Toyota launches new EWPs

Toyota Materials Handling Australia (TMHA) has recently expanded its materials handling range by adding a new series of work platforms by Italian company, Bravi.

Originally planned as an extension to TMHA's rental fleet, the Bravi range was eventually added to its retail line-up after the company saw a real need in the market for these elevated work platforms.

"Introducing another complementary product like this really delivers on our philosophy of providing a 'solution for every pallet'," says TMHA national brand manager, Bob Walmsley.

The Bravi brand of equipment is TMHA's first non-Toyota offering and will be solely imported and distributed in Australia by TMHA.

TMHA will also provide full support for the range, including maintenance.

Walmsley says the Bravi EWPs were subjected to an extensive research and testing process to ensure they were up to standard.

"We wouldn't offer a product we weren't 100 per cent confident in, so we put the Bravi units through an extensive 12-month internal evaluation process to ensure they were up to Toyota's industry-leading standards while being well suited to local applications," he says.

All six Bravi EWP models will be available via TMHA, with load capacities ranging from 90kg to 280kg.

TMHA expects the Bravi Sprint, which features a 90kg material load capacity and maximum platform height of 3350mm, to be the best-seller in the range.

It is mainly aimed at large retailers in need of a fast and effective EWP solution in warehouses and on the shop floor. TMHA also expects the Sprint to appeal to commercial maintenance and building management operations for various tasks including window cleaning, ceiling repairs and replacing light globes.

Walmsley says the Bravi Sprint has a number of unique features that sets it apart from other products currently available on the market.

"Unlike its competitors it has a single mast which is operated via an integral hydraulic cylinder. This removes the need for chains and linkages with fewer moving parts and no need for regular lubrication and maintenance," he says.

"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 other competitors' 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," Walmsley says.

At TMHA's request, Bravi has made a number of changes to the 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.

Another key feature of the Bravi Sprint is its high-capacity, maintenance-free battery that can provide up to 30km of travel with a single charge and six-monthly service intervals, according to TMHA.

Find out more about the Bravi EWP range at toyotamaterialhandling.com.au.