Reach Trucks for every occasion and application

Already established as a leader in the design and manufacture of award winning reach trucks, Toyota Material Handling has bolstered this reputation with the recent introduction of three new models to its popular BT Reflex range. “If you take these new models together with the existing line-up, it means that Toyota can offer a reach truck that is perfectly suited to all warehouse applications” says Buckley, “at Toyota we believe in offering a total business solution and that’s exactly what you find with our range of reach trucks”. 

The BT Reflex R-series trucks are high-performance machines with exceptional and unique features for working quickly and efficiently at height, without compromising safety for the driver or the security of the load. “If you’re looking for a reach truck that can perform effortlessly in a high-use environment the R-series is definitely one you should consider” says Buckley. Designed to lift heavy loads of up to 2.5 tonnes and operate to heights of beyond 13m the R-series provides fast and smooth lifting and lowering thanks to excellent stability and Transitional Lift Control (the clever technology that eliminates shocks when lifting and lowering loads). In common with other models within the range the R-series benefits from Toyota’s ‘Totalview  Concept’. This concept includes a clean mast and fork carriage design in combination with the optional 8mm laminated hardened glass roof offering the operator an exceptional view of the load at all times, increasing productivity and safety. 

The BT Reflex E-series is the world’s only tilting-cab reach truck. “The fact that we keep getting repeat business from customers using our  tilting cab trucks is testament to the advantages of the concept” says Buckley “we know that it’s popular with operators because it reduces the risk of repetitive strain injury” he adds. The unique E-series tilting cab is designed to reduce this risk in repetitive high-level applications. Working at height is also enhanced by the improved visibility of the load, “nothing else comes close to providing the visibility and safety of the E-series” says Buckley.  The E-series also offers the highest residual capacities in class thanks to the superb stability of the truck. The reach movement is optimised according to lift height and load weight additionally increasing the speed of load handling.

Toyota also has a reach truck capable of working indoors and outdoors designated the BT Reflex ‘O’ series. “The O-series has generated a lot of interest amongst our customers, having the flexibility to seamlessly operate inside as well as outside. This offers a real benefit for customers by eliminating expensive double handling” says Buckley. The O-series recently won an international iFOY design award in recognition of its design excellence. The tyres on all wheels of the O-series are super-elastic and with 145 mm of ground clearance it means the O-series can handle most outdoor surfaces, including gradients and transitions. In addition to having common features from the range the O-series can also be equipped with all-weather protection. 

Overall the BT Reflex reach truck range are not just high performing in terms of productivity, but also safety and driver ergonomics were critical considerations within the design. “The ergonomics of the truck are an important concern for us, as we know that a comfortable operator will generally be more productive” says Buckley. An operator can tailor the truck controls and seating to their individual preference, as the range is ergonomically designed around the operator with easy to use mini-joystick controls and a car pedal style layout. The seating positon is fully adjustable together with the steering wheel and even the floor height can be adjusted – making the cab a perfect individual fit.

When working safely with a reach truck, visibility of the load and its position is obviously a critical concern. So, to help give the operator the best possible visibility the BT Reflex range offers a number of optional features. These include options such as a hardened laminated glass roof, which gives a clear view of the forks; a fork position laser which provides a very clear indication of fork position and Toyota’s unique tilting cab. BT Reflex range cabs have been designed to give the operator maximum visibility in the working area, making for a safer working environment.

There is also the option of Li-ion battery technology, a virtually unique feature within the reach truck sector.  This maintenance-free battery technology can offer 30% less energy consumption during exceptionally fast charging, eliminating the need for battery change in multi-shift applications.

All of the Toyota Reach Trucks in the BT Reflex range can also be fitted with I_Site, Toyota’s powerful telemetry system. Irrespective of whether you are a single truck user or operate a large dispersed fleet, I_Site provides critical real time safety information and features. I_Site can control access to trucks by pin or via smart access using a card or fob. It can also require a pre-operational check to be completed thereby helping to increase your operation’s safety. I_Site isn’t just about access control though, it has the potential to supply a constant feed of operation critical information helping to identify and reduce damage to trucks, monitoring utilisation and optimising truck and battery life. I_Site can play a critical safety role in any organisation.

“Ultimately” says Buckley “like all Toyota trucks, Toyota reach trucks of the BT Reflex series are built according to the Toyota Production System”, meaning the highest levels of quality, durability and reliability “And that is what makes them such a great choice for virtually any application or working environment, they give an operator the opportunity to work productively and crucially, safely”.