Toyota SAS: Forklift Safety You Can Trust

Posted on July 18, 2022October 19, 2023 by Juliet

The threat of a tipover is a frightening thought for anyone operating a forklift. OSHA reports that 42% of all forklift fatalities are caused by tipovers. The areas in which forklifts are operated are oftentimes unpredictable and can force operators into difficult situations. Fortunately, the incredible engineers at Toyota developed a solution to help mitigate these problems and protect forklift drivers.

In 1999 Toyota introduced the System of Active Stability (SAS) and all 4-wheel Toyota forklifts have been equipped with SAS to this day. SAS is able to take over 3,000 readings per second to detect any unsafe operating conditions. If unsafe conditions are detected, the system then activates one of its two main features to improve the stability of the forklift.

The first of these features is the Active Control Rear Stabilizer System. This feature is able to quickly lock the rear axle of the forklift and in turn convert the lift’s triangular stability pattern into a rectangular pattern. This change reduces the risk of a lateral tipover and keeps the forklift as stable as possible.

The second feature of SAS is the Active Mast Function Control System. This feature focuses on the longitudinal stability of the forklift and is able to detect the load weight and extended mast height. The system then deploys forward tilt control or rear-tilt control and reduces the tilt speed of the mast by half of its unrestricted speed. With the mast under control, the threat of a front or back tipover is greatly decreased.

Both of these features work in unison to keep the forklift at optimal stability. While SAS works to prevent lateral and longitudinal tipovers, Toyota also has plenty of other innovative safety features for other hazards in the workplace. Including devices such as welded overhead guards, operator restraint systems, manually operated horns, skid-resistant entry/exit steps, and operator assist grips. These safety devices along with proper training and maintenance will help to prevent a large number of accidents in your business.

SAS is unique to Toyota forklifts and is one of the reasons why Toyota continues to be a leader in material handling safety. The system requires very little maintenance and only needs a 30-second check after every 250 hours of use. At an average maintenance cost of $17 per year, if SAS was able to prevent just one tipover, it would pay for itself more than 1,000 times. SAS is an incredible feature that comes standard on all 4-wheel Toyota forklifts, and it will help keep you and your employees safe

Learn more about our 4-wheel forklifts at: https://sielift.com/new-industrial-equipment/toyota-forklift/ic-cushion-forklifts/mid-ic-cushion-forklifts/

What is a Reach Truck?

Posted on January 3, 2022October 28, 2022 by Juliet

Reach Trucks are forklifts used in narrow aisle applications, such as warehouses. They are designed to have two outer legs that help distribute the load and a single set of wheels in the back. The wheels are located below the operator, which helps create a tighter turn radius. This allows operators to navigate smaller spaces, and still be able to reach higher racking.

Making your aisles taller and narrower is a good way to create more space when your warehouse becomes cramped, but it can also make navigation and material handling difficult. Toyota’s Reach Trucks can be assets to any warehouse fleet – allowing operators to easily navigate in and out of narrow aisles and reach significant heights, all while maintaining lifting capacity. Toyota’s newest Reach Trucks allow for unmatched confidence in the most challenging warehouse environments.

Toyota’s Electric Reach Truck delivers on efficiency and performance like never before. This Reach Truck comes with unique features coupled with the longstanding productivity, ergonomics, and low cost of ownership you expect from Toyota. The Toyota Reach Truck provides optimal visibility when reaching a second-level pallet position. The open view mast utilizes a 4-cylinder design to maximize forward visibility. Rigid mast construction helps minimize mast sway for precise load handling at maximum lift heights. This Reach Truck enables you to reach higher, work smarter, and be comfortably productive whether you’re moving from dock-to-stock, stock-to-dock, or anywhere in between.

For more information regarding the Toyota Reach Truck, call our specialists at (866) 696-9125!

https://sielift.com/22-in-2022/

Standing Apart from The Rest – How The Toyota High-Capacity IC Core Goes Above and Beyond Others In Its Industry.

Posted on May 20, 2021May 21, 2021 by Juliet

Toyota has been a leading supplier of innovative forklifts for nearly 50 years and is 100% committed to delivering excellence from product planning to product development to manufacturing to sales and to after-sales service. As you can see, the Toyota total value story is unique only to Toyota. Toyota forklifts are manufactured to perform, to be reliable and durable and to be a long-term value for you and your business.

Now that’s a story of total value — total value that lasts.

The new High-Capacity Core IC Pneumatic (2THD) combines modern innovation with the quality and overall value you’ve come to expect from Toyota. Built using the Toyota Production System in the heartland of America, you can expect industry-leading lead times and rapid parts distribution to keep your operation on the go.

Toyota’s High-Capacity IC Core Pneumatic delivers versatility to handle any heavy-duty task while promising to fit the exact needs of your high-capacity operation. Ideal for lumber, steel, automotive, and any application where you need

major lifting capacity, the High-Capacity Core IC Pneumatic comes equipped with a Cummins 4-cylinder diesel engine that delivers up to 173 HP to give you the torque you need to move anything in the warehouse or under the sun. And it’s durable, with a rugged drive axle and electronically controlled transmission rounding out a reliable, heavy duty build.

Not only is the High Capacity Core IC forklift built to last, it is also visibly the best. See the value of the High-Capacity Core IC Pneumatic in two important areas. When operators are hard at work, the low-tilt cylinder design, shorter carriage, and clear-view glass provides an unobstructed sightline. And when it comes time for routine maintenance, a full side-tilt cab with 65° opening improves access to major components – making the High-Capacity Core IC Pneumatic the clear, best option.

We have picked out 6 of the top details that set the Toyota High Capacity IC Core Pneumatic apart from the others:

1. 1. 1. 1. 7” MD4 Touchscreen display offers key information and parameter adjustments
        
        Premium steel cabin with ergonomic air ride seat and fingertip controls
        
        Full side tilt cab for ease of service and repair
        
        Mid-mount tilt cylinders for enhanced mast and tilt parameters
        
        Cummins QSB 4.5 diesel engine provides superior power and torque
        
        Compact footprint with smooth turning and gear shift

Adding a new forklift to your fleet should be an investment that lasts. Toyota builds the best for its customers. It’s a forklift with better components and meticulously planned integrated systems that work together to deliver intuitive, dependable performance day after day. Toyota forklifts don’t often require service beyond scheduled maintenance. But when they do, it’s fast and easy — by design. And legendary Toyota quality means more productivity over the lifecycle of your forklift, along with lower repair costs.

Toyota leads in quality, durability, reliability and value, thanks to advanced technology and the world-renowned Toyota Production System. With the broadest and most complete set of material-handling solutions in the industry, Southeast Industrial Equipment specializes in meeting all of your needs — from a single forklift to an entire fleet. We’ve got you covered!

Scan the QR Code Below with Your Phone For a Downloadable Version of The High Capacity IC Core Brochure!

You Can Never Be Too Safe – The Benefits of Safety Equipment.

Posted on October 10, 2017October 19, 2023 by Mackenzie Brown

When it comes to your business, safety should always be the number one priority. Safety is the key to creating and maintaining a productive and profitable working environment.

Under what’s known as the General Duty Clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) employers are responsible for maintaining a work environment free from conditions that might cause death or injury. Employers whose workplace present dangerous conditions risk violating the General Duty Clause unless they take measures to lessen the danger. If that’s not scary enough, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reported there are 19,000 forklift/pedestrian incidents each year. On average, those incidents cost employers $38,000 in direct expenses and almost four times as much for indirect costs.

Southeast Industrial Equipment offers an affordable safety package complete with fire extinguishers, back-up alarms, and strobe lights. Together, these inexpensive additions are a great way to help reduce the chances of forklift accidents.

Fire Extinguishers

While OSHA does not require forklifts to be equipped with fire extinguishers, quick access to one can be the difference between life and death! Fire extinguishers are an especially wise option on LP-Gas forklifts operated in areas containing flammable liquids.

Back-up Alarms and Strobe Lights

Workers die every year from being backed over by vehicles. From 2005 -2010, forklifts ranked fourth in the number of these fatalities. Back-up alarms are one of the most valuable tools for preventing forklift injuries and fatalities. While some back-up alarms automatically adjust their volume to be greater than the ambient noise of the facility, workers can become immune to repetitive sounds. Some PPE dampens noise, further limiting the effectiveness of the alarm. This means back-up alarms are best used in conjunction with visual alarms, like strobe lights or blue lights.

Strobe lights on forklifts let everyone in the vicinity know that a truck is present. The flashing lights provide a visual warning system alerting employees of the whereabouts of the truck. In work environments where noise levels are elevated and back-up alarms might go unnoticed, lights provide an additional layer of protection to employees.

Blue Safety Lights

If you’re truly committed to safety, consider upgrading to the blue safety light. The blue light shines on the floor in front of or behind the truck, telling pedestrians not just where the truck is, but where it’s going. Most importantly, the blue light can be seen around corners and blind spots, drastically reducing potential for collisions.

“It is better to be safe than sorry.” It’s cliché because it’s true. When it comes to protecting your business and employees, you can never be too safe. Contact SIE today to discuss how we can help you protect your employees and your business.

A Safe Lift Needs a Safety List 5 NEW Forklift Safety Tips

Posted on February 12, 2016January 3, 2023 by SIElift

Consider this – cars need oil changes and tires aligned on a regular basis to ensure reliability, safety, and efficiency. Much like cars, forklifts need to be regularly maintained and can be done with a Planned Maintenance schedule. Not only will Planned Maintenance help extend the life of your forklift, it will decrease downtime, increase productivity and increase efficiency. During a Planned Maintenance appointment safety features are checked thoroughly, parts lubricated, fluids leveled, and much more. Facilities and operators rely on forklifts for daily operations, therefore, having even one machine down could be detrimental to the days success.

In August of 2013 a man from Macon County, North Carolina died from CO (Carbon Monoxide) emissions. The North Carolina division of Occupational Safety and Health determined the CO was being emitted by a liquid propane gas powered forklift. It was emitting such high levels of CO that people outside the facility could have been exposed. Performing preventive maintenance would have caught the leak, and may have prevented this tragic loss of life. In material handling, safety is the number one concern for companies and operators.

The type of planned maintenance your forklift needs depends on the type of machine you have. There are gas and propane units as well as electric.

Here is where the NEW – yet old faithful – forklift safety tips come into play…

Forklift maintenance and safety is key, however at Southeast Industrial Equipment we also believe that training the operator of your forklift is just as important. If not more. When your warehouse, distribution center, or facility is poorly lite, loud, and/or has narrow aisles you need highly trained operators to keep the entire operation as safe as possible. Here are some tips to keep everyone from your operators, to pedestrians in and around the forklifts safe at all times.

Be aware of your surroundings
- Additional safety lights should be added to your forklift for greater visibility and pedestrian awareness.
- Utilizing the forklift back-up alarms and horns to let everyone around you know you are approaching.
- Being space-conscious when working in and around narrow aisles whether your operators are working side by side on different lift trucks or they are around customers in facility.
Utilizing Forklift and Fleet Management Technology
- T-Matics is Toyota’s Fleet Management system that can measure and manage accountability of your operators as well as the damages done to your machines. Keeping costs down and safety at the tip of the spear.
- The customization options for forklifts are endless. To keep individuals off the machines that should not be on them technology can added to our forklifts to keep the lift from starting if it is not the operator that drives that specific piece of equipment.
Knowing the Correct Forklift Capacities and Sticking to the PM Schedules
- In demanding situations it is easy to disregard the forklift lifting capacity. Not only is it unsafe for everyone around the unit, it is unsafe for the operator because of instability.
- Recognizing necessary repairs and sticking to a Planned Maintenance schedule will help increase safety and decrease accidents in the workplace.
Choosing Safe Everyday Practices
- Eliminating slip, trip, and fall hazards so that pedestrians and equipment can maneuver around the facility with ease.
- Having associates and operators wear appropriate clothing such as, reflective vests or steel toe boots can immensely increase safety in a facility.
Only Trained and Certified Operators Operating the Forklifts
- By-pass OSHA and other fines by training operators for the specific forklift they will be operating. Maneuvering a sit-down counterbalance forklift is much different than a stand-up order picker or man-up lift. We offer Train-the-Trainer courses, safety training, and on-site operator training, as well as, many other programs. OSHA requires it and SIE offers it!

President and CEO of Toyota Material Handling North America, Brett Wood, predicts how important safety is and will be in the future of the material handling industry:

“[…] safety design, ergonomic design, productivity factors. If you combine those three together, together they work together in the forklift of the future. If you have a safe, comfortable operator you have a productive operator[…]” – Brett Wood President/CEO Toyota Material Handling North America

… According to Toyota Industrial Equipment no matter what type of lift truck you have, you need to have the following preventive measures taken:

Ask for Operator concerns/input
Clean Machine
Clean Grease Fillings and Lubricate
Check Upright Assembly
Check Parking Brake Operation
Check Service Brake Operation
Check/Fill Master Cylinder
Inspect Brake Pedal Linkage
Inspect Hydraulic Cylinders and Hoses
Check Tilt Cylinder Anchors
Inspect tires
Clean or replace hydraulic sump breather
Check and lubricate shafts and levers
Check steering for operation
Check lights, horns, backup alarm and gauges
Inspect data plate and decals
Inspect safety seat belts and hood latch
Visually inspect Load back rest and Overhead guard
Check battery; add water and clean
Check battery cables and receptacles
Check/fill transmission/differential oil levels
Check/fill hydraulic oil level.
Check Fork Wear/Chain Wear/Carriage wear

Note: Some preventative maintenance items that are performed for specific types of lift trucks are not listed.

Southeast Industrial Equipment has maintenance programs to fit the needs of your lift truck. SIE is dedicated to help maintain the safety and performance of your facilities forklifts. For more information please call us (866) 696-9125 or visit our website at www.sielift.com.

Parker, Brittney. “Forklift ruled likely cause of farm tragedy.” Macon County News 08 08 2013, n. pag. Web. 14 Jan. 2014.

“Forklift Planned Maintenance.” Toyota-Lift of Minnesota. N.p.. Web. 15 Jan 2014. link to article.

Introducing Landoll Forklifts

Posted on November 23, 2015 by Juliet

The addition of the Landoll Drexel & Bendi very narrow aisle forklifts enables us to substantially expand our ability to help our customers increase their space utilization and pallet density.

Our goal is to provide our customers with the full solution to their application. Here at SIE we can assist in engineered solutions, space planning, and warehouse supplies, in addition to finding the right material handling equipment to suite your needs. Bendi articulating and Drexel SwingMast^® forklifts provide the material handling solution needed for very narrow aisle applications through space optimization, improved productivity, greater flexibility and maximizing efficiency.

Southeast Industrial Equipment is now a proud dealer of Landoll Drexel & Bendi forklifts.

Whether storing standard pallets to 41 feet or handling odd shaped long loads, Landoll has the right Narrow Aisle Solution with a wide range of models, capacities, and power options. By design, neither the Bendi nor the Drexel SwingMast® swing the rear end while stacking so product and rack damage is minimized during product put away or retrieval.

Bendi – The leader in articulated forklifts

Drexel – The very narrow aisle and narrow aisle long load side loading solution.

Landoll manufactures two lines of Narrow and Very Narrow Aisle forklifts perfect for loading and unloading containers / trailers and then taking the product directly into your narrow aisle warehouse. The Drexel can withstand freezer storage with temperatures as low as -22 degrees Fahrenheit with the new freezer cab enclosure making it perfect for cold storage applications.

The Bendi Electric or IC powered forklifts provide the world’s first 180° articulating mast, front wheel steered design, providing unmatched maneuverability in narrow aisle storage. The Bendi can store pallet loads from aisles as narrow as 72 inches to lift height of 492 inches. Available in Electric and LP Gas models.
The Drexel SwingMast^® fork trucks are electric or IC powered and have a 90° rotating and shifting mast that operate as a front or side loader that can stack pallets or long loads in aisles as narrow as 56 inches and lift to a height of 372 inches.

Landoll also manufactures two other models of electric forklifts.

A Drexel EX (UL Certified explosion proof) front loading lift truck is designed to operate in hazardous flammable atmospheres.
Landoll also manufactures a stand up compact forklift, the LSC, which provides a low cost solution for increased efficiency when stacking or performing dock work, working in bulk storage or on the manufacturing floor and while stacking in drive in racking.

View more Landoll Very Narrow Aisle Forklift videos here.

Browse all of the material handling and industrial equipment we offer. We have the new or used piece of equipment you’ve been looking for, so please call (866) 696-9125, e-mail us contacts@sielift.com, or visit one of our nine material handling dealerships to purchase or lease today.

Toyota 2015 Product Launches

Posted on November 2, 2015November 3, 2015 by Juliet

Ready for the New Toyota Products Launched in 2015? Southeast Industrial Equipment attended the RDAC 2015 conference and came back with a wealth of knowledge after taking part in a hands on product launch of the new Reach Truck, 80-Volt Electric, and a High Capacity Internal Combustion forklift. The product launches culminate months of product development, with eight new Toyota models and services introduced in the last two years. For more information contact a territory managers at one of our local branches.

New Reach Truck
Toyota’s new 9 series Reach Truck features more than 500 engineering changes to increase quality, reliability, and durability. The Reach Truck is available in 2,500-4,500 pound capacities. With world class engineering and dependability, Toyota’s new Reach Truck is the perfect solution for your warehouse. Toyota’s Reach Truck comes in single and double reach models to help you utilize your warehouse space more efficiently. Choose between 24-volt or 36-volt power as well as battery compartments as short as 14.5 inches to as long as 21.5 inches. Longer maintenance intervals and the numerous engineering improvements make the Toyota Reach Truck the elite warehouse solution!

New 80 – Volt
Toyota’s new 80-Volt Electric forklift is available in 4,00-7,00 pound capacities and functions similar to the mid electric pneumatic forklift. No longer do you need an internal combustion forklift for your big, rough terrain, outdoor jobs. The 80-Volt is designed to work outdoors, reduce maintenance, improved ergonomics and increased productivity, and are proven to have twice the run time as the 38 and 48-Volt models. It features the largest battery of Toyota’s electric forklifts while producing zero emission.

New High Capacity IC Forklift
Toyota’s New High-Capacity IC Pneumatic Forklift is the largest forklift in Toyota’s product line. With a lift capacity up to 72,000 lbs., this large, rugged forklift can handle almost any heavy load. Commonly found loading and unloading large shipping containers or on the construction site, the High-Capacity IC Pneumatic Forklift provides lifting solutions for extremely heavy applications. This forklift demonstrates that Toyota is truly dedicated to it’s role as a full-line supplier and solutions partner for our customers.

Check List to Check your Lift

Posted on March 26, 2015October 19, 2023 by SIElift

Safety Checklist

A giant dent in your overhead guard is easy to spot at first sight, but what if there was a tiny leak from your propane valve? Would you be able to easily spot that? Chances are a busy operator could miss it. Planned maintenance isn’t the only thing that can be done to keep your equipment running in prime condition. In addition to planned maintenance, your operators should go through the daily operation checklist before each shift to ensure the piece of equipment is safe to operate.

Not only is it required by OHSHA, but a log will also help your operators be more aware and keep them accountable for how they treat the equipment, cutting down on misuse. If the lift needs a repair make sure you have the proper procedure in place.

Tag the equipment inoperable (WARNING! DO NOT OPERATE!), make sure it is visible.
Immediately notify the appropriate party.
Keep the phone number of your repair service or person on the forklift.
Log what needs repair, when the repair was made, and how much it cost to fix.

Tracking how often your forklift needs repair, as well as the cost, will keep you cognizant of your cost of ownership. If the machine is often out of service perhaps operators need further training operating the truck.

The greatest way a checklist will benefit your business and operators is safety. A truck should not be used when it is unsafe for operation. Forklifts are an investment in your company, and cost thousands of dollars; therefore a daily operator checklist is an easy way to prevent accidents and injury without spending money. Remember these machines literally weigh tons, with many moving parts, thus it is important to keep them in optimal condition.

The following is an example of a checklist OSHA suggests for your lift truck:

KEY OFF Procedures

The vehicle inspection
- Overhead guard
- Hydraulic cylinders
- Mast assembly
- Lift chains and rollers
- Forks
- Tires
- LPG tank and locator pin
- LPG tank hose
- Gas gauge
Check the engine oil level
Examine the battery
Inspect the hydraulic fluid level
Check the engine coolant level

KEY ON Procedures

Test the standard equipment
- Front, tail, and brake lights
- Fuel gauge (if diesel)
- Windshield wiper
- Heater

ENGINE RUNNING Procedures

Check the gauges
- Oil pressure indicator lamp
- Ammeter indicator lamp
- Ammeter
- Hour Meter
- Water Temperature Gauge
Test the standard equipment
- Steering
- Brakes
- Horn
- Safety seat (if equipped)
Check the operation of load-handling attachments
Check the transmission fluid level

Visit OSHA’s website for more information.

https://www.osha.gov/dte/library/pit/pit_checklist.html

11,000 Ways SIE Supports the Community

Posted on January 22, 2015November 3, 2015 by SIElift

Southeast Industrial Equipment is a family owned organization that truly cares about its associates and the community. “When Southeast does well, our associates do well, and in turn, our community does well”, said by Cory Thorne, President of SIE. 2014 was a tremendous year for SIE; therefore, Cory and the Thorne family decided to give back to the community in a BIG way! Each associate was given $250.00 to donate to the charity of their choice. Associates were given the opportunity to donate within their local community or to any program they felt a sense of duty to.

The Wounded Warrior Project, American Cancer Society, animal rescues, church programs, and camps for special needs children were just a few examples of charities chosen by our associates. One of our branches, Raleigh, collaborated and was able to donate $2,250.00 to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina! Organizations who received donations were over the moon and personally thanked not only Southeast Industrial Equipment, but also the associate who chose them for the donation. All of the associates who donated sent in a photograph of themselves handing off their gift to the program, these can be seen on our SIE Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SoutheastIndustrialEquipment.

During fourth quarter of 2014, SIE donated over $11,000 alone to charities and programs in an effort to increase awareness for those in need. Not only does the Thorne family care about its associates, they care about the communities around the Southeast and how they can positively impact their growth. Southeast Industrial Equipment encourages you to go out and donate, whether it’s an hour of your time, monetary, or goods to a cause that you truly believe in. In 2015, SIE plans to continue donating to charities all around the Southeast and give to those programs that are eager for our support.

What to Expect when Renting

Posted on December 23, 2014November 3, 2015 by SIElift

Not sold on the idea of investing all your capital into one piece of equipment? Or maybe you have one specific task you need a forklift for. Don’t worry, you have options! As well as having material handling equipment for sale, we also have a rental fleet to meet your short or long term needs! We do daily, weekly and monthly rentals depending on your time frame.

Many companies prefer to rent long term instead of purchasing for budgeting reasons. Having a monthly rental payment is perfect for a new company with no credit, or a company that doesn’t want to pay a large upfront cost. Short term rentals are great to be able to get your projects completed without committing to purchasing equipment. To make sure we get you the equipment you need, we will need to make sure we have all the information. For example if you are renting a forklift we need to know:

Will the lift truck be used indoors or outdoors?
Do you need LPG (liquid propane gas), electric, or diesel?
What is the mast height requirement?
What capacity is needed?
What attachments will you need? (i.e. carton clamp, bale clamp, multiple load handler)
If you need forks, what size? We offer 36” forks to 96”.

To keep our units in prime condition they are all inspected, painted, labeled with OSHA compliant safety decals, and receive regular maintenance before being rental ready. The average age of our rental fleet is 3 years, with supplemental equipment being added each year to fit the needs of our customers.

Our rental fleet features Toyota forklifts, the number one lift truck in America since2002. With fuel efficiency and the System of Active Stability, you know your rental will be safe and reliable. If for any reason you do need maintenance, it is included for you.

We don’t only offer forklift rentals we have a wide variety of industrial equipment to fit your needs; Genie scissor lifts, Capacity yard spotters, Advance Sweeper Scrubbers to name a few.

Call today to set up your rental, (866) 696-9125!

Southeast Industrial Equipment Inc.

Tag: Material Handling