After reviewing the alternatives, Kendall-Jackson made the decision to convert to
Toyota electric lift trucks supplied by
Toyota Material Handling Northern California (Hayward, Calif.). Electric lift trucks were selected for their environmentally friendly benefits including no emissions and decreased noise pollution in the winery.
Kendall-Jackson lift truck drivers handle wine barrels with 74-in. forks on uneven surfaces. Knocking over a barrel containing 40 gallons of wine is a serious product loss for the company. One of the reasons why Kendall-Jackson chose the Toyota trucks was their onboard “system of active stability” (SAS). SAS is a mass-control feature that provides safer, easier load handling. The system senses factors that lead to lateral instability and potential overturn and reacts before operators sense danger. To reduce the risk of tip-over, SAS engages the swing lock cylinder to stabilize the rear axle.
Kendall-Jackson managers can program and customize each lift truck to meet specific operational and safety requirements. To handle barrels at high elevations in reverse, for example, they can change the acceleration rate setting to help prevent dropped barrels.
MHMonline.com welcomes relevant, exclusive case histories that explain in specific detail the business benefits that new software and material-handling equipment has provided to specific users. Send submissions to Lisa Kempfer ([email protected]), MHM managing editor. All submissions will be edited for clarity, content and style.