Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A., Inc. (TMHU) today unveiled its innovative new line of 8-Series 4-wheel AC electric lift trucks, available in 4,000 to 6,500 pound load capacities - including a new 5,500 pound model. Ideally suited for virtually every indoor material handling need, from food and beverage to general warehousing and distribution centers, this AC-powered lift truck delivers longer runtimes and offers quicker acceleration, elevating the industry standards of productivity, efficiency, durability and safety. The new 4-wheel models will be manufactured exclusively at the company's facility in Columbus, Ind., Toyota Industrial Equipment Mfg., Inc. (TIEM) starting this May with orders currently being accepted.
AC Power System with Revved- Up Travel and Lift Speeds
Toyota was the first major lift truck supplier to bring AC technology to the North American market. Taking this acclaimed technological advancement to new levels, Toyota's lift truck offerings now include a 4-wheel AC-powered lift truck with the distinct performance advantages of Toyota-designed, motors and controllers. The AC-powered system is comprised of a series of subsystems - each of which either conserves or regenerates power to maximize operational productivity between battery charges. The motor features a "power keep" function, which is designed to compensate for battery depletion and corresponding loss of performance, allowing for longer run times and more consistent power output throughout the length of each battery charge cycle. In addition, energy is continually recovered through three forms of regenerative braking, coast control, plug braking and foot braking extending run times significantly and prolonging brake component life.
Reduced Maintenance to Improve Customers' Bottom Line
Toyota's virtually maintenance-free AC power system contains no motor brushes, springs, commutator or wearable parts to service and replace, resulting in fewer, quicker and less expensive maintenance and operational costs. The lift truck's AC-powered drive system and AC-powered hydraulic system boost travel and lift speeds. Also, by controlling the on-demand, full hydrostatic power steering through the AC hydraulic motor system, there is one less motor to service and maintain.
This notable increase in AC-powered performance, combined with a reduction in down time for maintenance, means significant enhancements in productivity and efficiency for customers.
Ergonomics Increase Operator Comfort
Toyota is able to increase operator comfort by improving ergonomics and expanding leg room. Some of the features adding to operator comfort include a standard ultra-comfort vinyl full suspension seat with four-way adjustability and increased forward/backward seat adjustment, anti-cinch seat belts, mini-lever and joystick hydraulic controls with Ergo-Shift featuring a three-way adjustable armrest to enhance operator comfort and increase productivity.
Enhanced Visibility
A number of operator visibility enhancing features were integrated into the new 4-wheel electric AC lift trucks including angled tie-bars on both the overhead guard and load backrest extension along with lowered free-lift cylinders on both the 3-stage and 4-stage masts. The 8-Series Multifunction Digital Display was also integrated into the front cowl to give the operator an uncluttered forward view toward the load and operating environment, and the fork color was changed to orange in order to help clearly define the position of the fork tips.
Industry-Proven Safety Benefits
The 8-Series 4-wheel AC electric lift truck continues to offer Toyota's exclusive System of Active Stability (SAS), which is proven to help reduce the risk of accidents that occur as a result of lateral and longitudinal tipovers. When the SAS system detects instability, its advanced sensors simultaneously signal and engage the appropriate controller. The Active Control Rear Stabilizer System and the Active Mast Function Controller System work in conjunction to add truck stability and help reduce the likelihood of a lateral overturn and help decrease the chance of spilling a load or tipping the lift truck forward or backward.
Additional Lift Truck Operability Enhancements
A Momentary Hold and Controlled Descent feature is now standard and maximizes lift truck control by regulating rolling speed when the accelerator pedal is released on a grade. It also allows the lift truck to be started on an inclined surface without rolling backward.
Also, a Shock Sensor option, integrated into the multifunction digital display, enables end users to monitor lift truck damage or fleet abuse. When an impact is detected that exceeds a pre-set level it warns the operator by displaying a highlighted "Shock Sensor Alarm" icon on the display and sounding a buzzer. At the same time the controller records the date and time of the event to be later retrieved by the warehouse manager through the digital display. If the lift truck is equipped with the Keyless Entry System option the controller will also record the PIN of the operator that was driving the unit at the time of truck impact. This will facilitate determining the operator responsible for the damage caused to the equipment. This system cannot be deactivated even if the operator tries to reset it by either turning the key "off" and "on" again, or by disconnecting and reconnecting the battery connector. Only the warehouse manager with the appropriate password can reset the system. Additionally, for maximum productivity and to minimize product damage, an Auto Height Select option is available to allow warehouse managers to program the lift truck to automatically stop the forks up to three pre-determined rack heights.
For more information on Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A., Inc., please visit www.toyotaforklift.com, http://www.facebook.com/ToyotaForklift or twitter.com/ToyotaForklift.
