Comprehensive range of trucks caters for variety of warehousing needs

ALAN PEAT PROBABLY BEST known for its ranges of forklift trucks, Toyota Forklift is actually capable of supplying almost all the equipment used in the warehousing function, according to BT product manager, Eugene Steenhuisen. Toyota Forklift offers the BT range of warehousing equipment - from simple hand pallet trucks to very narrow aisle trucks. BT is a wholly owned subsidiary of Toyota Japan On the basic side of business, the company has just launched a new range of Orion powered pallet trucks. “These,” Steenhuisen told FTW, “can be either walk-behind or ride-on units – with lift capacities ranging from 1 800 – 2 400kgs. “They can also be cold store protected or fitted with extra long forks, making them capable of handling two or more pallets of goods in one lift.” The units come standard with a pin code facility, which restricts access to the vehicle and which can be pre-programmed to activate performance parameters for speed, acceleration and braking to suit the driver’s profile. They also have a new Click-2-Creep speed control feature, which is very handy when used in containers, for example, said Steenhuisen, where the driver can “creep” a product into a very limited space. In its reach truck range, Toyota Forklift has the BT Reflex M and B/E series. “These,” said Steenhuisen are ideal for the likes of freight warehouses – offering lifting heights of between 6m and 11.5m, and with a lift capacity from 1 000kgs to 2 500kgs.” The Reflex M range is ideal for medium intensity applications between 6 metres and 8.5m, while the Reflex B/E series is intended for high intensity applications for heights up to 11.5m. All BT reach trucks come with pin code access as standard. “A weight indicator is also a standard feature,” said Steenhuisen, “accurate in measuring load weight to approximately 25kgs. “A unique BT feature is the tilting cab, which is designed to give the driver full visibility especially when working at heights approaching 11.5m – a height where it is difficult to see otherwise, and where units without this feature can induce neck strain. “So it effectively improves efficiency and productivity.” They also have ergonomically designed controls, 360-degree steering plus an electronically regulated lift- and lower function. “The combination of handling efficiency and ergonomics makes them a good choice for applications such as removing and placing goods in racking, deep stacking and floor-stacking,” said Steenhuisen. Cold store protection and heated environmental cabs can also be supplied. “The truck should do well in both the daily goods sector and industrial environments.”