Forklift Safety for a Better Tomorrow

No job can - or should - be completed without proper safety protocols in place. This is particularly true when dealing with heavy machinery, such as forklifts, in the workplace. Learn the key features of a safe forklift, the statistics on the features that most buyers prefer, and the best practices for workplace safety while operating a forklift.

Toyota has developed the world's first System of Active StabilityTM (SAS), derived from automotive technology. Toyota's SAS and Active Mast Control (AMC) technologies were designed specifically to reduce the likelihood of tipovers. Following the introduction of SAS, transportation injuries involving forklifts in the United States decreased while the SAS field population increased between 1999 and 2010. While mandatory operator training enacted by OSHA certainly plays a large part in these reductions, the safety impact provided by SAS cannot be underestimated - Toyota's SAS system helps reduce the likelihood of overturn accidents.

From warehouses to manufacturing plants, forklifts are a vital tool of productivity, moving everything from parts to potatoes. With thousands of forklift injuries occurring every year, forklift safety awareness is essential. See statistics on the safety features most buyers prefer and how Toyota's System of Active Stability helps reduce the risk of tipovers with the infographic below:

Winterize Equipment Now Before You're Left Out in the Cold

Get Your Forklift Ready for the Big Chill

The harsh winter climate don't just affect you, they also affect your material handling equipment. You wouldn't dream of heading outside without a heavy coat if the wind chill brought the temperature below freezing. Don't expect your forklifts to function properly without some attention to its winter needs too. As temperatures start to drop, your forklift needs special maintenance for the upcoming winter season. The increasing cold weather and ice affect the operations and life of your equipment.

Forklift Emissions Testing

At Shoppa's Mid America, we want to ensure that your fleet is working properly and up to code going in to the colder months. Let us help you meet EPA and OSHA emissions standards with our on-site emissions testing. Routine emissions testing will help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and ultimately will help prevent downtime. Protect your employees and your equipment and contact Shoppa's Mid America today to schedule an emissions test.

Planned Maintenance

Don't let the changing season slow you down. Instead, take proper care of your equipment and operators. Follow these simple tips so your productivity does not get frozen. Schedule a planned maintenance check to determine any remaining problems due to hot summer months prior. Have your equipment's cooling system check and winterized. The freezing temperatures could greatly impact the system. Be sure the oil is being checked regularly and the zerk fittings properly greased. And during a planned maintenance check, one of our technicians to determine the strength of the battery before temperatures drop drastically.

Winter Accessories

Special accessories and services for your lift trucks and warehouse that help keep the winter cold out can increase operator comfort, increase energy efficiency and reduce downtime. Shoppa's wants to help customers maximize their material handling productivity.

So don't wait until the first freeze. Contact Shoppa's Mid America today to schedule your $199* winterization preventative maintenance service call or get more information on winterization accessories.

*Sales tax not included. Prices subject to change without notice.

Reach for New Heights with Aerial Lifts & Portable Platforms

Thirty years of experience in providing efficient and safe aerial equipment, has made Genie aerial equipment some of the best available, cost-effective solutions for aerial lifts and portable platforms available. Genie products are designed and engineered with durability, reliability, ergonomics, and uncompromising safety in mind.

Shoppa's Mid America is an authorized Genie dealer, offering a wide range of Genie aerial equipment that you can count on to get the job done efficiently and safely Genie is ideal if you're looking to increase your productivity with a competitive aerial lift brand. Shoppa's Mid America has the Genie lifts that compete on price, speed and capability with working heights up to 59' and load capacities up to 2,500 lbs.

Scissor Lifts
The ever-expanding line of Genie electric and rough terrain scissor lifts that Shoppa's offers ensure unmatched performance and versatility. These machines are perfect for big outdoor jobs or maneuvering in light workspaces and boost work site productivity. Features include folding guardrails, dual flashing beacons, non-marking tires and more.

Telescopic Lifts
Shoppa's also offers Genie Telescopic Booms for indoor, outdoor or rough terrain applications. These products are offered in electric, bi-energy or engine-powered set-ups and provide the ultimate versatility with up, out and over positioning capabilities for hard-to-access work areas. All booms can be customized with a variety of options and packages to fit individual business' needs.

Mounted Booms
For reaching jobs high and low, the Genie Trailer-Mounted Z-Booms are your go-to product. With easy-to-tow mobility and simple pictograph controls, it's no surprise that the Genie Mounted Booms take productivity to new heights, and Shoppa's can help your business reach them.

Telehandlers
With reach heights up to 56' and load capacities up to 3,000 lbs., Genie's compact rough terrain telehandlers offer superior performance. Shoppa's carries a wide range of models ranging from max lifts of 19' to 56' 10". Whatever your application needs may be, Shoppa's can provide.

Contact Shoppa's Mid America today for more information on the durable and reliable Genie products both new and used that we currently have in-stock.

Be Prepared - New OSHA Training Standard to Start Soon

December 1st Set as Training Deadline for Revised Hazard Communication Standard

OSHA's Hazard of Communication Standard (HCS) has recently been revised to include new requirements to evaluate hazards of chemicals and prepare labels and safety data sheets information. Facilities have until December 1, 2013 to complete all employee training.

The updates to the HCS include all operations and facilities that have at least one hazardous chemical on site. This includes battery-powered forklift trucks battery acid, propane-powered industrial units and food facilities that use chemicals for cleaning.

The main reason for the rule change is to increase safety and awareness of hazardous chemicals in the workplace. "We are updating Haz Com to meet the needs of our changing world," Assistant Secretary David Michaels said. "Revising OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard will improve the quality and consistency of hazard information, making it safer for workers to do their jobs and easier for employers to stay competitive."

The revisions are the result of OSHA's alignment of the HCS with the United Nations' Globally Harmonized System of Classifying and Labeling of Chemicals. Changes were made in order to better standardize the world of hazardous chemicals.

"Now, under the new standard, instead of having a variety of different safety data sheets and labels, the hazard warnings will now be the same regardless of who produces it or where it is produced...the message is the same regardless of who sees it," said Michaels.

Shoppa's Mid America encourages all customers to get trained as quickly as possible. For more information, contact us today. You can also find more information regarding the HCS rule change at www.osha.gov.

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.