When it comes to forklifts, there’s no such thing as a one-size fits all. After all, what works for a small mom-and-pop retail store may not work as well for a high-throughput forging application. Options such as lights and attachments allow you to customize each forklift to fit your needs, but did you know that adjusting forklift settings can be just as critical to optimizing performance and efficiency?
Many forklifts today come standard with pre-set performance and operational settings that can be adjusted through either a built-in multi-function display or an external device such as a laptop. Toyota’s Core Electric and 3-Wheel Electric models, for example, each have over 60 different parameters used to fine-tune forklift performance. Programmable passwords help prevent unauthorized users from accessing these settings.
Settings on Toyota Forklifts are highly adjustable as most parameters have eight or more levels of adjustment. Understanding how these settings affect forklift operation is the first step in realizing productivity and efficiency gains.
Tuning Your Toyota Forklift Acceleration, Speed & Braking Adjustments
Travel/Acceleration - Adjusting these speeds on the forklift may increase productivity or allow the operator to slow down when necessary. These settings can also save energy in applications where quick acceleration or faster travel speeds are unnecessary.
Accelerator Pedal Response - Adjusts sensitivity to the initial depression of the accelerator pedal. Higher settings will reduce the delay between when the pedal is depressed and when the forklift begins to accelerate.
Over Speed Alarm - An alarm sounds when the forklift exceeds a pre-set travel speed.
Regenerative Braking - Adjusts how quickly the truck slows down when the operator’s foot is removed from the accelerator pedal. The strength of the “plugging” response can also be adjusted.
Rollback Speed - Trucks with the rollback feature have a momentary delay followed by a controlled descent when the accelerator pedal is released while on a grade. This setting allows the travel speed and time before rollback to be adjusted.
Toyota Forklift Maintenance, Lift, and Power Adjustments
Hydraulic Functions – Lift, lower, tilt, and attachment speeds are all adjustable. This includes starting, inching, maximum, acceleration, and deceleration settings. These settings can also provide energy savings in applications where faster hydraulic speeds are not necessary.
Lift Interrupt Level* – Used to tune the depth of discharge of a battery before the truck reaches lift interrupt. When the battery reaches the set level, the lift function will be disallowed. This allows the forklift to be matched to the battery size and type that is installed.
Planned Maintenance Hour Meter – An alarm sounds to inform the operator when the forklift is due for planned maintenance. The maintenance period can be adjusted and the alarm can be overridden.
Engine Auto Off/Auto Power Off – Engine (IC models) or battery power (electric models) will automatically turn off during a certain period of inactivity. The amount of time before it turns off can be adjusted or the setting can be turned off entirely.
Toyota Forklift Detection System Adjustments
SEnS and SEnS+ Smart Environment Sensors– Toyota forklifts equipped with SEnS or SEnS+ allow tuning to adjust parameters such as the distance at which a pedestrian or object is detected and the type of indicator that is used based on the distance.
Tips for Equipment Theft Protection
In 2016, the National Equipment Register reported that law enforcement officials that over 11,000 pieces of capital equipment were stolen from various locations in the United States. Of that number, approximately 350 were forklifts. That number alone should get the attention of forklift operations. But we also know that forklifts likely aren’t the only capital equipment that you use. Mowers and riding tractors were the top category, and significant numbers of loaders, tractors, and utility vehicles were also stolen. You may have these or other types of equipment in your operation, and protecting your investment by establishing security measures is something that all operations can get behind.
While we can’t guarantee any one or combination of security measures will ensure equipment theft protection, there are some measures that you might take to help.
Equipment Theft Protection: Routinely Inspect Locks and Fences
Locks and fences are good first deterrents to help with equipment theft protection. But an equipment theft possibility might increase if your locks and fences fall into disrepair. Develop a security routine that includes a walk of the fenced perimeter on a reoccurring timeline. This will help to make sure you can identify any weaknesses and fix them before they allow criminal access.
Equipment Theft Protection: Ensure Recording Equipment Functions Appropriately
Any recording equipment such as surveillance cameras you have on the premises should be checked to ensure they have the correct angles. Law enforcement can better assist in the aftermath of a theft when views are not obstructed. Also ensure that your recording equipment isn’t recording over any old footage as a default. You can lose important evidence.
Equipment Theft Protection: Protecting Rental Fleets
Protecting your property when it’s on your premises is one thing. Protecting a piece of rental equipment once it leaves your premises is another beast entirely. To help prevent the theft of rental equipment, it’s important that you have a detailed rental documentation process. Vet renters appropriately. Run credit checks that leave paper trails. Make photocopies of I.D’s. And make sure that all of your employees are appropriately trained on these procedures and that they follow the standards every time.
Equipment Theft Protection: Register Equipment
Databases like the NER allow you to register equipment VIN numbers and identifying characteristics in order to help law enforcement officials track equipment should it be stolen. Organizations like the American Rental Association have partnerships with databases that can help you protect your equipment.
While these aren’t the only practices that can help you protect your equipment, and they aren’t a guaranteed deterrent to theft, they might help you secure assets. Getting into contact with local law enforcement to ask for advice and begin a relationship is also key to future protection.
Managing Worker Fatigue in Forklift Operations
Running a business isn’t easy. Just ask the employees who are out there every day working hard to keep things moving. One of the best ways to make sure your business continues to flow and flow safely is to make sure you and your employees avoid worker fatigue. Fatigue is defined as the state of feeling tired, weary or sleepy. It should be considered a workplace hazard, as it can be a form of impairment.
What Causes Forklift Worker Fatigue?
Worker fatigue can be brought on by many different things. Some of the most common are insufficient sleep, extended work hours, or periods of stress or anxiety. When operating a forklift, some of the causes of fatigue could be the noise, uncomfortable riding surfaces, or insufficient ergonomics. Making sure that your workers have comfortable equipment helps reduce worker fatigue has the ability to enhance operator safety and improve productivity.
How does Fatigue Affect Forklift Worker Safety?
Worker fatigue is not something that can be necessarily “measured”, but some studies show that it does negatively impact certain areas of work. Some of the most noticeable symptoms may be things like reduced decision making ability, communication skills, less attentiveness, and being unable to stay awake. When you see signs of worker fatigue in employees, take the time to talk to them. Make sure that they are feeling okay. That way they do not become a risk to themselves, other employees or the company. Communication is the backbone of a culture of safety.
What can I do to help Reduce Forklift Worker Fatigue?
There isn’t one answer. Once again, communication is key. Talk with your workers to make them aware of worker fatigue and work together to determine what is affecting them the most. Is it the noise? Maybe having headphones that help block out some of the noise will help. Is it more sleep? Maybe try adjusting your sleep schedule so that you’re able to get the rest you need. Are there lighting issues? You can also look for more ergonomic ways to help keep employees from physically overexerting themselves. The last point I want to talk about is to make sure that you are available to operators and other employees if they need help and have a plan in place so you are prepared. Being available is something that is easy to do, and lets employees know that you want them to stay safe. Just remember, just because one of the techniques works for someone does not mean it will have the same positive effect on someone else.
Staying safe in the workplace should always be your top priority. Make sure you are taking all of the necessary steps to help your employees or yourself, to avoid running in to worker fatigue.
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