Agricultural products and services provider Elders is using a range of Toyota 8-Series FG forklifts for a number of tasks across 50 of its branches around Australia, saying it made the choice due to Toyota’s ability to provide sales and service in every area of its operations.
“It was a critical consideration for us, given that the nature of our business means we’re operating in some pretty remote locations,” Elders fleet manager Jeff Howarth says.
“Being able to not only supply the forklifts, but most importantly provide service and backup, either directly or through reliable local agents right around the country, was very important to us.”
Howarth says the forklifts, which range in capacity from 1.8 to 3 tonnes, are used primarily to load and unload trucks and customers’ vehicles.
“They handle a pretty broad range of goods, from pallets of fertiliser, to feed or fence posts,” he says. “They are comfortable for our staff, easy to operate and are well suited to our needs. They don’t miss a beat.”
Toyota says the features of its 8-Series forklifts include a tight turning circle, a large, easily accessible workspace with a wide foot area, ergonomically designed controls, excellent forward visibility and a comfortable and fully adjustable suspension seat with lumbar support.
“The powerful and fuel-efficient engine is tuned to minimise noise levels in enclosed environments and Toyota’s hydraulic lifters help lower engine noise and reduce maintenance,” the company adds.
On the safety side, System of Active Stability (SAS) technology helps prevent tip-overs, an Operator Presence Sensing system stops the forklift from moving unless the operator is correctly seated at the controls, and an Active Mast Function Controller which can sense instability by limiting the mast angle and speed according to the height and weight of the load.
Toyota Material Handling Australia (TMHA) corporate account manager Peter Lown says the company has made a concerted effort to open factory-owned and operated branches in regional areas.
“We have excellent representation in metropolitan areas, particularly on the east coast, and we are now looking to the regional areas to broaden our reach,” he says.” You need to put the infrastructure in first to show potential customers that you’re serious and are committed to the region.”
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