Introducing BT Staxio

Engineered for pallet transport (including loading/unloading and single or double pallet handling) and stacking in warehouse, factory and retail premises, the BT Staxio range features a brand-new design and consists of eight models with capacities from 0.8 to 1.4 tonnes, lift heights up to 4.8 metres, and a wide choice of mast, fork, and battery configurations. BT Staxio is designed for walkie applications but all models, except the mono-masted SWE080L, are available with optional platforms for intensive operation.

The BT Staxio has been developed in accordance with the Toyota Production System, which guarantees class-leading levels of quality and reliability. Based on extensive customer research, the BT Staxio range has been designed to be easy to use, which in turn helps optimise productivity and safety. The key words with BT Staxio are simplicity, safety and durability – giving powered stacker users exactly what they need to get the job done. This concept is called ‘man power’.

Simplicity
On all BT Staxio models the chassis is compact, which means operators will spend less time manoeuvring in tight areas. BT Powerdrive ensures smooth, progressive responses to the operator’s commands. The ergonomic handle is easy and comfortable to use, with fingertip lift and lower buttons and simple forward/reverse control. BT Staxio’s unique five-wheel chassis, with its central tiller control arm, improves stability on ramps and makes all operation, particularly manoeuvring, easier.

To further enhance visibility, on all BT Staxio models the truck body profile lowers towards the forks. The handle is designed so that the distance between operator and truck is great enough to protect the operator’s feet while still allowing him or her to have an excellent view of the fork tips or load. These two features combine with clear-view masts to create the ‘BT Totalview’ concept, ensuring the operator has excellent visibility both at ground level and when positioning at height.

Safety
For improved safety and productivity, acceleration, top speed and braking characteristics can be programmed to suit individual operators. PIN-code start-up means the truck knows who is operating it and will assume the appropriate pre-programmed settings for maximum safety. The BT Staxio has a ‘turtle’ button for temporary speed reduction, and the ‘Click-2-Creep’ facility, which allows the truck to be manoeuvred with the handle upright – ideal in confined and busy spaces. To provide the perfect balance of foot protection without compromising the truck’s manoeuvrability on ramps, BT Staxio’s chassis skirt is just 35 mm from the ground and rounds away from the operator’s feet.

Durability
The all-new BT Staxio has been developed and will be manufactured using the highly regarded Toyota Production System (TPS). To ensure high levels of quality and reliability, TPS applies continuous improvement (kaizen) throughout the entire production process, from product development through to production, delivery and after-sales service. In line with this philosophy, the BT Staxio has been designed with AC drive motors that have fewer wearing parts than DC equivalents for enhanced durability. Many of the truck’s bushings are made of a Teflon-coated composite that improves their working life and eliminates the need for greasing. Thanks to its robust construction, the BT Staxio is designed to be serviced only once a year in typical single-shift operations.

Andrea Stach, Manager Product Marketing Group, TMHE said: “Powered stackers are a key product across Europe and BT Staxio is an important addition to our range. The BT Totalview concept informed development at every stage and the result is a range that is exceptionally safe and easy to use and, thanks to the wide choice of masts, ideally suited to the wide range of applications in the marketplace.”

BT Staxio offers a range of options to tailor it for particular applications and customer needs. There are several battery choices and battery-change options for multi-shift operations. The ‘E-bar’ is a mounting rail for third-party equipment such as PCs, radio-data terminals and barcode scanners. A choice of storage compartments, a writing table and a shrinkwrap dispenser add to BT Staxio’s ease-of-use. Fleet users can also assess the performance of their BT Staxio trucks with Toyota I_Site, an information system from Toyota Material Handling Europe that provides detailed reporting enabling businesses to reduce materials handling costs, enhance safety and optimise the use of their trucks.

Minisite
The BT Staxio will be launched to the European market at CeMAT 2008 in Hannover, Germany on 27-31 May 2008. In connection with this important event, TMHE is creating the www.bt-staxio.eu minisite, which will provide additional information about the BT Staxio.