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Toyota is launching two ranges of pedestrian-powered pallet and stacker trucks – the BT Levio and BT Staxio.
The BT Levio’s five model range has load capacities of 1.4 to 2.5 tonnes, and the eight model BT Staxio range has load capacities from 0.8 to 1.4 tonnes and lift heights up to 4.8 metres.
Both ranges have been developed using the Toyota Production System and feature AC drive motors that have fewer wearing parts than DC equivalents, to help boost durability and reduce the amount of servicing needed.
The ranges feature acceleration, top speed and braking characteristics which can be programmed to suit individual operators – PIN-code start-up means the trucks can identify the operator and adjust to the appropriate pre-programmed setting.
The ranges have a ‘turtle’ button for temporary speed reduction, and a click-2-creep functionality so the truck can be moved with the handle upright, which improves manoeuvrability in confined and busy spaces.
The BT Staxio range features a range of mast, fork and battery configurations. All the trucks (except the mono-masted SWE080L) are available with optional platforms. The Staxio’s five wheel chassis, with central tiller control arm, has been designed to improve stability on ramps and eases manoeuvrability.
With its new ranges Toyota expects to cover a large part of the 100,000 unit-strong market. Last year it made good on its plans to cover 70 per cent of the market over the next two years, with the launch of the Toyota Tonero range. The launch of the BT Levio and Staxio ranges marks the second stage, with the promise of further products to come to market over the next year.
Both ranges will be on show at CeMAT in Hanover next month.
*Christer Högberg (below left) has replaced Per Zaunders as chairman of Toyota Material Handling Europe. He joined the TMHE management team from BT, where he was president of business region BT Scandanavia from 1990-1997, and president of BT Europe from 1997 – 2006.
Hakan Dahllöf (below right) has been appointed TMHE president. Previously he was TMHE vice president of business planning, and managed the integration of Toyota and BT materials handling business in Europe. He joined BT in 1990, later becoming chief financial officer of BT Industries Group. In 2005 he was appointed deputy chief financial officer of Toyota Material Handling Group.
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