Toyota Forklift are the sole distributors of Toyota Forklifts, BT Equipment, Raymond Equipment and Kalmar Container handlers Forklifts in Southern Africa. In addition, the company markets an extensive range of quality materials handling accessories. Distribution and service is carried out through branches in the main centres with depots and dealers complementing the Southern Africa network.
Home In the News News Reaching new Heights
Reaching new Heights
The new BT Reflex range has been completely redesigned from the inside out, with intelligent engineering and an operator-friendly design to meet the evolving needs of customers. From powerful, efficient AC motors for safe, highly productive operation – to advanced electronics and PIN-code programming for each application and driver’s specifications.

To ensure the best reliability and value, the trucks are designed and built according to the strict quality standards of the world-renowned Toyota Production System (TPS) at TMHG’s ISO 14001-certified plant in Mjölby, Sweden. As part of TMHG’s environmental commitment, the BT Reflex is designed to limit environmental impact throughout the four product lifecycle stages: development, manufacturing, operation and recycling.
Extensive research was done to determine which key factors customers consider when choosing reach trucks and the new product range gives costumers exactly what they need in terms of safety, productivity, drivability and durability. Safety first and last Safety remains a top priority for customers, and the BT Reflex is engineered for excellence in this category, with a cab designed to ensure that the operator is always seated well within the profile of the truck.
The ‘total view’ concept means that the mast and chassis are designed in harmony for optimal driver visibility. The truck’s electronic features also support safety, with PIN-code entry that restricts operation to authorised drivers.

Performance characteristics can be programmed to suit individual drivers and appli- COVER STORY 6 Supply Chain Today Aug 2009 parking brake, and service/maintenance– provide an intelligent interface between driver and truck. The range provides optional added driveability features targeted to applications requiring frequent operation at greater lift heights, and operators who work for extended periods under demanding conditions. With the optional unique tilting cab system, the truck’s cab automatically tilts backwards as the forks are raised, providing a clear view of the load at height and helping to reduce the risk of driver neck strain. In addition, the optional automatic fork levelling feature levels the forks at the touch of a button for fast, accurate handling.

Durability Produced using TPS to deliver consistently excellent standards of Toyota quality and reliability, the range features heavy-duty drive units and gear boxes for extended durability in the most demanding operations. Fewer parts (up to 40% less), along with advanced components– such as totally brushless motors and leak-free hydraulic connectors– help ensure that the truck works harder for longer. Extended service intervals, onboard diagnostics to quickly identify and fix problems, and easy service access to the truck mean that less time is required for service and maintenance. Extended product range There are now five capacities for customers to choose from, namely 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 2.0 and 2.5 tons. This has extended the previous range with two more options, to cost-effectively match endusers’ requirements. The BT Reflex is also available with cold store specifications including heated cabs and with drive-in racking versions. Reaching new heights For the last eight to ten years, the maximum lift height for reach trucks was 11.5 metres, which was already very high for this type of handling equipment.

cations, and the maximum drive speed reduction with lifted load feature provides excellent stability for added operational safety. Automatic speed control when cornering enhances lateral stability, and the lift height is limited when the drive speed exceeds 6km/h. The reach speed is adapted to suit the lift height and load weight, and the height indicator display lets drivers position the forks at the required height quickly and accurately.

A load weight indicator lets drivers check that loads are within the truck’s rated capacity. Boosting productivity To boost productivity, the BT Reflex range uses advanced AC motors to deliver high lift and lowering speeds, high drive speeds and rapid acceleration. For applications requiring longer travel distances or fast, repetitive stacking at constant lift heights, the Reflex offers high travel speeds (up to 14 km/h) to reduce the driving time over longer travel distances. BT has also introduced their unique Translational Lift Control that allows totally seamless lifting and lowering of the mast without any slowing down between the mast stages. Energy consumption is considerably reduced since the moving energy is maintained (no stops that require new accelerations).

The concept also enables less oil flow end therefore less pressure-losses, again saving energy. This coupled with the travel speed offered makes Reflex the class leader in terms of pallets moved per hour. Drives like a dream Efficient reach truck operation depends on seamless interaction between the operator and machine. The BT Reflex is designed to optimise driveability – for excellent productivity and safety. The low step-in height, easy-grip overhead guard post, and foldable steering console make it easy to enter and exit the truck. The seating position, steering console and control console can be adjusted to the most ergonomic position for each individual driver.

A range of information indicators – including battery discharge, steering wheel direction, power mode,But, with the increasingly high costs of land and
construction, there has been a demand to try and get the lift height of reach trucks to 12.5 metres and BT have met this challenge. “This is truly in the realms of turret trucks” says Eugene Steenhuisen, national warehousing equipment manager for Toyota Forklift. “The new Reflex is the first reach truck with a 12.5 metre lift height in South Africa and a number of them have already been ordered”. Don’t get floored It therefore makes good sense to plan warehousing projects to incorporate the new lift height achieved by the BT Reach Truck.

However, according to Eugene, “a very important aspect to consider when building a new storage facility with 12.2 metre high racks is the floors. This is absolutely critical to the operation of high lifting equipment such as Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) Turret Trucks and High Lift Reach Trucks are no exception. “Poor floors not only affect throughput as the trucks cannot operate at optimal speeds but can also have a negative effect on safe handling and on the maintenance of these trucks. The cost of a poor floor will be poor productivity and high running costs for the life of the facility so it is important to get it right first time.” Simply the best Eugene continues, “This is simply the best reach truck that BT has built to date. With the lower cost of ownership through reduced maintenance, new levels of productivity and reliability, together with the build quality of Toyota Production System, BT has a winner in all aspects and the customer will benefit from this.

Any potential buyer of reach trucks should seriously consider the new BT Reflex before placing any orders.” Shoprite has recently received over 20 of the new reach trucks and Spar has ordered a number of the new BT Reflex with 12.5 metre lift heights. Toyota Forklift has also received orders for a number of Cold Store Heated Cab Reflex trucks with 11.5 metre high lift heights. Over the last 12 months BT has launched two other major product ranges in addition to BT Reflex: the award winning BT Levio powered pallet trucks and the BT Staxio powered stackers. BT is a division of Toyota Material Handling Group which is the world leader in materials handling equipment.