Toyota’s 48V/80V Electric Forklift Has Returned

The GOAT is back! Toyota's 48V and 80V outdoor forklifts are back in the US. These beauties have been absent from our shores for over five years now, and their return marks the perfect opportunity for outdoor retailers to convert to go electric. In this article, we'll break down all the advantages of this incredible pairing and explain why we're so excited about the return of this electric forklift. If you thought your facility could never go full electric, this machine is for you. Read on to find out why.

What’s So Special About the Toyota 48V/80V Electrics

Toyota's 48V and 80V forklifts have generated all kinds of hype recently, and for good reason. These electric fork trucks are among the Toyota lineup's most versatile and reliable electrics. There's a lot packed into these counterbalance models, but here are some features that make them a game-changer for your consumer-facing business.

Top-Notch Performance

With both 48V (8F8BH) and 80V (8FB/8FBJ) versions available, these electric fork trucks have the strength for most applications. The 48V has a lifting capacity of 3,000 to 5,000 lbs, while the 80V handles loads up to 17,500 lbs. This higher capacity allows the 80V to handle the same jobs as its LP counterpart.

Although their lifting capacities differ, all models feature a top-of-the-line electrical system. The maintenance-free AC drive and lift motors offer superior power, while the AC controller provides precision handling. Regenerative braking comes standard and triggers automatically whenever the operator’s foot leaves the accelerator.

Outstanding Operator Support

Any forklift is only as good as its driver, and the Toyota electric forklift line ensures their equipment emphasizes safe operation. Both the 48V and 80V come with a System of Active Stability (SAS), which dynamically stabilizes the forklift during lifting operations.

Additionally, the operator presence sensing system (OPSS) ensures the forklift cannot move without an operator physically in the driver's seat. This is assisted by the double-action parking brake. An orange seatbelt also comes standard on both models. The high visibility color allows supervisors to easily verify belt use.

Versatile Indoor and Outdoor Applications

While many electrics are designed exclusively for indoor application, these outdoor forklifts excel in both environments. Pneumatic tires come standard on the 48V and 80V, making them well-equipped for work in an outdoor storage yard.

Various cab options and upgrades even allow use in inclement weather. If the prospect of electric forklifts in the rain worries you, rest assured that wet weather poses no issue for these workhorses. In fact, there is even a wet environment package for models that will spend extended time in soggy weather.

Who Gets the Most Out of the 48V/80V Electric Fork Trucks

If you want to convert your forklifts but worry that electric fork trucks can’t handle both your indoor and outdoor applications, these are the perfect machines for your consumer-facing business.

• Daily use. Toyota's industry-leading forklift batteries paired with regenerative braking offer extended run times. The battery life on the 48V and 80V is more than sufficient for an entire shift, even without investing in rapid chargers.
• Size-to-power ratio. Most retail facilities don't need a machine that can move herculean loads. These forklifts offer the power to lift the payloads typical of many home and garden or home improvement stores. This honed lifting capacity allows the 48V and 80V to get the job done while remaining compact enough to navigate your facility.
• Environmental versatility. While these forklifts do great outdoors, they operate equally well indoors. IC forklifts can pollute your facility's interior with exhaust, but electric fork trucks are emission-free. This provides a clean, fresh environment for your staff and customers. Additionally, you can streamline your fleet by investing in an indoor/outdoor forklift.

Many industries benefit from a Toyota electric forklift. However, we recommend the 48V and 80V to any light to moderate-duty operation in the lumber, construction material, or retail sectors. Home and garden supply stores or home improvement stores, in particular, will fall in love with these forklifts.

Single-shift operations in these industries will get a full day’s labor out of these trucks without time lost to charging. Additionally, they have the power to lift even your heaviest loads, such as pavers or drainage gravel, with ease. Finally, their environmental versatility allows your trucks to run between indoor and outdoor storage as needed. In some cases, this might even allow you to cut your fleet size in half without losing capacity. These advantages make the 48V and 80V indispensable assets for any garden supply or home improvement facility.

Finding The Right Electric Fork Truck

The Toyota 48V and 80V electric pneumatic forklifts are excellent tools for any consumer-facing supply facility. If you think they may be right for your organization, let us help. Our Solutions Team has the expertise to identify the best electric forklift for your unique needs. Our experts can guide you through the process of converting from IC to electric, making the transition a pain-free experience. To learn more about electric or to get a quote, contact us online or visit one of our locations throughout Georgia and Florida.

Florida
Jacksonville
Lakeland
Ocala
Orlando
Tampa
Winter Haven

Georgia
Albany
Macon
Columbus
Valdosta

Further Reading
Forklift in the Rain: Debunking Electric Forklift Myths
4 Things To Consider When Converting to Electric Forklifts
Switch to Electric Forklifts: See How Much You’ll Save