Big and dumb is out; strong and smart is in.
If you’re in the lumber or concrete industry, you’re in a tough spot. The nature of your business requires exceptional lifting power, but the evolving market demands constant improvement and optimization. The typical heavy-duty forklift might be able to shoulder the load. Yet, it can’t offer you the telematics and insights you need to eliminate weaknesses and improve your strengths.
You need a forklift design as intelligent as it is durable.
If that sounds like you, Toyota’s integrated large electric pneumatic forklifts might be the solution you’ve been looking for. This telematics-integrated workhorse offers all the power of an IC forklift combined with the ease-of-use and control of a fully electric fork truck.
Read on to find out if the 9FBZ series is right for you.
Heavy-duty forklifts are a broad category, but here are four features that make the 9FBZ series stand out from your run-of-the-mill models:
Toyota’s integrated large electric pneumatic forklifts are high-capacity powerhouses meant for large loads in outdoor environments. High-throughput operations looking for sustainability without sacrificing power will get the best ROI from these models. In particular, we recommend these lithium-powered forklifts for the lumber, concrete, brick, block, and pipe industries.
The relatively large size of these models makes them ill-suited for the narrow aisles common among indoor warehouses.
Manufacturer: Toyota
Load Capacity: 13,500 lb. (9FBZ60U), 15,500 lb. (9FBZ70U), and 17,500 lb. (9FBZ80U)
Maximum Lift Height: 120.5 to 121 inches
Load Center: 24 inches
Max Travel Speed: 12.4 mph
Power Source: Custom-designed lithium-ion battery
The 9FBZ series has too much going for it to capture all the details here. However, these are the most commonly reported benefits.
This is a heavy-lifting fork truck, designed to work hard.
To keep it in the game, Toyota put a great deal of thought into durability. They started by using high-quality components, including steel side panels, floating front axles, and plate-iron front fenders. Additionally, features like force-cooled wet disc brakes reduce downtime from wear and tear. Meanwhile, IPX4-rated water resistance protects the forklift from the elements.
The protected battery charging connector even allows the forklift to charge outdoors in the rain without damage.
The 9FBZ series is no slouch when it comes to safety.
These models include the Toyota safety features that you know and love, such as the System of Active Stability (SAS) and the Operator Presence Sensing System (OPSS). Additional features improve operator control (high-visibility mast), OSHA compliance (non-cinching seatbelts), lifting protection (bolt-on overhead guard), and more.
In fact, dozens of standard safety features work in tandem to prevent everything from roll-overs to ergonomic stress injuries, keeping your team safe and productive.
This forklift series shatters the illusion that electric pneumatic forklifts can’t be as powerful as their IC cousins.
The integrated lithium-ion battery powers a herculean 90-volt electrical system. The AC drive system, lifting system, and steering provide smooth, consistent power throughout each shift. A combination of opportunity charging and three energy regeneration systems ensures 9FBZ forklifts work all three shifts without wilting.
Furthermore, four power select functions allow operators to wield this impressive strength with ease and precision.
Not so fun fact: Carbon monoxide is both a common component of IC exhaust fumes and the chemical most likely to poison your associates, according to the CDC.
Internal combustion engines pump fumes into the air your team breathes. However, lithium-ion forklifts don’t. The resulting cleaner air is better for the environment, healthier for your team members, and improves your corporate image.
Paired with an overall lower cost of ownership, lithium-ion forklifts benefit every level of your operation.
While the 9FBZ series boasts some impressive features, here are a few things to keep in mind before investing.
Moving to a lithium-ion fleet may require upgrades to your infrastructure.
If you have a conventional IC fleet or even a lead-acid fleet, you’ll need to install new charging stations for your lithium-ion forklifts.
Lithium-ion batteries offer many benefits over other energy types, but they also require a significant upfront investment. That investment quickly pays for itself.
Still, the upfront cost is worth noting.
While we’ve focused on the larger models of the 9FBZ series, even the mid-sized models are larger than many indoor forklifts.
Consequently, this series may not be the ideal choice for operations seeking an indoor/outdoor forklift that can navigate relatively narrow aisles. The tight turning radius helps reduce aisle size. However, this powerhouse still needs open space to work.
Consider aisle width carefully before investing.
Toyota’s integrated large electric pneumatic forklifts are genuinely impressive machines.
They offer all the durability and power of a traditional IC forklift without the pollution. The all-electric system simplifies charging and maintenance while boosting productivity and safety. It does a whole lot for outdoor operations, like lumberyards. Yet, it isn’t perfect for everyone.
Regardless, there is an ideal forklift for your application out there.
That’s where we come in. The experts at The Lilly Company can help you assess your facility’s needs, infrastructure, and resources to determine what material handling equipment best fits your growing business. With over a century of experience, we put an unparalleled wealth of industry knowledge at your disposal. Leverage our skills to revolutionize your forklift fleet.
The Lilly Company serves customers throughout Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and eastern Arkansas. Contact a forklift expert online or by phone 844-LILLYCO (1-844-545-5926) with any questions you may have. Visit one of our Toyota branches across the mid-South.
Arkansas – Jonesboro
Alabama – Dothan, Irondale, Mobile, and Montgomery
Mississippi– Tupelo and Richland
Tennessee – Jackson and Memphis
Further Reading
Convert Your Forklift Fleet to Lithium-Ion Batteries: What You Need to Know
When to Use a Lead-Acid Vs. Lithium-Ion Forklift Battery
The Toyota 80V Electric Pneumatic Forklift Product Review