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NEW 7-SERIES FORKLIFTS FROM TOYOTA RAISE SAFETY AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS SCARBOROUGH, Ontario (July 27, 1999) - Toyota Industrial Equipment introduces the revolutionary 7-Series forklifts, the first in the world to actively improve safety and productivity through advanced technology. The new 7-Series lift trucks, following Toyota tradition, also emphasize performance, reliability and operator comfort. Advanced technology makes the 7-Series the first to help reduce the risk of tip-overs and spilled loads by increasing the stability of the truck. According to data compiled by OSHA in the United States, tip-overs are the primary cause of fatalities among forklift operators. Toyota's engineers have designed the world's first System of Active Stability or SAS. The main components of SAS include the Active Control Rear Stabilizer and the Active Mast Function Controller. Using sensors and a rear axle lock cylinder, the Active Control Rear Stabilizer greatly improves forklift stability during turns. As the SAS sensors detect instability, the SAS system instantly locks the rear axle to help reduce the risk of tip-over. With the rear stabilizer, the Toyota forklift lateral stability is almost double that of all other forklifts, enabling operators to turn more quickly and get more work done safely. At the front of the truck, the Active Mast Function Controller regulates both the forward tilt angle of the mast and the rear tilt angle speed, and keeps them within the range of stable movement. Designed to help operators handle loads at high heights, the Active Mast Control automatically stops the mast when the SAS system senses longitudinal instability. Increased longitudinal stability can help to prevent damage to loads and forward tip-overs. (For more details about SAS, please see the enclosed SAS press release.) Likewise, the Automatic Fork-Leveling control button, when depressed, automatically stops the mast in a vertical position and levels the forks. This function assists with operator training and can significantly improve productivity, and reduce product damage even with skilled operators. Yet another safety feature is the optional Vehicle Speed Control, which allows maximum travel speeds to be reduced without affecting lifting speeds. This feature is especially appealing when training new operators or working in environments requiring extra caution. In addition to improving safety, the ground-breaking SAS technology increases productivity. Independent productivity testing concluded that the Toyota 7-Series with SAS is the most productive truck among competitive forklift models. Test results found that the 7-Series with SAS was up to 8.85% more productive than other brands tested. This translates to a labor cost savings of up to $2.21 US per hour. (For test results, see attachment.) The 7-Series includes cushion tire internal combustion lift trucks in 4,000- to 6,500-pound capacities, and pneumatic tire internal combustion lift trucks in 3,000- to 11,000-pound capacities. With the optional LPG fuel system, changing LPG tanks on a Toyota forklift has always been easy and convenient using Toyota's standard swing-out LPG tank bracket. Newly available as a 7-Series option, the world's-first swing-down tank bracket is introduced to provide the ultimate ergonomic advantage by helping to reduce back strain when changing LPG tanks. As with all Toyota products, operator comfort and ergonomics are key factors in design and development. The 7-Series features a non-slip floor-mat, wide, open footsteps and operator assist grips, plus a hand pad on the engine hood for easy operator entry and exit. Large foot space, leg room and head-room make for a comfortable operator compartment. Convenient placement of the display panel and control levers allows for comfortable, "eyes-forward" operation, while the headlight and turn signal switch is like that of a car, making for familiar, easy operation. An ergonomically shaped parking brake is located on the left side and a convenient pencil holder is located on the right side. The instrument panel is easy to see and displays easy to understand icons. The 7-Series also offers improved operability. Toyota's new optionally available E-Z Pedal allows the operator to move the truck in forward or reverse with a control on the accelerator pedal, allowing them to change direction without taking their hands off the steering wheel. Another new feature on the 7-Series is an Electric Shift Control. Operators will find this forward/reverse directional control easy to operate. Also, hydrostatic power steering with a two-spoke steering wheel provides greater maneuverability and a stationary turn ratio of 100 percent, all with less operator effort. "Because of its advanced SAS technology, the 7-Series can make a huge impact on safety in the material handling industry. And, increased productivity as a result of SAS in action, is a measurable benefit," says Al Given, Toyota Industrial Equipment's General Manager. "The 7-Series raises the bar on what to expect from a lift truck. It's truly a revolutionary product."
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