Hire and Rental News - November 2018

MATERIALS HANDLING Modified Toyota forklift puts worker in the box seat Toyota has worked with the Federal Government's JobAccess program to modify a Toyota 8-Series 1.8 tonne payload forklift so a factory labourer with dwarfism can work more autonomously and efficiently in his role in a warehouse in Dry Creek, north of Adelaide. Starting as a factory labourer at Glen Dimplex via specialist Disability Employment Service provider, Barkuma, in 2012, Shaun O'Bryan acquired new skills and responsibilities on the job, culminating in a desire to get his forklift licence. Barkuma is a not-for profit organisation that helps people with developmental disabilities gain employment in the open workforce and provides ongoing support. Luke Axford at Barkuma said the process started with a visit to Shaun to discuss an issue he was having on site with an electric walk-behind forklift. “We looked at making workplace modifications through the Federal Government's JobAccess program," Luke said. "After an environment assessment and report the Department authorised quotes and contact was made with Toyota Material Handling (TMHA) South Australia Area Sales Manager, Paul Warburton. Paul helped select a model that could most easily be modified." Paul then engaged key partner, Dometic, for design and engineering of the 8-Series forklift modifications. Dometic General Manager Phil Wilkins said the company's 25-year relationship with TMHA modifying Toyota machinery put it in good stead for such an unusual and extensive job. Most of the work was done by the Toyota guys but we handled the heavy components such as the platform, for example, because we have a metal fabrication shop, Phil said. "Normally when modifying a forklift, we're arranging an increase in cabin height but in Shaun's case we were looking to reduce it. The main thing was to get the correct seat index point (the point of your hips when you're sitting in the seat) for Shaun because his legs and arms are shorter in proportion to his torso." Phil said some special modifications such as moving the handbrake out of the foot well to the main console were performed at Toyota's factory in Japan and others locally. Modifications included raising the 8-Series' floor and pedals by 15cm, moving handles down and adding extra handles to assist entry and exit and the addition of mini-levers. Dometic's Phil Wilkins said one of the cleverest things about the modifications is they are easily reversible and transferable. "We didn't want the modifications to lock Shaun into that forklift because they do have an expiry date. When it's due to be traded or upgraded, everything can be un-bolted to return the forklift to standard so it won't affect its value. "And if it's replaced with another 8-Series 90% of the modifications can just bolt straight onto the new machine," Phil said. Many different parties threw their resources and support behind the project over a nine- month period. Dometic donated all its time and production to the project, which also received backing from Coopers Brewery. Call: 1800 425 438 or visit: www.toyotamaterialhandling.com.au A modified Toyota forklift means more autonomy and efficiency in the warehouse Expanding battery company commissions new forklift In line with a company move to an all-Toyota fleet, R&J Batteries' new distribution centre at Truganina in Melbourne's west has commissioned a new three-tonne Toyota 8FG30 forklift from Toyota Material Handling Australia (TMHA) and racking for 2000 pallet spaces. The decision to use Toyota forklifts was based on safety, efficiency and operator comfort and the new Toyota forklift is one of two 8FG25 units at the main Victorian receiving centre for containers of stock. Victorian State Manager Jason Handley said R&J Batteries had experienced massive growth in the past 10 years, and has had new racking installed in company stores in Brisbane and New Zealand, with further expansion occurring in Adelaide. "The company has been in business 22 years and two years ago we began switching to Toyota forklifts across our 20 stores nationally. Toyota forklifts are more comfortable for operators than our previous units. Overall, the Toyota forklifts provide greater efficiency and safety: they are a more stable forklift," he said. Toyota Material Handling Australia's General Manager – Product Management, Dean Watson, said TMHA now offers a comprehensive range of driverless forklifts (Automated Guided Vehicles) including selective, drive-in, gravity flow, push-back and satellite with auto shuttle. "We can assist with optimising business flow, driving down costs and increasing productivity through the integration of Automated Guided Vehicles with pallet racking solutions," Dean said. Contact: 1800 425 438 or visit: www.toyotamaterialhandling.com.au R&J Batteries' new distribution centre has commissioned a new Toyota forklift 54 HIRE AND RENTAL NEWS • NOVEMBER 2018