Toyota Unveils New AC Electric Lift Truck

Toyota Canada Industrial Equipment, has unveiled its 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.

The lift trucks are suited for virtually every indoor material handling need, from food and beverage to general warehousing and distribution centres. The AC-powered lift trucks deliver 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 facility in Columbus, Ind., Toyota Industrial Equipment Mfg., Inc. (TIEM) starting this May with orders currently being accepted.

“We’re very pleased to introduce this environmentally responsible new model, Not only is it the most powerful AC electric we’ve ever brought to market, it offers improved performance speeds, reduced maintenance needs for improved productivity

and enhanced ergonomic features for operator comfort,” says Rob Reinders, director of Toyota Canada Industrial Equipment Division.

Toyota’s lift truck offerings now include a 4-wheel AC-powered lift truck with 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.

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.

For additional information about Toyota Lift Trucks, visit www.forklift.toyota.ca.