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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!  

ADVANTAGES OF TOYOTA'S CORE IC PNEUMATIC FORKLIFT MODELS

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.

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Meet the Expediter!

Columbia?s Expediter is the productivity specialist in our industrial lineup. Versatility is the bread and butter of this model, making it the favorite of many rental customers who serve a vast array of customer types. If you have a wide variety of indoor transportation needs, the Expediter is built for you! Let?s dive into the many areas the Expediter can serve your team for maximum productivity. Transportation The Expediter provides your team with efficient transportation and an increased range of work. With a speed of 8.5 MPH, the Expediter travels at about 3 times the speed of walking, so in large, indoor facilities, utilizing the Expediter to cover more area in less time is a no-brainer. Beyond speed, the Expediter also provides the range for your team to cover miles at a time with a fraction of the fatigue that walking would impose, making for a more productive workforce. With its standard fold-down seat, the Expediter quickly provides space for a second seat to move personnel comfortably and quickly. Facilities like convention centers, distribution warehouses, or hospitals can be daunting to traverse, but the Expediter provides abundant efficiency and range so you can keep your focus on work. Payload/Towing While Columbia?s Payloader is the burden-carrying specialist in our lineup, the Expediter packs a punch with its compact profile, allowing you to haul equipment and even tow up to 1,000 pounds! While equipped to transport a second passenger, the Expediter?s back deck is also engineered to carry your team?s heavy equipment with a total payload capacity of 750lbs. In a perfect merging of attributes between the Payloader and Chariot, the Expediter provides rugged power in a smaller frame for tighter spaces and maximum versatility. Custom Solutions As with many of our vehicle models, we?re ready to curate the Expediter with your team?s specific needs. We want your Expediter fleet to be ready for work upon arrival, so we offer the option for a built-in, durable toolbox on the back deck, where you can store loose equipment safely. You can also equip the Expediter with an extended deck, different steering wheel designs, an enclosed cab, a safety light, large stand-up handrails, and much more! Additionally, our team is always ready to innovate custom solutions for your unique needs, and the Expediter is the perfect model for versatile features!

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HOW THE CORE IC CUSHION FORKLIFT MAXIMIZES YOUR OPERATION'S SUCCESS

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.

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A GUIDE TO HIGH-CAPACITY FORKLIFT ATTACHMENTS

Do you find yourself needing to move tires, coils, pipes, and lumber in your operation? These are just a few of the large loads that heavy-duty attachments are capable of lifting, loading, and transporting with ease. Learn more about how these can help increase your efficiency and productivity. Toyota Heavy-Duty Forklift Attachments TELESCOPIC BOOM ATTACHMENT Toyota?s High Capacity Adjustable Wheel Base features a telescopic boom and an extendable counterweight, making moving large and awkward loads much easier. An additional feature that makes the High Capacity Adjustable Wheel Base an attractive option is the remote control. There is an easy-to-use remote control option that can be added to the truck that allows the operator to control all functions of the forklift, including the counterweight extension at the touch of a button. The Remote Control option allows for easy and precise movement of large loads like industrial machinery and engines. COIL RAM AND COIL-TAPERED FORK ATTACHMENTS Coil Rams are similar to carpet poles but have a shorter boom with a larger diameter. This attachment is fitted with a heavy-duty backplate and a profiled end that makes the coil ram a dependable option for loading and transporting steel coils, concrete tubes, and various types of pipes. Due to its versatility, the Coil Tapered Fork Attachment often times makes for a popular alternative. Coil Tapered Fork Attachments come with the same dependable features as the Coil Ram while allowing the operator to transition between material handling needs more efficiently. TIRE HANDLER ATTACHMENT While regular forks can fulfill a variety of different handling needs, sometimes there is a need for a specialized attachment such as the Tire Handler. Sure, regular forks could move tires if need be; however, it may not be the most efficient method if you are moving them regularly. The tire handler attachment allows the operator to move more tires quicker, and reduce the risk of potential damage to the product. Regular forks could puncture the tires, but the Tire Handler utilizes a clamp that significantly reduces the risk of puncture damage. Pipe Hold Down Clamp Pipes and logs are only a couple of materials that make for easier and more secure handling with the Pipe Hold Down Clamp. This attachment features arms that are mounted on top of the carriage and then clamp down on the cargo to keep it from tipping or rolling off of the forks, and potentially damaging the cargo. Additionally, it provides excellent operator visibility that allows for easy loading and unloading. When the operator isn?t utilizing the clamp option the arms can be positioned vertically for more versatility. For tips on securely transporting cargo such as pipes, be sure to read this blog on preventing damage to heavy loads. Paper Roll Clamp Paper is among the most delicate products being handled, and therefore it oftentimes requires a specialized attachment such as a paper roll clamp. To help reduce the risk of damage to the product, these attachments can be outfitted with various pads to meet your material handling needs. While it?s called a Paper Roll Clamp, paper is not the only product it is capable of transporting. Various types of pipes and tubes, such as concrete pipes, can also be transported using the Paper Roll Clamp. Tilt Control, rotation, and pressure control are just a few of the available features on the Paper Roll Clamps, with some models having a handling capacity of 20,000+ pounds. Every organization strives for operational efficiency and these attachments are just a few options that allow for increased efficiency and productivity when it comes to lifting large and heavy loads.

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Columbia Vehicles: Under the Hood, Sophisticated Simplicity!

Because Columbia vehicles are so much more than a golf cart, our team of highly qualified engineers are passionate about ensuring each component in a Columbia vehicle is energy efficient and ready to safely move you and your team. Their dedication makes owning and operating a Columbia vehicle a breeze with its sophisticated simplicity! Here are 5 complex Columbia vehicle elements, simplified: The Controller - Our controllers contain advanced software technology for a smoother ride. Driving a Columbia vehicle feels like driving the car that took you to work today! Energy Storage - High-efficiency lead acid batteries allow for more energy to make its way to the Controller and then for most of that energy to be transferred to the drive system. Columbia also now offers a lithium battery option in our Utilitruck! Lithium batteries increase performance and put your mind at ease; with its advanced technology, the controller for our lithium batteries will alert you when energy storage is low instead of unexpectedly losing power completely! Lithium is also maintenance-free, unlike standard batteries that need just a bit more attention. All of our vehicle options allow you to conveniently plug directly into a standard outlet for easy battery charging on the go. The Drivetrain - Responsible for delivering power from the battery to the wheels, Columbia endeavors to have an advanced understanding of the drivetrain duty cycle to help you choose the best vehicle to match your job! Speed Sensitive Power Steering* - While it may not be seen as an essential to some, this complex feature under the hood makes your life easier by delivering only the assist you need, providing you with maximum steering response and driving stability. Safety - The most important vehicle elements under the hood are our safety features. The Columbia team strives to be the safest on the market! Top safety features are brake lights, automatic parking brake, back-up camera, and charger anti-drive-away interlock, which prevents the vehicle from being driven away while actively charging. These features are in place to keep you and your team safe on the job! Columbia?s Engineering Research and Development department is constantly working to innovate and introduce new products and services, while striving to implement the latest technology in battery charging. Looking to the future, we will continue to evaluate the evolution of energy storage and look for advanced charging solutions beyond lithium. The takeaway? Columbia has a sophisticated vehicle to make any job you throw at it, simple. Contact our team at info@columbiausa.com to find out what Columbia can do to simplify your workload! Or locate one of our exceptional dealers at http://hubs.ly/Q01nQ2730 . All features mentioned in this article may not be available on all models.

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ADDRESSING COMMON ELECTRIC FORKLIFT MISUNDERSTANDINGS

While their use is rising in popularity , many common misunderstandings still surround electric forklifts. Electric forklifts are low-emission vehicles powered by an electric battery that also serves as the counterweight. Toyota Electric Forklifts can utilize either lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries, depending on the need of the buyer. If you open yourself up to the idea of utilizing electric forklifts, you can see how the following misconceptions are easily dismissed. Electric Forklift Misunderstandings ELECTRIC FORKLIFTS DON?T OFFER THE SAME PERFORMANCE AS AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE FORKLIFT. One of the most common misconceptions associated with electric forklifts is that they do not provide the same high-level performance as internal combustion (IC) engine forklifts. However, specific electric models are made to operate with similar performance to internal combustion forklifts. High voltage electric models are equipped to perform comparably to their IC counterparts. Higher voltage translates to more power, meaning you can benefit from increased travel, lift , and acceleration speeds. Built with a lift capacity ranging from 4,000-11,000 lbs., the Toyota 80V Pneumatic forklift has the strength, speed, durability, and reliability needed to perform in tough environments such as concrete and oil and gas, while minimizing emissions. COST OF OPERATING AND MAINTAINING THE EQUIPMENT IS TOO EXPENSIVE. Another misunderstanding about these lifts is that operation and maintenance costs are too extravagant. In addition, some view the upfront cost of the forklift battery to be too costly. However, over time they require less maintenance due to having fewer components than their IC counterparts. These lifts can also have a longer lifespan, allowing owners to maintain and use their forklift for longer periods of time. To maintain an IC forklift, items such as filters and oil will need to be replaced with use. However, electric forklifts do not have these components, which can reduce maintenance and labor costs. Electricity also typically costs less per kilowatt-hour to operate, resulting in a reduced cost of operation. This can lead to significant ROI for your business. ELECTRIC FORKLIFTS CANNOT OPERATE OUTDOORS. The misunderstanding that electric forklifts cannot operate outdoors may stop many businesses from purchasing them. Many industries , including construction, general manufacturing, and block and pipe, need forklifts to work outside while carrying heavy loads. Toyota produces specific forklift models that can operate indoors and outdoors, like the 80V Pneumatic Forklift. It offers low-maintenance and low emissions while supporting rugged, outdoor, traditionally IC applications. ELECTRIC FORKLIFTS CANNOT LIFT AS MUCH AS INTERNAL COMBUSTION FORKLIFTS. Not only is this incorrect, but it can hinder buyers from converting their fleet from IC to electric . Toyota electric forklifts have a lift capacity of up to 40,000 lbs. And they are designed and tested to safely lift their maximum capacity to a designated lift height, similar to their IC counterparts. Electric forklifts continue to grow in popularity and are being utilized in a variety of industries.

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HOW TOYOTA ASSIST CAN HELP YOU ACCOMPLISH YOUR BUSINESS GOALS

At Toyota, we understand the importance of maintaining a highly productive operation all while instilling a culture of safety in your facility. You need to be able to move product quickly while keeping your operators comfortable and secure. To help you accomplish all of your business?s goals, Toyota has designed the latest technologies to help you keep your eye on the prize and move your operation forward. Enter Toyota Assist. Toyota Assist is a robust family of features and options that work together to actively or passively assist certain operations in regards to operability, productivity, or situational awareness. It is our goal to bring you individualized material handling solutions to help your operation reach unparalleled success. Let?s dive into the different aspects of Toyota Assist and how they may be able to help you take your operation to the next level. Operator Benefits of Toyota Assist LOAD HANDLING At Toyota we don?t just meet the bare minimum. We go beyond what is expected and put the operator at the forefront of our work. At the core of the many safety elements built into our forklifts is our proprietary System of Active Stability? (SAS). This revolutionizing and industry-leading forklift technology minimizes the likelihood of tip-over, reducing the risk for operators and those around them. When the system detects a situation that could lead to instability, it instantly engages the swing lock cylinder to stabilize the rear axle ? changing the forklift?s stability footprint from triangular to a rectangular shape. PUTTING YOU IN CONTROL While some operators are content with using the same bells and whistles they?ve grown accustomed to over the years, there are many new technologies available that may make their lives easier, as well as make the tasks more comfortable. Toyota?s EZ Fingertip Controls put productivity at the forefront by placing all hydraulic controls in an ergonomic pattern that can be reached with minimal hand movement. Thanks to an included horn button and forward/reverse directional switch, operators can conveniently maintain one hand on the steering wheel while allowing the other hand to control all necessary functions outside of braking and travel. This intuitive design helps with operator comfort, and controls can be customized to manipulate up to five hydraulic functions, including clamp release interlock. AWARENESS HEIGHTENED While moving products from point A to point B is important, Toyota has engineered state-of-the-art stereoscopic vision technologies that can assist operators in identifying pedestrians or objects behind the forklift during a shift. The SEnS Smart Environment Sensor ? (SEnS) pedestrian detection system uses stereoscopic vision technology to assist operators by differentiating between some pedestrians and objects, and providing visual and audible alerts within the detection zone. Along with SEnS, the 360 camera system gives the operator a bird?s eye view of your forklift to assist in navigating tight environments. SEnS is available as an add-on kit that can be retrofitted for select existing and new Toyota forklift models. In addition to SEnS, Toyota has developed the Smart Environment Sensor Plus ® (SEnS+ ) , which not only detects pedestrians or objects behind the forklift, but it limits the movement of the forklift by automatically slowing down the equipment when pedestrians and/or objects are detected. With dynamic zoning, SEnS+ adjusts the range of detection based on the speed and steering direction of the forklift. If the forklift is moving faster, the zone is expanded to account for potential, upcoming obstacles further away, up to 32 feet. LOGICALLY PRODUCTIVE FOR PRECISE PICKING At Toyota, our solutions are loaded with features to tackle your unique tasks and keep your operation moving forward. Toyota?s Lift Logic option is a productivity-enhancing solution for the most demanding, high-throughput, order picking applications. Lift Logic continuously monitors the height of the forks, and adjusts speed accordingly. This allows for the maximum speed appropriate for any height in its range. Adding these features to your equipment can offer many long-term benefits to your operation. While meeting current demands can feel like a daunting and difficult task, it doesn?t have to be. We?re here to make life easier.

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SAFELY NAVIGATE AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE AND MANUAL WAREHOUSE TRAFFIC

Autonomous vehicles like AGVs (automated guided vehicles) and AMRs (autonomous mobile robots) are cost-effective, flexible, and reliable alternatives to conventional material transport methods like forklifts or static conveyors. Unlike some automation options where automating means completely replacing a process or equipment with an entirely new structure, it?s common that individual AVs (autonomous vehicles) are added and removed as workflow requires, allowing you to see both manual and automated equipment working side by side. In general, what makes autonomous vehicle integration successful is rooted in thoughtful planning for how it will be incorporated into your operation. How do you prepare to incorporate autonomous vehicles in a way that would improve your operation?s productivity without creating unintentional downtime? Discover some key factors to consider when balancing both autonomous and manual vehicles in your operations. Key Autonomous Vehicle Operation Considerations 1. SAFETY First and foremost is safety. Make sure that your staff is aware of the different moving vehicles or traffic patterns. This can be accomplished through updated employee training plans which should capture new and updated pathways, new lights, indicators or alert sounds, and vehicle right of way. Additionally, stress the importance of keeping pathways clear and the risks of disregarding the rules. Through recent advancements in safety controllers, AVs of all types offer a safe and predictable method of delivery. AMRs can leverage dynamic path planning to safely move around obstacles and avoid interferences, requiring no human intervention. AGVs can safely detect obstacles but require external intervention like a human individual to remove the obstacle before they can proceed. In general, autonomous vehicles can operate almost around the clock, without the need for breaks, which means that human traffic and traditional forklift operators will need to be aware of these continuous pathways. While all AGVs and AMRs go through thorough testing before being incorporated into live operations, hand paddles can be kept on hand to test vehicle sensors in between maintenance checks. By placing the paddle in front of the vehicle?s pathway, your team members can safely verify that sensors will trigger the appropriate automatic stop. 2. WAREHOUSE FACILITY AND OPERATION LAYOUT Unlike most automated material handling systems that are locked into place, AGVs and AMRs provide flexibility by being able to program new routes/missions on demand. However, there are a few key conditions that will help ensure robust navigation from destination to destination. Flat floors ? by contrast steep grades, uneven concrete, and large cracks will reduce the successful mission rate. Defined travel paths ? pathways should be clear of obstructions and wide enough to provide the right amount of clearance for the vehicle and the loads it?ll carry or pull. Also, ensure that paths don?t interfere with other manual material handling solutions. Navigation selection ? determine guidance and navigation system to be used. Vehicles that use vision or natural features navigation require little to no infrastructure because they operate by referencing existing features so carefully analyze if your environment is right for this technology. Navigation selection can be compared to ?choosing the right tool for the job? so consider which technology fits best in your operations. 3. SOFTWARE INTEGRATION Leverage fleet or traffic management software to monitor your operations. Tight integration with the warehouse operation host system and WES (warehouse execution system) will help bring together your material handling solutions and operation needs to better drive productivity, facilitate coordination and promote safer work environments. This will specifically help with task scheduling triggering vehicles to move throughout the warehouse to complete tasks. It can also help with route planning to determine movements, avoid traffic, and better utilize warehouse space. 4. WAREHOUSE TRAFFIC In addition to considering the facility?s defined pathways and updating safety training, consider traffic pattern changes as a whole. Where will automated, human, and manual vehicle traffic overlap? Is it required to overlap, or can pathways be adjusted? Confirm each vehicle?s speed, automated and manual. Should additional safety sensors be added to avoid collisions? Work through these questions to make necessary adjustments. Sometimes an AV system is considered after a process is already in place. With this being the case, it?s important to carefully consider when the changeover or addition of an AV could take place at your facility. Carefully plan the timing and season of operations to reduce backlogs during implementation. Versatile Automation that Scales The applications of AGVs and AMRs are expanding as customers become more accustomed to the capabilities and benefits that these autonomous vehicles can bring to operations. The flexibility and easy scalability to quickly add in a vehicle with little to no facility modifications and familiarity with a standard forklift style and design make these an attractive solution option. Keeping in mind and balancing for dual equipment types ? manual and automated ? will only help to ensure that both bring the most benefits to your operation on your timeframe. Avoid disrupting operations and make integration seamless with the above steps. Ready to explore solutions for improved efficiency? Let us guide you on your automation journey. By combining data-driven designs, scalable material handling systems, and innovative software, our experts are ready to help you plan and execute.

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