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Welcome to Dillon Toyota Lift's blog. Here you will find everything from product features, industry education, operator insights, racking, warehouse design, material handling solutions, safety, trends, best practices and more!  

Meet the Stockchaser

The Stockchaser is a compact industrial vehicle that is well-known for its maneuverability and strength. However, this versatile vehicle has many uses that may surprise you. Let's explore three specific jobs where the Stockchaser excels. Compact Material Handling The Stockchaser?s compact design and impressive strength make it the perfect vehicle for navigating tight spaces. Whether you?re working in a warehouse or distribution center, the Stockchaser can easily transport your heaviest loads. With a turning radius of just 66.5 inches, you can easily maneuver through narrow aisles. The Stockchaser also offers curated options, such as a stepladder, to help you reach higher shelves and maximize efficiency. Transporting Passengers Although the Stockchaser is primarily used in industrial spaces, it?s also an excellent choice for transporting guests indoors. The Stockchaser Transport can comfortably seat up to six passengers, making it the ideal vehicle for hospitals, airports, or any other sizable indoor space. With the Stockchaser Transport, you can give your guests a pleasant and timely ride. Versatile Towing The Stockchaser is a powerful towing vehicle that is often overlooked. The base model can tow up to 1000 lbs, but this can be increased by 600% with the towing package. While Columbia offers other heavy-duty models for towing the heaviest of loads, the Stockchaser is the perfect compact vehicle for towing through narrow aisles or any other limited space. In conclusion, the Stockchaser by Columbia is a versatile industrial vehicle that can handle a variety of tasks with ease. Whether you need to transport heavy loads, passengers, or tow equipment, the Stockchaser has got you covered. With its compact design and impressive strength, the Stockchaser is the ideal vehicle for navigating tight spaces and maximizing efficiency. Let's get started streamlining your material handling operations with the Columbia Stockchaser.

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What is a Side-Entry End Rider?

Toyota's Side-Entry End Rider is an ergonomically friendly, electric-powered pallet jack that provides operators with the option to enter the truck from either side. Offered in a 6,000 and 8,000 lb. capacity, the forward-facing operator position allows operators to have a clear line of sight while picking and placing loads. It is the ideal truck for dock work, cross-warehouse hauling, and low-level order picking. Discover the productivity-enhancing features of this pallet jack and why you may consider adding it to your fleet. Advantages of the Side-Entry End Rider Pallet Jack The Side-Entry End Rider Pallet Jack is equipped with a best-in-class turning radius, and easy pallet entry and exit to get the job done. The forward-facing operator position provides a clear line of sight for operators when picking and placing loads. The Side-Entry End Rider keeps operators comfortable while increasing uptime with an AC drive motor and programmable performance. Key Features Include: Standard Power Steering decreases the amount of effort required to steer and increases operator comfort and efficiency. Multifunction Control Handle with ergonomically positioned handgrips, dual thumbwheels, and lift, lower, and horn buttons for simplified operation of all controls with either hand. Programmable Fork Height Travel Speed Limit helps prevent wear by slowing travel when the forks are fully lowered which can cause premature wear of the undercarriage. Want to further customize your pallet jack? The Side-Entry End Rider has a variety of options including accessory bars, storage trays, and heavy-duty casters. The option for cold storage conditioning provides protection to the bearings, bushings, and steel pins so the pallet jack can be used in cold environments. The pin code access pad option reduces the potential for unauthorized users, allowing up to 10 different options. Pallet Jacks Available from Toyota Enclosed End Rider Pallet Jack ? The Enclosed End Rider Pallet Jack offers a side stance operating position that enables operators to easily change direction and travel long runs. It is equipped with electric power steering and an AC drive motor for increased operator comfort and smooth travel. Center-Controlled Rider Pallet Jack ? The Center-Controlled Rider Pallet Jack doubles as a floor-level order picker and has an operator platform in the middle of the truck. It comes equipped with a fork height travel interlock to train operators to travel with the forks raised. End-Controlled Rider Pallet Jack ? The End-Controlled Rider Pallet Jack provides an operator platform at the end of the pallet jack, for easier entry and exit, which also doubles as a Low-Level Order Picker. The multifunction control handle with ergonomic controls offers a simplified operation for controlling the truck with either hand.

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Multi-Purpose Material Handling Equipment

Finding creative solutions to everyday challenges drives your business forward. Often, the available solutions are limited to the technology or equipment at your disposal. When it comes to material handling, we often think of automation when it comes to increasing efficiency and productivity. But what if I told you using more versatile pieces of equipment could be just as effective? Why You Need Multi-Purpose Material Handling Equipment Today, when you need to perform two separate tasks, you need two different forklifts and often two separate operators performing each function. This scenario presents a significant amount of inefficiency and waste. Entering and exiting each vehicle, inspecting it, and communicating between operators and business units to complete the work takes valuable time. Sometimes, the urge to reduce waste by other means can even result in cutting corners that end up resulting in unsafe operation. Forklifts like Toyota's Center Rider Stacker, however, enable you to perform multiple tasks with only one piece of equipment and one operator. It functions as a counterbalanced forklift thanks to the mast that can reach a lift height of 72? and a lifting capacity of 2,600 lbs. It can operate as a Low-Level Order Picker by leveraging a fast, efficient center rider design with the aforementioned mast to load pallets at an ergonomic height. Additionally, it completes the work of a Walkie Pallet Jack with its ability to safely load trailers and stage product. Delivering all of this functionality in one package creates enormous benefits for warehousing, manufacturing, and distribution operations. With the Center Rider Stacker, you can lower your labor costs, operational costs, and overall equipment costs while improving productivity. In addition to applications where it can replace full pieces of equipment, it can also reduce the workload of a variety of other pieces of equipment so they can focus on other key activities. It?s also an excellent choice for conveyor-level work, cross-dock applications, and narrow aisles.

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What is an Industrial Tow Tractor

An Industrial Tow Tractor is a piece of equipment capable of transporting the heaviest loads horizontally through any warehouse or distribution center. Its powerful, ergonomic, and durable design allows operators to increase their run time, so they can efficiently transport materials from one end of their facility to the other, all while remaining comfortably productive. Is an Industrial Tow Tractor Right for You? When it comes to heavy duty towing, Toyota's Industrial Tow Tractor is the right solution for the job. This versatile piece of equipment is applicable in a variety of industries, such as general manufacturing , warehousing , or the beverage industry . Designed with a towing capacity of up to 15,000 lbs. on level surfaces, this high-capacity tugger can easily tow even the heaviest of loads. With its power steering capability, you can seamlessly transport items from point A to point B, so you never have to worry about getting the job done. Advantages of Toyota's Industrial Tow Tractor include: Battery Gate Interlocks- remind operators to place the battery in the proper location before operating the forklift Cold Storage Conditioning- protects components from condensation and cold temperatures Operator Compartment Sensor- reinforces operator training by encouraging operators to stand in the operator compartment Large Magnetic Battery-Mounted Storage Tray- provides storage for operators to place their items Toyota LiB CAN Communication Interface Option- provides a fully integrated Toyota LiB battery to extend operating time Turtle Speed Button- slows the maximum operating speed for improved control and precision Additional Toyota Tow Tractor Models Toyota is no stranger to implementing cutting-edge technology. Our tow tractors are no exception. Toyota's tuggers are ideal horizontal transportation solutions for delivering materials throughout your facility. Each of Toyota?s Tow Tractors is designed with programmable performance capabilities that allow users to set parameters to meet operational goals, needs, and load capacity. Core Tow Tractor - The Core Tow Tractor is capable of towing up to 10,000 lbs. on level surfaces and comes equipped with 24V drive system and regenerative plugging that gives you the boost of power and productivity you need to keep on moving. Mid Tow Tractor - The Mid Tow Tractor features a 48V electrical system and a sit-down or stand-up option. This power player features an array of ergonomic and productivity-enhancing features that makes pulling carts or transporting materials through your facility a breeze. Large Tow Tractor - This powerhouse offers the same output features as the Core and Mid Tow Tractors but with a maximum tugging capacity of up to 50,000 lbs. on level surfaces, making it ideal for maneuvering around planes and ground support equipment.

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3 Tips for Lumber Yard Efficiency

Running an efficient and productive lumber yard is a tall task. Shipment frequency is increasing and lead time expectations are getting shorter. To maintain a competitive advantage, it can be necessary to rethink your operation. It?s easy to talk about the load capacity of a forklift fleet and buying the right forklift for the job. These are important. But there are other steps you can take to shorten lead times and increase productivity. Tips to Increase Lumber Yard Efficiency Tip #1: Yard maintenance is Just as Important as Forklift Maintenance Lumber yard operations are often subject to having their driving surfaces take on wear and tear at a fast rate. Uneven surfaces or debris from lumber can cause damage to your material handling equipment. Assuring that the area is kept tight and level can extend the life of your forklift. Tip #2: A Better Layout Could Mean Better Profits One way to increase margins is by reducing your operating costs. Being strategic about where to place what product can reduce drive time, leading to less spending on fuel and maintenance/replacement of forklifts. Taking note of trends within your lumber yard is helpful when making layout decisions. For example, what kinds of wood are often bought jointly? Having those near each other can help your order pickers. You might also consider how you sell various units of lumber. In the event a product is typically purchased in separated amounts, you can store those in a location that creates a convenient route for your forklift operators to make multiple runs. On the other hand, if you traditionally move an entire bundle with a high capacity forklift , having a space available for your larger forklifts to do simple lifting might be an option to explore. Tip #3: Think Ahead to Reduce Time Reducing lead time for sending orders out could be an area of opportunity for your facility. While maintaining the best routes in your lumber yard is important, you can also optimize the process of preparing loads to be shipped. Some facilities are increasing efficiency by creating a pre-build system. For example, after placing all paper/electronic order forms together, your forklift operators will bring the right sized, previously cut lumber and build out all loads beforehand. If done correctly, an order will be complete and ready to go when the truck arrives for pickup. Depending upon the size of your operation, you may be able to employ someone part or full-time who handles the task of scheduling these pre-built loads and managing your inventory. This type of planning can go a long way in ensuring your operation is always one step ahead in regards to inventory management and efficiency. Having these pre-built loads labelled in a way in which they are easily identifiable by your forklift operators further improves your efficiency and throughput. This can be easily accomplished by simple changes to eliminate the amount of time it takes to identify the order on the build sheet. Font size, placement and even length of the order number can help to reduce the amount of time it takes to identify each build and can help to eliminate costly downtime.

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How Columbia Can Help In Your Warehouse or Distribution Center!

Let's have a chat about big buildings? Warehouses and distribution centers are some of the most expansive and impressive industrial structures there are. The top ten largest warehouses in North America as of October 2022 range from 1.1 million square feet to an incredible 10 million square feet! As demand increases for consumer goods, these massive industrial spaces continue to become larger and more impressive, and with these larger spaces comes the need to increase the means to complete your tasks. How can Columbia help with that? Why our impressive lineup of electric vehicles, specially equipped to help move, tow, and transport what you need, of course! Can you imagine traversing 10 million square feet on foot? Yeah, us either! Columbia offers a versatile and robust lineup with vehicles such as the Utilitruck , equipped with AC-powered electric drive, and a high-strength channel steel frame, as well as towing up to 1,500 pounds. The Utilitruck will make movement around the outside of your warehouse more efficient! The Payloader with a carrying capacity of 2,400 - 4,000 pounds and an optional towing capacity of 18,000 pounds. The Payloader even offers an option for extra seating as well as a custom toolbox and vice add-on for easy fixes on the go! And our Journeyman , offering 6 different configurations! With options for 2 - 6 passenger seating including a rear-facing option with a drop-side cargo box or van box. The Journeyman can also be ordered as an LSV to serve your needs outside of the warehouse on city streets. You can easily move through any space transporting goods or personnel with power and efficiency! Additionally, Columbia partners with Cyngn, a developer of innovative autonomous driving software solutions for industrial and commercial enterprises. With the use of robotic technology, the Columbia Stockchaser allows autonomous vehicles to work alongside humans to create the most effective and proficient team. Read more about our Cyngn partnership here . Maybe your warehouse isn?t quite THAT large or has been optimized for maximum density. We guarantee there's a vehicle that can help your particular needs, no matter how large or small a space you're working with. Perhaps an Expediter is what you REALLY need. With its narrow design and tight turning radius, the Expediter allows you to navigate through the tightest of spaces. Is there a need for a single team member to get from one side of your workspace to another? With the ability to move three times faster than walking, you're able to cover more ground in less time with the Chariot . Waste no time getting where you need to go quickly and safely. As an industry leader in safety , we can help you figure out how to get from A to B in the safest manner possible. A few features that contribute to the safety of our vehicles are bright industrial colors, ergonomics, lights, automatic parking brake, and the vehicles' drive system just to name a few Production transportation logistics can be tricky and moving your personnel and material over large spaces without a plan in place can quickly get out of hand. This is where Columbia Vehicle Group comes in. Our highly skilled and friendly sales team knows all about horizontal material handling and how to help you navigate your internal transportation needs; helping you increase your productivity and eliminate fuel costs with all-electric power. Let us show you how a Columbia electric vehicle can help you prioritize movement and efficiency in your warehouse!

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TICO TRACTORS ANNOUNCES ELECTRIC TRUCK PRODUCTION

TICO (Terminal Investment Corporation) Manufacturing, the leading terminal tractor manufacturer and one of the largest terminal tractor fleet owners and operators in North America, announces the full production of its Pro-Spotter Electric terminal tractor. TICO has partnered with Volvo Penta to integrate their proven driveline, batteries and e-accessories featured throughout the Volvo Group into the Pro-Spotter Electric (EV unit). TICO has secured its first orders for the model as part of a pre-series run and will deliver its first retail unit in May 2023 with full production commencing later in Q2 of this year. ?As a pioneer in the industry for alternative fuels and sustainable solutions, TICO is committed to providing cutting-edge technology to our customer partners while remaining focused on superior equipment and elite support. Fleet sustainability is a growing priority that TICO is tackling head-on,? said Mallery Pindar, Director of Sales, Marketing, and Commercial Development for TICO The latest in TICO innovations, the EV truck combines the power and durability of the TICO Pro-Spotter truck with the proven electric design, reliability, and components of the Volvo Group. This means industry-leading equipment and technology, backed by a real-time service management platform, integrated battery monitoring service, and dedicated support network to keep fleet operators on the move. ?Volvo Penta is committed to sustainable power solutions that meet the industry?s net-zero ambitions,? said Darren Tasker, Vice President of Industrial at Volvo Penta North America. ?The production of the TICO EV terminal tractor with the Volvo Penta driveline is already making its mark within the industry, and we are excited to be partners on this exciting and innovative electromobility journey.? ?Volvo Penta has a vision to be a leader in sustainable power solutions, and TICO is a very important part of this transformational journey,? said Darren Tasker, Vice President of Industrial at Volvo Penta North America. ?Partnering with TICO on our project to introduce an emission-free, electric terminal tractor leverages Volvo Group technology and Volvo Penta?s experience and full-system approach to the electric driveline?from development to installation?and TICO?s manufacturing capabilities and extensive customer service and support. We are growing and innovating together to secure market position and achieve a technologically advanced powertrain portfolio.? After experiencing strong demo success, including positive operator and end-user feedback on unit performance, drivability, and system packaging, TICO is proud to produce the most user-friendly electric truck in the industry. View Press Release HERE.

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ELECTRIC PRODUCTS FOR ANY WAREHOUSING NEED

Keeping a warehouse running smoothly and productively is one of the biggest challenges facing business operators across a wide variety of industries. Whether you?re moving pallets full of food, large stacks of tires, or other materials ready for distribution, choosing the right forklift can mean a world of difference in levels of productivity. Toyota?s line of electric material handling equipment is diverse and includes forklifts, electric walkie pallet jacks, electric stackers, order pickers, and reach trucks. All of these options increase your uptime because of low maintenance requirements, drastically cutting the fuel cost of your fleet and producing no fuel exhausts. With lifting capacities ranging from 2,000-17,500 lbs., Toyota offers an electric option for almost any warehousing application . Here are just a few options that help make Toyota your full-line material handling equipment supplier. ELECTRIC FORKLIFTS 3-Wheel Electric Forklift: The Toyota 3-Wheel Electric Forklift lets your operators maneuver tight aisles effortlessly. It can operate nimbly in spaces under 10? because of its zero-turn radius and compact manufacturing. Core Electric Forklift: The Toyota Core Electric Forklift is one of the most versatile products available for your warehouse needs. Offering a 6,500 lb. lift capacity and the ability to navigate 11 ft. aisles, the Core Electric is a must-have for operations in large warehouse spaces. Large Electric Forklift: Toyota?s Large Electric Forklift gets the job done quietly and reliably. With 12,000 pounds of lifting power, it is a zero-emissions ride that is perfect for your toughest warehousing challenges, even in the food and beverage industries. It speaks softly and carries a big lift. Stand-Up Rider Forklift: The Toyota Stand-Up Rider Forklift is a warehouse solution for highly mobile operators. If your warehouse applications call for operators to constantly get on and off their forklift, the Stand-Up Rider might be the right fit in tight spaces. 48V Electric Pneumatic Forklift: Designed with the operator in mind, the 48V Electric Pneumatic comes equipped with amenities to help do the job quickly and efficiently. Standard mini-lever controls offer comfortable and ergonomic material handling while minimizing movement. 80V Electric Pneumatic Forklift: With its rugged design, The Toyota 80V Electric Pneumatic Forklift is capable of withstanding harsh conditions when warehouses have both indoor and outdoor needs. Built to do similar work as its IC Pneumatic counterparts, these machines allow all-electric fleets to stay that way. Toyota?s 80V Electric Pneumatic has a lifting capacity of up to 17,500 lbs. ELECTRIC PALLET JACKS Electric Walkie Pallet Jack: For mid-distance runs that require more speed and power than a standard hand pallet jack can provide, Toyota?s Electric Walkie Pallet Jack offers operators the flexibility they need to tackle many warehouse challenges. It also gives their backs a break from manual labor, keeping them working, happy, and healthy. Large Electric Walkie Pallet Jack: Toyota?s Large Electric Walkie Pallet Jack makes maneuvering heavy loads throughout the warehouse efficient, convenient, and productive. Whether you are using a staging area for loading and unloading or you need a solution for here-and-there material handling jobs, the Large Electric Walkie Pallet Jack is an asset for nearly any application. Low Level Order Picker: With Toyota?s Low Lever Order Picker , you now have the versatility to quickly pick products in lower bin locations while also providing access to second and, in some instances, even third-level racking. The ability to travel while elevated and simultaneously use travel and lift/lower controls gives operators the tools they need to get from pick to pick quickly and efficiently. ELECTRIC PALLET STACKERS Electric Walkie Stacker: The Toyota Electric Walkie Stacker offers an alternative when a full-sized electric forklift isn?t necessary for your short and mid-distance warehousing needs that require stacking capabilities. It?s ideal for light-duty stacking in busy warehouses. Walkie Reach Truck: Toyota?s Walkie Reach Truck has a lifting capacity of up to 3,000 lbs, a lift height of 189 inches, and can fit in 8 ft. aisles. The Walkie Reach Truck precisely navigates narrow aisles and is the perfect choice for lower-output warehouse operations. ELECTRIC ORDER PICKERS Order Picker: The Toyota O rder Picker offers a straightforward solution for your order retrieval needs. Toyota?s Order Picker easily maneuvers narrow aisles in warehouses with minimized rack impact during case picking thanks to optional wire guidance and double rail guidance systems. Furniture Order Picker: The Toyota Furniture Order Picker is designed to handle your pallet-less tasks from couches to dining room tables. The Furniture Order Picker can accommodate carts or furniture platforms and lift a wide variety of large or bulky items. ELECTRIC REACH TRUCKS Reach Truck: With the Toyota Reach Truck , expanding warehouses means having the ability to grow up instead of out. When you can reach high to several levels of warehouse racks, you efficiently use your space, increasing revenue and ROI. Multidirectional Reach Truck: Articulating load wheels allow the Multidirectional Reach Truck to travel horizontally, permitting compact travel and stacking wide loads in narrow aisles without the need to turn. The ability to travel both parallel or perpendicular to racking saves you time and space while increasing productivity. High-Capacity Reach Truck: Need to reach high? How about a lift height of up to 45 ft. Need to lift heavy? How about a lift capacity of up to 4,500 lbs. When needing to do both, the High-Capacity Reach Truck can lift 2,150 lbs. to more than 42 feet. It all adds up to better cube utilization and versatility to store products when and where you need to. Moving Mast Reach Trucks: Toyota?s Moving Mast Reach Truck offers clear and precise control for fast and smooth handling shift after shift. With a unique optional tilting cab system, operators not only have a clear view of their load but allow for faster and more accurate fork positioning. The Indoor/Outdoor Moving Mast Reach Truck provides the same advantages along with the ability to travel outside.

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