary clearance, potentially increasing impacts on the forklift. Such sudden impacts caused by poor flooring conditions can also damage internal forklift components over time, potentially causing a forklift to become unstable.

One helpful preventive measure? Toyota’s T-matics solution can be installed on most Toyota equipment to monitor for impacts and assess where they occur. If there is damaged floor where impacts are occurring often, T-matics might be able to help you identify the problem.

Concrete Floors Inspection Tip: Check the Joints

Performing a regular visual inspection of your floors is highly recommended. One main problem area that requires frequent inspection are the joints between concrete slabs. Because these are inherent weak points in the floor and receive pull away pressure from the weight of forklifts, they are likely to be the first places that fall into disrepair from natural wear and tear. Replacing concrete joints when they become damaged might seem like a costly investment. However, the long-term ROI of less forklift repair and more efficient operations makes the investment worthwhile.

Concrete Floors and Friction

The condition of your concrete floors goes even beyond the damage that they undergo due to wear and tear. You must also consider how friction plays a role in several critical forklift functions. When floors are wet or slick due to spills or chemicals that are used, it reduces the friction of the tire surface with the ground. This can have a significant impact on a forklift’s ability to stop or accelerate effectively, which can be an eminent safety hazard. It is imperative that floor surfaces are cleaned properly and allowed to dry before attempting to drive over them. Ensuring that the floor is also free of debris and any obstructions will help to avoid potentially unsafe driving situations. Be sure to thoroughly read and understand your forklift’s operator manual for more information regarding proper floor conditions for your particular piece of equipment.

Whatever you plan strategically to make sure your floors stay in top condition, having an inspection plan in place is key to success. Material handling investments work hand in hand with facility investments, right from the ground up.

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

Toyota at ProMat: Experience the Material Handling Revolution

ProMat is the premiere event for material handling leaders, where the best operations are seeking innovative solutions from fellow experts in the field. It’s the forefront of the industry’s future. Toyota Material Handling has evolved from its roots to meet diverse challenges and adapt to the market. At ProMat 2019, we’re introducing more than the next evolution of forklifts. We’re starting a revolution of the way you think about material handling solutions. When you visit TMHU at ProMat, you’ll see what next level innovation is all about. 

Chicago is the exciting location of ProMat 2019! Toyota Material Handling wants to help as you make plans and book travel accommodations in the Windy City. Follow the link below to locate the ProMat Expo’s official travel recommendations and information. And while you’re at the show, come see Toyota Material Handling at booths S1003 or S603 and receive a free gift!

RSVP TO WIN

There are many different types of forklifts, each carefully designed for specific applications and each offering its own unique set of benefits and features.

Selecting the right forklift for your needs is essential to efficiency and productivity, which is why it is so important to understand the key differences in each class of forklifts. But with seven varying forklift “classes” with subtle differences, it can be difficult to even know where to begin your forklift search.

What are the different types of forklifts?

• Class I: Electric Motor Rider Forklifts
• Class II: Electric Motor Narrow Aisle Forklifts (Reach Trucks, Order Pickers)
• Class III: Electric Pallet Jacks, Stackers, and Tow Tractors
• Class IV: Internal Combustion Cushion Tire Forklifts
• Class V: Internal Combustion Pneumatic Tire Forklifts
• Class VI: Electric/IC Engine Tow Tractors
• Class VII: Rough Terrain Forklifts

Let’s explore the distinct applications, benefits, and features of each of the seven classes:

Class I: Electric Motor Riders

Class I forklifts are electric motor riders. These electric-powered forklifts are ideal for loading and unloading tractor-trailers, handling pallets, and a number of other applications in industries ranging from food storage and retail to factory and general warehousing.

Because they are powered by an electric battery, Class I forklifts are much quieter and create no emissions, making them a popular choice for indoor applications. Batteries on Class I forklifts also function as part of the counterweight to help maintain lifting capacity.

Toyota offers six versatile forklifts in this class, ranging in lift capacity from 3,000 to 40,000 pounds and with electrical systems ranging between 24-volt and 80-volt. Click on each of Toyota’s six Class I forklift models below to learn more about their individual features.

• Core Electric Forklift
• Large Electric Forklift
• 80V Electric Pneumatic Forklift
• 3-Wheel Electric Forklift
• Stand-Up Rider Forklift
• High-Capacity Electric Cushion Forklift

Class II: Electric Motor Narrow Aisle

Class II forklifts are electric, narrow aisle models. As the name suggests, Class II forklifts are designed with maneuverability that allows them to operate in tight spaces and narrow aisles. This class of forklifts is perfect for picking and putting away inventory, and these trucks provide users the ability to increase racking space without expanding their current warehouse.

Toyota offers two Class II forklift models, and you can explore the unique features of each by clicking on the model name from the list below.

• Reach Truck
• Order Picker

Class III: Electric Pallet Jacks / Stackers / Tow Tractors

Class III equipment includes electric pallet jacks, stackers, and tow tractors. This class of equipment comes in both rider and walk behind (“walkie”) models, perfect for unloading deliveries and moving loads to a staging area where they can be handled by other types of forklifts.

Toyota offers 10 Class III models, including three different stackers that are ideal for food and beverage storage industries, among others. Click on each forklift model below to learn more.

• Electric Walkie Pallet Jack
• Counter-Balanced Stacker
• Walkie Reach Truck
• Large Electric Walkie Pallet Jack
• End-Controlled Rider Pallet Jack
• Core Tow Tractor
• Mid-Tow Tractor
• Center-Controlled Rider Pallet Jack
• Walkie Stacker
• Industrial Walkie Stacker

Class IV: Internal Combustion Engine Cushion Tire

Class IV forklifts are internal combustion engine cushion tire trucks. This class of sit-down forklifts is designed for indoor use. Class IV forklifts are powered by internal combustion (IC) engines that run on diesel fuel, LP gas, gasoline, or compressed natural gas. Their solid, cushioned tires provide a smooth ride on indoor surfaces and they’re puncture-proof since they are not air-filled.

These forklifts offer users outstanding versatility for warehousing, distribution, retail, and automotive applications.

Toyota offers seven Class IV models, ranging in lift capacity from 3,000 to 100,000 pounds. Click on each of the forklift models below to learn more about their individual features.

• Core IC Cushion
• Large IC Cushion
• Box Car Special
• Paper Roll Special
• High-Capacity IC Cushion
• High-Capacity Large IC Cushion
• High-Capacity Adjustable Wheelbase

Class V: Internal Combustion Engine Pneumatic Tire

Class V forklifts are internal combustion engine pneumatic tire trucks. Forklifts in this class are similar to those in Class IV, but are designed primarily for outdoor use. These forklifts are highly durable and are ideal for lumberyards, construction sites, and other outdoor applications.

Toyota offers seven forklift models in Class V, ranging in lift capacity from 3,000 to 125,000 pounds. Click on each individual forklift model below to learn more about its individual features.

• Core IC Pneumatic
• Mid IC Pneumatic
• Large IC Pneumatic
• High-Capacity IC Pneumatic
• Empty Container Handler
• Loaded Container Handler
• Reach Stacker

Class VI: Electric/ IC Engine Tow Tractors

Class VI equipment includes electric and internal combustion engine tow tractors. These machines are most commonly used for towing loads rather than lifting. Trucks in this class are ideal for use at airports, but are also commonly used in assembly line areas.

Toyota’s Large Tow Tractor boasts a maximum tugging capacity of over 50,000 pounds and features an extremely tight turn radius. Its AC Drive system enables quicker acceleration, high top speeds, and extended peak operator time.

Class VII: Rough Terrain Forklift Trucks

Class VII forklifts are rough terrain trucks. Trucks in this class feature large, tractor-style tires and are powered almost exclusively by diesel engines for outdoor use in rugged terrain. Class VII trucks are most commonly used at lumberyards or construction sites to lift building materials to elevated work sites.

How to Choose Between IC or Electric Forklifts:

Deciding whether an internal combustion forklift or electric forklift is appropriate for your application can seem like a daunting task. Here are some high-level considerations that you might take into account:

Electric

• Typically less maintenance than I/C forklifts
• Quieter with little emission sounds
• No fuel-storage requirements
• Requires a charging station
• Batteries are large and heavy to change out.  Battery extraction equipment may be required
• No tailpipe emissions
• Lifespan depends on application, use and maintenance
• Better option for smaller, confined areas

Internal Combustion Forklifts

• Operate on gasoline, diesel, compressed natural gas or liquid propane gas
• Primarily used outdoors, but can be used in moderation in some indoor applications
• Can operate in various conditions
• No batteries to recharge
• Toyota’s IC forklift line can lift over 51,000 lbs.
• Lifespan depends on application, use and maintenance
• Noise emissions meet or exceed ANSI B56.1 Standards
• Toyota forklifts are designed to meet EPA Standards for emissions

In less than 60 days new accounting rules will impact operations, and organizations whose finance and operations personnel are on the same page will benefit the most.  Selecting the right financing is just as important as choosing the right equipment.  No matter the fleet size, these changes will compel an even greater collaboration between those who cut the checks and those who rely on forklifts every day.  

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) has approved changes to Accounting Standard Codification (ASC) 842, which affects operating leases.  On January 1, 2019, the Finance Accounting Standards Board's FASB13 will take effect.  FASB13 calls for every lease to be classified as either an operating lease or capital lease based on specific criteria. 

Currently, capital leases are reported on the balance sheet as an asset and liability.  Operating leases, however, are supposed to be footnoted on the balance sheet but are expensed on the income statement.  The new guidance generally stipulates that lessees will be required to recognize both Capital and Operating leases as assets and liabilities for leases with term of more than 12 months.  Beginning Jan. 1, 2019, all leases (capital and operating) will be required to be accounted for on the balance sheet as right-of-use (ROU) asset and lease liability on their balance sheet. * 

“This will have a couple of significant impacts to companies. First, having all leases on the balance sheet will give creditors greater visibility to total liabilities. Secondly, many companies did not require capital approval of off-balance-sheet acquisitions such as rentals and operating leases, which made it quicker and easier to obtain equipment.  The increased scrutiny associated with on-balance-sheet capital approvals may slow or restrict some companies’ equipment acquisition process, which makes it more important than ever for finance and operations to partner up,” Sue Rice says.  

Leasing is an increasingly popular means of controlling expenses and guaranteeing access to the latest technology.  The best way to keep finance and operations departments aligned is to use a data-driven approach to fleet management.  Data is becoming increasingly important in the material handling industry, which is why telematics systems are growing in popularity.  Toyota T-Matics MOBILE and T-Matics COMMAND deliver important insights about your forklift and operators.  T-Matics offers a solution that gives greater visibility to your fleet's performance.  Some of the features include fleet utilization/optimization, web-based dashboards & reporting, electronic hour meter collection, fully mobile, impact detection, etc.  Bottom line...What gets measured, gets managed.  

Still have questions?  Dillon Toyota Lift is here to help.  We can help determine what equipment and finance options are best for you in the long-term.  

*We encourage customers discuss these changes with their Accountants, Auditors and Creditors to better understand the effects these revisions may have on their business.