Toyota Expands 8-Series Lift Truck Line With Large Capacity Models | Construction News

Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A., Inc.'s new 8-Series large capacity lift truck line includes cushion and pneumatic tire models that are powered by two Toyota designed and built four-cylinder engines. The forklift series was made for customers with indoor and outdoor applications like the paper, lumber, and concrete industries or large distribution centers that need to move heavy loads.

The 8-Series line-up now includes 8,000 to 17,500 lb. pneumatic models with diesel, LPG, gasoline and dual fuel engines, along with cushion LPG-powered models with 8,000 to 15,500 lb. lifting capacities. In addition, Toyota is introducing a 12,000 lb. paper roll special model to meet the challenges faced by the paper industry in moving paper rolls. 

 “Forklift users in virtually any work environment can now experience the next generation of powerful industrial lift truck ‘workhorses’ fueled by the industry’s cutting-edge engine technology,” said Jeff Rufener, president of TMHU.  “We designed our new 8-Series models to benefit our customers by delivering significant fuel savings without the sacrifice of performance.”

Powering the 8-Series are two new Toyota engines—1KD diesel and 1FS gasoline/LPG—designed for industrial operation and built by Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO). These new 4-cylinder engines feature the latest electronic fuel injection systems with Controller Area Network (CAN-BUS) technology to deliver improvements over the previous 6-cylinder engines they replaced.  Toyota’s 8-Series engines provide the same or greater horsepower and torque as an inline 6-cylinder engine. On average, the 8-Series models reduce fuel consumption by 30% for the1KD diesel engine and 20% for the 1FS gasoline/LPG model.

The engines underwent two years of design, calibration, and rigorous testing including 10,000 hour test cycles on the dynamometer. The result of this product development process is a 1FS gasoline/LPG engine displacing 3.7 liters that offers up to 93 hp and 203 ft./lbs. of torque.  The 8-Series large capacity pneumatic lift truck models offer quicker throttle response and precise control of the amount of fuel being injected and burned for greater fuel efficiency.

To meet today’s emissions requirements, the 1KD fuel injection system works in conjunction with an intercooled, variable nozzle turbocharger and a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC), minimizing emissions and particulate matter to levels meeting the Tier-4 Final emissions standards. The result of these advancements equates to less downtime, lower costs, and increased productivity compared to other solutions in use today.

In addition, Toyota has developed three (3) additional fuel saving features:

• A standard Load Sensing Power Steering system for precise maneuverability and reduced engine power loads by only operating the power steering system when there is demand from the driver;
• An Economy or “Eco” Mode to help improve truck fuel efficiency over the course of the work day with minimum power reduction by optimizing the performance curve of the engine to work conditions; and
• A programmable Auto Engine Off feature that automatically powers down the lift truck after a user programmable preset amount of time to save both fuel and unnecessary wear and tear on the engine.

The redesigned chassis features fully stamped steel plate side panel construction and a significant reduction in cosmetic sheet metal and plastic. Critical controllers and relays are protected in a sealed box and new water-resistant connectors help guard against damage when working in adverse weather conditions and corrosive applications.  Rear combination lights are mounted high on the overhead guard for improved protection and long-life LED combination lights are available. In addition, an improved cooling system featuring a 55% larger radiator and an external hydraulic cooler provide extra capacity to handle working in high temperature environments. A standard engine protection system automatically reduces the engine’s output if the coolant temperature rises to potentially damaging levels to help protect the engine against heat damage.

Operator Comfort

Ergonomic improvements have been made to the floor space, entry step, a curvilinear overhead guard post shape and a smaller diameter steering wheel.  Features like the new 12 in.-long dual operator assist grips, and lowered, enlarged first stop make entering and exiting the  the lift truck easier. Optional mini-lever hydraulic controls provide easy-to-use electronic controls along with a three-way adjustable armrest.

Safety Benefits

The 8-Series large capacity lift trucks offer Toyota’s System of Active Stability (SAS), which helps reduce the likelihood of lateral and longitudinal tipovers. When the SAS system detects instability, its advanced sensors simultaneously signal and engage the appropriate controller. The Active Control Rear Stabilizer System and the Active Mast Function Controller System work in conjunction to add truck stability and help reduce the likelihood of a lateral overturn and decrease the chance of spilling a load or tipping the lift truck forward or backward.

A vehicle travel speed control system has been incorporated as standard equipment, which helps regulate the lift truck’s maximum travel speed to meet a wide range of operator skill levels.

Dash-mounted digital displays combined with the low profile cowl with sloped dashboard provide an unobstructed view of the forktips in any position. Strategic placement of the overhead guard bars provide ideal visibility when positioning forks and handling loads placed high on racking. A wide view rear overhead guard opening with high mount rear lights integrated into the overhead guard and low profile LPG tank placement help provide operators the view they require when driving in reverse.

The new lift trucks will be manufactured at Toyota Industrial Equipment Mfg., Inc. (TIEM), in Columbus, Ind., with orders currently being accepted.