New Toyota high-tonnage electric forklifts launched

Toyota Material Handling Australia (TMHA) has announced the addition of four new counterbalanced forklifts to its Traigo line-up with load capacities of up to eight tonnes.

The 9FBM60T, 9FBM70T, 9FBM80T and 9FBH80T correspond with their load handling capabilities of six-, seven- and eight-tonnes respectively.

The new models complement TMHA's existing battery-electric range that offer up to five tonnes in capacity.

TMHA Counterbalance Product Manager, Glen Ryan, said the new forklifts are designed and manufactured in Italy to the same high standards of the Toyota Production system employed globally.

"The range has been available in Europe for some time now and we're really excited to now have it here in Australia," he said.

"We have recently added a 9FBM70T to our demonstration fleet so we can showcase this range to customers."

Ryan said there are several advantages of the latest range of electric forklifts, from an emissions and cost of ownership point-of-view and also in terms of reducing noise and vibration for the operator.

"The range is essentially designed and built as a true alternative to an engine-powered forklift dual-fuel models," he said.

"Traditionally our core counterbalanced range is internal combustion engine-powered, however there is certainly a shift towards battery electric.

"Previously our dedicated electric forklifts were in the one to 3.5-tonne capacity, then we added 3.5 to 5.0-tonne, but now with the launch of our new higher tonnage dedicated electric forklifts we can handle six to eight tonne configurations. Now we can go from one tonne all the way up to eight."

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A key feature of the new forklift models is easy battery extraction, Ryan said.

"It's a unique feature compared with smaller-capacity Toyota dedicated electric battery forklifts," he said.

"The bottom of the forklift's chassis is cut-out in a U-shape so if you have to change batteries over the course of multiple shifts, all you have to do is drive underneath it with a capable forklift or specialised pallet mover, raise the battery and drive out."

Another prominent feature of the new Traigo forklifts is the excellent ride quality thanks to a full floating cabin, Ryan added.

"The cabin sits on four suspension dampers which reduces vibration transmission to the operator, making for a very comfortable ride," he said.

All models come with electronic power steering (EPS) to provide for a comfortable operation and excellent manoeuvrability.

"For such a large-tonnage forklift it has a minimal turning circle and is effortless to manoeuvre, giving you the feeling that you're driving a much smaller machine." Ryan said.

"They also have shock-less landing, so when you're lowering the mast down to the ground there's a nice, soft, cushioning effect. There's no jolting and the load is protected."

Another new feature on the new machines is an automatic park-brake as standard. "Normally, a forklift has a car-style hand brake lever or foot-activated parking brake, but with these new machines they automatically apply the parking brake when standing still, when the operator leaves the seat or can be manually engaged by the operator pressing a push button," Ryan said.

"Also, another benefit of the automatic park brake is when you come to a stop on an incline, the forklift won't roll back. And when you apply the accelerator to take-off again, there's no lashing or jolting motion."

All new models will also feature Toyota's System of Active Stability (SAS) as standard.

"SAS is the first system in the world to monitor and control their forklifts through a combination of advanced sensors linked to an on-board controller, enabling assured load-handling performance and, therefore, safety,” Ryan explained.

Another prominent future of the new forklifts, according to Ryan, is its futuristic design both externally and in the cab.

"They have really appealing looks with dynamic lines and European style," he said. "I think all our forklifts look good but these models are particularly impressive."

Toyota has equipped the high-tonnage Traigo forklifts with a well laid-out dashboard, mini-lever controls and armrest, plenty of storage and a multifunction display screen with features including a wheel direction indicator, speed indicator, load indicator, battery discharge meter and more.

Ergonomics and visibility are also stand-out features of the range, Ryan said.

"Operator comfort and the all-round visibility is excellent, which can assist to reduce fatigue and increase productivity and safety gains."

All models are 80-volt battery-electric which gives them a long battery life and run time. An innovative driving behaviour software is also available on the new models that detects how the machine is being used and provides predictable and intuitive forklift control.

“The 9FBMT also has a remaining operating time indicator, three different power-select modes, programmable speed setting and an auto-off function, if the forklift is left idle for a pre-determined amount of time," Ryan said.

Ryan also pointed out the range's excellent capacity-retention at height. "They can take a large load from the ground and not relinquish much capacity as the mast rises," he said.

The servicing interval of the forklifts has been extended to 1000 hours or 12 months.

"The response from our technicians has been extremely positive regarding access and component locations, particularly how this can assist with faster turnaround times on preventative maintenance," Ryan said.

He added a battery-electric forklift can yield a better return-on-investment and lower total cost-of -ownership despite the higher initial purchase price compared to an internal combustion engine-equivalent.

"Charging a battery of course costs money, but it's not as much as traditional fuel costs," he said.

"The new models have been designed to replace IC equivalents. There will still be some scenarios where an IC- powered counterbalance forklift would be a more suitable fit, but all in all battery-electric is the way of the future."