Archive for the Forklift Service Category
Jan02
Planned Maintenance Servicing is a low cost easy way to extend your lift truck’s life. PMs keep you up to date on exactly what needs servicing, so you keep your equipment running optimally and reduce profit eating repair costs. You’ll also proactively prevent problems from cropping up, instead of having to rush to react to every last minute breakdown.
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Oct24
Toyota Forklift Factory Warranties
Toyota forklifts are best known for their quality, durability, reliability, and overall value. In addition, Toyota forklifts are protected by an industry leading warranty. We understand that a forklift is a big purchase and our warranty plans are designed to protect your investment for years to come. As your forklift partner, Toyota provides two standard forklift warranties, basic and Powertrain.
Most Toyota forklifts are covered for 12 months or 2,000 hours under the basic warranty coverage. Toyota’s order pickers and reach trucks are covered for four months or 750 hours.
Toyota’s Powertrain Warranty continues for up to 36 months or 6,000 hours on most models and covers drive motors, electronic control panel components, contactor panels, differentials, and drive axles.
Toyota’s Extra Care Warranty Program is available at the time of purchase and up to 30 days after your forklift is delivered.
Toyota genuine parts are covered under a factory warranty for 1 year or 2,000 hours under normal conditions. If a Toyota genuine part fails within that timeframe and it was installed by a Toyota certified technician, Toyota will also cover the cost of labor.
The Toyota brand is know for engineering and manufacturing products of the highest quality. When you partner with Toyota for your material handling needs, you not only get a top of the line forklift, you also get a strong standard warranty solution and a cost effective extended warranty option to protect your investment for years to come.
For more information on Toyota forklifts and how you can protect your material handling investment, visit your local Toyota Forklift Dealer.
Oct24
Forklift Maintenance Plans – Toyota
Unlike classic cars, you don’t see a lot of people collecting forklifts as a hobby. If you buy a forklift, it’s because you have a job that requires lifting, stacking or transporting heavy material. But just like a car, if you don’t properly maintain your forklift, it will not run efficiently, or at all.
Fortunately, forklift maintenance doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. When you purchase your forklift, you have the option of adding a maintenance plan. Typically, maintenance plans are offered as either full maintenance, or planned maintenance. Both plans vary, but in most cases, full maintenance covers the cost of replacement parts and labor, while planned maintenance covers labor only.
When you opt for a forklift maintenance plan, you gain additional benefits. Most obvious, your forklift will be properly maintained on a fixed maintenance schedule, providing you the flexibility to plan ahead and adjust workload and schedules. And because your forklift is on a maintenance schedule, any major issues are much more likely to be discovered early, and before they turn into more expensive repairs. Forklift maintenance programs typically provide a high return on investment, and because the fee is a fixed monthly expense, you’re able to spend less time crunching numbers and more time focusing on your operations.
Often maintenance plans are financed right along with the forklift. When your forklift is properly maintained, your uptime increases. And you won’t be stuck spending time waiting on an available technician. Proper maintenance can also extend the life of your forklift, saving you time and money down the road. As your full service forklift partner, Toyota certified technicians are specially trained to work on Toyota forklifts. And to keep your forklift well maintained. Talk to your local forklift dealer about adding a maintenance plan to your upcoming forklift purchase.
Visit your local Toyota forklift dealer, to learn more.
Sep21
Companies that offer forklift service, know that preventive maintenance agreements extend equipment life, reduce cost inflating downtime, reduce energy use, and increase profit. What does that mean for your company? Well, it means that there is someone who wants to help you run an organized, profit building, and efficient enterprise.
Planned maintenance programs have many benefits that will help your operation perform efficiently and effectively – while saving your company money!
Some of the benefits are:
– Peace of Mind: preventive maintenance means fewer system failures, and a longer life for your equipment.
– Continuity: many are able to assign technicians to specific customers. You get to see and know the same service technician, and he or she becomes more familiar with you and your equipment.
– Savings: PMs provide positive return on investment through higher equipment performance, less down time, longer equipment life, and greater resale value of the equipment.
Without scheduled preventative maintenance your forklift fleet could become a liability to your organization. While the cost to repair your machine may be moderate, the revenue generating hours that are lost or diminished when your equipment fails are far more costly.
Be proactive, and keep your equipment running at it’s peak efficiency. Not only will your operation run more effectively, your equipment will retain a higher resale or trade-in value when you decide to purchase new machinery.
Our team at Lift Truck Supply knows that preventive maintenance agreements extend equipment life, reduce cost inflating downtime, reduce energy use, and increase profitability.
PROTECT YOUR FORKLIFT WITH A PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PLAN
Get a custom quote on the maintenance program that best meets the unique needs of your organization.
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Aug31
- Identify the Brand, Model, and Serial Number (which can be found on your data plate) of your Lift Truck and include that with your parts order. You will also need to determine whether to use OEM or aftermarket parts. If OEM is outside your budget consider using authorized aftermarket parts from a reputable manufacturer. Do your research about a particular manufacturer either online or call a dealer for recommendations. Feel free to request that your parts supplier double check that the part is compatible with your lift before shipping.
- Note a description of your part for comparison to parts description online or over the phone to your parts department.
- Identify how many will be needed before you place your order.
- Take a picture of the part in question to either compare it to online resources, email your parts supplier the photo, or use for an online image search. *If possible take the picture with the part on a neutral one-color background. IE: table, plain brown cardboard, or white poster board.
LTS TIP:
-Many Toyota Forklifts have either the number printed, etched, or stickered on to its parts for your convenience and ease of replacement.
- If the part comes in multiple lengths or sizes; measure your part and order the same size.
- When in doubt call your trusted parts department. Even if they don’t end up making the sale many are happy to help you identify your part number.
- When ordering a mast, order by mast number, lifting height, and capacity.
- When replacing your forks, you will need to measure length, width, and thickness to find the proper replacement.
- Check your manual for pertinent information. Manuals can be an excellent resource if you have one available.
- Call your manufacturer. The manufacturer will have extensive knowledge on all year models and parts supply available in your area. Many times, the manufacturer can even help you find or give you some good leads on parts for older discontinued models.
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!
Aug09
Finding the right Cushion Forklift for your needs requires research and planning to find the most productive, cost-effective unit to maximize your productivity. We will be evaluating a multitude of factors that impact your long-term cost, maintenance down time, and whether you should buy a new or used class IV forklift.
The first step should be to request an experienced forklift professional to survey your facility. Many dealerships offer this to potential customers. Forklift manufactures, like Toyota, offer a variety of forklift options that can benefit your particular job site; your surveyor will be able to recommend the most cost-effective makes, models, and add-ons for your business.
Class IV forklifts are mainly used inside on smooth dry floors for transporting palatalized loads to and from the loading dock and warehouse. They utilize cushion tires constructed from solid rubber pressed directly onto the wheel. This position gives them a big advantage in terms of maneuverability by enabling a smaller turn radius and allows them to be used in low clearance applications.
Mid IC Cushion
-Toyota’s Core IC Cushion Forklift is used in warehousing and distribution applications, the auto industry, general manufacturing plants and retail storefronts. Lifts up to 6,500 lbs. yet is capable of navigating in 12-foot aisles, this model is YOUR multipurpose forklift.
Large IC Cushion
– Toyota’s Large IC Cushion Forklift is a durable, high-lift capacity forklift used primarily indoors and in applications such as retail, lumber yards, stone or brick distribution, heavy-duty manufacturing, shipping and freight, and various other uses. Box Car and Paper Roll Options available.
When making a Class IV purchase many only consider the upfront cost of the unit and while this is a large factor, it’s only one small piece of a large purchase decision. You, the consumer, should make sure you know the real cost of your unit and factor in the entire “Cost of Ownership”. Toyota offers the most advanced forklifts with easy serviceability to minimize unit down time and boost your profitability hours.
Forklifts are a major purchase, ranging in cost from $10,000 to $100,000. When comparing forklifts and dealers, they must meet your needs and be up to date with new industry technology. This insures that your class IV lift and your dealer don’t fall behind with the times and your service does not become obsolete. This will help your lift to stay in-service longer and have a better operating life.
Routine service and maintenance are paramount to the long-term performance and investment return. The support of your dealer should be a key factor in your decision. A great dealership should be able to not only sell you a forklift but be able to help you maintain a maintenance schedule and provide service. Many Toyota dealerships can offer you this high level of customer care. At your intended dealer; look for the number and availability of professional service technicians, accessibility of quality parts, and first-call fix rate times. By assessing these items, you can determine your “cost of downtime” and maximize your units in-service time.
Box Car Special
– The Toyota Box Car Special Forklift is an industry-leading solution for material handling within rail cars. With a vertically higher counterweight, this unit is able to navigate in tight spaces while maintaining a high lift capacity that opens new opportunities in racking, space planning and shipping.
Paper Roll Special
– Toyota’s Paper Roll Special Forklift is a powerful lift manufactured specifically to stack and maneuver heavy paper rolls. The Paper Roll Special is one of the most cost-efficient assets for your paper business; the Cascade Paper Roll Clamp is specialty-designed to prevent product damage and save profits
Have you considered buying a used lift? You can find reliable Class IVs by going to a reputable dealership who will help you determine which pre-owned unit is right for you. You will want to start by looking at the age of the lift. In Toyota forklifts, you can find the year and serial number stamped on or near the mast. Check service hours, history if available, condition, mast operation, tires are free of chunking and have an even ware (or ask if new tires can be installed), engine, and for leaks along the mast and tile cylinders, transmission, differential, and radiator after the lift has had time to warm up. Be sure to drive the unit and check for stability, turning and mast/ tilt movement. All should be smooth and steady. With Toyota’s SAS stability system the life, safety, and quality of your lift will be greatly extended and have fewer trips to the repair shop. You may also want to check out our used buying guide used forklift buying guide.
TIP: A 5 year old unit with 12,000 hours on it (8 hours a day, 5 days a week, at 5 years) would be considered heavy use. With that in mind, 6,000 hours or less would be preferable for a 5 year old unit.
When picking out your class IV you will want to measure a few of the entrances into your facility where the lift will operate. Get your heights and widths. When you are shopping your unit be sure to take those measurements into consideration. If your lift is too big to fit or will have every day difficulties getting to where you need it to go you could be stuck with a very expensive lawn ornament.
Class IV forklifts are the one of the most popular forklifts in America. Warehousing and distribution applications, the auto industry, general manufacturing plants and retail storefronts often utilize Toyota’s for their extreme versatility. When choosing your new or used Class IV find a quality dealer in your area to guide you. Ask questions and drive a few models. Check to see if there are accessories to fit your business’s individual needs and how servicing and maintenance can be handled. Choosing a dealer that can walk with you step by step through the life of your lift will decrease stress, halt maintenance lapse, and shorten service times. Many dealerships are proud to offer a full line of products and services that are there for you from start to finish and help your grow over the lifetime of not only your lift, but your business. With research, patience and a little tire kicking you can be on your way to proud Class IV forklift ownership.
Jul18
Are you evaluating forklift dealers for equipment, service, parts, or rental? If so, you need to ask yourself a few customer service questions about any potential new relationships. “Why?” you ask. When you begin that timeless courtship with a salesperson or company rep; you see their smiling face and feel their firm handshake promising to make sure your needs are met. That’s great! That’s what your first contact should be like, but you need to be a smart consumer and dig just a little deeper into any prospective company to be sure you will continue to receive that great first contact treatment.
One way to get to the heart of any company, is to ask about their customer service policies. Without good communication, customer service standards, and follow-up procedures – what is the true value of a company? None. There’s always another company down the street or around the corner, who would be ecstatic to have your business. Whether you are looking for a forklift dealer, service center, or parts supplier – remember to ask about: Procedure Practices, Accessibility, Professional Tone and Attitude, Product Knowledge, Ongoing Employee Training, Problem Solving, and how they Go the Extra Mile.
A good company talks to you. They find out your unique needs, and do their best to provide you with the options you need to be successful.
Solid Procedure Practices are a must for any potential company you want to do business with. Every time you call, order a part, schedule a service, or set up training you want to know it will consistently happen in the same manner and time frame. Nothing is worse than your first part or service being delivered in express time with a personal touch, and the next being a week overdue without notices or explanations. Making sure there are procedures in place keeps you, from having to guess or hope when your asset will be delivered or up and running again.
Accessibility is one of the most important things to ask about. Ask yourself “What good is a company you can never get in touch with?”. Then check that there are multiple ways to contact their company, and if you will get an actual response from a real person in a TIMELY manner. How many field technicians do they have and are any of them dedicated to my business area. Additionally, is emergency service available outside of normal business hours?
Professional Tone and Attitude can vary in importance from person to person. For most it is an upbeat, helpful disposition with a “can do” attitude. Listen to the employees and attempt to contact a few different departments of the company you will be dealing with to obtain pertinent product information. Weigh how each responds to you. If a professional tone and attitude is not something that is conveyed to you on a regular basis, then speak with the general manager about your expectations and see if they are inline with the company’s core principles.
Ongoing Employee Training and Product Awareness is something to look for with any company you want to do business with. Keeping or employing a stagnant company that cannot meet the needs of your newer model assets or having slow tedious service due to outdated workflows will keep your business from running at peak capacity. Find a company that invests in itself with training. It is a boon to employ a company that hires knowledgeable industry trained workers and encourages ongoing training. That means they will be up to date with new products, workflow processes, cutting edge industry technology, and skills to serve your needs. A huge bonus is when they will extend some of that training to their customers with either in house training sessions, onsite training, new product information, or helpful web videos.
Problem Solving is something that is sometimes overlooked. Have you ever been dissatisfied with a product and when you reached out to the company you were just given a refund and sent on your way or they exchanged the product for something just as useless? A good company talks to you. They find out your needs, your struggles, and make a true attempt to help you resolve them. This is the hallmark of a company that values you and your business. Ask pointed questions about how they would help you in specific situations.
Going the Extra Mile. It’s an old saying that still rings true today. Does your asset provider go out of their way to hand deliver a new unit, train a worker on how to operate it, then find you to shake your hand and thank you for your business? If they do this or similar practices; you have found a company that believes that good customer service is understanding a customer’s wants, needs, and expectations – meeting and exceeding them in a sincere and thoughtful way with their end goal in mind: being the best option for you to return. This is the type of company you should strive to hire. A good company will talk to you about how you’re valued and appreciated as a customer.
Asking about these good customer service practices means you will know where a company stands. You will know if they will return your call, interact with you in a way you feel valued, be knowledgeable about what they offer, and help to give you the best service and product. Customer service should be accessible, freely talked about, and makes a company worth your business.
Apr11