Toyota launches diesel lift truck

By Bob Vavra August 3, 2009

Toyota Industries Corporation has launched world’s first internal combustion hybrid lift truck. Sales of the Toyota diesel hybrid lift trucks will begin in the Japanese market this December.
The Geneo-Hybrid 8,000 pound counterbalanced lift truck combines a 2.5-liter diesel engine, electric motor and nickel-metal hydride battery. Company officials said the lift truck would reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 50%.
"Toyota has been a leader in hybrid development for years with the very popular Prius vehicle," said Brett Wood, president of TMHU. "We are excited to see hybrid technology entering the mainstream of material handling. This is a huge step forward for our industry.
The lift truck’s drive motor runs on electric energy from the engine-powered generator and battery. Load handling functions are powered by a Parallel Hybrid System with a hydraulic pump that receives mechanical energy from the diesel engine and generator, and electric energy from the battery. The nickel hydride battery is recharged by the engine’s operation and does not require plug-in recharging.


Author Bio: Bob is the Content Manager for Plant Engineering.