There are quite a few applications where lithium-ion batteries make sense to power your forklifts – but some are garnering more attention than others.

The cold storage industry is the most obvious because of lithium’s ability to perform in a wide range of temperatures and environments.

In cold storage, lead acid batteries don’t perform as well because of condensation, and also because cold temperatures impede the chemical reaction in lead-acid batteries that releases electricity to power the forklift.

While this can also happen in lithium-ion batteries, the temperature of LiBs can be more easily regulated to combat this outcome. For example, unlike lead-acid batteries, LiBs can be manufactured with heaters installed to endure cold environments, and some LiBs feature active cooling elements to help in extreme heat applications.

Many lithium-ion batteries come with a rating of IP65 or greater, meaning the battery’s internal components are protected from water and condensation, as well as in temperatures as low as minus-31 degrees.

The main reason condensation isn’t an issue in lithium-ion batteries is the fact the cells are completely sealed and free from air. Lead-acid batteries are vented with air space in the cells, which allows condensation to form and impacts the chemical balance of the battery.

Lithium-ion cells operate most effectively in temperatures ranging from -4 degrees up to 140 degrees. But certain lithium chemistry combinations can expand that range – allowing LiBs to function better and last longer in extreme conditions.

A battery with a chemistry of lithium-iron phosphate or nickel cadmium, for example, performs better in cold applications than other types – effective in temperatures as low as -25 degrees. For high-temperature applications, nickel-metal hydride cells perform best – operating in temperatures up to 275 degrees.

If you use electric forklifts for applications where extreme temperatures are present, making the shift to lithium-ion technology may be the right solution for you.

Original post HERE

Evolving business needs often lead to major changes in organizations and operations. For the management of material handling applications, many companies have undergone a transformation to electric forklift fleets. It’s a trend that has occurred over the last decade for a variety of reasons – including rising environmental standards, the impact on total cost of ownership, and, in some cases, efficiency advantages that can be provided by electric forklifts under the right conditions.

Among those conditions to consider include:

• Do I have the facility space, electric power sources, and layout to facilitate electric forklifts?
• Am I willing to pay the higher initial upfront cost for electric models in order to realize the long-term benefits for ROI?
• Do I have a full solutions material handling provider who can facilitate such as transition?

If you determine an electric conversion is right for you, here are some things to consider as you begin on the path to transition.

What is my current ownership/financing model for forklifts?

How and when you make the transition to electric forklifts may be a matter of financing structure. Some organizations have full ownership over their fleet. If this is the case, you’ll need to make sure your usage either justifies a replacement process or that you can receive enough capital from resale to justify the transition to new/used electric models.

If you leased all trucks in your fleet simultaneously, prepare your conversion for the time those leases expire. Work with your forklift provider to facilitate transition to new leases – this can be easily facilitated by a provider who works directly with a captive finance company (like Toyota does with Toyota Industrial Commercial Finance).

Other organizations will have a mixture of leased and owned models, or leases that expire at different times. If this is the case, you’ll need to consider the more complicated question of whether your facility is equipped to perform a gradual transition, replacing internal combustion forklifts with electric forklifts as it make sense to do so. Maintaining operation and maintenance, as well as fueling and battery swapping activities, simultaneously can be time-consuming and have an impact on things like facility routing and organization. Make sure you’re equipped to handle it.

What do I need to do to prepare my facility for electric forklift conversion?

While you may be used to the speed and relatively low storage needs of swapping propane tanks to power your forklifts, providing energy to your electric models can take more storage space and time. Depending on the battery you select, storage for those batteries can be somewhat cumbersome. They are bigger and heavier than propane tanks and may have to swapped as often as every shift depending on your charging method and usage. Speaking of weight, you’ll also need dedicated space for swapping batteries and associates trained to do so. Preparing your facility for this kind of activity is important before you make the transition.

Making a transition to electric also means considering the type of battery you want to select – including traditional lead-acid batteries or lithium-ion batteries. Each can provide unique energy advantages that can be closely evaluated for your specific operation.

Work with a forklift provider who is well-versed in both IC and electric forklifts to help – Toyota authorized dealers can provide an audit of your site to help you prepare.

Is my workforce trained to operate electric forklifts?

After you work with a forklift provider to determine which electric models best fit your operation, you may find yourself with new machines that look and operate differently than your previous models. Remember, OSHA requires that operators be trained on every unique type of forklift that they use. Make sure your associates are properly trained in the use of new electric models.

The transition to electric can have long-term benefits for many operations. But careful evaluations of your preparedness to make the change needs to be completed before a final decision is reached.View original post HERE

Get a Helping Hand this Harvest Season

Our customers in agriculture know that the right attachment can be a crucial piece of equipment when you need to move high volumes of product quickly. Cascade attachments are built for both speed and reliability, with an extensive selection available that can improve efficiency in agriculture applications. Whatever you may be harvesting, Cascade can help you make the most of your busiest times of the year.

See the 20G Ag Rotator in action here:Cascade offers several attachments for handling agriculture bins, the latest solution being our 20G Ag Rotator. The 20G offers a built-in hold down mechanism and fast 180-degree rotation function, making it the perfect tool to quickly invert bins easily and accurately, such as when dumping bins of produce. High visibility through the bin hold-down gives the driver excellent line of sight and enables fast and effective loading and unloading. The 20G Ag Rotator is built for speed and is a great way to achieve increased efficiency in your existing workflow. It is compact enough that it doesn't impact net truck capacity, allowing you to handle more without investing in a larger truck. On top of it all, it's an economical solution for expanding your capabilities during busy times of the year. Designed especially for the agricultural industry, the 20G is a great tool to have on your side when harvest season is here.

See the 20G Ag Rotator in action here:

For larger loads, Cascade offers a range of 360-degree rotators to satisfy higher capacities, which are even capable of inverted loading with our standard rotator forks. These forks are easily adjustable without tools to provide flexibility throughout your product line. Rotators are available with bin retainer options to ensure that your material handling is fast and effective. Rotators, including the 20G, can be outfitted with a variety of fork sizes to satisfy your needs.

For a different approach to handling agricultural bins, Cascade also offers Forward Bin Dumpers. These durable attachments can easily accommodate various bin heights and, with their forward-oriented dumping mechanism, may better serve your workflow needs - perfect for fruit, vegetables, nuts, and more. Bin Dumpers are available with standard carriage mounting or as a Quick Fork Mount model for fast and easy installation, allowing you to increase your forklift's capabilities while remaining seasonally flexible.

Cultivate Productivity with Cascade Solutions

Cascade Multiple Load Handlers are another popular solution that can dramatically increase the throughput of even a single forklift. By adjusting the fork spread of a Multiple Load Handler, an operator can easily handle either a single load or many loads at once. The high quality engineering of these attachments makes them an energy-efficient solution that yields longer run times and larger cost savings than others. Various configurations of the Multiple Load Handlers are available - including single-double and single-double-triple configurations, plus options for fork length and load backrest height - to ensure that there's a model to match your needs. With fast and simple operation, the versatile Multiple Load Handler makes it easy to move high volumes of product and maximize your speed on any forklift. In some cases, the equipment needs of Cascade customers come and go depending on seasonal demands of their market. This is especially true in agriculture. Cascade rentals are a great way to enjoy the benefits of a Cascade attachment without committing to a full purchase. Cascade offers a wide range of rental solutions for your convenience with short-term rentals for seasonal fluctuations, long-term rentals or rent-to-own options available. Rental equipment is well maintained and offers the same great performance you would expect from an attachment of your own. Contact your Cascade representative to find out what rental programs are available in your area.

From Seed to Crop to Market

Cascade has many solutions to improve the efficiency of your operation, with options that address not only harvest season, but the wide range of applications throughout the agriculture industry like food processing, distribution and more. We offer attachments for both indoor and outdoor applications, as well as those that operate in extreme temperatures, hot or cold. From Layer Pickers to Push Pulls, Telescopic Forks to Mobile Weighing, Cascade has the tools for effectively handling bagged goods, super sacks, pallets, crates, slip-sheets, and more. Cascade products are built with the highest quality materials and use innovative designs that stand the test of time. Our unmatched after-sale support allows our customers to focus on production instead of worrying about equipment. In addition to our vast catalog of standard attachments, we offer customization options that guarantee a solution that fits your needs. Contact us today to talk with a knowledgeable Cascade representative and let us find the right solution for you. Read more on Cascase News

Cascade manufactures a variety of products that enable the conventional forklift to become a more versatile and efficient material handling tool. Cascade offers a full line of products that enable a lift truck to pull, push, clamp, lift, sideshift and rotate practically any load imaginable.

Cascade designed the 20G Ag Rotator specifically for seasonal use in agriculture

Features:

• 180 degree rotation to quickly dump or invert a load and immediately return to the pick-up position.
• Compact build doesn't decrease the net capacity of lift trucks, so your customers handle more without needing to invest in a larger truck.
• High visibility through the bin hold-down gives drivers excellent line of sight for reliable, accurate operation
• Hydraulically operated bin retainer designed to securely clamp on top of the bin and hold it in place while rotating. 
• Good torque performance ensures smooth, positive rotation of the load.
• Designed for handling plastic, wooden and metal bins used in the agricultural market.

Options:

• Multiple fork lengths
• Rotator may be ordered with or without a bin hold-down

View the 20G Ag Rotator with Bin Hold Down Spec Sheet HERE

“The Heat Is On” is more than just a popular song by Eagles lead singer Glenn Frey, it’s also a great metaphor for forging and casting applications. And the heat isn’t just on the street, it’s also on your forklift and on forklift operators. Luckily, there are a number of ways you can combat these high temperatures to increase productivity and reduce the possibility of premature wear on your equipment.

Foundry Package

Toyota has specially designed packages to help alleviate problems associated with high-heat applications and the foundry package is a great place to start. Toyota’s foundry package typically includes the following features depending on the model and truck configuration:

• Protection for external wires and sensors using heat-resistant sleeves
• Hydraulic cylinders wrapped in heat-resistant wrap
• Heat shield for mast hoses
• Perforated belly pan

This package is available through special design request and is designed to provide the most common heat-resistant features normally required in the forging, foundry, and casting industries. It is a great starting point for applications where hydraulic failures are a concern due to high ambient temperatures.

Engine Protection

As you can imagine, high heat and high cycle applications can be harmful to your forklift’s engine and powertrain components. This is one reason why Toyota’s 8-series IC forklifts come standard with built-in engine protection. This system uses the forklift’s controller to monitor engine coolant temperatures and other potential malfunctions. When a malfunction is detected, the engine power is limited to prevent further damage to the engine. It’s a great feature that reduces the possibility of failure due to prolonged use or operator error.

Cooling and Ventilation

High ambient temperatures can create a lot of heat buildup throughout the forklift, so it’s best to outfit your forklift with specific optional features as needed. One concern in this type of environment is operator safety and comfort in high-heat conditions. Options such as an enclosed cabin, air conditioning, and fans can keep operators cool and increase productivity by lowering ambient temperature in the cab.

You also have to consider the effect the temperature can have on your internal components. Toyota’s engine protection system certainly helps, but proper cooling and ventilation can go even further to reduce downtime and maintenance. Toyota offers a wide variety of options and special designs to fit your application’s needs, including:

• High capacity cooling package
• Premium ventilation package
• Hood vents
• Vented radiator cover
• Perforated belly pan
• Dedicated transmission oil cooler

These are just a few of the most common ways to deal with high heat, but each application is unique and has exacting demands. We are here to help determine what is best for your facility and outfit your forklifts accordingly. A simple site survey could mean the difference between sweating it out and being as cool as a cucumber.