NSW-based solar energy specialist, BlackLab Solar, has turned to the class-leading reliability and safety of Toyota Material Handling Australia (TMHA) forklifts to help his burgeoning business.

BlackLab Solar, based in Rylstone in central NSW, is run by owner and licenced electrician Paul Deegan and specialises in high-quality solar installation and maintenance.

After operating for a few years using an older diesel forklift bought from a neighbouring farmer, Paul says he made the choice to upgrade and purchase a new machine.

After looking at a couple of options, he quickly settled on a Toyota 8FBE20 electric forklift, with the material quality of Toyota products a big reason for purchase.

“This new one’s been an absolute delight, it’s fantastic. I wasn’t price-driven, I just wanted the best,” he says.

“Compared to the old one it’s a precision machine. You move a lever and it moves exactly. It’s just great.”

Being an expert in battery and energy storage technology, Paul says he was impressed by the batteries used in the Toyota forklift and the fact that he can run the machine inside his hangar without worrying about exhaust fumes.

Toyota 8FBE battery electric forklifts have the latest control technology, coupled with an ergonomically designed operator compartment. Outstanding energy efficiency has been achieved with new motors and drivers, to improve operating time by 20% compared to the previous model.

Key safety features include Toyota’s System of Active Stability, to reduce the risk of tip-overs, and Active Mast Function Controller to limit mast angle and forklift speed according to load height and weight.