Forklift trucks are an essential part of any warehouse operation. They perform heavy lifting quickly and efficiently. Many companies that use these indispensable machines employ entire fleets of forklift trucks, spending thousands of dollars to do so. The forklift business is rapidly growing, as many more businesses recognize the benefits of using these machines.

Along with playing a vital role in any warehouse operation, forklift trucks can also be extremely dangerous if not properly operated. Each year about 8,000 forklift truck accidents are reported, and about ten of these accidents are fatal. Many of these accidents could have been prevented if the proper safety measures were in place.

One of the most important safety measures that can be taken is to make sure the operator of the forklift is competent to drive the machine. All companies should make certain that forklift operators have been trained for the job, are familiar with the vehicle’s controls, and adheres to the rules of the company. It is recommended that prospective forklift operators earn a Certificate of Basic Forklift Truck Operator Skills. This certificate can be obtained by completing a course on the subject at a qualifying location. Drivers should also be sure to check that all components of the machine are in working order before attempting to operate it. Doing this can prevent many unnecessary accidents from happening. Letting an untrained operator drive a forklift can be compared to allowing someone without a driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle.

By working together and following safety rules, many forklift truck accidents can be prevented. This also helps to protect employees and customers, as well as any visitors that may be in a warehouse. When used correctly, forklift trucks provide an indispensable service to warehouse workers. These machines are able to complete the work of multiple men in a timely manner and with minimal effort. In order to function at the highest quality, it is important that these powerful machines be maintained properly by their operators. By following safety measures and workplace regulations, businesses can be assured that they are receiving the most productivity from their forklift investments.

Toyota continues to assert itself as an innovative leader in automotive hybrid technology with the launch of its new hybrid forklift – the GENEO-HYBRID. This 3.5 tonne, counterbalance forklift is designed to reduce C02 emissions by half. This is accomplished by using a 2.5 litre diesel engine, in combination with an electric motor and nickel-hydride battery, which cuts fuel consumption dramatically. Even with all of this efficiency, the ground breaking GENEO-HYBRID still offers excellent performance!

This innovative technology comes at a perfect time, when businesses around the world are trying to reduce their fuel costs and decrease their environmental impact and C02 emissions. Toyota’s hybrid line is a proven way for businesses to accomplish these goals, and this new forklift is an excellent example of how technology can work with the environment, or at least, begin to. The forklift’s dual engine uses half the fuel of traditional, similar heavy duty vehicles, yet offers performance equal to standard models, providing a significant savings to the owner and the environment. The power efficiency of the GENEO-HYBRID forklift is increased by recovering energy when the accelerator is released, as well as when the operator changes the direction of travel.

Toyota offers this hybrid as proof of its commitment to cutting edge technology, and customer satisfaction. Hybrid technology helps Toyota to adhere to their self-imposed philosophy of kaizen, continuous improvement, a philosophy of always trying to make things better, even when nothing is actively wrong. Toyota continues to investigate and pursue various alternative technologies in an effort to continually improve on fuel efficiency.

This outstanding vehicle uses unique dual technology – the drive system is powered by a Series Hybrid System, where the drive motor is run by electric energy, from the battery and generator. The load handling is powered by a Parallel Hybrid System, where a hydraulic pump receives mechanical energy from the diesel engine and the generator, and gets electrical energy from the battery. The battery is recharged simply by engine operation, with no need for plugging it in to charge. This makes it a great tool that can be used around the clock, from shift to shift. The GENEO-HYBRID was developed and is manufactured in Japan, and will be launched first into the Japanese marketplace.