8-Series electric lift truck

Toyota Material Handling USA marked its 20th anniversary of production in the United States with the launch of its new 8-Series four-wheel AC electric lift truck. The truck made its debut at a "line-off" ceremony at TMHU's Columbus, Ind., manufacturing plant.

The most powerful AC electric truck Toyota has built to date, the 8-Series is available in 4,000- to 6,500-pound capacities, including a new 5,500-pound version. The improved AC-powered hydraulic system increases lift speed, while the drive system boosts travel speeds by up to 21 percent compared with the previous model. The motor's "power keep" function compensates for battery depletion, enabling longer run times and more consistent output for the duration of the battery charge cycle.

Extensive customer research and testing influenced the 8-Series' design improvements. For example, to provide greater visibility both in front and above the operator, Toyota has repositioned the multifunction digital display, lowered the free-lift cylinders, reduced the size and profile of the steering wheel and column, and reconfigured the overhead guard bars and guard tie-bar. Forks are now bright orange (instead of the traditional black) for better visibility and safety. Rear visibility has been enhanced with a swivel seat option and low-profile counterweight.

Now standard, the Momentary Hold and Controlled Descent feature regulates rolling speed when the accelerator pedal is released on a grade and allows the operator to start the truck on an incline without rolling backward. A Shock Sensor option alerts the driver when an impact is detected and records the impact's date and time. The Auto Height Select option allows managers to program the truck to automatically stop forks at three pre-determined rack heights.

Company: Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A., Inc.

Company Phone: (800) 226-0009

Company URL: www.toyotaforklift.com