Local forklift distributor and service provider Toyota Forklift added bigger trucks, with a capacity of up to 8 t, to its 8-series range of counterbalanced trucks this year, making it easier for mining operations to meet their materials handling requirements.

“The trucks are suitable for mining because of their compact size and low cabin height, allowing for better accessibility in compact spaces. They also have low emissions, which means they can be used indoors or in closed spaces, such as in mines,” says Toyota Forklift product specialist Leric Smith.

He tells Mining Weekly there has been significant improvement in the technology used for bigger trucks. Besides being compact and environment friendly, they are fitted with high- reliability Toyota engines and are Tier 3-rated under the US federal emissions standards for light-duty vehicles.

“Ergonomically, the trucks are a lot more user friendly for the drivers, as they are more comfortable and easier to get in and out of than previous models. They are also quieter and have less vibration and better manoeuvrability,” Smith says.

The price of the trucks varies according to customer specifications and also depends on where the trucks will be used, as this will require different fitments for the truck.

Toyota Forklift’s new counterbalanced trucks, for which industrial equipment company Eqstra Industrial Equipment is the sole Southern African distributor, are equipped with Toyota’s patented System of Active Stability safety technology, which constantly monitors forklift operations and automatically takes corrective action when it senses factors that could lead to truck or load instability.

“When used in combination with Toyota I-site – an advanced fleet management solution – we can manage and correct driver behaviour and enforce correct driving habits,” explains Smith.

I-site helps companies optimise their fleet size, control driver access and monitor driver and truck performance to deliver improved benefits, including cost control, safety, productivity and efficiency.

Smith tells Mining Weekly that, in addition to mining applications, Toyota’s trucks are suitable for use in the pulp and paper sector, at port warehouses and in the bottling and brewery sectors. “We are hoping to break into new segments that we have not been able to service before, owing to size requirements of forklifts and the standards set for emissions control.”

He adds that the counterbalance trucks can also work in double-pallet applications for any industry. “This allows for the handling of more loads in less time; it increases productivity and reduces handling costs during storage or when loading and unloading vehicles.”

Specifications
Toyota clients can choose between the 8FG LP gas and 8FD diesel models of new counterbalance truck models.

Smith says the trucks offer a significant fuel-cost benefit, including a 20% fuel saving on gas for the 8FG model trucks and a 10% fuel saving on diesel for the 8FD model trucks.

“We put a particulate filter on the machines, which is designed to remove soot from the exhaust fumes of the engine. This will, in turn, emit close to 100% clean air from the back of the truck, which makes the range economically viable, regardless of the engine model on the machine,” he explains.

Toyota’s new counterbalance trucks come with built-in back bumpers, where most of the impact during mining operations occurs. “This increases the longevity of the trucks, which leads to an increase in their trade-in and resale values, and they are visually appealing,” he concludes.