Pete Thomas

Pete Thomas
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How to Choose Long-Lasting Forklift Wheels

Forklift wheels aren’t one size fits all. The wrong wheels can decay quickly and need to be replaced more often. In today’s post, we’ll review different types of forklift wheels and how to extend the life of your forklift load wheels. 

Lithium-Ion Powered Pallet Jacks Are Here

Electric pallet jacks (EPJ) are versatile warehouse workhorses that can, in many cases, replace full-sized forklifts, allowing you to: 

  • Optimize your space
  • Decrease the risk of forklift-related incidents
  • Increase your team’s efficiency

But not all pallet jacks are created equal. So, choosing the right one can depend upon a number of factors. We’ve chosen six features that we think paint a very clear picture of a pallet jack’s quality. Once we establish these factors, we’re going to narrow our focus and have a look at a pretty exciting and recent addition to our lineup - the Hangcha lithium-ion series light-duty walkie jack.

Toyota Forklift Warranties and 360 Support


Safety, reliability and low cost of ownership are just a few reasons
Toyota forklifts have ranked #1 in the world for 16 years running. Toyota and TMHNC stand by every lift truck we sell with the Toyota 360 Support program.

Toyota 360 Support comes standard with every lift truck sold and includes a wide range of benefits to help you:

  • Keep variable maintenance costs down
  • Minimize downtime
  • Request service from your smartphone with a 4-hour guaranteed response

Forklifts for Food Processing and Warehousing


Fast turnaround, frequent wash-downs, cold storage and corrosive fluids are just a few reasons food processing facilities and warehouses require superior material handling equipment. Sub-standard or unreliable machines can cause spoiled product, lost productivity and expensive repairs.

Downtime is something every material handling operation wants to avoid, but for food processing operations downtime is a dirty word. In today’s article, we’ll look at some of the best material handling equipment available for:
- commercial food processing
- cold storage warehouses
- food and beverage material handling

How Much Does a Forklift Cost?

A typical forklift, like the one you see in most warehouses, should cost anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000 depending on capacity, tires and fuel type. As a general rule, the acquisition price of an electric forklift is roughly 50% higher than a comparable Internal Combustion (IC) lift truck. While this difference might seem extreme, the majority of customers today are seeing the ROI of an electric over its useful life is significantly greater than this price gap.

The acquisition price of a forklift is directly related  to its capacity. The higher the capacity, the higher the acquisition cost. In this article, we’ll review what goes into a forklift’s sticker price and other important factors such as cost of ownership.

 

Forklift FAQs - Batteries, Tires, Pricing and More

Purchasing and operating a forklift can be complicated.  So in today’s post, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about forklifts including:

We’ll also cover:

All Terrain and 4WD Forklifts for Farming and Agriculture


Rough terrain forklifts can help farmers and nursery operations improve productivity and gain a competitive edge. A 4 Wheel Drive or all-terrain forklift reduces labor costs while speeding up production. A palletized inventory can also increase storage space and keep things organized.

Loading Dock Seals and Shelters - Small Cost, Big Value


Sealing systems such as dock seals and shelters are a relatively low-cost investment that offer significant benefits in energy cost savings and loading dock safety. By enclosing the gap between the trailer and the dock door, parked trailers become secure, climate-controlled extensions of your facility. The right sealing system prevents outside weather (heat, cold, rain/snow) from entering your facility and damaging cargo. In addition to reducing heating and cooling costs, you maintain a clean, dry dock area and reduce the chance of a slip-and-fall accident. An enclosed dock area also means pests and vermin stay outside where they belong.

Learn more about the different options for loading dock sealing systems:

Build Pallets Faster with New Electric Order Pickers


The name Toyota is synonymous with continual innovation, and Toyota's new line of order pickers is no exception. The new order picker forklifts include customer-requested improvements including:
  • Intuitive, ergonomic controls
  • Low-maintenance AC motors
  • New Lift Logic technology
Toyota’s electric order pickers can carry 3,000 pounds and are ideal for use in narrow-aisle, high-volume distribution centers including: 3PL, general warehousing, manufacturing, retail, food and cold storage. With lift heights of up to 390 inches and optional rail and wire guidance systems, operators can comfortably pick from even your tallest racks. Read on for four money-saving reasons to choose pallet picking equipment from Toyota.

Toyota Heavy Duty | High Capacity | Indoor Forklifts

Toyota’s Heavy Duty forklift power is now available indoors. With up to 100,000 lb. capacity on IC models and 40,000 lb. for electric, these tough customers can lift and move just about anything: auto parts, huge paper rolls, steel and other raw materials.

Built with a heavy steel cross supports, impact resistant side thrusters and a heavy duty planetary drive axel, the THDC Line doesn’t flinch. Load-sensing hydraulics and engine management systems ensure your forklift can rise to meet any challenge.

Toyota Electric Pallet Jack Special

The right tools can make an enormous difference, and a pallet jack is one of these key pieces of equipment. A pallet jack can easily maneuver loads, and go where large forklifts can’t.

Electric pallet jacks take productivity to the next level with the benefit of an electric motor. In addition to helping the operator move loads, the motor assists with raising and lowering the forks. For this reason, electric pallet jack forks can be raised higher than manual pallet jack forks Electric pallet jacks can be used for several hours before they need to recharge and are a popular piece of equipment for warehouses, distribution centers, food and beverage facilities and operations with narrow aisles.

Learn more our year-end special pricing  on a Toyota Electric Pallet Jack and how to get a $500 rebate by trading in your old pallet jack.

How to Choose the Right Pallet Jack Wheels for Your Work Environment

After deciding between a
manual or electric pallet jack, the second most important decision you’ll make is what type of wheels you’ll use. Choose the wrong wheel, and you'll end up spending way too much replacing the wheels again and again.  Learn how to choose the best wheels for your pallet jack and your workplace conditions.

How High Speed Doors Save California Businesses Time and Money

According to the Door and Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA), any application with 55 door cycles (open/close) per day will gain significant energy savings by replacing a standard rolling steel or sectional door with a high-speed unit.

In the Bay Area, and Central California, hundreds of facilities with high-traffic applications have switched to high speed doors. They preserve cleanliness, conserve energy by helping to maintain a consistent temperature, and offer other cost-saving benefits.

  • Cold storage facilities in Salinas and Central Valley use insulated high-speed doors for cold storage to control temperature.
  • Food processing centers in Salinas, Fresno and Sacramento use high-speed doors to control the environment within their production areas.
  • The wine industry in Napa and Sonoma Counties utilize high-speed doors for climate and environmental controls
  • Large distribution facilities up and down the Central Valley use high-speed doors for climate control and to improve operator efficiency in their warehouses.

Review: GEM Sapphire Fleet Management System


Product Name: GEM ONE Sapphire Fleet Management System                           
Manufacturer: GEM ONE
Notable features:  Impact notifications, GPS (last know position outside), daily operator checklist, operator certification expiration notification (30-days prior), cellular-based (no WiFi required).
Price Range:
 $2,500 - $5,900  
Value for the money:
Excellent
Options: 

  • Ability to add up to 4 cameras per unit
  • Fork Scale
  • Pin Code or Key Fob Sign on Options 
  • Indoor GPS (coming soon)
  • Can be installed on propane or electric forklifts as well as many other pieces of equipment (golf carts, scissor lifts, boom lifts, etc.)
  • Battery indicators (water levels & state of charge)

Best for: A fleet size of five or larger
Not recommended for: Extremely dirty or harsh (outdoor) conditions

Is a Lithium Ion Forklift Battery Worth the Extra Expense?


In the material handling industry, productivity and efficiency are two important keys to success. There are only so many hours in the day, so whenever a company can find a way to do more in less time, they gain a competitive advantage. For some operations, especially food processing, 3PL and other multi-shift applications, lithium-ion forklift batteries provide that extra edge by reducing labor costs and improving productivity.

In this article we’ll answer common questions about lithium-ion (L-I) forklift batteries including:
- How long does it take to charge a lithium-ion forklift battery and
- When are lithium-ion forklift batteries worth the extra cost?

Rough Terrain Forklifts


Rough terrain forklifts, also known as all-terrain forklifts,  are designed to work in construction sites and other areas without improved surfaces (soft ground, muddy ground, hills, ditches, etc.).   The most significant difference between a standard industrial forklift (such as a Toyota) and a rough terrain forklift are the tires and ground clearance. 

How Planned Maintenance Saves You Money


On average, the cost to repair a  forklift is four times higher than the cost to properly maintain the equipment in the first place. Just like a car, you need to have a certified technician check your lift every 150 hours at least.

By maintaining your asset, you can prevent expensive, unexpected repairs and avoid downtime. 
Equipment in good working order is also safer for employees, and a well-maintained lift truck commands a higher resale value. Learn more about planned maintenance (PM) from TMH:

Dock Locks and Vehicle Restraints

The loading area between the truck and the warehouse is one of the most hazardous areas for forklift operators and warehouse employees. Thousands of workers are injured or killed each year due to trailer creep, premature truck departures and sloppy placement. 


It’s a sad fact that safety measures aren’t considered until
after a serious accident occurs. Many loading dock accidents can be prevented with a simple dock lock, also known as a vehicle restraint. A dock lock is inexpensive protection against a worst-case scenario, such as a forklift falling off the dock. It takes up very little space, and you may be able to get a discount on your insurance for being proactive about loading dock safety.

Container Handlers from Toyota


Toyota's container handlers are designed to improve performance and efficiency in ports, terminals rail yards, shipping and break bulk applications. With Toyota equipment you can:

Contain Costs with a high-performance diesel engine that is powerful, yet stingy on fuel consumption.

- Increase Up Time with easy access to all major components lowers service costs and helps get your machine back in action quickly.

Read on to learn more about Toyota's 
Empty Container Handler
Loaded Container Handler
and Reach Stacker

 

High-Speed Roll Up Doors


High-speed doors are a simple yet effective solution for high-traffic applications that require climate control or need to preserve the cleanliness of a facility. Read on to learn more about different types of industrial high-speed doors and why they’re the smarter choice for food processing, beverage, refrigeration, chemical and pharmaceuticals applications.

Dock Levelers Vs. Edge of Docks

Dock levelers and edge of docks are used to bridge the gap between a truck trailer and the warehouse dock. Typically, there is an 8-10 inch gap between the edge of the dock and the trailer due to rubber or steel bumpers used to protect the dock from potential damage from trucks.

In order to load or unload a trailer, the warehouse needs a bridge to drive a forklift, pallet jack, or other material handling equipment over the gap. This is where a dock leveler (aka pit leveler) or edge-of-docks comes into play.

Protect Your Forklift With an Anti Static Ground Strap

Ever wondered why there's a strap dragging on the ground underneath some forklifts? It’s an anti-static strap, also known as a ground strap.

Static electricity can be very harmful to a forklift. This may seem strange, but think about the circuit boards and computer chips that make up a modern lift truck. One good zap and your equipment could go brain dead. Forklift operators don’t like being shocked either!

It’s especially important to get a static strap for lift trucks with non-marking tires. Keep reading to find out how to correctly ground an electric forklift, or contact us to learn more. 

Review: Toyota Core IC Cushion Forklift

Product Name: Toyota Core IC Cushion Forklift Model 8FGCU15-32
Manufacturer: Toyota
Lift Capacity: 3,000-6,500 lb
Notable feature(s):
Small Chassis Warehouse Forklift
Navigation in 11’-12' aisles
Up to 6,500 lb. lift capacity
Over 23' lift height
Automatic Fork-Leveling Standard(Toyota Exclusive!)
System of Active Stability (Toyota Exclusive!)

Price Range: $23,000 to $27,000
Value for the money:
Excellent
Options: 
Gasoline, LPG, Diesel or CNG*
Toyota also builds an electric version of this lift truck. 

The Core IC Cushion can handle a variety of forklift attachments including: sideshifter, side-shifting fork positioner, clamps, rotators, single-doubles and more!

Safety options include: strobe lights, travel beepers, speed limiters, rear view mirrors, dual air filters, non-marking tires, cabs, hydraulic hose protectors, impact monitor system with operator log-in and safety checklists to name a few.  

Best for:  warehouse applications of all sizes.  The Core IC Cushion has truck-to-pallet rack capability.  It's extremely maneuverable and easy to operate with a small footprint.  This is a great lift truck for multi-shift operations. 

Not recommended for:  indoor applications with poor ventilation, cold storage freezer applications, food processing , or narrow aisle applications.

View current inventory:
In-stock availability for a new Toyota Core IC Cushion.
Check availability for a used Toyota Core IC Cushion.

Review: Toyota Electric Pallet Jack

Product Name: 8HBW23 Electric Walkie Pallet Jack
Manufacturer: Toyota
Lift Capacity: 3,000 - 4,500lbs
Notable feature(s): Click to Creep Function, Electronic Brake Release, Steel Battery Case, IP65 Electrical System, and Stainless Steel Linkage Pins
Price Range:
$2,999 - $4,500 
Value for the money:
excellent
Optional Equipment:

  • 48" 60" or 72"high load backrest
  • Battery compartment 26.5" x 9" x open height
  • Battery/charger pack (24V) flooded lead-acid (175 Ah)
  • Battery/charger pack (24V) maintenance-free (195 Ah)
  • GNB maintenance-free battery/charger pack (24V-195 Ah)
  • NexSys® maintenance-free battery/charger pack
  • Charger pack (less batteries)
  • Polyurethane torsion block casters
  • Crowned poly, polyurethane or grip rubber (maxmatic tread)  drive tire
  • Convert load wheels to greasable-bearing
  • Cold storage conditioning
  • Galvanized chassis
  • UL-approved model type “E” or "EE"
  • Key switch
  • 3" lowered fork height (reduces capacity to 3000 lbs.)
  • Forward/reverse travel alarm
  • Reflective decals
  • Magnetic base shrink wrap holder

Best for: Concrete and asphalt surfaces as well as tight spaces
Not recommended for: Dirt , Gravel, or uneven surfaces

Key Safety Features:  Electric Horn, Emergency Power Disconnect,  and Anti-roll back system.

View current inventory:
In-stock availability for a new 
Toyota Electric Walkie Pallet Jack.
Check availability for a Toyota Electric Walkie Pallet Jack.

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