A forklift is a hefty investment, no matter what the case. When you buy a Toyota forklift, you get a powerful basic and powertrain warranty to help bring you peace of mind. Let’s take a look at Toyota Forklift’s basic and powertrain warranty options.

A Breakdown of Toyota Basic Warranty Offerings

No-Cost Basic Forklift Factory Warranty: ITA Class 1, 4, 5 & 6 Forklifts

With this warranty, you’ll get one year or 2,000 hours, whichever occurs first, on all Factory Installed Options, with the exception of tires and batteries on battery powered forklifts

No Cost Powertrain Warranty: ITA Class 1, 4 & 5 Forklifts

This warranty covers three years or 6,000 hours, whichever occurs first, of coverage on engines or electric drive motors, transmission, differential, and drive axle.

No Cost Basic and Powertrain Warranty for ITA Class 2 Trucks 

• Basic coverage: one year or 2,000 hours.
• Powertrain coverage: two years or 4,000 hours, whichever occurs first.

No Cost Basic and Powertrain Warranty for ITA Class 3 Trucks

• Basic coverage: four months or 750 hours.
• Powertrain coverage: one year or 2,000 hours, whichever occurs first.
• Class 3 exception: Floor Runner and Tugger models have a Basic coverage of one year or 2,000 hours and a Powertrain coverage of two years or 4,000 hours, whichever occurs first.

Toyota Basic Warranty and Planned Maintenance: A Winning Combination

A warranty plan will give you the peace of mind you need to run your operation. However, if you want to take your warranty assurance one step further, consider Toyota Forklifts’ Planned Maintenance offering to

1. Help you reduce the cost of repair and equipment downtime by catching problems early.
2. Help you keep your operators safe with regular inspections, with one flat-rate labor fee.
3. Keep variable maintenance costs down, as they’ll only be incurred with the actual replacement of parts. Travel time is often negotiated within the PM contract.

Common Toyota Basic Warranty Mistakes

When it comes to purchasing an expensive piece of forklift equipment, making a mistake is the last thing you want to do. Here are some common forklift warranty mistakes and some tips on how to avoid them:

Not considering a forklift warranty at all. Warranties can have a bad rap, but not considering one at all may end up costing you in the long run. Ask yourself if you can you afford the cost of an expensive repair. If not, consider a warranty. It might just save you a headache and a lot of money.

Not requesting a forklift service inspection. Your local, authorized Toyota dealer can conduct a brief service inspection and help you decide if a problem can be submitted under warranty back to Toyota, or if there is a simple fix that can be done onsite.

Not exploring all of your forklift warranty options. Most equipment comes with a basic warranty, but an extended warranty can offer you additional peace of mind. Most extended warranties can be purchased with or without a planned maintenance (PM) plan, so make sure to ask about all of the options available to you.

Think of an extended warranty as insurance. It’s there if or when you need it.

Not buying an extended forklift warranty within the timeframe. Extended warranties must often be requested within 30 to 60 days after the forklift’s date of first use. Don’t lose the chance to purchase a warranty by waiting too long.

Toyota Forklift Factory Warranties

We understand that a forklift is a big purchase. That’s why Toyota forklifts are protected by industry-leading warranty plans are designed to protect your investment for years to come.

Making the right choice when investing in material handling equipment is very much caught up in it’s cost. While Toyota encourages buyers to take an approach that accounts for overall cost of ownership, we understand that initial investment is one of the most important factors to your business.

How Much Does a Forklift Cost?

While prices vary, most new mid-sized forklifts cost between $20,000 – $50,000. Depending on size, you’ll spend anywhere from $15,000 -$100,000+ for a new forklift.

Forklift Pricing Factors

When it comes to pricing your forklift, remember this:

The higher the capacity, the more expensive the forklift will be. Just like homes, the bigger the forklift, the more expensive it’s going to be. It’s a good idea to know exactly how big you need your forklift to be so you don’t spend more than you need to.

Consider the manufacturer. Not all forklifts are manufactured the same. The better the quality, the better the long-term value.

The long term cost is more important than the upfront cost. When you’re thinking about buying an inexpensive or used forklift, look into what it can end up costing you in the long-run. Sometimes, paying a bit more upfront pays off.

Don’t forget to add in operating costs. The cost of the forklift isn’t the only one you’re going to incur. When you’re buying your forklift, think also about how much it’s going to cost to operate it.

Ask about extended warranties. If a part goes bad on your forklift, your warranty will pay for itself in a hurry. Yes, warranties are an extra cost, but they’re well worth it when something goes wrong.

A forklift is a huge purchase and it’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into before you start. Just remember, it’s about much more than the sticker price.

Lead acid batteries are one of the most neglected pieces of equipment in material handling. Low water levels, corrosion, and electrolyte spillage are common issues that need to be monitored on a daily basis, but one practice that tends to be forgotten is the equalization charge. So, what is an equalization charge? I’m glad you asked!

What is an equalized charge on a forklift battery?

An equalization charge occurs when the battery is purposely overcharged after a full charging cycle. Essentially, you are charging the battery at a higher voltage than it is typically charged to help remove built-up sulfate and balance the voltage of each cell.

Why perform an equalized charge on a forklift battery?

If you don’t equalize your lead acid batteries, this sulfate is going to build up over time until it decreases the battery’s capacity. This buildup will effectively reduce your maximum run time, leading to more battery swaps or more time spent opportunity charging throughout the work shift. The voltage imbalance has a similar effect. Batteries work by using multiple cells that are connected in series to provide a certain voltage output. When you have varying power outputs in each cell, your overall battery voltage is reduced and your battery becomes discharged more quickly.

When should I perform an equalized charge on a forklift battery?

Equalization charges should be performed as suggested by the battery manufacturer, but many companies equalize their batteries over the weekend due to the long charging cycle. A full charge cycle is around eight hours for a standard lead acid battery and the equalization charge can be around an additional three hours. Equalization intervals will vary depending on your specific application, type and size of battery, and average operating hours.

How do I perform an equalized charge on a forklift battery?

First, you need a charger capable of equalization, as not all battery chargers have the same capabilities. Dillon Toyota Lift is here to ensure you have the proper charging equipment for all of your forklifts. Some battery chargers will automatically equalize the batteries. This capability is more common in more sophisticated systems on smaller products such as electric walkie pallet jacks. Toyota’s 8HBW23 model, for example, automatically equalizes each battery cell during normal charging.

For batteries that do require manual equalization, be sure to follow all instructions provided by both the battery and the charger manufacturer to ensure you are following the appropriate steps for proper equalization. Equalization charges typically require longer cooldowns than normal charges due to the higher amount of voltage. Allow enough time for cooldown prior to using a battery that has been recently charged.

Original Post:  Trinton Castetter, Product Marketing Specialist, Toyota Material Handling, USA

Marked advancements in technology have made it possible for autonomous vehicles to become a distinct reality.  Today, many different types of equipment such as AGVs and industrial robotics are used to handle monotonous tasks such as building and horizontally transporting pallets. The next logical step in this transition is to automate stacking and storage of products, something that current AGV models are incapable of performing.

Toyota’s new automated 3-wheel electric, on display at ProMat 2019, was built to do just that. Natural features navigation allows the truck to learn the layout of your facility and continually update mapping of the facility over time – no costly reflectors or wearable magnetic tape required. And the ability to operate the truck manually when needed adds a valuable level of versatility that is ideal for developing facilities and those that are just beginning their journey into automation.

Although this forklift is still in the design phase, it is an initial step in a series of technological advancements planned by Toyota to bring fully integrated automation solutions to the forefront of the material handling industry.

Also on display at ProMat 2019 were Toyota’s center-controlled rider AGV, automated moving mast reach truck, and mouse tug-cart AGV. Seeing these machines in action demonstrates how a real-life application can benefit from multiple different types of automated equipment handling horizontal and vertical placement of pallets in a facility.

Toyota’s strategic partnership with Toyota Advanced Logistics allows for a comprehensive solution that marries advanced systems and robotics with forklifts to maximize efficiency at the parcel level. Also on display at ProMat 2019, a palletizing robot that can build pallets for forklifts to pick up and move to their next destination. This is just one example of how an integration between traditional and automated material handling solutions can benefit your business.

Though you likely won’t see any super heroes using forklifts as a means to thwart crime anytime soon, automated forklifts meeting all or most of your material handling challenges may not be as far away as you think.

Whether you are just beginning to automate some of your material handling processes or you are looking for advanced solutions to complete tasks, our Warehouse Solutions team is here to help you carry the load.
 
Original Post: Trinton Castetter, Product Marketing Specialist, Toyota Material Handling

The excitement surrounding the acquisition of a new forklift for your operation is something to be celebrated. We at Toyota are equally excited to help you achieve your goals, and that’s why we work hard to manufacture industry-leading forklifts with legendary reliability. But we also recognize that your forklift success is about more than just the occasional acquisition of a new forklift. Instead, you have unique needs, success measurements, and pain points that need to be addressed throughout the entirety of your forklift’s lifetime.

The Toyota 360 Support promise isn’t just an aftermarket tool for purchase. It’s our promise to integrate with your problems and to help you find material handling solutions wherever possible. When you invest in a comprehensive aftermarket services program with Toyota 360 Support, make sure you’re taking full advantage of that promise and challenge us to fulfill it. You can bet we’re up the task.

Asking Your Toyota Technician

Not only does Toyota promise a four-hour guaranteed turnaround time on maintenance requests, not just anyone will be looking at your forklift. Rather, Toyota Certified Technicians who have been trained on Toyota forklifts, using Toyota Genuine Parts, and comprehensive Toyota dealer training techniques will handle the job. Don’t hesitate to ask your technician about the mechanical operation of your forklift or any efficiency questions you have about its internal function. They are there to help.

Utilizing the Toyota Dealer Network

The extensive Toyota forklifts dealer network is one of the major benefits to all of our customers and an integral part of the Toyota 360 promise. Don’t think of your Toyota forklift dealer as a company there to sell you forklifts. Instead, think of it as a group of people using their collective experience to help you tackle material handling challenges and increase operational efficiencies. We’re most successful when you’re successful, and a partnership built on mutual success is the foundation of the Toyota 360 support promise. From parts needs or warranty claims to consultations regarding proper forklift selection, forklifts’ functionality, capability, or current state of operation, your dealer is there to help with Toyota 360 Support.

Toyota Genuine Parts are the Core of All Repairs

Genuine. It’s that feeling of certainty when you expect fulfilled promises. If the Toyota dealer partnership is the foundation of the Toyota 360 Support promise, then Toyota Genuine Parts are how we deliver on it. Toyota forklifts lead the industry in overall value. Part of that overall value is the sum of the forklift’s Toyota Genuine Parts. And that’s exactly what Certified Toyota Technicians use as part of the Toyota 360 Support promise.

At Toyota, we know that you need more than just a forklift solution. You need solutions to complex operational challenges. Your success is within reach. Our promise is to provide the comprehensive support you need to achieve it.

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

Having a daily forklift inspection may seem like such a simple task, but operators can be tempted to skip having this daily walk around. Finding a small issue with your forklift now, can prevent a larger problem from taking place later on. This not only protects your operators, but as well as any pedestrians and product that your forklift will be around. Not to mention, it is also stated in OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 standard language that forklifts must be inspected before being put into service at the beginning of a shift or daily where vehicles are in round-the clock use. Here are some of the best practices when performing your daily forklift inspection.

Have a checklist

Whether you’ve created the checklist, or the manufacturer has provided you a sample, having one helps ensure that your operator is looking over every part of the forklift. If you are improvising your required daily walk around, you may miss something important.

Make it a Routine

We understand things get busy and every facility gets hectic, but if you can implement an inspection at the beginning of every shift, it will eventually become a habit. Get into a routine, and stick to it. If you’re an operator, you’ll be more comfortable knowing you’re driving a forklift that is in safe, working order. If you’re a manager, you’ll have peace of mind that your operators are using forklifts that will work, maintain efficiency, and keep them safer.

If a Problem is Found, Pull the Forklift

If you do find an issue, don’t run the forklift. Tag it out of your operation immediately. Safety should always be your first priority. You may be losing some money while the forklift is down, but you also may be protecting yourselves, or your driver, from something worse. Small problems can quickly turn into bigger costs and safety concerns. And downtime can be mitigated by having a full-line forklift supplier who provides excellent and timely service.

Keep in mind, different forklifts require different inspection check lists! If you have a large fleet with many different forklifts, make sure they have their own specific inspection sheets. 

Original Post: Lucas Collom, Digital Projects Administrator, Toyota Material Handling, USA

For every challenge, a reliable solution. What challenges does your business face? Are you facing rising operation costs?  Are you in need for more skilled workers? Are you not reaching the efficiency levels needed? At Toyota Industries Group, we understand that every business faces a unique set of challenges. Our job is to ensure you are equipped with a team of experts to help face those challenges with solutions.

Toyota Industries Group brings together the collective strength of industry leaders in their specific solution spaces. Four companies with one strategic vision – Toyota Material Handling, Vanderlande, Bastian Solutions and Raymond – means our customers have every resource and innovation they need throughout their operation.

Our goal is always to be the best provider possible, to be able to help customers solve any problem with the right solution. Toyota Industries Group delivers on that promise. By coupling Toyota Industries Group’s industry-leading expertise with its flagship brands, Toyota Industries Group offers a wide range of solutions in areas such as automation, forklifts, telematics, and robotics.

If it’s a more versatile forklift and warehouse fleet you need, we can help. If you need small scale automation and robotics, we can help. If you need massive automation overhauls, we can help with that, too. And if you need a combination of these things, our four major companies and other strategic operations are partnered to offer one integrative approach.

TIG is at the forefront of advancements in digital technologies and innovations that are driving massive change and creating efficiencies in the supply chain industry to meet demands in e-commerce, inventory management, warehouse operations, and more. Toyota Industries Group is commitment to continued innovation is helping prepare customers for the challenges of tomorrow.

From the factory to the field, Toyota Industries Group meets the diverse needs of customers all around the world. For every challenge, Toyota Industries Group has a reliable solution.

Original Post:  Sarah Nolting, Marketing Manager, Toyota Material Handling

Shipping containers are typically used to store and transport goods. However, they’ve gotten a second life lately as low-cost housing, retail building, and even swimming pools. As shipping container use continues to increase, you might see more of them in your city, far away from the ports where you expect to see them. Let’s explore the history and specifics of shipping containers, and the innovative ways people are using them today.

Who invented the shipping container?

The first shipping container was invented and patented in 1956 by a man from North Carolina named Malcolm McLean.

What is a shipping container?

Shipping containers are often called “The Box.” Most of them are made of steel with hinged doors and are typically used to store goods and stack on container ships for transport.

What are the measurements of a shipping container?

The standard measurement for a shipping container is called TEU. It stands for twenty-foot, equivalent unit. In other words, a twenty-foot container is one TEU. A forty-foot container is two TEUs. The width of a shipping container is always eight feet, although their heights can vary.

How much do they weigh?

Per ISO standards, shipping containers can weigh up to 11,000 pounds when empty and up to 68,000 pounds when loaded.

Where do you usually find shipping containers?

Many companies use shipping containers, but typically you see them at ports, rail yards, offsite storage facilities and manufacturing plants.

How has the expansion of the Panama Canal changed cargo transport?

With the completion of the expansion of the Panama Canal, ships capable of holding over 12,000 TEUs can now make the passage. That’s almost triple the previous capacity!

The completion of the expansion is expected to increase the number of TEUs being handled by approximately 5 percent per year, with the majority of the growth occurring on the East Coast.

The increase in ship size will drastically reduce the shipping time and cost from Asia to the East Coast and the growth will require more equipment to handle the increased volume. It will also improve business for the railroads and other support industries like storage yards.

What other ways do people use shipping containers?

Beyond housing, retail building and swimming pools, people use shipping containers as indoor gardens, saunas, portable toilets, fire training facilities, schools, and emergency hospitals.

 Original Post: Samantha Horton, Content and Communications Consultant, Toyota Material Handling USA

Whether it’s navigating through narrow aisles, moving pallets or picking large paper rolls, various environments present unique challenges for material handlers. IC and electric forklifts are divided into seven different classes that handle a wide range of needs. The types of forklifts in each class include:

• Class I: Electric motor rider forklifts are typically suitable for loading and unloading tractor-trailers and handling pallets. They’re ideal for indoor applications because they are quieter than other forklifts and create no emissions.

• Class II: Electric motor narrow aisle forklifts (reach trucks, order pickers) have maneuverability features that allow them to operate in tight spaces and narrow aisles. Typical uses for this class of forklifts include picking and storing inventory. These trucks provide users the ability to increase racking space without expanding their current warehouse.

• Class III: Electric pallet jacks, stackers and tow tractors comes in both rider and walk-behind models, often used to unload deliveries and move loads to a staging area where they can be handled by other types of forklifts.

• Class IV: IC cushion tire forklifts are IC-powered sit-down units designed for a wide range of indoor applications. Their solid, cushioned tires provide a smooth ride on indoor surfaces and they’re puncture-proof since they are not air-filled. Some of the specific applications in this class include forklifts built specifically to lift paper rolls, lifts designed for use in railcars and lifts that can move steel coils.

• Class V: IC pneumatic tire forklifts are similar to those in Class IV but were built primarily for outdoor use, including lumberyards, construction sites
and other outdoor applications.

• Class VI: Electric/IC engine tow tractors includes electric and IC 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.

• Class VII: Rough terrain forklifts 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.

Of course, the types of applications will help determine which forklift is ideal for each operation. One of the other important considerations includes the cost of battery charging infrastructure vs. fuel expenses.

For the past 50 years, Toyota Material Handling has been working to bring you everything you need to help with your material handling needs. In an effort to innovate, TMH is proud to collaborate with Bastian Solutions, a Toyota Advanced Logistics (TAL) company. TAL was formed in 2017, when Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO) acquired Bastian Solutions, LLC to better align with market changes and customer needs in the area of logistics. TAL focuses on effectively blending advanced warehouse automation with material handling solutions TAL companies are working towards bringing technological enhancements to our customer’s facilities and provide solutions to clients to excel in their markets. Together with Toyota Material Handling, the North American leaders in forklift manufacturing and automation technology work as one to deliver quality and success in a new era of material handling solutions.

What are Advanced Logistics?

Logistics needs are shifting across industries to respond to a changing, internet sales driven era. When we speak of advanced logistics, we mean providing companies with technologies that respond to increased demands of the market and providing integrated material handling solutions that marry automated processes to manual operation. This could be many different things, from automated guided vehicles, to conveyor systems, and even different types of automated order picking machines. There are plenty of technologies that companies can use, and you can work with TAL professionals to see which types would work best for you.

What else does Toyota Advanced Logistics Offer?

As well as offering products to increase your throughput, TAL also offers several services that can assist you in achieving logistics success. Bastian Solutions, for example, can assist with conveyor design, labor management, distribution facility design, and fleet optimization. TAL and Bastian leadership understand the importance of ensuring that your operations are running at maximum efficiency, even after the implementation of the new technology. Operator and Supervisory training, change management, and workforce planning and forecasting are available. Toyota Material Handling and TAL want to make sure you receive a total logistics solution before, during, and after the automation process is installed.

As you can see, Toyota Material Handling and TAL are partnered to deliver on the promise to be the complete solution to your material handling needs. With so many different solutions, we are bound to help your operations increase efficiency, make use of your space, and continually help you reach your highest potential.

Original Post: Lucas Collom, Digital Projects Administrator, Toyota Material Handling