Toyota Material Handling (TMHU) has unveiled its line of 8-Series four-wheel AC electric lift trucks, available in 4,000- to 6,500-pound load capacities — including a 5,500-pound model. This AC-powered lift truck delivers longer run times and offers quicker acceleration.
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 and prolonging brake component life.
Toyota’s 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.
Toyota is able to increase operator comfort by improving ergonomics and expanding leg room. Some of the features adding to operator comfort include a standard, vinyl, full-suspension seat with four-way adjustability and increased forward/backward seat adjustment, anti-cinch seat belts, mini-lever and joystick hydraulic controls with Ergo-Shift, featuring a three-way adjustable armrest to enhance operator comfort and increase productivity.
A number of operator visibility enhancing features were integrated into the four-wheel electric AC lift trucks, including angled tie-bars on both the overhead guard and load backrest extension, along with lowered free-lift cylinders on both the three- and four-stage masts. The 8-Series Multifunction Digital Display was also integrated into the front cowl to give the operator an uncluttered forward view toward the load and operating environment, and the fork color was changed to orange in order to help clearly define the position of the fork tips.
The 8-Series four-wheel AC electric lift truck offers Toyota’s exclusive System of Active Stability (SAS), which helps reduce the risk of accidents that occur as a result of lateral and longitudinal tipovers. When the SAS system detects instability, its sensors simultaneously signal and engage the appropriate controller. The Active Control Rear Stabilizer System and the Active Mast Function Controller System work in conjunction to add truck stability and help reduce the likelihood of a lateral overturn and help decrease the chance of spilling a load or tipping the lift truck forward or backward.
A Momentary Hold and Controlled Descent feature is now standard and maximizes lift truck control by regulating rolling speed when the accelerator pedal is released on a grade. It also allows the lift truck to be started on an inclined surface without rolling backward. Also, a Shock Sensor option, integrated into the multifunction digital display, enables end users to monitor lift truck damage or fleet abuse. When an impact is detected that exceeds a pre-set level it warns the operator by displaying a highlighted “Shock Sensor Alarm” icon on the display and sounding a buzzer. At the same time the controller records the date and time of the event to be later retrieved by the warehouse manager through the digital display. If the lift truck is equipped with the Keyless Entry System option the controller will also record the PIN of the operator that was driving the unit at the time of truck impact. This will facilitate determining the operator responsible for the damage caused to the equipment. This system cannot be deactivated even if the operator tries to reset it by either turning the key “off” and “on” again, or by disconnecting and reconnecting the battery connector. Only the warehouse manager with the appropriate password can reset the system. Additionally, for maximum productivity and to minimize product damage, an Auto Height Select option is available to allow warehouse managers to program the lift truck to automatically stop the forks up to three pre-determined rack heights.