Archive for the Electric Forklifts Category
I need a forklift. I need it to lift this much and reach this height and be able to pick up this certain stuff. These are all questions most of you have considered that landed you here; reading drabble of an online forklift parts pusher. Well I have a question for you. Have you thought about how your forklift is going to be powered? Did you know you have a choice? Well I’m going to educate you on one of them. Batteries! Big ones.
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Nov28
Announcer: Operating in the lumber industry means managing several inherent challenges. The supply chain, for instance, is much more difficult because of the sheer size and weight of the product. In most cases, the product first goes to a mill where the lumber is prepped and cut, and then either shipped to store fronts for retail or to a lumber yard for storage. All in all, the lumber industry translates into extremely heavy loads, unique product bundling and, usually, outdoor operations in potentially harsh conditions.
Toyota provides some of the most durable, reliable and efficient internal combustion pneumatic tire forklifts to operate in harsh conditions while handling heavy loads. Toyota’s THD line of high capacity IC pneumatic forklifts can lift up to 125,000 pounds and are most commonly found on the front end of the lumber supply chain, working in the woods to load cut trees onto a flatbed truck and unload them at the mill or at docks for water transport.
Toyota’s large IC pneumatic forklift handles loads between 13,500 and 17,500 pounds, and often comes with dual front tires and a large rear counterweight for added stability during high capacity operations. This model is commonly found operating at lumber mills and yards, and depending on the need, in retail applications.
Despite their size and strength, Toyota internal combustion pneumatic tire forklifts are still operator friendly, with comfortable steering wheels, load sensing power steering, cowl mount hydraulic control levers, four-way adjustable vinyl full suspension seats, and other ergonomic feature. With the added bonus of quick lifting speeds and superior fuel efficiency, the Toyota IC Pneumatics are workhorses that will keep you and your business moving in the right direction day after day.
Should you want to maintain an all-electric fleet, but need a rugged outdoor solution to meet your application, the Toyota 80 Volt Electric Pneumatic forklift is the answer for your lumber yard or retail store front. Toyota’s electric pneumatic forklifts have the capacity to lift up to 7,000 pounds, with electric technology that will keep your emission levels at zero. Competitive with many internal combustion powered counterparts, the Toyota 80 volt electric pneumatic is a powerful eco-friendly solution to handle lumber yard and other rugged, traditionally internal combustion, applications.
For inclement weather and operator comfort, Toyota’s THD high capacity IC models come standard with enclosed operator cabins. The large IC pneumatic and 80 volt electric pneumatic models offer multiple operator cabins as factory options. To learn more about Toyota’s line of IC and electric pneumatic forklifts visit toyotaforklift.com or contact your local Toyota forklift dealer.
For more information about IC forklifts and how they can be an asset to your business:
Contact Lift Truck Supply
T:1.800.873.1828
E: marketing@lifttrucksupplyinc.com
F: Contact Page
Nov28
Announcer: The Toyota Core Electric forklift, manufactured in Columbus, Indiana using the Toyota production system, is built to operate in bustling warehouses, distribution centers, and other, primarily indoor environments. The Core Electric Forklift is part of Toyota’s line of sit-down, counter-balanced forklifts.
Complementing its internal combustion counterparts, the Core Electric forklift lifts up to 6,500 pounds, and an optional quad mast can reach heights of 23 feet. The Toyota Core Electric is an ideal, four-wheel forklift solution for nearly every indoor application, and compact models can operate with almost any standard load in 11-foot aisles. This capability allows facilities to expand up, rather than out.
Powered entirely by a 36-volt or a 48-volt industrial battery, the Core Electric performs competitively with traditional, internal-combustion powered forklifts. Increase your productivity with full-load travel speeds of up to 11.5 miles per hour and unrivaled lift and lower speeds.
If your application includes ramps, Core Electric forklift models can navigate inclines up to 25 degrees. And with three forms of regeneration, the Core Electric is revved and ready for at least one, full eight-hour shift. It’s primed for the kind of uptime you and your business expect. But your productivity isn’t the only thing that will be improved with a Core Electric forklift. Toyota’s unique system of active stability, or SAS, will help to improve operator safety as well.
As the Core Electric forklift navigates through the warehouse, SAS is constantly on guard to help stabilize the forklift at a moment’s notice by widening the forklift’s center of gravity to decrease the likelihood of a lateral tip-over. It’s a feature no other forklift manufacturer can offer, and studies have shown that the entire SAS system only adds about $20 a year to the cost of the forklift.
Ultimate current, or AC-powered technology keeps the Toyota Core Electric emission-free and easy to maintain. By operating the Toyota Core Electric, you can feel confident that you’re not only operating a forklift efficiently, but you’re also operating safely.
Since Toyota launched its first forklift more than 50 years ago, the brand has been known for legendary productivity through quality, durability, reliability, and value. Today’s Core Electric forklifts are the latest products to build on that reputation. Built by the brand trusted most by material handling experts, the Toyota Core Electric forklift will help take your business to new heights. To learn more about the Toyota Core Electric forklift, or the rest of Toyota’s material-handling product line, visit Toyotaforklift.com or contact your local Toyota Forklift dealer.
For more information about The Core Electric and how it can be an asset to your business:
Contact Lift Truck Supply
T:1.800.873.1828
E: marketing@lifttrucksupplyinc.com
F: Contact Page
Oct03
I personally think forks are the unsung heroes of any lift truck. Think about it; forklift forks are what help keep our businesses up and running, they what we depend on to get our products from point a to point b on time, and we expect them to get our products there in perfect condition. Since we rely on our forks so much then we need to be sure we are using the right type and then maintaining and replacing them to keep our material handling process in tip-top shape.
Your forklift dealer can provide an assessment visit to help determine the best type of forks for your products and facility. They will check the product type, packaging, boxing, palatalizing, and movement process to suggest the right fork for the job. A good assessment will include a full plan from point a to z of your entire facility as well as several options for fork and safety accessories.
Most people assume there is only one type of fork that comes on a lift truck. Not True. There are many different types, widths, and uses available to tailor and interchange to your particular needs.
Pin type forks and Hook type forks:
- Pin type forks fit onto the forklift carriage by use of a pin or shaft, which locks the fork onto the carriage of the forklift. Some pin type forks are telescopic, meaning they can be extended to various lengths and locked into place using the pin.
- Hook type forks bend over then lock onto the fork’s carriage bar. Both hooks must slip into the end of the carriage bar in order to make a proper fit.
Blades:
- Standard forks are tapered, which helps the end of the fork fit into the pallet slots.
- Blunt Ended forks are used to deter punctures of loads.
- Specialty Coatings are available to further tailor your lift to any product handling need.
Types Of Forks
- Standard ITA Forks – The most common, but even standard forks come in different lengths, widths, depths, and capacities. It’s important to know your vehicle’s capacity before installing new standard ITA forks.
- Folding Forks — These forks are hinged so they can fold up to allow the vehicle to maneuver in tight spaces.
- Block Forks – Specially designed to accommodate the safe handling of bricks and construction blocks.
- Carpet Poles – Single extended poles that are used to lift heavy carpet rolls.
- Fork Extensions – Fit onto to standard forks to extend their length for handling longer loads.
- Shaft Forks – These are used to suit all pin type carriages.
- Non-Current Forks – Forks to fit older vehicles that don’t use standard ITA forks.
- Lumber and Plywood Forks – Feature a forged heel, square heel, single taper or double taper.
- Spark Retardant Forks – Made from non-sparking materials for use in hazardous locations and atmospheres, such as those with combustible gasses of materials.
- Tire and Barrel Forks – Feature semi-circular cutouts mid-fork to accommodate the lifting of barrels, drums, and tires.
- Coil Handling Forks – Feature a contoured blade to lift handle coils. Warning: The capacity may be reduced depending on the size of the contour.
Once you have found your perfect forks your investment protection begins. Good maintenance will extend the life and usability of the forks and your truck. Some obvious things you can do to help maintain your forks are not dragging the bottom of your forks while in motion, avoiding collisions, picking up loads that are too far out on the forks, and picking up loads that are over the lifts capacity. The biggest thing you can do to help maintain your forks is to check your tire wear and chain adjustment! I know crazy, right? Forks should be kept ½” off the ground and as your tires wear the height of your forklift is reduced; resulting in fork drag and dings. Once you have determined that your tire wear is causing lowered forks then adjust your chain to maintain the proper height. Forks should also be inspected at least once a year (single-shift operation, and more frequently in severe applications) for wear and distortion.
LIFT TRUCK SUPPLY PRO TIP:
The best method to check you fork wear is to use a fork caliper, which is a type of adjustable go/no-go gauge. Each fork consists of two sections: the shank, which is the vertical part attached to the carriage, and the blade, which is the portion that picks up the load. Set the front teeth of the jaws by measuring the thickness of the shank (in an area of little or no wear) ensuring that the caliper is held square across the shank. Remove the caliper from the shank, maintaining the measurement you just took, and position the jaws over the fork arm blade approximately 2 inches out from the heel. If the inside teeth of the caliper hit the fork blade it has less than 10% wear and can be returned to service. If the inside teeth pass freely over the blade the fork has 10% wear. Remove fork from service.
Did you know that 10% wear on your forks (within two inches of the heel) equals a 20% reduction in your lift capacity? Once your forks have lost ten percent of their thickness near the heel then it is time to replace them. This isn’t something that can wait and should be done immediately. Failing to change out your worn forks can result in forklift damage, product damage, building damage, and even injury to your personnel. ANSI/ITSDF B56.1 and B56.6 Safety Standards state that forks meeting the 10% wear should be permanently removed from service.
OSHA recommends that forks with surface cracks, blade or shank are not straight, angle from blade to shank is not straight, difference in height of fork tips, positioning lock not in working order, fork hooks wear, fork marking not legible all be removed from service and either be discarded or repaired. If you repair your forks please be aware of OSHA standard 1910.178(q)(5). Also, be aware of OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.178(a)(4) Modifications and additions, such as trailer balls, which affect capacity and safe operation shall not be performed by the customer or user without manufacturers prior written approval. Capacity, operation, and maintenance instruction plates, tags, or decals shall be changed accordingly. Each individual fine can reach up to $7,000. Read more about OSHA regulations here
Researching, purchasing, and then maintaining your forks is just another savvy way to protect your business, its assets, and profits. You, being the smart fork truck owner that you are, are the key to demonstrating good fork inspection, maintenance, and replacement. Take care of your lift truck heroes and they will take care of you.
Aug22
Have the questions “When does my lift need service?”, “Where can I get parts to service it?”, or “How do I get my lift serviced?” ever crossed your mind? Strict OSHA and EPA standards, shrinking margins, and reduction of down time make the answers to these questions paramount.
Forklift hours are often listed by runtime, or when the key switch is in the “on” position. Electric lift trucks by contrast, typically have maintenance intervals based on hydraulic/drive motor running hours. Many manufacturers recommend providing maintenance every 250 hours but depending on your make and application, you should verify your user’s manual or consult your forklift service provider.
Serviced at every service interval:
- Fuel Filter
- Oil Change
- Oil Filter
- Air Filter
- Lubricate Frame and All Lube Points
- Mast and Attachments
- Drive Train
- Engine Compartment (including fluids & filters)
- Electrical System
- Brakes
- Hydraulics
- Steering System
- Safety and Cosmetic Appearance
Every other service interval change
- Antifreeze
- Spark Plugs
- Replace Points, Condenser and Set Timing
Every fourth service interval change
- Hydraulic Oil and Filter
- Oil and Filter in Transmission and Converter
- Lube in Drive Hubs
- Brake Fluid
When a lift truck gets regular everyday use, it is a good idea to have a fully trained and licensed technician look it over on a timed schedule. Many dealers, like Lift Truck Supply, offer planned maintenance agreements that help keep you on the right track by notifying you when it is time for maintenance, works with your schedule to reduce downtime, and have technicians that service your lifts on site.
If you service your lift truck internally or want to cut down on parts costs there are several websites like lifttrucksupplyinc.com that have aftermarket parts for purchase that ship right to your door.
If you do not have a current servicing plan; then today is the day to begin. Without good practices set in place you will find repair cost piling up, worker downtime accruing, and profits declining. With good maintenance comes a great forklift to meet your material handling needs. Remember good practices start with you!
Aug01
Choosing The Right Warehouse Racking For You
For warehouses that need every process to be as efficient as possible, storage can be a very important part of maximizing that efficiency. Pallet racks can play a major role in helping to increase your efficiency in many ways, however picking the right pallet rack for your needs is key to achieving your goal of maximized efficiency. Different choices in pallet racks will affect the density of your storage and how easy it is to get to your products. It is important to make sure the pallet rack that you use provides you maximum space while still allowing you to manage your inventory in the best way for what your company does.
There are also many different reasons that someone might choose to use rack storage. For companies with low-volume items it makes sense to use rack storage over floor storage because of the amount of time that you have to store the items. It is better to keep these items stored on a rack than in the floor to keep space open and work conditions safe for those in the warehouse. Using rack storage can also help to keep your products safer than if they are stored on the floor. Products stored on shelves are exposed to less harmful conditions than those left on the floor. Storage racks can even help the way that your inventory flows. Keeping your products organized on racks makes those products easier to find and keeps your inventory moving in and out at a faster pace. The following pallet rack types each have their own advantages and disadvantages from inventory management to making the most out of your storage space.
1) Single-Select
Using a single-select pallet rack allows you to store one pallet for every location on that rack. This type of rack is excellent for being able to select exactly what you need when you need it and it can be used to store many varieties of sizes and pallet loads. This rack can also store products that are stored together in quantities of three pallets or less. The downside to using a single-select rack however is that this type of rack allows for the least dense type of storage meaning that you will save the least amount of space by using it. If you have items that need to be accessed fast and easily then this is the rack for you as long as space is not one of your top priorities.
2) Double Deep
This type of rack can store pallets up to six deep allowing for double the amount of storage per product than single-select racks. Double deep pallet racks do save more space than single-selects, however it is not as simple to get to products that you may need. Another down side with using double deep pallet racks is that you need an articulated forklift to make sure your getting the most out of your pallet rack, otherwise reaching some pallets can become problematic.
3) Push-Back
A push-back pallet rack is a good balance of storage space and easy access to your products. This rack, which can hold up to five pallets deep per product, is loaded from the front and each pallet loaded after the first pushes everything behind it back until it is full. This allows for dense storage while not cutting off access to your product. One setback for this rack however is that you will need to have a forklift that is powerful enough to push back every pallet that is in the rack behind the one you are loading.
4) Pallet-Flow
A pallet-flow rack is a rack that is slightly inclined down allowing products to slide down the incline when loaded from the back. This is great for storing products that are moved on a FIFO (First in first out) basis because it allows products that are loaded first to be moved to the front of the rack making them the most accessible item. Pallet-flow racks are also great for dense storage of products but they do not offer as flexible storage as the selective racks because the different layers of a flow rack usually need to be separated by each individual product.
5) Drive-In
Drive-in racks provide the densest storage of all the racks that have been listed and are used for LIFO (Last in first out) inventory management, which is the opposite type of inventory management that pallet-flow racks used. This is because the forklift drives the pallet in and places it in the back of the rack starting with the top rack so when the rack is full the first pallet placed is the last one that can be removed. This pallet rack allows you to store a large quantity of pallets in each bay but is best used for storing a large quantity of the same product that is set to be moved all at once. By using this type of rack you will sacrifice selectivity because the first pallet stored cannot be removed until every pallet before it is removed and the rack holds a large quantity of pallets.
Source: MHI Career & Technical Information
About the Author:
Weston Rogers is a GLA (Global Logistics Associate) certified Warehouse and Distribution specialist for Lift Truck Supply, Inc. located in Temple, Texas. With a background in downstream warehouse equipment and storage solutions he brings invaluable knowledge to his clients in central Texas.
Dec04