BYD Forklifts - 100% Electric Forklifts for Indoor & Outdoor Use

BYD forklifts are 100% electric forklifts built for the highest reliability in indoor & outdoor operations. Enjoy a seamless integration between all systems since BYD manufactures the forklift, battery and charger. Combine industry leading runtimes with fast anytime charging and you get a true one battery 24/7 solution. They operate across multiple shifts without the need to change or replace batteries. 80V AC Technology Up to 18 Hour Run Time Iron Phosphate Battery - no gassing or acid, better for the environment Rapid, Restriction-Free Charging Recharged in as little as 90-minutes No Battery Maintenance Required 10-Year or 20,000-Hour Battery Warranty (industry leading) Ready to challenge the status quo and get rid of your battery room? Learn More

UNDERSTANDING FORKLIFT INSPECTION FREQUENCY

Forklift inspection is a task that helps to ensure material handling equipment is up to par with operation standards at all times. But how often should operators inspect their forklift? Here?s a handy guide on the frequency of forklift inspection: OSHA Forklift Inspection Requirements OSHA?s Powered Industrial Truck Standard 1910.178(q)(7) This standard is the one that controls all OSHA compliance on forklifts. To meet the standard, operators must inspect trucks: Daily (at the beginning of each day?s use) At the beginning of each shift in a continuous use facility This standard compels operators to ensure their equipment is in good working condition. Failure to operate at this frequency can result in fines from OSHA. Any operator who finds a problem with a forklift must tag it out. Why this forklift inspection frequency? The frequency of inspection helps to ensure the safe and efficient operation of your forklifts. By comparison, some of us are guilty of bad practices when driving our cars. We see something that will be a problem, and say to ourselves ?that will need fixing? eventually.? But there?s going to be a moment in time when that problem will manifest itself in a very real and dangerous way. And then we?re in trouble. Because forklifts are inspected daily or at the beginning of each shift, operators are able to catch potential problems early. And instead of having a major problem at the exact moment when a part or component breaks, we can perform maintenance that might prevent dangerous situations from ever happening. The frequency of forklift inspection helps to combat that procrastination when operating a forklift. Because forklifts are inspected daily or at the beginning of each shift, operators are able to catch potential problems early. And instead of having a major problem at the exact moment when a part or component breaks, we can perform maintenance that might prevent dangerous situations from ever happening. Also, by requiring the operators to check their forklift at the beginning of a shift, businesses aren?t relying on someone who is exhausted at the end of a shift to perform check list duties.

3 WAYS TO HELP CREATE A SUSTAINABLE WAREHOUSE

As the push for sustainable business practices continues to grow stronger, more and more warehouses are adopting ?green? initiatives. Toyota has been practicing sustainable business practices, led by the guiding rules of the Toyota Production System, and continues to improve our impact on the environment. Practices such as Just-In-Time and Jidoka have helped Toyota Forklifts? manufacturing site achieve a zero-landfill facility status. With benefits ranging from positive environmental impacts to substantial cost savings, making changes in your facility is worth your while. Here are a few of the ways you can bring green warehousing practices to your own facility: Sustainable Warehouse Management: Recycle Recycling, by definition, means reusing material. This might mean converting waste into material that is usable or finding a new purpose so they can be used again. However, when it comes to manufacturing, recycling is about more than just throwing plastic cups and used paper into their respectively labeled bins. It is about making recycling initiatives part of the core of your manufacturing process. Start off small. Send your used packaging material to a recycling center. Take metal shavings from the welding department and recycle them as scrap metal. Dispose of batteries and chemicals in ways that are environmentally sound, including working with a battery recycler to dispose of worn forklift batteries. Sustainable Warehouse Equipment: Use Green-Manufactured Products The efficiency and reliability of your equipment has a tremendous impact on your warehouse processes. Choosing electric products can increase your uptime due to their lower maintenance requirements. They also cut fuel exhausts ? and fuel costs! Toyota offers a full line of electric products ? everything from pallet jacks to THDs ? to keep your facility running smoothly. Aside from forklifts, you can also opt for eco-friendly conveyor systems that cut energy use and maintenance while maintaining a productive workflow. Sustainable Warehouse Sensibility: Check Your Lighting Do the lights always need to be on in every part of your facility? Probably not. Install an energy management system that knows which lights need to be on, and when. Additionally, swap out those old bulbs for energy-efficient LED fixtures to boost energy efficiency and save on electricity costs. There are many ways to bring sustainable practices to your facility. Monitor your efforts and find ways to continuously improve. The gradual implementation of a variety of these techniques over time can transform your facility into green warehouse.

INTRODUCING COLUMBIA'S MAGNIFICENT SEVEN

Columbia has a reputation for being the most robust utility vehicle line-up on the market, and in an effort to deliver the best transportation solutions for your needs, we?ve re-envisioned the Columbia line-up. We?d like to (re)introduce you to the Magnificent 7: Chariot, Expediter, Stockchaser, Journeyman, Utilitruck, Custom Platform, and our ever popular Payloader. Each of these vehicles are ideally suited for different tasks, so let?s look at the new line-up a little more closely, and see how each vehicle can meet your transportation needs. Chariot: Our Chariot saves valuable time getting to work, enabling key personnel to spend more time doing work. The Chariot moves managers, executives, security, floor staff, and others around indoor and outdoor facilities quickly, quietly, and efficiently. Pure electric power, narrow width design, tight turning radius, and stand-up operation give you long range, impressive maneuverability, and high visibility everywhere you go. Expediter: The Expediter is designed for maximum productivity without compromising speed or safety. Its narrow design, tight turning radius and impressive capacity rating enables you to deliver payloads through tight spots or right up to the job site. A standard fold-down seat back converts the Expediter into a two-person transport, making it perfect for pulling double duty in any facility. Stockchaser: Replace large, inefficient material handlers with a smaller, faster utility vehicle perfect for order-picking, stock replenishment, towing, hauling and more. An industry leading 48-volt electric power system and 133-inch turning radius make it the perfect choice to handle loads in tight spaces just about anywhere?all day long. Stand-up operation and adjustable backrest provide safety and comfort while a tubular steel chassis and steel body panels make it as rugged as it is maneuverable. Journeyman: Engineered to boost productivity and easily adapt and transform from one job to another, the Journeyman is ideal for maintenance, higher education, hospitality, construction, or any other space where safe, efficient transportation is vital. The Journeyman series is available in a range of sizes, configurations, and upfits to carry two to six passengers safely and in comfort just about anywhere?including public roads. Utilitruck: Tackle the tasks golf carts simply aren?t built for and get more done with the same versatile vehicle. The Utilitruck can carry two passengers and over 1,000 pounds and configured through an endless combination of mission-specific upfits for greater capability where you need it most. Go even further and customize your vehicle for unique environments, workloads, and accessibility needs. The Utilitruck can be tailored to fit virtually any vehicle application. Custom Platform: Our Custom Platform's innovative design offers various drive axle and battery pack configurations for optimal balance in payload carrying capacity, maximum range, and top turning performance. An optional Speed Rail Attach System allows for hundreds of platform upfits. Payloader: Take light or heavy loads to places other high-capacity burden carriers simply can?t go and replace forklifts with a safer alternative. The Payloader carries up to 4,000 pounds, tows up to 18,000 pounds, and travels up to 17 miles per hour while offering exceptional maneuverability and efficiency without sacrificing durability. We use the same steel chassis for all weight classes to provide the dependability you need from a heavy carrier.

GUIDE TO CHANGING HYDRAULIC FLUID FOR FORKLIFTS

Hydraulic technology is so common we often forget we use it every day. It?s found right in our own homes in our dishwashers. It?s in the cars we drive to work. It?s in elevators, amusement park rides, and airplanes. And in forklifts. But without liquid to fuel the hydraulic systems, none of these things would work. The main function of hydraulic fluid is to provide energy transmission, so it makes sense that if you don?t have the proper level of liquid, you can?t create the most power. Inadequate levels of hydraulic fluid in a forklift cause decreased lifting and steering capabilities, which is the last thing you want when you have a job to finish. So, what do you need to know to ensure your hydraulic system is running smooth and fast? Let?s explore some of the common questions you might have about hydraulic fluids and forklifts. How often should I change the hydraulic fluid for forklifts? Most forklift manufacturers suggest replacing hydraulic fluid after every 1,000 hours of operation. To monitor levels properly, operators should go through a checklist, which includes checking the hydraulic fluid tank prior to every shift. Why should I change hydraulic fluid every 1,000 hours of operation? There are a variety of environments and variables that can affect the rate oil degrades. In lieu of performing an oil analysis every time you think you need to change your hydraulic fluid, most users stick to the manufacturer?s recommendation, which is based on years of service data. Keep in mind that if you decide not to change the hydraulic fluid for an extended amount of time, you risk the service life of every other component on the hydraulic system. What hydraulic fluid for forklifts should I use? It depends on your equipment and manufacturer. Consult your forklift operating manual for the specific fluid grade recommended for your particular forklift. We also recommend paying close attention to the prescribed level to fill the tank. Thermal expansion can occur, which can in turn cause an oil spill and a safety hazard. Can I change my hydraulic fluid or does my dealer need to? Changing hydraulic fluid is a fairly simple task. However, we recommend a professional certified forklift technician perform the task. Toyota certified technicians are trained on all make and models of forklifts.

Introducing Toyota Industrial Energy Solutions

A Revolutionary Approach to Your Energy Needs What powers your operation now? What energy sources will keep your business moving efficiently and cost-effectively in the future? However you answer these questions, Toyota Industrial Energy Solutions is our promise to continually be at the forefront of new technological development, providing reliable solutions for your ever-evolving energy needs. As you work to optimize your fleet amid increasing environmental standards and throughput expectations, Toyota Industrial Energy Solutions is your partner at every step of the journey. We deliver service and expertise ? as only Toyota can ? through our commitment to quality, forward-thinking innovation, and the support of the largest dealer network in North America. Here are five tools and services Toyota Industrial Energy Solutions offers you: 1) On-Site Consultation for Forklift Energy Solutions Toyota Forklift dealers offer free, on-site consultation services to help identify the best practices and energy management solutions that will work for you. Utilizing the resources made exclusively available through Toyota Industrial Energy Solutions, Toyota dealers are uniquely positioned to optimize your operation with the latest technological innovations tested and approved by Toyota, such as: Toyota?s first-to-market UL-E/EE approved sit-down forklift and lithium-ion battery combination Our more than 50 tested and approved alternative energy source models across electric rider forklifts, electric narrow aisle lifts, and warehouse equipment 2) Electric Forklift Batteries and Alternative Energy Sources An extensive selection of lead acid and TPPL batteries, as well as approved alternative energy sources (including lithium-ion batteries), allows Toyota to uniquely pair up the best forklifts in the industry with the most efficient and cost-effective power sources. Some of the potential benefits include: Increased charging efficiency Higher, more stable voltage supply Reduced maintenance Eliminate battery storage areas and charging equipment Increased cycle and shelf life 3) Forklift Battery Chargers & Accessories Your Toyota Forklift dealer can help you increase energy efficiency and lower operational cost ? simply by matching your chosen energy source with an optimal charger! They?ll use battery monitoring equipment to pinpoint efficiencies that can be gained through an appropriate battery/charger combination. Some charger considerations include: Frequency ? Higher-frequency charges, which increase charge rates and can allow for opportunity and fast charging. Energy Efficiency ? Converting power from your facility with greater energy efficiency can lower your electric bill. Multi-Voltage ? Chargers with multiple voltage capabilities can reduce the total number of chargers needed. Smart Functionality ? Wireless communication and other smart functionality can allow expert control of charging efficiency and timing. Size & Weight ? Smaller, lighter-weight chargers can decrease your storage footprint and are easier to move. 4) Service & Repair with Toyota Industrial Energy Solutions Peace of mind. That?s what you get with Toyota Industrial Energy Solutions ? because you?ll know: 3,500+ expertly trained Toyota Certified Technicians are at the ready to minimize your downtime ? not only on your equipment, but on the energy sources that power them. You?ve got a variety of alternative energy source options that have been tested and approved by Toyota as compatible with your forklift?s electrical systems. Your equipment?s warranty will remain intact should you choose a Toyota-approved alternative energy source for power. 5) Environmental Support Keeping up with increasingly stringent emissions regulations has never been simpler. Your Toyota Forklift dealer can assist you with CARB fleet averaging and optimizing your product mix to fit your unique application and regulatory needs. Dillon Toyota Lift can help you apply and benefit from the energy-saving and waste-reducing practices Toyota is known for, including lean thinking and the Toyota Production System . Original Post : Shannon Potelicki, Content & Communications Copywriter, Toyota Material Handling

HOW TO EQUALIZE CHARGE A FORKLIFT BATTERY

Lead acid batteries are one of the most neglected pieces of equipment in material handling. Low water levels, corrosion, and electrolyte spillage are common issues that need to be monitored on a daily basis, but one practice that tends to be forgotten is the equalization charge. So, what is an equalization charge? I?m glad you asked! What is an equalized charge on a forklift battery? An equalization charge occurs when the battery is purposely overcharged after a full charging cycle. Essentially, you are charging the battery at a higher voltage than it is typically charged to help remove built-up sulfate and balance the voltage of each cell. Why perform an equalized charge on a forklift battery? If you don?t equalize your lead acid batteries, this sulfate is going to build up over time until it decreases the battery?s capacity. This buildup will effectively reduce your maximum run time, leading to more battery swaps or more time spent opportunity charging throughout the work shift. The voltage imbalance has a similar effect. Batteries work by using multiple cells that are connected in series to provide a certain voltage output. When you have varying power outputs in each cell, your overall battery voltage is reduced and your battery becomes discharged more quickly. When should I perform an equalized charge on a forklift battery? Equalization charges should be performed as suggested by the battery manufacturer, but many companies equalize their batteries over the weekend due to the long charging cycle. A full charge cycle is around eight hours for a standard lead acid battery and the equalization charge can be around an additional three hours. Equalization intervals will vary depending on your specific application, type and size of battery, and average operating hours. How do I perform an equalized charge on a forklift battery? First, you need a charger capable of equalization, as not all battery chargers have the same capabilities. Ensure you have the proper charging equipment for all of your forklifts. Some battery chargers will automatically equalize the batteries. This capability is more common in more sophisticated systems on smaller products such as electric walkie pallet jacks. Toyota?s 8HBW23 model , for example, automatically equalizes each battery cell during normal charging. For batteries that do require manual equalization, be sure to follow all instructions provided by both the battery and the charger manufacturer to ensure you are following the appropriate steps for proper equalization. Equalization charges typically require longer cooldowns than normal charges due to the higher amount of voltage. Allow enough time for cooldown prior to using a battery that has been recently charged.

3 Reasons Your Forklift May Be Overheating

Running a material handling business is a tall task ? not only do you have to monitor your product, your sales, and your employees, you also have to ensure your forklift fleet is operating at its best capacity. Malfunctioning and overheating forklifts can skyrocket your operating costs and require expensive repairs. So what do you do if you?ve followed all maintenance suggestions and they are still overheating? Here are three areas that may be the cause of your forklift running hot: Maintenance The first area to check is also the easiest to fix: are routine maintenance tasks being completed correctly? Issues such as low coolant levels or worn hoses can contribute to a forklift?s overheating. If your on-site tech stretches parts past their optimal use, such as clogged filters, your forklifts could be choking on thick, dusty air. Worn fans or damaged radiators can also contribute to high running temperatures in material handling equipment. Environment The same advice for workers in high temperatures applies to your forklifts ? give them frequent breaks and make sure their fluids are topped off. Is your work yard paved or on packed dirt? Excessive dust, debris, and rough terrain can put additional demands on your forklifts and cause unforeseen maintenance problems. If this is a recurrent summer problem then the outside temperature can even be to blame. The same advice for workers in high temperatures applies to your forklifts ? give them frequent breaks and make sure their fluids are topped off. If your forklifts are overheating indoors then you?ll want to survey your work area to find issues. Is the floor dusty or dirty? Are pieces of paper, pallet wrap, or other debris being left on the ground where they can clog filters? Once you find these issues then you can optimize your work areas to prevent damage. Operation If it?s not maintenance or environmental issues causing your overheating problems, then you need to check on how you are driving the equipment. If you are overloading the forklift with loads above capacity, this can cause overheating and create unnecessary risks for product damage and accidents. Are you driving forklifts constantly at top speeds? This can also contribute to high heats. Many IC forklifts come equipped with an inching pedal to use when maneuvering your forklift while raising the mast to retrieve loads. If you are ?riding? this pedal while driving it can cause many problems, as it slightly applies the brakes. The inching pedal should only be used when retrieving loads. Once you?ve identified the cause of the problem and put a fix in place, ask why it arose in the first place. Are you overworking forklifts due to high expectations? Should your work area floor upkeep be added to existing maintenance plans? Don?t just solve the problem. Find a solution to keep it from happening again.