Archive for the Propane Forklifts Category
Announcer: Working outdoors means heavy loads, unpredictable weather and, occasionally, uneven, difficult-to-maneuver surfaces. There’s no doubt about it. Outdoor work can be tough for some forklifts, but not for the Toyota Mid IC Pneumatic. These forklifts are up for the challenge and ready to deliver, shift after shift.
The Toyota Mid IC Pneumatic has the ability to lift up to a hefty 11,000 pounds, so you can handle the weight of your building materials such as lumber or stone, and it moves quickly, with a top speed of 13.7 miles per hour. When you work with a Mid IC Pneumatic, you’ll be able to move more faster than you ever could before.
Speed and strength aren’t the only things the Mid IC Pneumatic has to offer. This machine is the picture of quality, durability, reliability and value. With 20 percent more fuel efficiency when running with gas and 30 percent more fuel efficiency when using diesel, the Mid IC Pneumatic is economical compared to the previous model.
The rugged outdoors is no match for the durability of the Mid IC Pneumatic, from the pneumatic tires to the steel guard rail, this forklift is built to take on your toughest jobs. Unique features like moisture-resistant electric connectors and an engine protection system have been added to the Mid IC Pneumatic to take durability to a new level from the inside out. In fact, the Mid IC Pneumatic is so durable and reliable that you’ll see up-time like you’ve never experienced before when you add it to your fleet.
Your needs aren’t standard, so we don’t expect your forklift to be. That’s the reason the Toyota Mid IC Pneumatic has dozens of available options to customize for your specific needs. You make the decision. Should your Mid IC Pneumatic Forklift run on gas, LP or diesel fuel? Should we add mini lever controls for easier fork maneuvering? Or, would you prefer to add a cabin to make the cold days working outdoors more bearable? Whatever you choose, Toyota can make it happen with a Toyota special design request and, from start to finish, your forklift will be built in the world-renowned Toyota Production System, known for extreme attention to detail and a philosophy of continuous improvement.
For your mid-sized outdoor material-handling applications, the Toyota Mid IC Pneumatic will become one of your most trusted tools. To learn more about Toyota forklifts and how they can help your business, visit Toyotaforklift.com or your local Toyota Forklift dealer.
For more information about the Toyota Mid IC Pneumatic 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
Nov28
Announcer: Forklifts come in all shapes and sizes. They have special tires for certain applications, and they have specific engines and motors powered by different fuel sources. It can sometimes be a challenge to figure out what’s best for your particular situation. Here’s a quick guide.
If you intend to operate primarily indoors, you are looking for a cushion tire forklift. If you intend to operate primarily outdoors, you are most likely interested in a pneumatic tire forklift.
If you are worried about noise, fumes, or physical size, you most likely want to look into electric forklift options. If you need raw power and ruggedness, internal combustion, or an IC forklift is probably the answer.
If you decide an IC forklift is right for you, the next step is deciding on the fuel source. The most common IC fuel choices are, liquefied petroleum, or LP, which is commonly referred to simply as propane, diesel, compressed natural gas or CNG, and gasoline.
LP is typically cleaner than gas, and serves as a convenient fuel source. Many LP tanks can last about eight hours. LP IC-powered forklifts typically lift between 3,000 and 17,500 pounds, but certain LP-powered models can reach a 36,000 pound maximum lift capacity. LP-powered forklifts are a common indoor IC option.
The Toyota IC forklift line starts offering the diesel fuel option on forklifts with 3,000 pound capacity lifts, but diesel power starts to gain popularity at 5,000 pound capacities and above. For forklifts lifting 36,000 pounds or more, diesel is the only fuel option. Similar to tractor trailers that run on diesel, diesel-powered forklifts are larger, heavier forklifts, and often run more efficiently.
Due to fumes, diesel forklifts are for outdoor use only, and are most commonly found in brick, block, mortar, lumber, and oil applications. Although, similar to gas, if diesel fuel is readily available at a certain application site, choosing a diesel-powered forklift might be the most economical option.
CNG-powered forklifts tend to be even more environmentally friendly than LP models, but these models are a bit more expensive upfront. The gas itself, however, tends to be less expensive than propane. CNG is an emerging fuel source for forklifts and is becoming more and more popular, particularly for small, indoor applications, where emission considerations are important.
Gasoline is often the choice for applications where a gas pump is already available at the work-site. For instance, construction yards, farms, orchards, and 3PLs. Gasoline-powered forklifts tend to be used primarily outdoors, and lift to higher capacities.
To many, a forklift is a forklift, but when you dig a little deeper you’ll discover a number of options available. When deciding which forklift is best for your application, is best to consult a professional and discuss all the possible uses.
For more information about the Toyota IC Forklift Line Command 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.
Nov28