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. 

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. Dillon Toyota Lift 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.

Larger Loads Handled

If you spend a lot of time in a warehouse you have probably watched an Order Picker gather materials from tall racks and place them on a pallet. Order Pickers are used to reach high racks in narrow aisles efficiently and quickly. Order Pickers excel in picking small to medium-sized products and placing them on a pallet, but are typically not designed to handle larger loads that require more extended platforms. That is where Toyota’s Furniture Order Picker comes in.

Furniture Order Advantages And Versatility

Toyota’s Furniture Order Picker operates and looks like an order picker except for the size and baselegs. The baselegs are much longer than on an Order Picker, which provides various benefits, including the ability to safely handle longer loads at higher heights. They provide a helpful aid for operators who travel forks first down a rail-guided aisle. Also, this lift allows operators to easily place large or bulky items such as carpet or various types of furnishings on carts or platforms. With available fork lengths from 42 to 96 inches and lift heights up to 30.5 feet, Toyota’s Furniture Order Picker is designed to fit a wide variety of applications.

While the name may imply it can only be used for furniture, Toyota’s Furniture Order Picker can handle various types of loads that are too long or bulky for a typical Order Picker.  Its auto-locking pallet clamp assists in securing your load for safe travel throughout your warehouse. Equipped with rail and wire guidance options, it can be programmed to work effectively in any aisle.

Not only can a Furniture Order Picker assist in your warehouse, but it can be used in distribution or even retail.  Whether you have bulky furniture, large components you need to pick and move around a warehouse, Toyota’s Furniture Order Picker is up for the job. 

Let's meet Columbia's Chariot! The Chariot is Columbia's smallest transport, designed to transform time wasted by foot into time well-spent on your crucial tasks. 

The Chariot is packed with the features you need on the job, starting with its best-in-class sturdy frame of 14-gauge smooth steel. It's also equipped with an efficient 12-volt DC motor, extremely short turning radius, and narrow width of 29 inches, allowing you to glide through a standard doorway! 

Operators will love the stand-up operation of the chariot, which provides a low center of gravity and higher visibility through busy facilities or tight tunnels. 

Popular options include: Reverse switch, Pole mounted strobe light, Hour meter, In-motion beeper, various tire/wheel combinations, and High capacity batteries.