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. 

Here at Toyota Material Handling, we endeavor to produce great products to serve our customers. For more than 50 years, our forklifts have supported a variety of industries. Along the way, we have celebrated many milestones and commemorated several of these special moments with forklifts, which are on display on campus in Columbus, IN!

The First Toyota Forklift sold in the U.S.A.

This Toyota Forklift was the first truck sold in the United States in 1967. It was sold to a grape harvester in California, and was in operation for almost 25 years before being tracked down. It took another five years to negotiate returning it to Toyota’s campus and included the trade of a brand new forklift to replace Mr. Anderson’s 30-year old forklift. This truck serves as a great reminder for us here at TMH of where we started, and how far we’ve come.

1^st Toyota built in Columbus, IN

In 1990, Toyota Material Handling started manufacturing lifts here in Columbus, IN. This blue and orange 5-series forklift was the first to roll off the line on May 10, 1990, memorializing a start to manufacturing trucks in the United States. The Columbus, IN facility was originally established to support North American requirements, but today, this facility is builds forklifts which are shipped all over the world.

1^st Toyota Designed in Columbus, IN

While this truck looks like a normal forklift, this 8-series 1-ton electric forklift was the first model that was completely designed, engineered, and manufactured at our North American headquarters.

25^th Anniversary of Toyota Assembled in the USA

Toyota has been assembling forklifts in the USA since 1990, and we created this special design, that resembles the U.S. flag, in May of 2015 to celebrate 25 years of manufacturing in the United States. We have produced over 750,000 forklifts in North America, and we continue to enjoy our strong partnerships throughout the country. If you see a Toyota forklift working in your local community, chances are, that forklift was assembled here as well.

Toyotas 50^th anniversary

In 2017, TMH celebrated their 50th anniversary of the first Toyota forklift sold in the U.S. by assembling a golden forklift. It was a special celebration for dealers and associates here in Columbus, IN. The Columbus plant was the first Toyota forklift factory outside of Japan to produce material handling equipment and now produces approximately 180 forklifts a day. When speaking about the special day, Brett Wood said:

“Fifty years represents a golden achievement in the U.S. and today we honored the Associates, the dealers, our suppliers, and the community who supported TMHU’s journey to this major milestone. This ceremony underscored our legacy here in the U.S., but it was also designed to give a glimpse into the future of Toyota Forklifts’ ongoing leadership and growth in the rapidly changing material handling and logistics industry.”

Veteran’s Day Forklift

In 2020, Toyota Material Handling manufactured the Veteran’s Day forklift to show our appreciation to all veterans. This camouflage truck even has a dedication plate on the back with the names of over 50 TMH associates who have served or are currently serving our country. This was just a small tribute from Toyota to show how much we appreciate everything our veterans have done and will continue to do moving forward.

Toyota Material Handling values the men and women who use our products to complete their daily work. We strive to respect them by delivering safe, efficient, durable and cost-effective products that help them, “Carry the Load.” 

Electric forklifts can be beneficial in many different work indoor applications (and now even outdoors with Toyota’s 80-Volt Electric Pneumatic Forklift). Using electric forklifts in your warehouse is one of the most common uses of these machines and for good reason. Electric warehouse forklifts can reduce fuel costs and be charged at intervals that can maximize efficiency across shifts. Take a look at some of the following benefits electric forklifts could have in your warehouse space.

Electric Warehouse Forklift Benefits

LESS NOISE

You may not think about it, but having a quieter forklift may impact you or your operator’s ability to operate safely and effectively in certain applications. In smaller, confined spaces, with multiple forklifts running, it could get pretty loud. With electric forklifts, it lowers the noise level, allowing for easier communication, and less fatigue from your operators. Really, the only noise that electric forklifts have is the horn. In certain warehouses, this can make it easier for operators and pedestrians to hear forklift horns, co-workers, or other important workplace sounds.

LOWER EMISSIONS

When you are using a gas or LPG burning forklift, you are producing emissions that could be harmful to your associates and products if not properly addressed. Electric forklifts do not generate any CO emissions. This helps keep your employees healthy and lower the impact of emissions in your warehouse.

Certain products can also be harmed by emissions including food items, other perishables, and various consumer products. Toyota electric forklifts come in a wide variety of lifting capacities to fit many different applications. Also, fewer emissions are great for the environment!

If you are using a gas or LPG forklift in your warehouse instead of electrics, we understand there are many reasons that might have influenced that decision, and Toyota is the U.S. leader in internal combustion forklifts. However, make sure you are using proper ventilation techniques if you’re using one in your warehouse.

A WIDE RANGE OF OPTIONS

Because your warehouse needs to maximize space, it could be hard to fit a full-sized forklift down your narrow aisles. An electric warehouse forklift can help solve that issue. At Toyota, we have many different electric forklifts to fit your needs. Maybe you need to squeeze in those narrow aisles? The 3-wheel electric would be perfect. It has a tighter turn radius than most forklifts but still has the capacity to lift up to 4,000 lbs. Maybe your warehouse stacks pallets behind each other. This is where reach trucks work great. Being able to place pallets in front of each other makes sure you are maximizing your warehouse space and racking. No matter what type of warehouse blueprint you have, Toyota Material Handling has an electric forklift to fit your needs!

OPERATING COST

When it comes to the operating cost of forklifts, electric forklifts can usually be lower than that of internal combustion models. While IC models run on gas, electric forklifts run on, well, electricity! You may need to set up a charging station in your warehouse, but the cost of electricity can be significantly lower than that of fuel.

While IC models are still the most popular in the market, electric forklifts are increasing in popularity. So remember, if you are looking to increase productivity and ROI in your warehouse, take a look at all of the different electric forklift options from Toyota.

One of the main reasons that Toyota has gained the reputation for having the highest quality forklift in the industry is that the buying a Toyota forklift means you’re also getting a Toyota engine. Years of engineering Toyota’s world-renowned 4Y engine and all of our other engines means our internal combustion forklifts are unmatched.

How does a Toyota Forklift Engine Work?

Every Toyota IC forklift engine has the same basic functionality. Toyota Certified Technicians are trained in this process so they can more easily understand the exact point of need when maintenance is required. Here’s an inside look about how an IC forklift engine works.

An ignition battery and gear-driven starter forces the engine to “crank over,” starting the internal combustion process. The carburetor mixes a combustible, liquid fuel with air and injects it into the cylinders through a valve. Within the cylinder, the piston is attached to a rod, which in turn is attached to the crankshaft.

Mechanical energy is produced when the spark plug introduces a spark to the compressed fuel/air mixture, igniting the explosion. The explosion drives the piston and rod down in the cylinder. Because of the way the crankshaft is designed, it will convert the downward energy of the piston and rod to the mechanical energy (RPMs).

A series of these cylinders are connected to the crankshaft in the block. The block contains other mechanisms, like the cam shaft, which uses the RPMs to open and close the valves in precise timing sequence. This mechanical energy also drives the alternator or generator (found mounted to the engine and driven by a belt) which supplies current to the forklift’s electrical components. Additionally, the electricity produced in this way is used to drive the power steering and lift/tilt hydraulic pumps.

From Forklift Diesel Engines to Gasoline, Toyota Has Forklift Engine Fuel Types Covered

Internal combustion engines come in four main types, each categorized by the type of fuel they burn. Deciding between them depends on your specific forklift application and operational strategy

• Forklift gasoline engines use the same fuel as an automobile.
•  Forklift Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) engines run on a gas that occurs naturally. LPG is commonly used for gas grills.
• Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) engines use the same fuel supplied to homes and businesses to power stoves, furnaces and other appliances.
• Diesel engines use diesel fuel, a lower grade fuel not as refined as gasoline and therefore, not as combustible.

Each type of fuel provides different advantages that will then impact the operation of the forklift. Consider the below list that shows which forklifts can come equipped with forklift diesel engines and CNG engines and ask your locally authorized Toyota dealer about what choosing one can mean for your operation.

CNG Options:

• Core IC Cushion(up to 6,500 lb. capacity)
• Core IC Pneumatic(up to 6,500 lb. capacity)

Diesel Engine Options

• Mid IC Pneumatic (8,000-11,000 lb. capacity)
• Large IC Pneumatic (13,500-17,500 lb. capacity)

Diesel Engine Only:

• High-Capacity IC Pneumatic(22,000-125,000 lb. capacity)
  • Shorter load centers available in LP

Knowing the Difference between Forklift Engines – The Toyota 4Y Engine and More

But which engine comes in each of our forklifts? The below guide will help you understand the differences between each Toyota forklift engine. But one thing that’s consistent across every forklift engine we produce? Expert engineering.

Four forklift engines are distributed across our internal combustion line

4Y Forklift Engine
Core IC Cushion | Core IC Pneumatic

1ZS Forklift Engine
Core IC Diesel Pneumatic

1FS Forklift Engine
Large IC Cushion | Box Car Special | Paper Roll Special | Mid IC Pneumatic | Large IC Pneumatic

1KD Forklift Engine
Mid IC Diesel Pneumatic | Large IC Diesel Pneumatic

But what exactly is the difference between these forklift engines that come in each of these models? Here’s a breakdown of each to help you choose the best available option.

Toyota 4Y Engine

The Toyota 4Y Engine was introduced in 1986, and it has been one of the industry’s longest lasting, most durable forklift engines ever since. The 4Y Engine is unique in that it is the cleanest engine in the industry, and its emission standards rival the emission standards of any competitive internal combustion engine.

• The Toyota 4Y Engine is extremely efficient, which makes it tolerant of extreme temperatures. From outdoor applications in Minnesota, to paper mills in Georgia, this engine runs smoothly.
• Due to its compact design, this engine works well in Toyota’s Core Products, such as the Core IC Cushion and Core IC Pneumatic.
• It is common to find Toyota Forklifts operating with 4Y Engines that have run for more than 30,000 hours and haven’t had a major overhaul.

Here’s deeper dive into how the Toyota 4Y Engine functions:

Toyota 1FS Engine

The Toyota 1FS Engine is based off the well-known 3Z diesel engine. It’s a robust powerhouse that can handle your toughest jobs.

• The 1FS is built with special electronics that all lead to better fuel efficiency and low emissions.
• Special measures have been taken (including a smaller engine footprint to help reduce the under-hood temperature, which leads to durability and longevity.

Toyota 1ZS Diesel Engine

The Toyota 1ZS Diesel Engine powers the Toyota Core IC Diesel Pneumatic, with less displacement than the previous model for lower emissions and fuel costs.

• The 1ZS is a 3-cylinder inline engine.
• The Toyota 1ZS requires no exhaust maintenance.
• This engine is a tough 53 horsepower with 128 lbs./ft. torque.

Toyota 1KD Diesel Engine

The 1KD Diesel Engine has been developed for the Toyota Mid and Large IC Diesel Pneumatic Forklifts. The 1KD is a four-cylinder engine that helps decrease fuel consumption and emissions.

• This engine is turbo charged which provides advantages including superior power and efficiency.
• With this engine model, horsepower and torque have significantly increased while fuel consumption has significantly decreased.
• The current 1KD engine has approximately 20 fewer internal moving parts than the previous model, making it easier to maintain and own.

Takeaway Reasons to Trust Toyota Forklift Engines

Need a few quick reasons that Toyota forklift engines lead the way? Here a few quick take aways:

Contact Us for more information about any Toyota forklift engine or to request a quote

There are many different forklift types, each carefully designed for specific applications and each offering its own unique set of benefits and features. Below is a list of the six most common types of forklifts: 

1. Electric forklifts

2. IC forklifts

3. Order pickers

4. Reach trucks

5. High-capacity forklifts

6. Pallet jacks

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 Forklift types?

• 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 of forklifts:

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 lift trucks 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 (gas powered) 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 when choosing between a gas powered and electric powered forklift:

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

1. • A History of Excellence and Leadership: Toyota’s forklift division began in 1956 in Japan with the introduction of the first Toyota forklift. Today, Toyota is the world leader in forklift sales.

• • Safety Innovation: Toyota introduced the world’s first and only System of Active Stability (SAS). The system electronically monitors the forklift’s operations to help reduce the likelihood of both lateral and longitudinal tip-overs.

• • Technical Innovation: In 2000, Toyota became the first major forklift manufacturer in the United States to offer AC technology to provide high performance and efficiency. The AC motor contains no springs, brushes, commutators or directional contractors, making is virtually maintenance free.

• • #1 in Quality, Durability, Reliability, Value and Lowest Cost of Ownership: Toyota forklifts are ranked number one in numerous studies conducted by Peerless Research Group.

• • More Than a Forklift Manufacturer, Toyota is a Full-Line Supplier: In addition to a full line of high-quality forklifts, Toyota offers other industrial equipment products including narrow aisle solutions, walkie stackers, automated guided vehicles (AGV’s) and tow tractors.

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.

Building a forklift that works perfectly for every application can be challenging. After all, what works for a small mom and pop retail store may not work as well for a high-throughput forging application. Options such as lights and attachments allow you to customize each forklift to fit your needs, but did you know that adjusting forklift settings can be just as critical to optimizing performance and efficiency?

Many forklifts today come standard with pre-set performance and operational settings that can be adjusted either through a built-in multi-function display or an external device such as a laptop. Toyota’s Core Electric and 3-Wheel Electric models, for example, each have over 60 different settings that can be fine-tuned through the display. These settings are protected via passwords to prevent access to unauthorized users.

Settings on Toyota forklifts are highly adjustable as most parameters have eight or more levels of adjustment. Understanding how these settings affect forklift operation is the first step in realizing productivity and efficiency gains. Below are a few examples of settings that can be adjusted and how they can impact your operation. If you feel like you may benefit from optimizing your forklift’s parameters.

Toyota Forklift Acceleration, Speed, and Braking Adjustments

Travel/Acceleration – These speeds can be adjusted to increase productivity or slow down forklifts for when precise handling is necessary. These settings can also provide energy savings in applications where quick acceleration or faster travel speeds are not necessary.

Accelerator Pedal Response* – Adjusts sensitivity to the initial depression of the accelerator pedal. Higher settings will reduce the delay between when the pedal is depressed and when the forklift begins to accelerate.

Rollback Speed* – Trucks with the rollback feature have a momentary delay followed by a controlled descent when the accelerator pedal is released while on a grade. This setting allows the travel speed and time before rollback to be adjusted.

Over Speed Alarm – An alarm sounds on the forklift when a pre-set travel speed is exceeded.

Regenerative Braking* – Adjusts how quickly the truck slows down when the operator’s foot is taken off of the accelerator pedal. Strength of “plugging” response can also be adjusted (when travel direction is switched between forward and reverse).

Toyota Forklift Lift, Maintenance, and Power Adjustments

Hydraulic Functions – Lift, lower, tilt, and attachment speeds are all adjustable. This includes starting, inching, maximum, acceleration, and deceleration settings. These settings can also provide energy savings in applications where faster hydraulic speeds are not necessary.

Lift Interrupt Level* – Used to tune the depth of discharge of a battery before the truck reaches lift interrupt. When the battery reaches the set level, the lift function will be disallowed. This allows the forklift to be matched to the battery size and type that is installed.

Planned Maintenance Hour Meter – An alarm sounds to inform the operator when the forklift is due for planned maintenance. The maintenance period can be adjusted and the alarm can be overridden.

Engine Auto Off/Auto Power Off – Engine (IC models) or battery power (electric models) will automatically turn off during a certain period of inactivity. The amount of time before it turns off can be adjusted or the setting can be turned off entirely.

*Applies to electric forklifts only.

Original Post: Trinton Castetter, Product Marketing Specialist, TMH