Walking the walk
June 1st 2008

Following extensive research with customers across Europe, Toyota has launched new ranges of pedestrian powered pallet trucks and pedestrian powered stackers – BT Levio and BT Staxio

Toyota's launch of its BT Staxio and BT Levio ranges is the latest step in a two year initiative that will see new product releases potentially covering 70% of the materials handling market.

BT Staxio pedestrian powered stackers have been designed to meet the needs of end-users across Europe, following extensive research into what this significant sector of the market really wants.

Engineered for pallet transport (including loading/unloading and single or double pallet handling) and stacking in warehouse, factory and retail premises, the BT Staxio range features a brand-new design and consists of eight models with capacities from 0.8 to 1.4t, lift heights up to 4.8m, and a wide choice of mast, fork, and battery configurations. BT Staxio is designed for walkie applications but all models, except the mono-masted SWE080L, are available with optional platforms for intensive operation.

BT Levio pedestrian powered pallet trucks have been engineered for vehicle loading and unloading, order picking and all general pallet transport in the same situations as the BT Staxio. The range consists of five models with load capacities from 1.4 to 2.5t.

Both BT Levio and BT Staxio have been developed in accordance with the Toyota Production System for enhanced quality and reliability. Based on extensive customer research, the trucks have been designed to be easy to use, which in turn helps optimise productivity and safety. According to Toyota the key design considerations of the new trucks are simplicity, safety and durability – to give users exactly what they need to get the job done, a concept referred to by the company as 'man power'.

Simplicity On all BT Staxio and BT Levio models the chassis is compact, so operators spend less time manoeuvring in tight areas. BT Powerdrive ensures smooth, progressive responses to the operator's commands. The ergonomic handle is easy and comfortable to use, with fingertip lift and lower buttons and simple forward/reverse control.

For enhanced visibility on the BT Staxio, the truck body profile lowers towards the forks. The handle is designed so that the distance between operator and truck is great enough to protect the operator's feet while still allowing him or her to have an excellent view of the fork tips or load. These two features combine with clear-view masts to create the 'BT Totalview' concept, ensuring the operator has excellent visibility both at ground level and when positioning at height.

Safety For improved safety and productivity, acceleration, top speed and braking characteristics can be programmed to suit individual operators.

PIN-code start-up means the truck knows who is operating it and will assume the appropriate preprogrammed settings for maximum safety.

The trucks have a 'turtle' button for temporary speed reduction, and a 'Click-2- Creep' facility, which allows them to be manoeuvred with the handle upright – ideal in confined and busy spaces.

To provide the perfect balance of foot protection without compromising manoeuvrability on ramps, BT Staxio and BT Levio feature a chassis skirt that is just 35mm from the ground and rounds away from the operator's feet.

Durability The new trucks have been developed, and will be manufactured, using the Toyota Production System (TPS). To ensure high levels of quality and reliability, TPS applies continuous improvement (kaizen) throughout the entire production process, from product development through to production, delivery and after-sales service.

In line with this philosophy, the BT Staxio and BT Levio have been designed with AC drive motors that have fewer wearing parts than DC equivalents for enhanced durability. Many of the trucks' bushings are made of a Teflon-coated composite that improves working life and eliminates the need for greasing. Thanks to robust construction, the are designed to be serviced only once a year in typical singleshift operations.

Both series offer a range of options to enable tailoring for particular applications and customer needs. There are several battery choices and battery-change options for multi-shift operations. The 'E-bar' is a mounting rail for ancillary equipment such as PCs, radiodata terminals and barcode scanners. A choice of storage compartments, a writing table and a shrinkwrap dispenser add to ease-of-use. Fleet users can also assess the performance of their trucks with Toyota I_Site, an information system from Toyota Material Handling Europe that provides detailed reporting, enabling businesses to reduce materials handling costs, enhance safety and optimise the use of their trucks.

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