Journey of a Toyota Approved Used Forklift Truck
From used to like new – how do Toyota do it?
Toyota employ a Zero Muda strategy across their business, meaning that they focus on reducing waste wherever possible. That’s why, in 2001, they developed a 276,000-square-foot fleet management centre where they expertly refurbish forklift trucks from their rental fleet, ready for a new life. Expert Toyota technicians and refurbishment specialists undertake rigorous testing on all trucks, leaving them running as good as new into their 2nd and 3rd lives!
To learn more about the Toyota process, read below…
Arrival & First Inspection
The journey starts with a 36-point inspection where Toyota technicians determine whether the truck’s condition is good enough to be refurbished and sold. This means that if the truck has low usage and is mechanically sound, it will move on to the next stage of the refurbishment journey.
Mechanical inspections
The next stage involves a thorough inspection of all mechanical components. The team identifies and fixes any faults with the trucks, and replaces worn or damaged components, which can include the lift chain, axle bushes and mast bushes, the engine, batteries, and the tyres will also be inspected. If any parts are worn, these are replaced with only genuine Toyota parts. After all worn parts are replaced, the machine is ready for prepping and paint.
Prepping and paint shop
While the engineering work carried out is critical to the performance of all key functions, this stage of the refurbishment process has the most visible impact on a used truck. Applying a new paint finish transforms the used truck into a machine that looks brand new. Depending on the type of truck, the time it takes for the machine to undergo the respray process depends on the condition of each vehicle, on average, a counterbalance truck can typically be given a new coating in around eight hours from start to finish.
Final inspection and delivery to customer
Finally, Toyota take the used truck to be thoroughly tested to ensure it meets all of our quality and safety requirements, including forks, lifting capacity, engines, and compression for maximum customer safety. Once approved, the refurbished truck will then be ready to deliver to customers.
To see the entire Toyota process in action from start to finish – watch the video below!
Source material: https://toyota-forklifts.co.uk/used-solutions/journey-of-an-approved-used-truck/
