by Dick Pratt, on December 8, 2023 at 10:59 AM
As Ferris Bueller once said, life moves pretty fast. So does your facility. The pressures on a modern warehouse have increased in this era of micro-fulfillment and two-day delivery. To keep pace, you need forklifts to work as hard as your team, keep up throughout multiple shifts, and never let safety slide.
The Toyota 3-Wheel Electric Forklift with SEnS+ is that kind of machine. With Toyota's industry-leading engineering, a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery, and a next-generation pedestrian detection system, this forklift is the complete package. Read on to learn what makes this lift truck stand out.
Toyota 3-Wheel Electric Forklift Specifications
The Toyota 3-Wheel Electric is on the cutting edge of the material handling industry. Featuring Toyota's outstanding lithium-ion battery and innovative SEnS+ detection system, this warehouse workhorse is impressive all around.
Product Name: 3-Wheel Electric
Models: 8FBE15U-20U, 8FBES15U, 8FBEH18U
Manufacturer: Toyota
Lift Capacity: 3,000 to 4,000 lbs.
Recommended For: Fast-paced warehouses and fulfillment centers
Not Recommended For: Outdoor job sites or high-capacity applications
Current Inventory: New and Used Forklifts Available Now
Pros
1. System of Active Stability (SAS). This unique system is an automated feature that addresses unanticipated load and speed conditions. When turning, SAS reduces travel speed to decrease the possibility of a tip-over. Additionally, SAS’s Active Mast Control feature allows it to limit operator actions when the truck is at risk of a tip forward or backward.
2. AC Drive Motor. The 3-Wheel Electric’s AC motor provides longer run times, decreases maintenance costs, improves acceleration, and offers a smoother driving experience.
3. Color LCD Multifunction Display. The color display provides live information feeds, such as battery levels and object detection. This puts everything the operator might need to know right at their fingertips.
4. Automatic Parking Brake. Anytime the forklift comes to a complete stop and the operator leaves the seat, the system automatically applies the parking brake. This safety system prevents unintended movement of the truck.
5. Wet Disc Brakes. These sealed brakes prevent intrusion from debris, keep the braking system cool, and increase uptime by reducing wear. They also have a longer lifespan than traditional brakes, which reduces maintenance.
6. Optional Slope Assist. This upgrade allows the forklift to automatically adjust the power mode to maintain travel speed while climbing a slope.
7. Enhanced Ergonomics. Operator ergonomics include a smaller steering wheel for more cabin space and a full-suspension seat. This seat is wider and weight adjustable for greater comfort. EZ Fingertip Controls are also available as an optional upgrade to maximize operator stamina.
Cons
1. Interior Only. The 3-Wheel Electric’s design is for indoor use. Cushion wheels and a low ground clearance make it a poor choice for outdoor applications.
2. Smaller Frequent Loads. With a maximum lifting capacity of 4,000 lbs, this forklift is not for heavy-duty applications. The design lends itself to frequent, medium-duty lifting, more typical of a warehouse or fulfillment center.
Professional Training for the Future of Forklifts
A web of emerging technologies intersected to create this cutting-edge machine. With so much innovation in one compact package, we invited Toyota’s team to our facility to ensure our experts understood all the ins and outs. Their educators demystified each element of the 3-Wheel Electric’s future-forward design, including all the engineering upgrades, the lithium-ion batteries, and the all-new SEnS+ system. Now fully certified on these trucks, our team is ready to train your staff on the forklift that will carry your facility into the future.
Toyota Lithium-Ion Batteries
Toyota is the #1 forklift brand worldwide, and they do not disappoint with their lithium-ion batteries (LiBs). These LiBs will become an industry staple as legislation like the Washington Clean Fuel Act moves material handling farther toward electric fleets. Currently, LiBs are only available on select Toyota forklifts. However, the 3-Wheel Electric is one of these models.
Key Features
1. Unique High-Performance Design. LiBs use a patented design incorporating a ceramic separator and enhanced electrolyte technology. This design maintains voltage throughout the run time, which ensures consistent performance.
2. Maintenance Free. These batteries are sealed. They do not require watering or equalizing.
3. Compact Power. The high-density power design means LiBs take up less space than other batteries. Their industry-leading capacity offers 1,128 amp hours, all packed into an 18-inch battery compartment.
4. Best-In-Class Warranty. Both Toyota LiBs and their chargers have a 6-year warranty.
5. No Additional Batteries. High charging speeds remove the need for multiple batteries for each forklift. Instead, the 3-Wheel Electric only needs a single LiB to keep up with even the busiest warehouses.
6. Easy-To-Use Charger. The easy-to-use charger is a plug-and-play solution. Its modular design makes service a snap. The small footprint allows for mounting on walls, posts, or racks. Plus, it accommodates multiple configurations to maximize charging efficiency.
SEnS+
The Toyota 3-Wheel Electric Forklift is optimal for fast-paced warehouse operations. However, busy facilities are also the most likely to experience a collision. The Smart Environment Sensor Plus (SEnS+) drastically reduces that likelihood. This sensor system detects pedestrians and objects in the forklift’s path, alerts the operator, and limits travel when necessary to prevent an imminent collision. There’s a lot packed into this essential upgrade.
Key Features
1. Intelligent Identification. Toyota SEnS+ distinguishes between pedestrians and obstacles. The settings are customizable to alert the operator to the presence of pedestrians, obstacles, or both.
2. Wide Angle. SEnS+ has a 130-degree field of view and detects obstacles up to 32 feet away. This range is also customizable to fit your facility’s needs.
3. No Detection Tags. Obstacles do not need to be marked with detection tags for SEnS+ to register them.
4. 3 Notification Levels. Operator notifications intensify based on obstacle type, traveling speed, and steering direction. The detection range is also adjusted automatically based on these parameters to avoid unnecessary notifications.
5. Automatic Intervention. The 3-Wheel Electric’s traveling speed is automatically modulated when obstacles are detected. This modulation is determined by speed and travel direction. In cases where a pedestrian or object is directly behind the truck, movement is automatically restricted.
The Complete Package
The Toyota 3-Wheel Electric is the complete package. It's an ideal addition to any fast-paced warehouse fleet. The lithium-ion battery and compatible charger keep this truck running up to 40% longer than competitors, giving your facility a productivity edge. Additionally, the SEnS+ upgrade ensures that the pressures of modern order fulfillment never endanger safety. If you think the 3-Wheel Electric might be right for your facility, reach out.
Our expert team will conduct an on-site assessment of your facility to find the best forklift for your unique needs. To learn more about the Toyota 3-Wheel Electric or the benefits of an electric fleet, contact us online or visit your local Mid Columbia Forklift.
Editor’s Note: Dick Pratt, the author of this article, will retire from Mid Columbia Forklift at the conclusion of 2023. We would like to take a moment to express our appreciation for Dick’s many years of service. He has been a top performer and a powerful advocate for Mid Columbia Forklift, Toyota, and his clients.
Dick, thank you for all you’ve done to grow our family. We wish you all the luck and happiness in your adventures to come.
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Further Reading
Why SEnS Is the Best Collision Avoidance System for Toyota Forklifts
What Is the Washington Clean Fuel Act?
The Complete Guide To Getting Maintaining a Li-ion Forklift Fleet
