Focus On: Toyota Core IC Pneumatic Forklift

Welcome to the next installment of our "Focus On" series! Today we're introducing the Toyota Core IC Pneumatic, currently best represented by the widely used 8FGU25.

This series is actually a small family of related trucks and represents the smallest and most widely used of Toyota's Class 5 forklifts. From the small end with the 8FGU15 and its 3000 lb (1350kg) capacity to the large end of the series with the 8FGU32 and its 6500 lb (3000 kg) capacity, the gas/LPG units are all denoted with the 8FGU while the diesel units are all 8FDU. The diesel is worth a mention because Toyota was one of the first manufacturers to obtain the EPA's Tier 4 emission reduction certification, making them up to 98% cleaner than a traditional diesel engine.

To be clear: Toyota forklifts don't stop there for capacity. Currently they top out around 125,000 lb (56,800 kg), but those beasts are a subject for a later day.

While most brands have some kind of claim to fame Toyota's is built on a suite of features standard in the Core IC Pneumatic line. First among these is one of the features that makes Toyota forklifts among the safest in the industry: the System of Active Stability (SAS). Built around a swing lock cylinder mounted to the steer axle, this system takes in readings from a collection of sensors 3000 times a minute to help protect your operators and business from unexpected changes in stability (namely tipping over). By detecting these changes and locking the steer axle in position the forklift becomes much more stable both for side to side and front to back movement.

Also exclusive to Toyota are a pair of systems tied into the mast itself. Similar to the SAS system there is a Active Mast Function Controller system; this works by detecting the forces acting on the load and forklift and, if it detects a risk of load spilling or of the forklift tipping, will override the operator controls for tilt and lift speeds until the operator returns the load to a safe position. Aiding the operator in this is a one-button fork auto-leveling system to ensure that as little as possible is left to chance and the human eye. Handily enough it also helps minimise problems with stacking pallets into storage racking by allowing operators to quickly return a load to level with the floor.

Another of the core safety features for the Core IC Pneumatic forklifts is also a usability benefit for your operators. With a maximum fork height of 277 in. (7045 mm) the FSV three stage mast still maintains exceptional visibility through the uprights of the mast (and the smaller masts just get better). Helping your operators better visualize exactly where their machine is in relation to their surroundings, this mast design helps them avoid impacts with racking and product. This enhanced field of view also helps your operators avoid the dreaded "pedestrian involved incident" that can shut down operations for extended periods due to investigations.

This same interest in building a machine that lasts extends to the body components as well. Plate steel fenders and fully stamped hood and body panels mean that the worst that's likely to happen to your machine (barring major impacts of course) is largely cosmetic paint damage, even on areas that see constant contact like steps and around the seat. Not just dedicated to staying pretty though, these panels also serve to protect the working internal components of the machine. Tool free foot-board removal and spacious engine bays mean that even getting down into the guts of the machine is comparatively easy, saving you labour costs when something does eventually need to be worked on.

The other side of why the Core IC Pneumatic forklifts have the place they do in the material handling industry is longevity. With most built around the 4Y (gas) or the 1ZS (diesel) engines these forklifts have some of the lowest costs per hour in the industry. As just one example: the 4Y engine consumes 15-20% less LPG fuel during normal operations than most of the competition. With typical operating lifetimes exceeding 10,000 to 20,000 hours of use, these incredible engines will serve out the lifetime of your truck with few major issues (provided you invest in a little periodic maintenance). Just how tough are they? We had a customer leave one in a smelter operation without any attention or even an oil change... for an entire year before the little engine that could just couldn't any more. We're willing to bet that most of your operating areas aren't quite as harsh as a working smelter, so imagine how well this great engine will serve you.

Mechanics love them because they're easy to work on and customers love them because they work hard and just don't quit. With Toyota looking to continue expanding its market share, and undoubtedly adding an 18th year to its count as the #1 forklift supplier worldwide we like to think they're doing something right with the Core IC Pneumatic Forklift being a big contributor to that success.

That's a quick run-down on some of the highlights from the Toyota Core IC Pneumatic. If you want to know more you can always Click Here to see what Toyota says about their product.

Better yet you can Get In Contact with one of our CSS Team Members to get a personalized introduction to this market dominating machine, and learn more about your options for outfitting your business with some of the best machines on the planet.