After 3 years of development, Toyota Material Handling U.S.A. has brought together for the first time several features in a single line of counterbalanced, cushion-tire, electric lift trucks.

The 7-Series family combines Toyota's (www.toyotaforklift.com) System of Active Stability (SAS), that reduces the risk of tip overs, with an AC electric drive system that allows for quick acceleration, high speeds, and long-lasting power.

These four-wheel lift trucks, available in capacities from 3,000 to 12,000 pounds, also have ergonomic enhancements. The control levers, side entrances, foot pedals, steering column, and console are all positioned for maximum operator comfort.

This is the first time in the U.S. that both the SAS capabilities and an AC motor appear on the same lift truck, according to Brett Wood, national product planning and research manager.

In a press conference, he explained that the SAS feature uses sensors to check lift height, load weight, travel speed, and angle of the truck. This information is sent to an on-board controller that then reacts to make the truck more stable, minimizing tip over potential.

The AC drive system has no brushes, commutators, or directional contactors, substantially reducing maintenance requirements. "The performance of these AC trucks rivals that of most engine powered lift trucks," said Wood. Toyota is the only supplier of AC powered lift trucks in the U.S., which it debuted on pneumatic tire models last year.

Advanced power regeneration technology is another feature of the AC drive system. It allows the forklift to recover energy from its own momentum and return it to the battery, extending run time between battery charges.