Toyota Material Handling Australia (TMHA) has added a new three-wheeled counterbalance battery-electric forklift model, the 8FBE to its award-winning 8 series forklift range.
According to Toyota, the 8FBE which replaces the existing 7FBE model offers an increased operating time of 20 per cent in standard mode compared to its predecessor, thanks to new motors and controllers.
In addition, it also offers a series of upgrades and new features for a safer, more durable machine.
New Automatic Vehicle-Speed Control and Automatic Turn-Speed Control functions have been added to Toyota’s System of Active Stability (SAS), both designed to ensure a safe operation.
The Automatic Vehicle-Speed Control manages the forklift’s speed, acceleration and deceleration according to lift height and load weight, assisting with stability in transporting loads and preventing lost loads.
On the other hand, the Automatic Turn-Speed Control regulates the forklift’s turning speed according to lift height and weight as well as desired turning radius, providing stable turning and reducing the chance of a vehicle tip-over.
These new features complement the existing range of safety and stability technologies on the 8-series forklifts, including active mast front-tilt angle, active mast tilt speed control, automatic fork-levelling control and active steering synchroniser.
It is also water resistant, allowing it to work outdoors without the risk of damage from splashing water.
TMHA adds the three-wheeled design offers the same lateral stability as its four-wheeled counterparts, with the double rear tyres providing stable travel, turning and load handling as well as greater rated load capacity at high mast heights.
TMHA national sales and product manager Dean Watson says the new 8FBE forklift has been designed to be one of Toyota’s most versatile forklifts yet.
“Our engineers have worked hard to ensure the latest addition to the 8-Series line-up lives up to the high standard set by the 7FBE, a long-time favourite of many of our customers,” he says.
“With this model companies are able to take the 8FBE to more places, and put it to work all day without worrying if it gets a bit wet, or having to swap batteries mid-shift.
“As the smallest counterbalance forklift in our range it packs quite a punch in all aspects of operation, and we’re very excited to see how it performs in the market.”
Other features of the 8FBE include:
- A large assist grip with a low and wide step for easy access
- Operator Restraint System (ORS) Seat with 150mm of forward and backward adjustability
- Lattice-designed overhead guard for excellent upward visibility
- Optimal mast width and hose layout for unobstructed forward visibility
- Small-diameter steering wheel and strategically placed display for improved visibility of the fork tips
- Optional rear assist grip for a comfortable reverse operation
- Integrated horn button to allow the operator to alert pedestrians of the forklift’s presence
- Optional rear-facing blue light as a visual hazard warning
- Optional shock sensor to detect collision impact and warn the operator by visual indicator and sound
- Optional PIN-code entry system prevents use by unauthorised persons and allows keyless operation and registration of preferred settings for different operators