Stand-up forklift truck: Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A., Inc.
(TMHU) has announced the launch of its new 8-Series Electric
Stand-Up Rider counterbalance forklifts. Available in 3,000- to
4,000-pound lifting capacities, the forklifts are ideal for use in
general warehouse and storage operations, as well as all operations needing a dock-to-stock solution for multitasking functions
and constant on and off for loading and unloading.
The new 8-Series Electric Stand-Up Rider operates using
Toyota’s AC drive and lift system, which is designed to conserve or regenerate power, maximizing performance efficiency
between battery charges. The AC-powered system delivers
quicker acceleration and higher top speeds compared with the
company’s previous Stand-Up Rider models, while also offering
precise pallet retrieval and positioning control. In addition, the
AC motor contains no brushes, springs, commutator, or wearable parts to inspect or replace, reducing maintenance costs and
forklift downtime.
A number of features on the 8-Series Stand-Up Rider are
designed to exceed the demands of tough workplace environments and improve overall productivity. Dual steer tires improve
weight distribution to reduce tire-loading pressure by approximately 30 percent and help provide longer tire life. Moisture-resistant electrical connections work to protect the Stand-Up
The new 8-Series Stand-Up Rider also
offers improved ergonomic features to
support operator comfort on the job. The
new model includes a shock-dampening
isolated compartment floor and thicker floor mat with a universal
low-effort brake pedal to reduce strain on the operator’s ankles,
knees, hips, and lower back. The new Stand-Up Rider also features a redesigned contoured padded backrest and armrest with
a new larger elbow pad for operator comfort. (Toyota Material
Handling, U.S.A., Inc., www.toyotaforklift.com)
Forklift accident prevention: Zonesafe is a warning system
that helps to reduce accidents between personnel and industrial
vehicles. The system provides an early warning to vehicle and
machine operators when a perimeter detection zone, blind spot,
or danger area has been breached
Zonesafe is easily installed on industrial vehicles, according to
manufacturer Intella Liftparts Inc. It uses active RFID technology
and includes an in-cab unit, proximity antennas, and personal
safety transponders.
Under this system, pedestrians wear transponder tags. When
the tags come within a specified proximity to a forklift, a visual
warning and alarm in the cab of the vehicle alert the operator.
The perimeter detection zone is set using specially designed
proximity antennas and can be set at anywhere from six to 25
feet. (Intella, http://store.intellaliftparts.com)
Pallet, sleeve, and top-cap system: Orbis Corp., a manufacturer
of reusable packaging, has introduced a 1,200 mm ( 3. 9 foot) by
1,000 mm ( 3. 3 foot) pallet, sleeve, and top-cap system. The 1200
x 1000 CS CISC OPTE Bulk provides a bulk packaging solution
for storing, handling, and shipping food, beverages, consumer
goods, and pharmaceutical products.
The Orbis 1200 x 1000 CS CISC OPTE Bulk features a proprietary “active latch” that allows workers to engage and release the
sleeve from the pallet from a standing position. When collapsed,
the sleeve nests within the pallet and top cap, and is fully self-contained for efficient return transportation. As a result, users can fit
50 percent more of the collapsed systems in a standard 53-foot
trailer than they could with alternative bulk packaging systems.
The pallet, which is compatible with many palletizers, depal-letizers, automatic strapping/banding systems, and conveyors,
is molded from high-density polypropylene plastic and is fully
recyclable at the end of its service life. (Orbis Corp., www.orbis-corporation.com)
Customs brokerage: Pilot Freight Services has launched Pilot
Customs Brokerage (PCB). PCB now processes and handles the
customs clearance of imports for Pilot customers everywhere in
the United States. This allows customers to rely on Pilot for every
step in an international move—from pickup, air/ocean haul,
and customs clearance to delivery—eliminating the need for
third-party involvement. Pilot also offers customs brokerage as a
standalone service for companies that are not current customers.
(Pilot Freight Services Inc., www.PilotDelivers.com) N
