NEWS RELEASE                                                                                        

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                    

January 1, 2024                                                                                                          

Liftrucks Etc. Joins Forces with Dillon Toyota Lift

We are thrilled to announce a significant development in the material handling industry. As of January 1^st, 2024, Dillon Toyota Lift has successfully acquired Liftrucks Etc., marking a strategic union between two industry leaders.

Under the visionary leadership of John Dillon, Dillon Toyota Lift has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction. This acquisition aligns seamlessly with our mission to provide unparalleled solutions to our valued clients.

Dave Peck, the retiring owner of Liftrucks Etc., has played a pivotal role in establishing the company's reputation for quality products and exceptional service. We extend our deepest gratitude to Mr. Peck for his dedication and contribution to the industry.

The combined strengths of Dillon Toyota Lift and Liftrucks Etc. will undoubtedly result in an enhanced ability to meet the diverse needs of our customers. Our teams are already hard at work, ensuring a smooth transition that prioritizes continuity, quality, and customer satisfaction.

We look forward to the opportunities this union presents and are excited about the positive impact it will have on our ability to serve you better. Thank you for your continued trust and partnership.

John Dillon                                                                  Dave Peck
President/CEO                                                            President/CEO
Dillon Toyota Lift                                                          Liftrucks Etc.

Pneumatic Electric Forklifts

When thinking of forklifts capable of working outdoors, many will be quick to mention an IC Pneumatic forklift . However, what is often mentioned less is an outdoor electric forklift . These forklifts are just as efficient and environmentally friendly.  The Toyota Electric Pneumatic Forklift is an excellent alternative to IC Pneumatic products and has many incredible benefits that can take one’s fleet to new heights. Benefits of Pneumatic Electric Forklifts:

1. Reduced Emissions without Sacrificing Power

Choosing to go with an outdoor electric forklift over an IC product has multiple advantages. One of the most significant being reduced emissions. Electric forklifts are just as powerful as their IC counterparts due to new technology. The Toyota Electric Pneumatic Forklift  has the ability to lift up to 11,000 lbs. and can be utilized for both indoor and outdoor spaces.

2. Easier on Your Operators

Going electric for your outdoor forklift also means that it can be less noisy and produce fewer vibrations. It can take a toll on your operator if the truck is too loud, increasing fatigue and possibly reducing worker productivity. If you find that your associates are experiencing this, switching to an Electric Pneumatic truck may be a solution.

3. Lower Maintenance Costs

Electric forklifts, in general, are cheaper to run from an energy standpoint and can help save on fuel costs. Electric forklifts also have fewer moving parts, which can help save on maintenance and service in the long run.

While IC Pneumatic forklifts are still a great choice, having an electric option to choose from can be beneficial for many operations.

Knowing when it's time to replace forklift tires is essential for safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in your warehouse or industrial facility. During your pre-shift inspection, make sure to look for these warning signs that your tires may need replaced:

Tread Wear: Excessive tread wear is one of the most obvious signs that your forklift tires need replacement. When the tread depth reaches the wear limit indicated on the tire, it's time for new ones.

Flat Spots: If you notice flat spots or uneven wear patterns on the tire surface, it can affect the forklift's stability and performance. This is a clear indication that replacement is necessary.

Cracks or Cuts: Visible cracks, cuts, or gouges in the tire rubber can compromise its structural integrity and safety. Damaged tires should be replaced promptly.

Bulges or Blisters: Bulges or blisters on the tire's sidewall or tread area are signs of internal damage. These can lead to blowouts or other hazardous situations and should be addressed immediately.

Loss of Traction: Reduced traction and slipping on surfaces that were previously manageable can be a sign of tire wear.

Vibration: Excessive vibrations during forklift operation can be caused by worn tires. Vibrations can lead to operator fatigue and affect the forklift's stability.

Regular inspections of your forklift tires and keeping accurate maintenance records can help you identify these signs early and replace tires as needed, ensuring the safety of your operators and the efficiency of your material handling operations.

Our certified technicians are available to assist you with recognizing potential issues and with maintenance and repair.

Dillon Toyota Lift is also offering a special on forklift tires now through November 30^th, 2023. Save 15% on tires & additional discounts available for bulk orders! *Pneumatic tires excluded.

Now is the time to buy capital assets. Section 179 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code provides tax benefits for businesses that purchase qualifying equipment, including forklifts. Thanks to the 2017 tax legislation, businesses have been able to deduct a significant amount of 'bonus' depreciation in the year they buy and place an asset into service.

In 2023, the maximum depreciation is $1.16 million. Businesses can deduct 80% of the asset in the year you put it into service and must then depreciate the remaining 20% over the asset's life. In 2024, the first-year deduction falls to 60% of the asset price and ultimately falls to 20% in 2026. The takeaway is to maximize that first-year deduction and step up your equipment purchases this year.

How to Calculate Your 2023 Section 179 Deduction?
The advantage of the Section 179 tax deduction is the ability to increase your upfront tax savings. Your overall savings can vary - the 2023 Section 179 Deduction Calculator can help you estimate your tax savings for 2023.

Tax laws and regulations can change, so it's essential to consult with a tax professional or accountant who is up to date with the latest tax codes and can provide guidance specific to your business and tax situation.

Technology influx has provided operations with a more successful, data-oriented, and insights-driven approach to warehouse management. Warehouse Management System (WMS) technology allows warehouse leaders to make informed decisions about many elements of their facility, from material type to throughput to equipment. Those managers who invest heavily in the use of their WMS and who take the time to expertly learn and manage the software, become well-informed about the function of their warehouses, and give themselves a competitive advantage.

The issue with maintaining that competitive advantage is that sometimes a WMS no longer provides the best possible solution. However, some managers get so invested in them, they can’t tell that they’ve outgrown their system and that there are better solutions that could help them grow their success. So how do you know it’s time to move on from your current system?

1. The Warehouse Management System No Longer Fits Your Material Needs

In the context of a small timeframe, a WMS should take into account the material that is in your facility and allow you to make decisions about how to go about picking that material. But over time, material practices change, even within the same industry or business. Some WMS systems can fail to take into account changes, recommending storing and picking methods that no longer make sense given changes to materials. Ask yourself if the WMS is taking into account the full extent of the changes to the material in your facility (whether your business is changing, your industry is changing, or you’re scaling up). If it’s not, it might be time to move on.

2. The Warehouse Management System Cannot Integrate with Other Software Being Used in the Facility

Technology changes rapidly and sometimes disjointedly. Updates to partnered systems can quickly leave a piece of software behind, not because the software fails to perform its intended function, but because that software cannot integrate and share data with other systems. These older technologies, which are sometimes referred to as “legacy systems”, can block an operation from unifying its most important data sets. For example, if you experience an update to your Transportation Management System (the system that shows where your goods are located in the intermodal supply chain) and your WMS no longer communicates with it effectively, then you lose a holistic view of your operation. By the same token, if your WMS no longer communicates with your Labor Management System, you won’t have a good understanding of how material and throughput impact needed staff assignments. If your WMS is the logjam, it might be time to find a new one.

3. The Warehouse Management System is Hurting Customer and Supplier Relations

The bottom line is that technology should help improve your business relationships. A good WMS improves accuracy, decreases customer lead time, and, ultimately, drives those relationships that lead to repeat orders. It’s easy to see declining accuracy or decreased customer satisfaction as a problem of personnel or product. But if it’s a process that’s getting in the way, it’s time to assess your process systems like your WMS. The same is true from a supplier relations perspective. If your WMS can help your personnel be ready to receive quickly and efficiently, then your delivery partners can move onto their next order or task. If WMS errors means you mistime receiving and need to scramble, your supplier is also delayed, and the reputation of your business is damaged. It might be time to change WMS software.

All of these can be key indicators that it’s time to explore alternatives to your WMS. While doing so can be a large undertaking that includes new training and systems integration, it can be worth it to improve business practices. It would be useful to work with an expert warehouse advisor to help you assess software practices and provide outside advice.

Introducing the new Hangcha XE Series Electric Lithium-Ion Pneumatic Forklift with a 4,000-7,600lb capacity. The new XE Series of lithium-ion pneumatic forklifts were designed from the ground up to provide operators with a true lithium-ion alternative to I.C. pneumatic forklifts. Because of this, the integrated 80V lithium-ion forklift features lift speeds, travel speeds, gradeability, ground clearance, and a competitive price point.

The XE Series: A True Lithium-ion Powered Competitor to I.C. Pneumatic Forklifts

Hangcha designed the XE Series to include double permanent magnet synchronous motors, reducers in the hydraulic pump, reliable I.C. pneumatic components, and design elements from Hangcha’s well-known I.C. pneumatic forklifts. Hangcha then tested the XE Series Electric Lithium-Ion Powered Forklift to electric and I.C. pneumatic forklift standards. This ensures that the XE Series is a true lithium-ion powered competitor to I.C. powered pneumatic forklifts.

Different applications require different equipment. Hangcha designed the new XE Series to complement our existing lithium-ion powered forklifts in the 4,000-7,600lb load capacity range. The XE Series Electric Lithium-Ion Pneumatic Tire Forklift provides operators with a new, integrated lithium-ion forklift that can handle the harsh outdoor applications that I.C. pneumatic forklifts are typically found in. By adding the XE Series, Hangcha now provides solutions for tight indoor applications, compact indoor/outdoor applications, and rugged indoor/outdoor applications with the X Series, XC Series, and the XE Series Electric Lithium-Ion Forklifts respectively.

The XE Series: A Lithium-Ion Advantage

The XE Series Electric Lithium-ion Pneumatic Forklift features an 80V integrated lithium-ion design. This integrated lithium-ion design provides operators with several key advantages.

These advantages include:

• A Larger, More Ergonomic Operator Compartment
• Maintenance-Free Battery Packs
• 3 Different Battery Options for Each Model to Tailor the Forklift to the End-User’s Application
  
• A Lower Center of Gravity
• Up to 11 Hours of Runtime Depending on Battery Pack and Application
• Easy-Access Charge Ports
• Heating Elements in the Battery Pack to Ensure Optimal Performance in Cold Weather Applications

With the XE Series’ integrated 80V lithium-ion system, I.C. pneumatic forklift design elements, and a competitive price point, end-users now have a true lithium-ion option when replacing I.C. pneumatic forklifts in their rugged outdoor applications.

Do you ever find yourself needing a forklift with a higher lifting capacity? When lifting large, heavy objects, you need a forklift that can confidently and efficiently get the job done. Toyota’s line of Heavy Duty Forklifts is in a class of its own. With capacities ranging from 15,000-125,000 lb, these lifts can be used in a variety of environments such as ports, steel mills, lumberyards, oil refineries, and many others.

Let’s explore the different types of heavy-duty forklifts and the applications best suited for each.

High-Capacity Cushion Forklift

The High-Capacity Cushion Forklift has capacities ranging from 18,000 -22,000 lb. It has a 12-Volt Electrical System and a Dana 3-Speed Power Shift Transmission, leading it to have versatility in a warehouse or manufacturing facility. Other features to consider when choosing the High-Capacity Cushion is the load-sensing, or “on-demand” hydraulics feature, along with the engine shutdown system.

High-Capacity Large Cushion Forklift

If you are looking for an indoor powerhouse big enough to handle your most demanding jobs, look no further than the High-Capacity Large Cushion Forklift. This heavy-duty forklift has a capacity of 25,000-100,000 lb, a high-capacity cooling system, and a 5.7 L V8 engine. With heavy lifting comes key advantages to help you carry the load. An advantage of the High-Capacity Large Cushion Forklift is that it is the ideal product for indoor manufacturing facilities in retail, general warehousing, factory, distribution, or steel/metal environments.

High-Capacity Electric Cushion Forklift

Are you looking to transition to electrification but still need a heavy duty forklift with a 15,000-40,000 lb capacity? If so, the High-Capacity Electric Cushion Forklift is the one for you. Versatility is a key feature of this forklift as the 92-inch wheelbase means you’ll have the maneuverability you need to lift your heaviest loads.

High-Capacity Adjustable Wheelbase

It can often be difficult to lift and transport big, oddly-shaped objects inside your facility. The High-Capacity Adjustable Wheelbase is here to change that. With its increased flexibility (thanks to the telescopic boom attachment), you will be easily accessing those hard-to-reach items. The 15,000-80,000 lb lifting capacity offers an extendable counterweight/ counterbalance to adjust for the weight of your load.

High-Capacity Core IC Pneumatic

This forklift offers a 22,000-30,000 lb lifting capacity, making it ideal for lumber, steel, and automotive applications. The High-Capacity Core IC Pneumatic can help you move almost anything due to its power and versatility. The High-Capacity Core IC Pneumatic is for you whether you are using this for inside or outdoor terrain.

High-Capacity IC Pneumatic

In need of a giant forklift that can lift heavy loads up to 125,000 lb? Look no further than the High-Capacity IC Pneumatic Forklift, the largest forklift in Toyota’s production line. This heavy-duty forklift is often seen loading and unloading large shipping containers or on a construction site. Key features of this heavy-duty forklift include an enclosed operator cabin and an engine monitoring system. Think big with the High-Capacity IC Pneumatic Forklift.

Loaded Container Handler

Looking for the “king of the port?” Well, you came to the right place. The Loaded Container Handler has a lifting capacity of up to 90,000 lb with the ability to stack up to 6 ft. high. It is rugged, durable, and efficient. Most often used in ports, terminals, and shipping yards, the Loaded Container Handler call help cut costs and speed up your lifting cycle with its 47 FPM lifting speed.

Reach Stacker Container Handler

Toyota’s Reach Stacker Container Handler is the best fit for diverse heavy-lift applications such as loading and unloading trailers and transporting wind turbine parts. With a lift capacity of up to 99,000 lbs, it can stack up to a depth of three rows and five containers high. Need a heavy-duty job completed? The Toyota Reach Stacker Container Handler is your champion.

High-Capacity Marina Forklift

Do you need heavy-duty equipment that can efficiently aid in your marine applications? If so, the High-Capacity Marina Forklift has you covered. The negative lift aids in both lifting and lowering anywhere between the 15,000-55,000 lb load capacities.

Whatever your need may be, Toyota’s Heavy Duty Forklift fleet has you covered. With reliable, durable, and versatile options, you will be set up for success by staying in control of your operation.

Some of the largest airports and airlines in the world rely on Columbia Vehicles to transport passengers, cargo, and equipment day in and day out.  

Transportation Inside the Airport

Columbia Stockchaser’s Transport model is popular inside the airport because it can seat and move up to six passengers at once and its small form factor allows it to move through large passenger and freight elevators. Its exceptional maneuverability and narrow design helps it to navigate busy terminals while moving passengers safely and efficiently. With the stand-up position of the operator, they are able to see ahead of the vehicle over the seated passengers to navigate effortlessly around any upcoming hazards or obstacles. It is available with optional strobe lights and in-motion beeper for added awareness and safety around pedestrians. 

Additionally, Columbia’s Chariot is a single person, stand-up operated transport vehicle engineered to streamline operations and optimize productivity for security, maintenance, and manager personnel needing a quiet, emission-free mode of transportation inside the terminal. At an impressive speed of up to 9MPH, it travels at a pace three times faster than walking, enabling you to save precious time and conserve energy while navigating through a bustling airport to reach your destination promptly.

Maintenance Tasks Inside and Outside

Columbia’s Expediter is also ideal in airports to deploy technicians and their equipment where they are needed. Expediter is a dream for maintenance staff when they need to get to a problem quickly and without the need to park a large vehicle. When the need arises for an extra hand, the fold-down backrest conveniently transforms into an additional seat, providing a practical solution for another team member to ride along. The 21.5”L x 26”W cargo deck is perfect for carrying small parts and tools, and the Expediter is small enough to fit through most doorways. 

Columbia’s Payloader is another airport staple. Ground support jobs can require more tools, and bigger equipment.The Payloader offers a 76”L x 45”W  deck with a capacity up to 4,000lbs and towing capacity up to 18,000 lbs. Its optional second row seating makes it a versatile vehicle when you need additional staff for conquering special projects and routine maintenance with ease. 

Small Airfield Applications

Airports big and small rely on Columbia electric vehicles day in and day out. Our  Payloader Super Duty has been used in small airfields in lieu of a tug to move planes and manage hangar logistics.  In a small airfield setting, versatility is key. Payloader's range of options enable you to do everything you need to with just one vehicle: from moving baggage and equipment on the tarmac, to towing carts and trailers, to transporting personnel where they are needed

Toyota offers material handling solutions for almost any need. Our innovative engineers produce some of the world’s most trustworthy material handling equipment, and all models come with a guarantee of quality, durability, reliability, and value. While many customers are aware of a few of our product offerings, look here, and we’ll show you that Toyota truly is your full solutions provider.

Toyota Electric Forklifts:

For the customer who needs an all-electric fleet, Toyota offers Electric Forklifts for a variety of uses. The Core Electric Forklift provides indoor solutions for your needs between 3,000-6,500 lbs. Does your facility have narrow aisle needs, but want to stick with the Core Electric family? Try the Core Electric Turret Forklift, which gives you the capability to move products from the left or right. You say you’re a customer who needs to move lighter loads quickly, efficiently, and almost continuously? Our 3-Wheel Electric model leads the industry in travel speed and run time. Need easy on and off access for your operators? The Stand-Up Rider Forklift allows operators easy on and off access while still maintaining the capabilities of a sit-down forklift. Also, no longer will those with outdoor needs be forced to choose an IC forklift. Toyota offers its innovative 48V Pneumatic Forklift with lifting weights up to 4,000 lbs. and 80V Pneumatic Forklift that offers lifting weights of up to 17,500 lbs. while safe and reliable enough for outdoor use.

Toyota Electric Pallet Jacks:

Sometimes, you need more lifting power than a manual hand pallet jack can offer. Toyota Electric Walkie Pallet Jacks make heavy warehouse and staging tasks easy, with a full line of offerings to help you comfortably maneuver pallets around your facility. Our standard Electric Walkie Pallet Jack and Large Electric Walkie Pallet Jack increase warehouse management effectiveness and boost productivity. Need to cover longer distances in a distribution center or large warehouse? Jump on our End-Controlled Rider Pallet Jack or Center-Controlled Rider Pallet Jack. Also, with the introduction of Toyota’s Enclosed End Rider Pallet Jack, your operators will have lasting comfort throughout their shift.

Toyota Electric Stackers:

A forklift isn’t always the right tool for the job. When you need to stack pallets, but don’t need the bulk or price of a forklift, consider a Toyota Electric Stacker. Need to lift heavier loads? Our Industrial Walkie Stacker and Counter-Balanced Stacker are capable of handling loads up to 4,000 lbs. Want the flexibility of being able to reach in and out of racking? Try the Walkie Reach Truck.

Toyota Reach Trucks:

Toyota’s Reach Truck and Double Reach Truck models represent the latest in innovative design and technology and can reach lift heights up to 37 feet. AC drive and lift motors and variable speed lifting and lowering ensure that those loads are handled safely and efficiently. Our Multidirectional Reach Truck uses articulating load wheels to travel sideways down narrow aisleways. Those Indoor/Outdoor applications are no longer a struggle for the Indoor/Outdoor Moving Mast Reach Truck.  Click here and see how we can make your high-reaching tasks safer and easier.

Toyota Order Pickers:

Need to grab an order from a high rack? Toyota’s Order Picker offers elevating performance for use in general warehouse settings and is ready to work when you are. Need to pack a pallet with various items? Try our Low Level Order Picker with industry-leading lift heights up to 47”. Maybe you need to pick much larger items such as a couch, chair, or dresser. Toyota’s Furniture Order Picker allows operators to reach heights up to 366” while maintaining comfortability and efficiency.

Toyota Heavy Duty Forklifts:

Got a big job and no idea how to tackle it? Toyota’s Heavy Duty Forklift line is equipped with six different truck options to help meet your needs. With various lifting weight ranges, up to 125,000 lbs. your heavy lifting needs can be handled safely and efficiently. Check out the full line up including cushion and electric models.

Container Handlers:

Port management is big business. That’s why Toyota Container Handlers offer the power and flexibility needed to stage and operate in port environments. Our Loaded Container Handler is an expert at handling heavier, loaded containers and can stack them up to six high. Our versatile Reach Stacker models have lifting capacities of up to 99,000 lbs. They can stack containers up to five high and three deep.

Tow Tractors:

Moving carts quickly and efficiently around your warehouse can increase productivity and help your business keep raising profit margins. Toyota Tow Tractors offer an excellent solution for your tugging needs. With a three-product family, we can help you tow loads up to 59,500 lbs.

Automated Guided Vehicles:

Repetitive tasks are critical to manufacturing and warehouse production, but people sometimes get careless when doing the same task repeatedly. That’s just human nature. Toyota helps to minimize human error and increase productivity with our innovative Automated Guided Vehicles. Toyota offers three various options to meet your automated needs.

A Toyota Reach Truck For Indoor And Outdoor Applications

Do you spend most of your day outside in a lumberyard or inside a rugged warehouse? Maybe you are required to work inside and outside? Many material handling trucks are not equipped to work indoors and outdoors or durable enough to work in a rugged indoor facility. You may think that a quick trip outside is harmless but repeat use of indoor trucks outside is not only harmful to your operators, but also your trucks. The buildup of dirt and debris and exposure to elements like rain and snow can wreak havoc on forklifts and their components, which leads to more downtime for repairs. Submitting your operators to the outdoors without proper protection can lead to reduced productivity or bad operating habits. It is vital to protect your trucks and operators for whatever environment they will be in. This is where Toyota’s Reach Truck products can assist with its indoor and outdoor capabilities.

Toyota’s Moving Mast Reach Truck products maximize productivity, performance, and efficiency. With an indoor model as well as an indoor/outdoor model, there is a truck to fit your needs. Each model features a right-hand control unit and an optional air-ride suspension seat to maximize productivity and comfort. Operators can customize performance and operating characteristics to meet their needs while also getting continuous updates on lift height, load weight, and fork alignment on a touchscreen display. Both indoor and indoor/outdoor models promote operator comfort and functionality to support productivity shift after shift.

Moving Mast Reach Truck

The Moving Mast Reach Truck has lift heights up to 42.5 feet and a 5,500 lb. lifting capacity. Innovative ergonomics and technology offer clear and precise control for fast, smooth handling shift after shift. With an innovative mast design, a tilting cab, and an optional transparent roof, operators can maintain visibility at high lift heights. The Moving Mast Reach Truck features the tilting cab to reduce the risk of operator strain in repetitive high-level applications. It improves the visibility of the load so the operator can see the fork tips when elevated without moving their head.

Indoor/Outdoor Moving Mast Reach Truck

The Indoor/Outdoor Moving Mast Reach Truck excels with lift heights up to 24.5 feet and 3,500 lb. lifting capacity. The Indoor/Outdoor Moving Mast Reach Truck features weather protection options such as overhead and mast-direction windows, additional side windows, fan heater, and a fully enclosed cab with a door to support operator comfort in outdoor environments. This Reach Truck offers unmatched versatility due to the diameter of its large rubber pneumatic tires, high ground clearance, and multiple weather protection options. While reaching high and heavy loads can be challenging, the Indoor/Outdoor Moving Mast Reach Truck maintains a clear view with an optional panoramic roof and unique mast design, maintaining upward visibility and minimal load view obstruction.

Toyota’s Moving Mast Reach Truck products are capable of handling your most demanding challenges in warehousing, manufacturing, distribution, factory, retail, food storage/processing, and even cold storage applications. Its unmatched versatility, performance capabilities, and operator comfort contribute to keeping you going shift after shift.