Toyota Forklifts Europe

• December 2005 - TICO named world leader
• April 2005 - Driver support
• February 2005 - New explosion-proof forklifts
• March 2005 - A New 7SLL range
• March 2005 - The second most admired company
• May 2005 - Service and maintenance
• October 2005 - Empowering your business
• October 2005 - A forklift evolution
• October 2005 - Launch of Toyota Traigo
• October 2005 - TICO develops a fuell cell
• October 2005 - Toyota at CeMAT 2005

Designed with the driver in mind

April 2005 - Driver support THE INCREASING IMPORTANCE OF DRIVER COMFORT IN THE MATERIALS HANDLING INDUSTRIE

Andrew Elliot, sales and marketing director, Toyota Industrial Equipment Europe, discusses the changing role of ergonomics in forklift design and its impact on purchasing decisions.

"Forklift manufacturers now recognise what car manufactures have known for years and that is that ergonomics and comfort result in higher user satisfaction. At many organisations, forklift operators are required to work up to eight hours on a truck so ensuring they are as comfortable as possible is essential. As a result ergonomics are now being carefully evaluated by forklift purchasers who now recognise that improved driver comfort results in a more productive workforce. 

"A well designed forklift ensures higher levels of health and safety as operators are better equipped to do their job. Providing driver comfort therefore not only results in improved productivity but also reduced costs as drivers will have less time off sick though work related illnesses. As a result, purchasers are looking for trucks which are designed with the driver in mind. In response to this, it is essential for forklift manufacturers to continually develop technologies and features which can make the operator more comfortable. 

"The role of driver comfort in purchasing decisions has meant that seats, tyres, steering and controls are continually being improved. As one of the most crucial areas for comfort, adjustable seats should be fitted as standard to ensure drivers can operate effectively no matter what their size. Additional features such as a lumbar support system, side wings and retractable seat belt are also important to keep the driver in the most comfortable position. A retractable seatbelt allows the operator to move as needed but keeps him/her inside in the cab in case of an accident so improves safety. 

"Providing adjustable features is becoming essential to ensure drivers of different sizes can be accommodated. As a result, tilting steering columns are now in demand. Not only do these ensure individual driver comfort requirements are met, but batteries can be changed more easily as the steering wheel tilts out of the way.

"Increasingly forklift buyers are also looking for trucks with advanced controls. Minilevers for example, allow much smaller arm movements which reduces effort while providing smooth and precise control of the load. They can provide greater levels of productivity as operating controls are at the driver's fingertips. 

"Pedals and brakes have also changed in response to this need. Brakes have been designed to allow the driver to control his truck with only one foot on one pedal and reduce the number of braking actions required which significantly reduces operator fatigue and stress levels.

"The popularity of the electric forklift in particular has seen the introduction of various features to improve driver comfort. At Toyota this includes a redesigned driver armrest to encourage a more ergonomic driving position. The armrest incorporates a series of electro-proportional mini-levers, putting all the main operating controls at the driver's fingertips. In addition to this, the tilting steering column can be adjusted to any position within a 13-degree range, allowing comfortable operation for drivers of all size.

"An ergonomically designed forklift must also reassure the driver that they are as safe as possible. This is where advanced technologies such as Toyota's System of Active Stability (SAS) become important. All the SAS safety features reduce the consequences of operator error and are proven to satisfy even the most experienced operators. 
"SAS minimises the risk of a truck tipping over or loads slipping off the forks so protects both drivers and other people in the workplace. This not only prevents goods from being damaged but reduces stress on the driver. 

"The advances in forklift design clearly illustrate the increasing importance of driver comfort in the materials handling industry. There is no doubt therefore, that the future will see more innovation in terms of ergonomic design across all materials handling equipment. Forklift manufacturers should continue to invest in improving operator performance to ensure that changing demands are met and customers benefit from even greater productivity. "