As operations evolve and business demands intensify, the role of material handling equipment is undergoing a critical transformation. At the forefront of this shift is Toyota Material Handling, where three pillars – safety, efficiency and innovation – are not just buzzwords. They form the foundation that every forklift is designed, configured and continuously improved upon.

Tailored equipment for real-world operations

Toyota Material Handling Corporate Sales Executive, Jenna Botterill, says no two supply chain operations are identical. “One of the more complex and time-consuming challenges customers face is offloading and unloading containers filled with diverse, often unpredictable product types. Standard forklifts can only go so far in such scenarios which is where custom attachments and equipment add-ons become game-changers.”

The right attachment not only speeds up offloading but also reduces idle time for trucks waiting to be loaded or unloaded, improving turnaround and reducing logistics costs.

Botterill says every enhancement to Toyota Material Handling’s equipment is designed to move a greater amount of product in fewer moves. “The more pallets or products our equipment can move per hour, the more efficient and cost-effective the operation becomes.

“For example, our double pallet handlers enable operators to transport two pallets simultaneously, doubling throughput in a single cycle. It’s a small change with massive implications for productivity.”

Other bespoke attachments include the Rhino Horn for handling steel coils; a tyre clamp to handle multiple tyres in one go; paper roll and bale clamps for paper and tobacco; and appliance clamps to handle products such as fridges.

Safety that transcends compliance

Toyota Material Handling does not merely comply with industry safety standards, it offers in-house training, where customers can book drivers to undergo professional training, from novice to fully accredited operators. This training is conducted at training centres in all major depots around the country.

Additionally, every delivery of new equipment to a customer includes on-site driver familiarisation. This hands-on introduction helps operators build confidence in the equipment, minimising initial errors and ensuring safety from day one. The impact of this approach is measurable: less damage to product, faster operation and significantly improved efficiencies across the board.

Smart solutions for working at height

In warehousing, vertical storage is the key to cost-effective use of space. With the rise in property prices, using height instead of square meters for storage can drastically reduce overheads.

“Our RRE reach truck range reaches up to 13 metres high, enabling businesses to maximise racking space. Working at this height means operators need to continually look up, which can result in headaches and vertigo.

“A first for the industry is the RRE’s Tilting Cabin feature, which allows the entire cab to incline back as the operator lifts pallets, improving visibility and comfort while operating at height,” explains Botterill.

The lithium-Ion battery advantage

As businesses make the transition towards cleaner energy, a common misconception is that lithium-ion batteries are costly and short-lived.

“This couldn’t be further from the truth. Our lithium-ion battery solution is guaranteed to deliver 20,000 hours of energy, equating to a lifespan of about 10 years. In comparison, traditional lead-acid batteries begin to lose efficiency after just four years and require regular maintenance such as water top-ups and connector repairs,” says Botterill.

Lithium-ion batteries are sealed, maintenance-free and deliver consistent performance throughout their lifecycles. This translates into lower maintenance costs, longer equipment lifespans and better depreciation rates, ultimately resulting in an enhanced return on investment.

Smart technology shaping the future

To maintain its position at the leading edge of the industry, Toyota Material Handling constantly invests in breakthrough technologies designed to enhance efficiency and safety.

One such innovation is Sens+, a pedestrian detection system exclusive to the Toyota 8FBE models. Sens+ automatically disengages the forklift when it detects a person, vehicle or obstacle, significantly reducing the risk of workplace accidents.

Another cutting-edge tool is the I_Site Fleet Management System. This platform gives customers full visibility over fleet performance and driver behaviour via a customised dashboard. From tracking pallets moved and generating automated reports, to monitoring impacts and driving patterns, I_Site transforms material handling equipment into a performance and personnel management tool.

“At Toyota Material Handling, we believe that the future of logistics lies in smarter, safer and more adaptive equipment. Through innovation, training and tailored solutions – supported by a service team that is available on weekends – we continue to empower our clients to meet the ever-evolving demands of their industries,” concludes Botterill.