Home > Makes > TOYOTA > ENGINES, COOLING & EXHAUST > ALTERNATORS
Sort By:
Page of 8
   
 

Toyota Forklift Alternators - Best Quality Parts for Your Lift Truck

Table of Contents

  1. Summary
  2. What is an Alternator and How does it Work?
  3. Do All Toyota Forklifts Have an Alternator?
  4. How Do You Check a Toyota Forklift Alternator?
  5. Toyota Forklift Alternator Fault Symptoms
  6. Get Your Toyota Forklift Alternator Replacement at Lift Parts Warehouse
  7. Takeaways

Summary

Alternators are a key component of Toyota forklifts powered by internal combustion (IC) engines. Thanks to this component, your lift truck can carry out its operations as long as you require without running out the battery. A Toyota forklift alternator is made to be strong and durable, although you will inevitably need to repair or even replace it. When that time comes, it's best to be prepared, which is why Lift Parts Warehouse wants to share what you need to know about forklift alternators and how you should choose their replacement.

What is an Alternator and How does it Work?

An alternator is a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. It is commonly used in Toyota forklifts powered by IC engines to generate the power needed to operate the lift truck's accessories. The alternator uses a rotating magnetic field to produce an electric current. The electric current is then used to charge the lift truck's batteries and to power the lift truck's lights and other features.

Toyota forklift alternator attached to the engine and with the belt around its pulley
The alternator uses part of the mechanical energy and transforms it into electrical energy

The alternator is located on the left side of the engine. It is mounted with two bolts and has a belt around its pulley.

When you start your Toyota forklift, the battery sends a small amount of electricity to the starter motor. The starter motor then turns over the engine, and as the engine starts to run, it turns a shaft that connects to the Toyota forklift alternator. As this shaft rotates, it spins a set of coils inside the alternator, generating electricity.

A new aftermarket replacement alternator for Toyota lift truck 800144952
Aftermarket replacement alternator for Toyota lift truck 800144952

If your Toyota forklift's alternator fails, it can cause problems with starting the engine, powering the electrical system, or both. If you suspect that your Toyota forklift's alternator is failing, take it to a qualified technician for diagnosis and repair.

Do All Toyota Forklifts Have an Alternator?

In one way or another, regardless of the lift truck brand, these trucks rely on electricity to function properly, but not all of them use the same power source. Toyota has two main forklift types powered by internal combustion engines and those run entirely by lithium batteries.

A 4-wheel Toyota forklift model 8FD25and its alternator location highlighted
A forklift powered by a internal combustion (IC) engine uses alternators to generate electricity

Alternators are mainly used in those forklift trucks that use IC engines since they take advantage of part of the motion energy produced by the engine shaft to transform it into electricity.

On the other hand, Toyota electric forklifts are powered by a high-performance battery that delivers long run times, and thanks their electric motors they give reliable performance . The battery is designed for quick and easy charging, so your forklift is always ready to go. Nowadays, these batteries come in different voltages (mostly between 24 volts to 48 volts), so they can easily power a Toyota forklift for an entire shift without recharging.

How Do You Check a Toyota Forklift Alternator?

The alternator is a critical component of your Toyota forklift. Regular inspection of this equipment is an essential part of preventive maintenance. The good news is that checking the alternator is an easy operation that will only take minutes. You don't have to take your forklift to a mechanic shop. Follow the steps below as a guide to check the condition of your Toyota forklift's alternator:

  1. Park the Toyota forklift in a well-lit area and set the parking brake.
  2. Open the engine hood and find the battery. With a multimeter, check the battery state; anything measured below 10 volts would indicate a defective battery.
  3. Remove the negative (-) terminal from the battery using a wrench. This will help prevent any accidental electrical shocks.
  4. Using a voltmeter, check that there is no voltage present at the alternator's output terminal. If there is, there may be a problem with the alternator itself or the charging system.
  5. Connect once again the negative terminal.
  6. With the voltmeter still connected, start the Toyota forklift's engine and rev it to 1,500- 2,000 rpm.
  7. Check the voltmeter reading once again - it should show more than 12.6 but less than 14.5-15 volts, indicating that the alternator is charging correctly.
  8. If the reading is lower, there may be a problem with the alternator belt or pulleys. If the measurement is higher than it should, the regulator may be the problem.
  9. Use a clamp-on ammeter to test the alternator amperes. Clamp the ammeter around the positive output wire on the alternator. An average range should be between 4-20 amps. Anything above 30 amps may indicate issues with the battery.
  10. Press the throttle to see the amp change with the acceleration.

Visual guide of how to use a clamp ammeter to take the amperage reading on a Toyota forklift alternator
A clamp meter allows you to read the alternator amperage easily and safely

If you conclude that your battery and belt are in good condition but still have charging problems, your alternator probably needs to be replaced. If you plan to do it, look first for your Toyota forklift manual, and verify the model and characteristics that the new alternator must meet.

Toyota Forklift Alternator Fault Symptoms

If your Toyota forklift's alternator isn't working correctly, you may notice a few symptoms. Here we will summarize the most outstanding:

  • The engine may not start or may have difficulty starting. If the alternator is completely faulty, there may be no power to the electrical system. Even if the engine does manage to start, the alternator may not be able to keep it running for long. Without a properly functioning alternator, the battery will quickly drain, leaving the engine without any power.
  • Flickering lights. This issue can be caused by low voltage due to a problem with the alternator. The lights will begin to dim as the battery voltage drops, and they may eventually go out altogether.
  • Weird sounds. If your Toyota forklift is making a growling or whining sound, it could indicate that the belt that turns the alternator's pulley is misaligned or rubbing against the side of the pulley.
  • A burning smell. An overworked alternator can cause the wires to heat up unsafely, while damaged wires can create resistance to the flow of electricity, leading to overheating and emitting a foul odor.
A Old and rusty alternator attached to a Toyota forklift engine
A faulty alternator will cause your Toyota forklift to run irregularly

If your Toyota forklift is having problems with the alternator, it's essential to have it checked out by a qualified technician as soon as possible. A faulty alternator can cause significant issues with the electrical system and may even lead to an engine stall or fire.

Get Your Toyota Forklift Alternator Replacement at Lift Parts Warehouse

Lift Parts Warehouse puts in your hands all the facilities to acquire a new Toyota forklift alternator rapidly and efficiently. In our online catalog, you will find a wide variety of alternators compatible with many Toyota forklift models. Each of which has a one-year warranty, so you can be confident in the quality of the product.

At Lift Parts Warehouse, we understand that finding the right alternator can be a challenge. We've made it easy to find the best compatible replacement for your forklift.

Give us the year and model of your Toyota forklift, and our staff will display a list of the best compatible replacements. In addition, our service staff will be happy to guide you through the purchase process so that you can do it with just a few clicks from your smartphone or the comfort of your computer.

A new aftermarket replacement alternator for Toyota lift truck 00591-55969-81
Aftermarket replacement alternator for Toyota lift truck 00591-55969-81

With Lift Parts Warehouse, finding the right Toyota forklift parts is easy and hassle-free. And thanks to our delivery service, you don't even have to leave your house or office to get it - we'll bring it right to you. So why wait? Give us a call today and let us help you find a suitable alternator for your Toyota lift truck. You won't regret it.

Takeaways

The alternator provides power to the starter motor and other electrical components, and if it fails, the forklift may not be able to start. In some cases, an alternator failure can also lead to unexpected stoppages while the forklift operates. That's why it's always a good idea to have a spare Toyota forklift alternator on hand. At Lift Parts Warehouse, we carry a full line of Toyota forklift parts, including alternators. We're always here to help keep your Toyota forklift running smoothly.

Read More