IRVINE, Calif. – Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A., Inc., today unveiled its new line of 8-Series AC reach lift trucks designed for distribution centers, retail operations, refrigerated warehouses and third party logistics (3PL) applications. Toyota offers three models including a single reach lift truck in 3,500- and 4,500- pound lifting capacities and a 3,000-pound capacity double reach model.
The 8-Series AC reach trucks features a number of enhancements, including an AC-powered drive system, AC power hydraulic system (on 36-Volt models), and maintenance-free electric disc brake – all designed to offer increased productivity and performance through faster travel speeds, reduced maintenance costs and an overall extended life cycle.
“The 8-Series reach trucks were designed with the specific needs of our warehousing customers in mind,” said Shankar Basu, president and CEO of Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A. “Toyota’s new reach truck line offers the features that our customers need to keep their businesses operating at top efficiency, including faster product travel speeds by up to 17 percent and fewer service intervals.”
AC-Powered System for Increased Operator Productivity
A new AC-powered drive system offers operators increased productivity by enabling them to handle more pallets per hour, per shift and react faster to operator commands. The engineers behind the 8-Series also have enhanced the reach truck to achieve faster travel times – up to 17 percent quicker than previous models. Additionally, the AC System contains no motor commutator, brushes or springs, which equates to reduced maintenance costs.
Increased Operability
The 8-Series engineers took into account an array of operators’ needs in the design of the reach truck including integrating a new 11¼-inch diameter steering wheel with adjustable steering effort for increased operability compared to the previous 5¼-inch diameter design.
An adjustable battery side gate retaining system also is now standard equipment similar to that found on Toyota’s Order Pickers. This feature helps minimize battery side-to-side movement.
Toyota also features a standard auto-position hold feature, which assists in maintaining the reach truck’s position for maximum control in push-back rack applications.
Another standard feature is the cushioned hydraulics for the pantograph mechanism. The new system provides less noise and truck impact as the pantograph gradually slows down right before being fully retracted. The system works to reduce impact vibration to the operator and increases truck durability by improving the overall load handling to reduce potential product damage.
In addition, the 8-Series has added three new masts, bringing the reach truck mast height offerings up to nearly 366 inches or nearly 30.5 feet.
Greater Maneuverability
A number of features were designed to augment the maneuverability, control and overall life cycle of the lift truck.
A self-adjusting electric disc brake with enhanced regenerative braking reduces brake wear and requires no periodic maintenance.
To assist in achieving optimal tire traction to best meet the customers’ work environments, the 8-Series reach trucks feature a new tuned closed-loop, torque control system, which helps preventDurability Down to the Bolts
To ensure the motors and controllers stay within normal operating temperatures, the 8-Series reach truck features a standard active thermal protection cooling system, which consists of a new ventilated motor compartment, high-capacity inlet cooling fan, and drive and lift motor controller heat sinks. Combined, these work to introduce cooler ambient air to the motor compartment area, while ventilating the warmer air out through the various compartment openings.
No detail was too small in the design of the 8-Series reach trucks. Enhancements can be seen even on the adjustment bolts found on the caster wheel articulating arm. The adjustment bolts are now galvanized as standard equipment to help prevent corrosion in cold store applications and to facilitate routine maintenance.
Ergonomics & Safety
An anti-static strap is standard equipment and works to help prevent the potential build-up of electro-static discharge, keeping vital electronics safe. A standard 36-inch load backrest on the double reach lift truck model helps reduce potential rack damage.
inches of back support, while an optional OHG pillar-mounted adjustable clipboard is now available to help all operators stay organized. The optional knee pad also adds to operator comfort by providing a cushioned leaning point.
Toyota’s 8-Series reach truck will be sold through the company’s network of 68 authorized Toyota Industrial Equipment dealers with a total of 190 dealership locations throughout the United States. The 8-Series reach truck will be on display at Toyota’s booth (no. 1203) during ProMat, held January 12 – 15, 2009 in Chicago.
Toyota offers comprehensive customer service support, including one-stop shopping for both new and Certified Used lift trucks, parts, service and financing. For more information on TMHU, please visit www.toyotaforklift.com or call 1-800-226-0009.
