Toyota Material Handling Europe launches new Toyota reach trucks
November 2008 - Toyota Material Handling Europe launches new Toyota reach trucks
Toyota Material Handling Europe (TMHE) has launched the new generation of Toyota reach trucks, which are especially designed in line with European customer requirements.
The Toyota 8FBRE reach truck range has been completely redesigned from the inside out. It offers intelligent engineering and an operator-friendly design – from powerful, efficient AC motors for safe, highly productive operation, to advanced electronics and PIN-code programming for each application and driver’s specifications.
Consisting of five models, with load capacities of 1.4, 1.6. 1.8, 2.0 and 2.5 tons, the 8FBRE range includes two new load capacities: 1.4 and 1.8 tons. The trucks are available with cold store specifications and with drive-in versions for use in narrow racking systems.
To ensure the best reliability and value, the new reach trucks will be built according to the strict quality standards of the world-renowned Toyota Production System (TPS) at TMHE’s ISO 14001-certified plant in Mjölby, Sweden. As part of TMHE’s environmental commitment, the new trucks are designed to limit environmental impact throughout the four product life cycle stages: development, manufacturing, operation and recycling. The new models are engineered for years of clean, energy-efficient operation and high levels of recyclability, with recoverability levels of 99% at end-of-life.
Customer needs come first when TMHE designs new products. As part of the development process for the new models, TMHE conducted extensive research to determine the key factors that European customers consider when choosing reach trucks.
“The new Toyota reach truck generation is designed to give European customers exactly what they are looking for in a reach truck,” says Joe Cunningham, TMHE Product Marketing Manager Warehouse. “Customers have told us that safety, productivity, driveability and durability are especially important to them when choosing reach trucks – and these new trucks are designed to excel in all of these areas.”
Safety
The new Toyota reach truck range is engineered for excellent safety, with a cab designed to ensure that the operator is always seated well within the profile of the truck. The mast and chassis are designed in harmony for optimal driver visibility. The new, low sloping console affords a panoramic view when driving in the cab direction, and the fan-shaped overhead guard has an angled design for superb upward visibility. Excellent visibility around and through the mast helps with safe positioning of the truck and load, and the rear visibility window gives drivers a better view when looking backwards or reversing.
The truck’s electronic features also support safety, with PIN-code entry to restrict operation to authorised drivers. Performance characteristics can be programmed to suit individual drivers and applications, and the maximum drive speed reduction with lifted load feature provides excellent stability for added operational safety. ‘Car pedal’ layout gives a safe, intuitive driving experience, and the automatic parking brake engages when the truck is stationary and releases when the accelerator is pressed, for added safety.
Productivity
To help businesses boost their productivity, the new Toyota reach truck range uses advanced AC motors to deliver high lift and lowering speeds, high drive speeds and rapid acceleration – for shorter cycle times. 360° electronic steering provides exceptional manoeuvrability and smooth travel, and transitional lift control provides smooth, careful handling at all lift and lowering speeds.
Driveability
Efficient reach truck operation depends on seamless interaction between the operator and machine, and the new Toyota reach trucks are designed to optimise driveability, and thus productivity and safety. The low step-in height, easy-grip overhead guard post, and foldable steering console make it easy to enter and exit the truck. The seating position, steering console and control console can be adjusted to the most ergonomic position for each driver. Single function levers or the multifunction control provide for fast, comfortable, confident materials handling. A range of information indicators – including battery discharge, steering wheel direction, power mode, parking brake, and service/maintenance – provide an intelligent interface between driver and truck.
Durability
The new Toyota reach truck range is built to last. Produced using TPS to deliver consistently excellent standards of Toyota quality and reliability, the trucks feature heavy-duty drive units and gear boxes for extended durability in the most demanding operations. Fewer parts, along with advanced components – such as totally brushless motors and leak-free hydraulic connectors – help ensure that the new trucks work harder for longer. Extended service intervals, on-board diagnostics to quickly identify and fix problems, and easy service access to the truck mean that less time is required for service and maintenance.
“The new Toyota reach trucks set new standards in intelligent reach truck design – from advanced electronics and PIN-code programming for each application and driver’s specifications, to powerful, efficient motors for safe, highly productive operation,” says Joe Cunningham. “Customers can count on these trucks for the highest levels of Toyota quality and value.”
Over the past two years, TMHE has Toyota Tonero engine-powered forklifts and Toyota Traigo 48 electric forklifts, as well as new powered pallet truck and powered stacker models.
Media enquiries: Jeffrey Schenck, Toyota Material Handling Europe, Email: jeffrey.schenck@toyota-industries.eu , Tel: +32 (0)2 790 30 39
NOTES TO EDITORS
Toyota Material Handling Europe (TMHE) began operations in 2006 to manage the Toyota and BT materials handling business in Europe. With more than 100 years combined Toyota and BT experience, TMHE offers a comprehensive portfolio of counterbalanced forklift trucks and warehouse equipment bearing the Toyota and BT brands, along with supporting services. Active in more than 30 countries across Europe, TMHE has European Office functions based in Ancenis (France), Bologna (Italy), Brussels (Belgium) and Mjölby/ Linköping (Sweden) and production centres in Ancenis, Bologna and Mjölby. With 400 sales and service centres, nearly 5,000 service engineers, about 8,800 employees, and a network of independent distributors and dealers, TMHE is the European regional organisation of Toyota Material Handling Group (TMHG), which is part of Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO) – the world leader in materials handling equipment. For more information on TMHE, please visit www.toyota-forklifts.eu.