Sales Department
Lift Trucks Are on the Rise
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 As 2013 came to a close, it was obvious that lift truck purchasing that re-started in 2011 continued on through with earnest into and through 2013. We are seeing new and used equipment purchases at rates that exceed those experienced prior to the recession. Admittedly, some of the strength in the buying surge may still be the result of pent up demand as many companies simply weren't buying through the recession. Like so many recessions before, it seems that when we come out there are changes in the industry and the recent recession was no different. Some of those changes are explained in an article by Inbound Logistics. We hope you take a moment to read this.
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Control Your Risks and Your Costs - Final Call!
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 for registrants through January 21st.
Follow this link to see the course details and to register today!
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 "I took your train the trainer course several years back. Do I need to take a refresher course?"
The short answer is no. There is no requirement that a trainer be any more than someone proficient in the use of the equipment involved in the training he or she is doing.
The longer answer is you might consider it.
Our course is designed to give trainers the tools to use in training and testing, as well as helping them define the course or training event they want to hold at their business. They leave here with material they might otherwise never run across, material that will boost their knowledge base and make them more comfortable training others. Take a look in the article above this for the link that outlines everything.
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Lift a Co-Worker, Lift a Community
Through Toyota Industrial Equipment - Extended till 2-4-2014
|  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 February 4 2014. Final recipients will be announced on or about February 18th, 2014. |
| Rental Department
Renting: Think First
|  Often there isn't too much though, maybe not enough put into rental equipment. When you need something you call and voila it shows up at your dock ready to go.
In a recent article by Tom Redden he states: It is important to keep in mind when renting a forklift that the rental fee is only a fraction of the total cost of operating the machine. It has been calculated that the rental rate of a forklift is usually about 10% of the cost of running it. Therefore, it is important to understand the efficiency of the different types of forklifts for the work needed. Renting the correct type of forklift will improve productivity and reduce the cost per hour of using a forklift.
There is more, and you can read other questions surrounding rentals through this link. We invite you to call us at 763-425-9066 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.
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For the Veterans - Free Forklift Safety Certification
Know a Vet? Let's Help the Vet! - 180+ and Counting!
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 With the support of Toyota Material Handling, Toyota Lift of Minnesota has been certifying veterans for forklift operation for over two years. That work will continue at least through 2014, making this certification available to veterans at no charge. We recently published an infographic discussing this and other veteran employment statistics. You can see the infographic through this link. Our next class is scheduled for February 13th. You can read more about that and register through this link. As stated, 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
Inventory Management Meets 5S
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 Perhaps one of my all time inventory management tools is marking [preferably with a permanent marker] a part number on the shelf just below where a part is stored. While it does nothing for professionalism, inventory accuracy or organization, it does for years to come remind you just what that shelf was once used for in a past life. You might also use it as an example of how a group so committed to information and even organization can take a step off the path of common sense from time to time. |
"Why aren't we allowed to store materials on our wire decking?"
Racking will often incorporate wire decking that spans between the two beams. People will mistakenly store goods directly on that wire decking, we call that "point loading" and it is an unsafe practice. Wire decking over the years isn't what it once was. Although I can't say that it was ever meant to support loads directly, it certainly doesn't have the strength now. In the competitive market of wire decking it seems to be lighter all the time. We published an article that deals with it some time ago, we invite you to read that and review the PDF file we have that outlines through photos best practices. Racking and Wire Deck Misconceptions and Risk We invite you to speak to Bill Bezenar our racking expert here for any questions you might have. His phone number is 763-315-9240.
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| Service Department
Cats and Dogs, Service and Parts
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 Directly or indirectly I have touched on the relationships that develop between members of the service and parts departments. Generally these relationships are fodder for many good-natured jokes, but like a lot of good jokes, there is sometimes a grain of truth in them. What does that mean to you the forklift owner?. |
| Forklift Photo Moment
Forklift Safety, Sometimes Means Not Using a Forklift
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This is absolutely the wrong way to use a forklift. No matter how new or old, working under a load supported by a lift is a good way to end up injured or as in the case of the two in Texas recently, dead. You can read the news article about that accident here.
See more material handling photos and videos [many of them fun] at our Pinterest site. Follow this link.
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Warehousing Systems
Flexible and Easy To install
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 Cantilever racking is a very popular choice with customers here. Cantilever racking is widely used in many industries for storing materials such as tubing, pipe, lumber and other items with long length, irregular shape or configurations. They are also used extensively in the lumber and building materials business for outdoor yard storage structures such as T-sheds, and rack supported drive-through buildings. Perfect for storage, flexible and easy to assemble, cantilever racking may be one answer to help convert your warehouse or lumber yard into a show room. 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 questions you'll be asked as you work towards the installation of this flexible style of racking system. |
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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 021814JOS 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: February 17th 2014
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| GSA Sales
Providing Product and Service Leadership
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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.
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 | Free OSHA Forklift Rules Poster
Would look great in your lunchroom! | Call us or email us at
sales@toyotaequipment.com
We'll mail one off to you immediately! |
 | 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 |
 | | A Close Call |
In one video you'll see how not to travel with your mast raised, and exactly what not to do when your forklift tips over. A very lucky fellow. Click the image to go to the video.
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 | 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 |
 | | 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.
We are also on Twitter
@ToyotaEquipment
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