A range of Bravi Platforms elevated work platforms (EWPs) — the first non-Toyota products to be offered by Toyota Material Handling Australia (TMHA) — will hit the local market this month.
All six Bravi platform models will be distributed by TMHA, and national brand manager Bob Walmsley says he expects the three most popular will be: the Sprint, with a 90kg material load capacity and maximum platform height of 3,350mm; the Leonardo HD, with a 180kg platform capacity and platform height of 2,900mm; and the Lui 460, featuring a 280kg platform capacity and maximum platform height of 4,620mm.
The Bravi Sprint is expected to be the volume seller, Walmsley says. It is aimed at large retailers who need a fast and agile EWP solution in warehouses and on the shop floor. The Sprint is also expected to appeal to commercial maintenance and building management operations for tasks including window cleaning, ceiling repairs and replacing light globes.
“Unlike its competitors it has a single mast which is operated via an integral hydraulic cylinder,” Walmsley says. “This removes the need for chains and linkages with fewer moving parts and no need for regular lubrication and maintenance.
“Another unique feature of the Sprint is that its load platform can be raised or lowered by the operator via an electric motor.
“This adjustment has to be done manually on competitors’ similar products, which means taking the load off the platform before manually tilting and adjusting it – that’s a huge inconvenience when you’re in an elevated position.
Bravi currently supplies equipment to some Toyota dealers in Europe, but TMHA subjected the EWPs to an extensive research and testing process to ensure their suitability for the Australian market.
An example of this is that, at TMHA’s request, Bravi has made a number of other changes to the Sprint’s standard specification to suit the local market.
These include a safety feature that cuts the hydraulic lifting system if the interlocking gate is not closed correctly, an operator platform service lock, and a recess added to the cover to enable it to be used for storage.
Walmsley says the new range of EWPs were originally planned as an extension to TMHA’s rental fleet to enhance its goal of being a ‘one-stop shop’ equipment provider.
“It was originally about broadening our rental product offering and responding to demands from our customers,” he says. “However, at the early stage of preparing our business plan we also saw real potential for these EWPs in our retail material handling equipment range as well.
“Introducing another complementary product like this really delivers on our philosophy of providing a ‘solution for every pallet’.”