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Issue: #12
November - 2010
TLM Building
Please Read 

If your company uses load bearing lift truck attachments (paper roll clamp, carton clamp, etc.), we ask you pay special attention to the article below from our service department. It has an important alert regarding recent additions to ANSI/ITSDF workplace safety rules.

Sales Department 
Choices And Offsets
FedEx Lift and HydrogenThe most dynamic changes in the forklift industry these past few years have involved energy.  Specifically, the power houses of the forklifts.  The newest form to be gathering headlines is fuel cells.  The potential carbon footprint reduction is attractive to the market place.

Powered by hydrogen, fuel cells have the ability to power forklifts very cleanly once it is delivered to the forklift.  Getting the hydrogen to the forklift is where the real conflict is.  In order to be delivered effectively, hydrogen needs to be compressed.  This compression requires energy.  In the latest issue of Industrial Utility Vehicle and Mobile Equipment magazine, co-authors Gus Block and Wes Hansen analyze the variables necessary to determine the actual greenness of the application.

The source of the hydrogen is also discussed.  It is most commonly mined from the methane in natural gas. This too requires electricity.  The article concludes that the variables are different for every application.  It is not very simple to say that hydrogen is always the greener choice.  It may require more CO2 emissions to produce, haul, and compress hydrogen for a warehouse than it would to purchase the kilowatts from the electric company.

Similar struggles were seen in the 1990's when compressed natural gas (CNG) first made its way into the forklift fuel market place.  In order to get enough CNG on the forklift, an end user had to make a choice.  Sacrifice a considerable amount of time required by a small compressor, or invest a in a faster, very expensive large compressor.  Ultimately, the market place will determine if fuel cells are an effective way to power a forklift.
American Warehouse Systems 
Celebrating Success
SevenThis week, American Warehouse Systems turned seven.  In that short time we have literally gone from two guys and a phone housed in a storage room to one of the largest material handling suppliers to the US Federal Government.  Last year we were overjoyed to be in the top ten MN small businesses to earn Federal Contracts and to be the top grossing material handling vendor on Federal Supply Schedule contract.

American Warehouse Systems is now a well known, seasoned and reliable material handling systems integrator.  We have successfully implemented projects from a few hundred dollars to millions of dollars.  Our project locations range from right down the road to the other side of the world.  Our systems can be seen in places such as the Middle East, South East Asia, Africa and Europe not to mention every US State.

American Warehouse Systems handles most every aspect of the material handling industry.  Our capabilities encompass the full spectrum of engineered systems, industrial trucks and mobile equipment and storage and handling equipment.  In addition we provide full design services, mechanical installation, electrical and controls, plumbing and sprinkler systems, concrete work and more to round out our projects.

Over the last seven years we have gathered an amazing group of people that really make American Warehouse Systems tick.  In our line of work it really is the team that makes the success.  Our systems projects are managed and implemented by many hardworking and dedicated people.  Without each and every member of the team, we would not be where we are today.
Our customer base is second to none.  It's always been that way.  We have built some extremely strong relationships in our relatively short life span.  Most of our yearly revenue is return business and the vast majority of that business is from folks that we are happy to call friends.

Last but not least we have a very supportive and partner oriented community of vendors we are blessed to have.  Without strong relationships with manufacturers and suppliers, a success story like American Warehouse Systems could not have taken place.

Thank you to everyone at American Warehouse Systems, Toyota-Lift of Minnesota all our customers and vendors for making the last seven years a shining success.
Rental Department 
Solving Problems Relieving Worry
Last month we touched on it seems all the topics surrounding why you might want to rent. It seems that in most cases it boils down to convenience.

You're busy and can't tolerate any disruption or choke point in your yard or warehouse. Whether your need for a lift is driven by business or simply a breakdown when you need one you need it quickly and you need it to be reliable.

Odds are you already own a Toyota lift, when you need that rental don't settle for a unit that is close to the specifications your business needs and "fairly" reliable. Get the problem off your desk by calling us here. We'll insure we get you the right truck, and deliver it to you that day. Moreover it will be a Toyota and you'll know the unit is going to get the job done.

The only problem you might have is tearing your drivers off the unit when we pick it up. They'll like it that much. Toyota forklifts, dependable, safe, ergonomic and efficient. I'm Tom, call me anytime.
Rich Breidel Benifit
Our Missing Delivery Specialist
Rich B and FamilyOver the years many of you have met Rich as he's delivered your purchased equipment, rentals and repairs. Rich has was diagnosed with Sarcoma Cancer recently and certainly needs our help.

We invite you to review the link below for a flier promoting what looks to be a wonderful evening at the Ham Lake Lanes on December 5th starting at 4pm. You can also see the information at Facebook following this link. The affair is a benefit for Rich and should prove to be simply just a great time!

We here at Toyota-Lift of Minnesota miss Rich deeply and hope that his recovery is quick and complete. We also hope you can see your way clear to do what you can to help him through this trial.

Service Department  
ANSI: Load Bearing Attachments And Safety
Carton clamp on toyMore and more we're hearing from concerned customers asking for clarification on the new ANSI rule affecting forklift safety and load bearing clamps. I'd take that as a good sign that companies are truly concerned not only with being in compliance but also with the safety of their employees.

Dropped rolls are seen fairly often, and the new ruling should go a long way towards reducing that event into the future. For what it's worth, we've even seen customers devise their own "fix" for this devising a mechanical solution that required the second action, a great proactive action that speaks volumes about where they are at regarding safety and risk exposure.

Parts Department 
Lowering Your Cost Of Ownership
Some years ago Toyota Material Handling initiated its daily parts stock order process. This allows its dealers to place stocking orders daily, helping enhance customer service through better fill rates and by allowing us to more fully utilize our on hand inventory.


Keep in mind our fall tire special is still ongoing! See More
About Us

Toyota Lift of Minnesota has been serving its customers and the industry for over 32 years. Our mission is to improve your productivity and bottom line through better products, services and customer service personnel.

Toyota-Lift of Minnesota
8601 Xylon Court North
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55445
Phone 763-425-9066 Toll Free 800-523-0611

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Save 10%
Do you have an existing quote service, parts or rental quote from TLM?. Call us with the code 122110JOS and we'll take ten percent off the amount you were originally quoted [limited to parts, labor, or rental fees and cannot be used in conjuction with other specials or discounts].

Take advantage of this now, we genuinely appreciate your business and look forward to working with you in the future.

Coupon can be used on only one quote thank you, and cannot be used along with any other offer extended or work/sale previously billed.
Offer Expires: December 20th 2010
In This Issue
Sales - Choices Offsets
AW Systems - Celebrating Success
Rentals - Reliable
Service - Safety Update
Parts - Cost Of Ownership
AW Systems Highlight
Quick Links
 
AWS Catalog
On Line Catalog:

Great Source For Warehouse Supplies
Toyota Lift of Minnesota and American Warehouse Systems offer you an easy way to shop for all your associated needs. Follow the link below and see for yourself. From lockers to storage bins, we have it all.
 
Catalog
AWS Logo
Visit American Warehouse Systems Website 
Toyota Lift of Minnesota is very proud of its AWS division. Serving customers locally and around the globe. AWS is a Federal Government GSA Contractor. Click here to visit their website.
Safety catalog
On Line Catalog:

Great Source For All Things Forklift
Yet another catalog that brings it all together for you is our "Everything Around the Lift Truck" catalog. Click the link below to review or download it. Call 763-315-9288 for more information or to order!
 
Catalog
OSHA signs
Forklift Safety Campaign Continues
We've already inspected hundreds of units, finding most trucks sound, but also finding some with problems requiring some attention. Watch for your CSR call, or call to schedule your appointment.
 
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Toyota Lift of Minnesota's Blog
Updated almost daily with material handling, warehouse and safety tips. We're working to put good information in small bites out to our readers.
 
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OEM Links
Toyota Forklift
Taylor-Dunn
Aichi Equipment
JLG
Crown Battery
Enersys Battery
Kesmac TMF