Toyota AC Electric Lift Trucks

The AC-powered lift trucks deliver longer runtimes and quicker acceleration at speeds 21% faster than previous models, according to the manufacturer. The lift trucks will be produced at the Toyota Industrial Equipment Mfg. Inc. facility in Columbus, Ind., starting in May 2010.

The AC-powered system, which contains no motor brushes, springs, commutator or wearable parts, consists of a series of subsystems, each of which either conserves or regenerates power to maximize operational productivity between battery charges, says TMHU. The motor has a “power keep” function, which compensates for battery depletion and corresponding loss of performance. The lift truck continually recovers energy through three forms of regenerative braking, coast control, plug braking and foot braking, according to TMHU.

The new line of lift trucks incorporate vinyl, full-suspension seats with four-way adjustability and increased forward/backward seat adjustment; anti-cinch seat belts; mini-lever and joystick hydraulic controls with Ergo-Shift and an adjustable armrest.

As with other 8-Series models, the new lift trucks offer the System of Active Stability, which detects instability and engages the appropriate controller to prevent tipovers.

Toyota Material Handling USA, Inc.