Managing multiple forklifts in one or various facilities is a challenge even for the most organized fleet managers. Managing a forklift fleet comes with unique challenges that requires tools for the best oversight. Toyota’s MyFleet is a one-stop, free-to-use, platform designed to help you manage your fleet easily and quickly at the touch of a button.

Still don’t think it can be that simple? See the benefits of having a MyFleet account with Toyota.

1. Manage Fleet Size

Whether you’re operating across a few locations in one city or region or are operating across North America, MyFleet gives you the ability to add, move, and remove equipment from your fleet depending on your business’ needs. You can easily view equipment specs and various options at the touch of a button, making it easier for you to focus on the productivity of your operation.

2. Easily Order and Re-Order Parts

Service and maintenance repairs can be costly, especially in terms of productivity. That’s why we want to make it easy for you to find the parts you need quickly and efficiently. Our MyFleet platform includes a parts finder for our online catalog that allows you to find parts for any Toyota Forklift by model and serial number, so you can shop an array of parts quickly. Then, buy those parts with a convenient checkout process, and a dealer will deliver them to your doorstep. Additionally, you are able to view your past parts purchases for fast reference and repurchasing.

3. Manage Equipment Locations

In addition to order capabilities, MyFleet allows you to manage and view the location of your forklifts as well as add new addresses if your forklifts frequently move to new locations. This increases your order visibility across all locations, making it easier for you to make accurate forecasting and bookkeeping calculation.

To begin managing your forklift fleet using MyFleet, login or register on the MyToyota Store.

Your forklifts put in work day-in and day-out moving product and lifting and moving your business forward. The day will come when you lose time and money because the truck isn’t running as efficiently anymore. It may be difficult to pinpoint this time, but below are a few indicators that you may need a replacement forklift.

1. WEAR AND TEAR OF A FORKLIFT

Has forklift maintenance become a case of continual troubleshooting and increasing costs to keep your forklift running? If prolonged heavy use of your forklift fleet needs regular repairs, it may be time to consider replacing the equipment. When paying for continual repairs, the effect on the bottom line goes far beyond the cost of replacing worn bushings or repairing the electrical components in a drive motor. You may need a replacement forklift if you have some of the following repair needs:

• Hydraulic leaks
• Clogged fluid lines
• Worn chains
• A mast that won’t lift
• Battery problems
• Unbalanced suspension
• Steering difficulties

2. LOSING TIME, LOSING MONEY

When you experience downtime for any unit in your forklift fleet, the cost is much more than parts and labor. You also need to factor in lost productivity and the costs of idle time for operators when their equipment is being repaired. When lost profits due to delays in product movement are taken into account, the total financial impact of an older forklift can easily extend into the thousands of dollars… per hour! Keeping spare lifts on hand is not an optimal solution due to the overall increase in operating costs. Neither are quick replacements. While lower in initial costs, they can create an endless cycle of unplanned repairs that negatively impacts your business. Retiring a forklift may be necessary if this is affecting your material handling operation.

3. AVOIDING UNEXPECTED EVENTS

Poorly maintained equipment can lead to an accident or injury, which may be avoided through regular inspections and up-to-date regular maintenance. If your forklift is starting to show signs of wear and tear, it may be time to retire or replace your forklift.

If you are experiencing some or all of these scenarios with your equipment, it may be time to reach out to Dillon Toyota Lift for a conversation. We will be able to help determine if you are in need of new equipment and get you with the right forklift. If you want more information on forklift’s useful life, download our forklift management guide, “Is it Time to Upgrade Your Forklift?”

Have you ever heard the saying, “knowledge is power?” When it comes to optimizing and managing your fleet, the more information you have to make well-informed decisions, the better. The MyToyota Store is Toyota Material Handling’s e-commerce website that will arm you with all the knowledge you need to effectively and efficiently run your business. And the best part is, it’s completely free.

1. Searchability

The MyToyota Store is equipped with an intelligent search tool that allows you to search for unlimited parts using a model or serial number. From there, you have the ability to view which parts are available, the price, and even add them to your cart to order- all at the touch of a button.

2. Equipment Access

In addition to unlimited search capabilities, this robust site allows you to view equipment assigned to the addresses on your account, giving you the ability to stay up-to-date on all of your equipment, repairs, and more via MyFleet.

3. Exclusivity with Features and Functionality

Not only will you be able to register for an account for free, but the MyToyota Store will alert you so you’re the first to know about new features and functionalities when it comes to your Toyota forklift fleet.

4. Personalized Account

Your account is personalized just for you, giving you the ability to view order history and reorder parts and equipment at the touch of a button.

Visit the MyToyota Store to register or log into your account. View original post here

Your forklift battery is the powerhouse of your electric forklift. On average, with proper care and maintenance, a forklift battery lasts about 5 to 7 years. To safely get the most out of your forklift battery, check out the 8 recommendations below.

1. Dress appropriately for handling batteries  

Because forklift batteries are made from corrosive chemicals that can burn your eyes and skin, make sure to be dressed appropriately when handling batteries. Make sure to wear safety googles, rubber gloves, steel-toed boots, and an apron. Do not wear metallic jewelry.

2. Use the right handling equipment for moving batteries.

Forklift batteries are heavy. Smaller batteries can weigh 100-200lbs, but larger ones can weigh as much as 3,000lb. So, always use the appropriate handling equipment such as a battery lifting beam when lifting or moving batteries. Also, always make sure that the battery is properly secured before lifting or moving.

3. Handle and charge batteries in a designated area.

Having a designated area for handling and charging batteries is an OSHA-recommended best practice. When you charge your forklift battery, potentially flammable gases may be emitted. Having a designated, well-ventilated area prevents gas build-up. This designated area should also have eyewash and shower stations in the event of acid splashes and exposure.

4. Perform battery inspections and maintenance.

Batteries need to be inspected as a part of your daily OSHA-required forklift inspections. When inspecting your forklift battery, be sure to check your fluid levels. Make sure that the charging cables are intact, insulated, and connected. Look for cracks in the battery casing and for crystallization and corrosion. The battery’s contact posts should be clean.

5. Charge your batteries properly.

Properly charging your forklift battery is the best way to extend the life of your battery. A battery has a limited number of charge cycles in it, usually about 1,500 charges. Take care not to opportunity charge your battery. Flooded batteries should have 8 hours of run time, 8 hours of charge time, and 8 hours of cool-down time. If your operations require opportunity charging, see your battery supplier for the appropriate battery and charger combination for this type of charging capability.

To properly charge your battery, follow the below tips:

• • Make sure that your battery and your battery charger are compatible.
  • Be sure that the charger is off before connecting or disconnecting your battery.
  • Charge your battery when it hits 20% charge remaining. Do not charge the battery before it hits this red zone.
  • Always charge your battery completely. Partially charging your battery will count against your battery’s total number of charge cycles. Never interrupt a charging flooded type battery! (Unless you have an opportunity charger and battery combination.)
  • Avoid extreme temperatures when charging your battery. Charging and operating your battery in extreme temperatures will greatly reduce your battery’s life.
  • Allow your battery to cool down after charging. If you have a flooded or wet cell battery, you can follow the battery cycle of 8 hours charging, 8 hours cooling down, and 8 hours of working.

6. Check and maintain your battery’s fluid level.

As you use and charge your forklift battery, the fluid level of your battery decreases. That is why you should check the fluid level of your battery daily. You should add deionized or distilled water to your battery about every five to ten charges. Fill the cell with just enough water to cover the battery plate, usually about ¼” over the plate. Always add this water after charging, but never before charging. Also, do not overfill your battery because the water needs room to expand when the battery is in use.

7. Equalize your battery regularly.

Flooded, or wet cell, batteries need to be equalized on a regular basis. Over time, the water and acid in your battery become stratified. When this happens, your battery will not hold a charge well. By equalizing your battery, the electrolyte concentrate is rebalanced, and any buildup of sulfate crystals on the battery plate gets removed. Be sure to use a battery charger that has an equalizing setting.

8. Clean your battery regularly.

The top of your forklift battery needs to be cleaned regularly with battery cleaner or warm water regularly. Doing so is not only good maintenance practice; it can also help you maintain your battery’s manufacturer’s warranty. Also, cleaning can help you avoid battery build-up which can lead to tray corrosion and faster self-discharge.

Taking care of your forklift battery is greatly beneficial for your forklift and for your business’s bottom line. View original post HERE

These maintenance tips will help you keep your Columbia fleet in service safely and effectively.

1. Perform a thorough inspection of all wiring harnesses with particular attention to evidence of rodent habitation. If evidence is found, it may be necessary to remove vehicle components for a more detailed inspection. Rodent damage to wire harnesses can cause severe failures.
2. Inspect electrical connections for corrosion and clean, as necessary.
3. Operate the brakes and monitor for correct performance. After operating, ensure the pedal returns to its correct ready position.
4. Operate the throttle and monitor for correct performance. After operating, ensure it returns to the correct ready position.
5. Measure battery pack voltage. Extremely low voltages may require independent charging before the vehicle charger will charge the battery pack. Extreme low voltages will fall in these ranges: 5.3V and lower for 6V batteries, 7.2V and lower for 8V Batteries, 10.3V and lower on 12V batteries.

These simple tips will help ensure your vehicle is ready for the toughest conditions. If you find any damage during these inspections, make sure to contact us and we can provide the parts and service that may be needed to get your vehicles back to peak performance.

To view the complete line of Columbia Utility Vehicles, click here!

Columbia's Industrial Vehicle lineup is highlighted by its "big three". The"big three" consists of Columbia's Payloader, Stockchaser, and Expeditor Vehicles. These vehicles provide dependability, durability, and cost savings, allowing you to keep your focus on productivity. While we offer other industrial vehicles as well, typically, the "big three" is able to equip our industrial partners for whatever challenge they need help overcoming:

• Heavy duty towing
• Personnel transportation 
• Cargo distribution with great maneuverability

These three vehicles represent the heart and soul of Columbia vehicles: they're built to equip our partners in creating more efficient, more effective work environments. While our vehicles boast excellent performance and durability, our relationships are our focus. We're determined to provide electric vehicle solutions for your warehouse or distribution center, no matter what that entails. Our "big three" are available in curated standard configurations that address the typical challenges of an industrial environment; however, we specialize in going the extra mile to create custom upgraded industrial vehicles for your work environment.

Payloader: The Payloader offers unmatched versatility in carrying and towing ability while providing a level of maneuverability beyond the typical heavy material handler.

Stockchaser: The Stockchaser is the way to move heavy loads in tight spaces. With a deck capacity of up to 1,200lbs, you'll be hard-pressed to find more cargo capacity.

Expeditor: The Expeditor is your top-performing productivity partner, getting you where you're going quickly and safely.

 

See the Columbia Utility Vehicles HERE

Running a material handling business is a tall task – not only do you have to monitor your product, your sales, and your employees, you also have to ensure your forklift fleet is operating at its best capacity. Malfunctioning and overheating forklifts can skyrocket your operating costs and require expensive repairs. So what do you do if you’ve followed all maintenance suggestions and they are still overheating? Here are three areas that may be the cause of your forklift running hot:

Maintenance

The first area to check is also the easiest to fix: are routine maintenance tasks being completed correctly? Issues such as low coolant levels or worn hoses can contribute to a forklift’s overheating. If your on-site tech stretches parts past their optimal use, such as clogged filters, your forklifts could be choking on thick, dusty air. Worn fans or damaged radiators can also contribute to high running temperatures in material handling equipment.

Environment

The same advice for workers in high temperatures applies to your forklifts – give them frequent breaks and make sure their fluids are topped off.

Is your work yard paved or on packed dirt? Excessive dust, debris, and rough terrain can put additional demands on your forklifts and cause unforeseen maintenance problems. If this is a recurrent summer problem then the outside temperature can even be to blame. The same advice for workers in high temperatures applies to your forklifts – give them frequent breaks and make sure their fluids are topped off. If your forklifts are overheating indoors then you’ll want to survey your work area to find issues. Is the floor dusty or dirty? Are pieces of paper, pallet wrap, or other debris being left on the ground where they can clog filters? Once you find these issues then you can optimize your work areas to prevent damage.

Operation

If it’s not maintenance or environmental issues causing your overheating problems, then you need to check on how you are driving the equipment. If you are overloading the forklift with loads above capacity, this can cause overheating and create unnecessary risks for product damage and accidents. Are you driving forklifts constantly at top speeds? This can also contribute to high heats.

Many IC forklifts come equipped with an inching pedal to use when maneuvering your forklift while raising the mast to retrieve loads. If you are “riding” this pedal while driving it can cause many problems, as it slightly applies the brakes. The inching pedal should only be used when retrieving loads.

Once you’ve identified the cause of the problem and put a fix in place, ask why it arose in the first place. Are you overworking forklifts due to high expectations? Should your work area floor upkeep be added to existing maintenance plans? Don’t just solve the problem. Find a solution to keep it from happening again.