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Issue: #48
December - 2013
Building Cust Newsleter
Sales Department
More On Used Equipment
Last month we touched on the recession's lingering affect on the used truck market, and how difficult it has become finding good quality used equipment. That hasn't changed yet, and certainly won't for a year or more.

As the economy continues at a rate that is building more and more confidence, many of you are looking for equipment to replace units that were held onto during those lean times. Many of you are exploring options other than new equipment. While rental options are becoming more popular, we'll continue with our discussion regarding used equipment and the responsibilities surround a used purchase.

In short, used equipment of value isn't impossible to find, you only need to take care to deal with a reputable dealership when purchasing that equipment. We have some equipment listed through this link and have a great deal more that isn't shared on the web. Call us today at 612-568-0223 or 800-523-0611 and we'll put you in touch with your area's territory manager. Toyota Lift of Minnesota has a full staff of material handling consultants to help you make the best equipment decision for your needs.

We found another article from another source you might want to take the time to read. It is an article that points out the concerns you need to have when considering that used piece of equipment. After you've gotten yourself armed with the questions to ask, and have defined your needs, give us a call, and we will work closely with you to insure every aspect of the equipment acquisition is handled responsibly.
Control Your Risks and Your Costs
Train the Trainer Course - Forklift Safety
The management of risk, just what is it?

risk man�age�ment
noun: risk management

1
.

(in business) the forecasting and evaluation of financial risks together with the identification of procedures to avoid or minimize their impact.

 

 

One form is limiting the risk to your employees, product and equipment by having well trained and of course certified forklift operators.  

 

With new personnel coming in, and others changing positions how can you manage your risk and control your expenses effectively?

 

One answer, is by having your own forklift trainer on staff. An individual familiar with your equipment, your physical layout and your company's plan and vision.

 

Toyota Lift of Minnesota is holding another "Train the Trainer" course January 28th. We invite you to look at the details and decide if it is time for you to control your risks and costs. Train the Trainer can be an easy choice.  

 

Early bird registration specials available.   

 

Follow this link to see the course details and to register today! 

safety stripe

safety triangle
"How old does our forklift have to be before it's unsafe?"

It can be unsafe at any age, all of it depends on the attention the unit is given.

Your concern is based on the thought that because your lift looks old and tired it has crossed some line which would ask that it be replaced. As long as a machine is maintained properly there is no age at which it becomes unsafe. Sure, it can get so old that it is continually requiring maintenance in order to keep it operational and safe, but that's another issue.

Be certain first that daily you're doing a thorough daily inspection of the unit, then correct any issues found immediately. You'll be inspecting for leaks, bent load backrests, brake operation, the condition of the control levers, the operational status of your lights and much more. Following this practice will insure your equipment is safe for use regardless of it's age.

If you need any operator check lists, call us at 763-315-9288 and we'll get some to you ASAP. 
Lift a Co-Worker, Lift a Community
More Good Through Toyota Industrial Equipment

Toyota Material Handling U.S.A., Inc. has launched a photo contest on Facebook, Lift a Co-Worker Lift a Community as part of a philanthropic program. Have your friends visit the Lift a Co-Worker, Lift a Community app on https://www.facebook.com/ToyotaForklift to upload a photo, write a short description of their co-worker's volunteer activities and select a nonprofit group to possibly win a brand new electric pallet truck! Representing various humanitarian, community service and environmental needs, the five participating 501(c) nonprofit organizations are: AMVETS, Best Friends Animal Society, Direct Relief International, Feeding America and the Arbor Day Foundation. The entry that receives the most votes will earn the selected charity a brand new Toyota electric pallet truck. Second and third place nonprofit organizations will receive a brand new Toyota hand pallet truck. Monetary contributions will be distributed to the nonprofit organizations that place fourth and fifth.Be sure to check out Official Rules, voting ends December 31, 2013. Final recipients will be announced on January 15, 2014.

Rental Department 
Not All Rentals are Equal
Renting equipment has become a popular option for companies wanting freedom from commitment, but still needing machines to keep their production up and running. However, a lot like with used equipment there are a number of variables you'll need to consider when renting, and not all of them are obvious.

What is the age of the equipment your renting? Ask what model year and hour meter totals are before taking delivery. Discuss maintenance, who will be responsible for what, and if maintenance is needed what will the response time be? Does your rental agreement cover a replacement unit if repairs are going to take a working day or longer? Ask about delivery and pickup costs, and how timely it will be. Is you're unit going to be with you for an extended period of time? If so, and it is an internal combustion unit who is going to be responsible for the CO monitoring done should OSHA want to see records for the unit.

There is more, and you can read other questions surrounding rentals through this link. We invite you to call us at 612-568-0223 or 800-523-0611. We will put you in touch with your area's territory manager or our rental manager, answer your questions, and ask just a few of our own to make certain you get the best fit for your needs.
For the Veterans - Free Forklift Safety Certification
Know a Vet? Let's Help the Vet! - 180+ and Counting!
Toyota Lift of Minnesota is proud to have certified just over 180 veterans. Let's help our veterans return to work after serving our country. If you know a veteran that would like a leg up in the employment market, share this information with them.

Our next class is scheduled for January 14th. You can read more about that and register through this link.  

As a reminder, through Toyota's generosity, we will be continually offering additional dates through 2014. You can always watch our event calendar for updates on class scheduling. We work to have dates set on the calendar for the two upcoming months.

Our hat's off to Toyota Material Handling for their ongoing support for our veterans.
Parts Department
It's Just a Forklift Engine: What's to Lose Really?
A good business model won't include raising risk to vital equipment including your forklift engine. Then why do so many, in order to save so little, do so?

If you want to shave expenses, look at areas that aren't going to endanger your forklift engine. When that motor requires rebuilding because of poor protection, will you be able to point to your "filter" purchase savings and say "we win"? Most larger fleet operations won't take this risk. Why would you?

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"Can I block the snow and rain by putting a roof on my forklift?"  
 
You can put something over your overhead guard as long as you don't block your visibility in any way.

Be careful as well that you can actually "see" through the plastic you use. I've seen a lot of covers made up, that were "see through", but you really couldn't see anything. Also know that you cannot weld, cut or screw into the overhead guard mounting your roof.

We sell clear overhead guard covers. You can call me at 763-315-9288 and I'll work to get that information to you. 
Service Department 
A Technician To Call Your Own
Forklift Inspection In the past we have tried to talk you down from carrying too much of a repair parts inventory on your site in an initial stocking guide. Today we'll speak again towards your life line, our forklift technician, their service vans and the forklift parts inventory they carry.

In the past we've spoken about the work we've done to stock these vans, how we address putting the right parts on those vans, and the trouble even we have with doing that.

Forklift Photo Moment
Forklift Maintenance, Let's Be Proactive
Nothing like an unplanned interruption to the day's plans. Be certain of two things: that your preventative maintenance program is real, and that you act responsibly on suggestions made or issues found.



See more material handling photos and videos [many of them fun] at our Pinterest site. Follow this link.

Warehousing Systems
Where Are Your Limits?
Rack Collapse
Rack Collapse
Racking of all types is ubiquitous. We see it, use it, move it and take it down and put it up often without a great deal of thought. What are the safety procedures involved, what capacities are in play with two, three or even four tiers? Just how high can you go before you get into the "unsafe" or even the illegal range? We've all seen the videos of racking collapses. Is it possible that our racking is just one hit away from tragedy, or maybe even scarier, just one pallet load?

Working through the need for anchors, supports, tabs and racking guards is easy. But how much do we now regarding capacities, and how our configuration impacts that?

Toyota Lift of Minnesota would welcome the opportunity to work with you and your racking concerns. Call us at 763-425-9066 and ask for Bill Bezenar in warehousing. We'll get you on track towards understanding your racking, and possibly towards a higher degree of safety.

Here is an article you might find interesting regarding capacities and how different variables impact that measurement.

About Us

Toyota Lift of Minnesota has been serving its customers and the industry for over 35 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 service, parts or rental quote from TLM?. Call us with the code 0121JOS 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 conjunction with other specials or discounts nor applied to any services sublet].

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: January 20th 2014
In This Issue
Sales - More On Used
Train the Trainer - Control Costs
Rentals - Not All Rentals are Equal
Free Veteran Training
Parts - It's Only an Engine
Service - Your Own Tech!
Warehouse - What Are Your Limits?
Video - Forklift Girls
Factory Links
Quick Links
 
GSA Sales
Providing Product and Service Leadership
Offering most favored customer pricing and volume discounts, Toyota Lift Truck brings you savings in both time and money.  Through Toyota Lift's GSA Schedule, you can purchase Toyota forklifts, the number one rated forklift in the world for quality and customer satisfaction. Also we offer Crown industrial batteries.
  • Pre-qualification of pricing and quality has already been done by GSA for all government purchasers
  • Through Toyota Lift of Minnesota's GSA Schedule, customers benefit from a direct relationship with volume discount pricing, 100% quality products, warranty and delivery, with significant opportunities to help meet your small business goals
  • Orders placed against Toyota Lift Truck's GSA Schedule meet FAR regulations and are considered to be issued using full and open competition.

Contact Toyota Lift of Minnesota for your GSA Schedule needs. 

safety poster  
Free OSHA Forklift Rules Poster

Would look great in your lunchroom! 
Call us or email us at
[email protected]
We'll mail one off to you immediately! 
 
Catelog Splash
On Line Catalog:

Great Source For Warehouse Supplies 
Toyota Lift of Minnesota offers 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
FORKLIFT GIRLS - Fight!
FORKLIFT GIRLS - Fight!

Well, we're not certain about the pedestrian safety in play here. But this is certainly NOT something you see every day. Take a moment, you'll get a tickle out of it.

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
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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 
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Crown Battery
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