Powering You Forward: Toyota Power Studies Explained

Why should a company consider having a power study?

A power study should be conducted to ensure adequate power throughout each shift and the entire day. This study will indicate the necessary number of batteries, charger sizes, and optimal times for operators to recharge equipment.

How are power studies conducted and what kind of information do they produce?

Power studies are carried out on the most frequently used trucks over a period of 2 to 3 weeks. These studies can be performed on any type of electric or internal combustion lift truck. They provide insights into various metrics, including run hours, shift schedules, break times, available charging times, state of charge, discharged amp hours, and recharge amp hours.

How do Toyota Energy Consultants use the information gathered in power studies?

Toyota Energy Consultants analyze data to identify patterns in shift schedules, monitor power demands, predict battery life, and provide comprehensive reports on optimal power solutions for today and the future.

In addition to power studies, Toyota provides on-site consultations. Are companies surprised by this level of support?

Power studies and on-site consultations often provide valuable insights for customers, revealing opportunities for process enhancements. These enhancements can be straightforward, such as relocating the charging station to minimize travel time for operators, eliminating the need for battery changes to reduce downtime, or ensuring that the building has the appropriate infrastructure in place.

Do companies have to choose between energy efficiency and productivity when it comes to forklifts?

Improving energy efficiency often directly correlates with increased productivity. Many companies strive to enhance both aspects, and modern technology, such as lithium-ion batteries, can make this possible.

What is an integrated electric forklift and why is it increasing in popularity?

Integrated electric forklifts are gaining popularity because they are designed around the battery. These forklifts utilize CAN (Controller Area Network) communication, which enhances performance and improves communication between the battery and the forklift.

Why can the wrong combination of energy sources and charging equipment be problematic?

Using the wrong combination of energy sources and charging equipment can lead to significant issues, particularly increased downtime if they are not suited for the application. When the incorrect battery and charger are used, forklifts might not achieve the desired runtime, requiring operators to recharge the equipment more frequently.

Additionally, if a charger is not compatible with the correct incoming line voltage or breaker sizes, a new charger may be necessary, and there could be a need to frequently replace fuses and modules. It’s also crucial to choose a battery and charger that are approved by the forklift manufacturer to ensure they have undergone proper testing.

Toyota offers a tremendous range of forklift types. Is it difficult for companies to choose the ones that are best for their operations?

Toyota Material Handling aims to be a comprehensive solutions provider, offering a wide range of forklifts to choose from. With guidance from our Toyota Energy Consultants and an analysis of your power study results, we can typically recommend the best product options for your operation. This includes suggestions for battery and charger options as well. As your energy partner, we strive to make the process as easy and seamless as possible for you.