Introducing the New Advance SW4000 Rider Sweeper

Maximizing performance and dust control while minimizing total cost of ownership.

The SW4000 Rider Sweeper provides high productivity and reliable cleaning performance to attack tough sweeping applications. Designed with a safe and efficient hydraulic high dump, the SW4000 delivers exceptional productivity. Operator intuitive front wheel steering and front wheel drive offer superior maneuverability in tight corners or narrow aisles. From warehouse and distribution centers to outdoor parking lots and lumber yards, the SW4000 ensures a professionally swept finish for diverse indoor and outdoor applications.

Efficient Sweeping

For smooth, easy operation, the SW4000 features One-Touch sweeping capabilities-enabling all functions, including the main broom, side brooms, vacuum fan and the optional DustGuard misting system, to activate only while the sweeper is moving. This integration provides machine run-time of up to 4.5 hours on a single battery charge while minimizing wear on the brooms. The unobstructed view, high dump hopper easily deposits into a standard dumpster for safe handling and quick dumping. For enhanced sweeping capabilities, the optional DustGuard misting system provides up to 75% greater dust controlled sweeping path compared to the nearest comparable competitor's machines.

To ensure the filter remains dust-free for optimal performance, the SW4000 features a timed Liberator multi-frequency filter shaker that cleans the filter more effectively to restore airflow for maximum dust control.

User Friendly

The SW4000 is designed to simplify sweeping with retractable, spring-loaded side brooms and rugged steel guards to virtually eliminate risk of machine damage. It also features a left or right side access driver's compartment, adjustable seat and column-mounted controls for ergonomic and intuitive operation. Tools-free broom and filter removal and battery compartment makes routine maintenance fast and easy.

For more information about the new SW4000, download a free brochure or contact a Shoppa's Mid America sales representative to schedule your free demo today!

10 Ways Your Facility Can Become More Environmentally Friendly

Toyota is committed to continuously improving its environmental stewardship, and is asking its partners to do the same. Instituting recycling programs, minimizing pollution and promoting the advantages of electric-powered lift trucks are just a few considerations that make a difference. Here are 10 ways that will help your facility become more environmentally friendly:

1. Minimize waste by recycling and looking at your process to reduce the amount of raw materials used.
2. For remaining waste, consider a waste-to-energy facility. Is there a way to reuse the waste that was created?
3. Consider changing your thermostat. Allowing the temperature range to be a little warmer in the summer months and cooler in the winter months can have a very positive impact on the environment and reduce your company's overall carbon footprint.
4. Increase your number of alternative fuel lift trucks, whether electric, propane or Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). For example, propane is non-toxic and clean-burning, so it's versatile enough for indoor or outdoor applications. It's also safe and economical and requires little maintenance.
5. Start a recycling program at your facility. Set goals for reduction in waste that goes to landfills.
6. Install an energy-efficient lighting system.
7. Encourage your vendors and partners to adopt "green" initiatives.
8. Encourage carpooling among employees and offer incentives for doing so.
9. See if fast charging makes sense for your facility, and reduce the number of batteries used.
10. Recycle used oil.
    

Following these simple tips can not only help your facility become more environmentally friendly, but also help lower your overall operating costs. Shoppa's Mid America can start you on the right track with alternative fuel lift trucks and battery washing and maintenance programs. Contact us today to get started on your own environmental stewardship program today.

Toyota Named Green Supply Chain Partner for Fifth Consecutive Year

Toyota Material Handling was named to Inbound Logistics' list of 2013 Green Supply Chain Partners. The company was chosen in part for its environmentally friendly solutions, green manufacturing process and continued dedication to supply chain sustainability. This is the fifth year TMHU has been named to the list - every year since the award's inception.

"The Green Supply chain list honors companies that have made sustainability a priority, and continue to push Inbound Logistics. "Toyota, for a fifth consecutive year, was recognized for creating an organizational culture where sustainability permeates all aspects of its manufacturing processes, extending to its suppliers as well."
the needle in terms of innovation and execution," explained Felecia Stratton, editor for

"Toyota operates under a global earth charter that promotes environmental responsibility throughout our entire company," Jeff Rufener, president of TMHU said. "At every stage of the production cycle - from raw materials and parts procurement to manufacturing and recycling - Toyota minimizes the environmental impact of every product."

The Green 75 feature is designed to provide decision support for Inbound Logistics' readers who seek to do business with sustainable providers. To be eligible for the ranking, companies must provide logistics services with an emphasis on eco-friendly solutions.

Celebrating more than 45 years in business in North America, TMHU is the supplier of Toyota lift trucks, the number one selling brand since 2002. In addition to the full line of high-quality lift trucks, the company's extended industrial equipment solutions include Automated Guided Vehicles and tow tractors. Quality is the hallmark of the Toyota Production System practiced at all Toyota manufacturing facilities, including Toyota Industrial Equipment Mfg., Inc. (TIEM), a zero-landfill facility in Columbus, Inc. TIEM, named a 2011 North American Best Plant by IndustryWeek magazine, is a member of the National Safety Council, complies with the ISO 14001 standard from the International Organization for Standardization and has produced more than 400,000 Toyota lift trucks since its opening in 1990.

For more information about the Toyota line of lift trucks, visit our website.

DC vs. AC in the Forklift World

There is a high demand today for vehicles that do not relay solely on fossil fuels. People are far more aware of the growing emission problems, and many regulations are being placed on companies to seek out more environmental friendly practices.

Emissions are not the only issue with transportation, as the cost of fuel has tripled in the last five years. One traditional alternative to fossil fuels is electricity. For many years electric forklifts were limited to transporting smaller loads and being reserved for indoor use only. There have been advancements in the last ten years that has allowed electric (AC and DC) lifts to take the place of many internal combustion powered units. A specific advancement has reviled the fact that we have been using a very inefficient process to power electric industrial equipment.

The very first system to be used to power devices was the DC (direct current) distribution system. Direct current was first developed by Thomas Edison. It was designed to supply a constant amount of voltage to a device. The system was primarily used for the purpose of lighting a light bulb, which was the major purpose of electricity at the time. DC operates very similar to a normal battery, where current is always moving in the same direction, from positive to negative. With this system there was no way of regulating how much power was used, and because of this different copper lines had to be used for devices that required more or less voltage. As you can imagine this was costly to a consumer and a universal source of power was needed.

With an AC (alternating current) distribution system, large amounts of energy can be transported over greater distances. Rather than having a constant level of electricity, AC pulses current from one direction to another. The electricity is passed through a transformer, the same as what's next to your house, which allows energy transfer to be universal. This way any amount of voltage can be transformed in to what is needed for a specific device.

Until the last decade, it was difficult to have variable motor speeds with AC motors. The electronics needed for an AC motor were too bulky and expensive for a forklift. Hauling around a transformer was not practical. Because of many technological advances these AC controllers have become for more compact, less expensive, and energy efficient. When it comes to industrial equipment, factors that are vital to electric vehicles are the maneuverability, comfort, emissions, and operating time in between shifts.

Toyota's AC system forklifts are able to run longer shifts in between charges and cut down on the size of the lift. This may be a small detail, but it has a large impact on the functionality of the lift. Another advantage of having AC powered trucks is that there is virtually no maintenance needed for the motor. DC systems have wire brushes that rotate around magnets to power the motor, which need to be monitored by maintenance and replaced semiannually. With an AC powered system there are virtually no moving parts. No moving parts leads to less heat and less erosion on the internal functions in the forklift.

An AC powered unit can not only save you money on fuel utilization, but on maintenance as well. This is because the AC motor is totally enclosed, which prevents dust and debris from entering the motor. Finally, in most cases, as AC motor produces a fraction of the heat of a DC motor. Companies who have switched from DC powered forklifts to AC power have seen up to a 20% increase in productivity in the right application. DC still remains a strong contender for many applications, but continuing evolution of AC motors has made it a winner for many in the material handling world.

As with all forklift purchases, a correct application survey from a qualified professional can help you find the best lift for your needs. Contact a Shoppa's Mid America sales representative today to get started.