Toyota Material Handling expands Aichi AWP line

Toyota Material Handling, USA, Inc. (TMHU) has expanded its Aichi aerial work platform (AWP) line and looks to have a full range of AWPs within five years, said Alan Dotts, manager of AWP sales for TMHU.

Dotts spoke to ALH at The Rental Show in Atlanta about TMHU's expansion, distribution network and overall business strategy.

"We're moving into construction," Dotts said. "We're looking to grow and take hold of the construction and rental businesses. AWPs are the bridge to our construction business."

At The Rental Show, TMHU, the sole North American distributor of Aichi lifts, unveiled four new models of the SV-Series scissor line along with two models of the SR-Series boom line.

The SV scissors feature 15- and 19-foot high models with 30-inch platform widths, and 26- and 32-foot high models with 46-inch platform widths. "We now have a full line of scissors (to offer customers)," Dotts said.

The SV-Series also has an AC motor drive system that features brushless technology. The drive system has no directional contactors to maintain and an inverter designed to provide longer duty cycles and faster traveling speeds. The SV-Series also has a steering system that allows 90-degree steering angles.

Dotts also said the company is looking to offer a rough terrain line of scissor lifts "much later," possibly within five years.

TMHU also had two new Aichi crawler boom lifts on display at The Rental Show. The SR400C is a 40-foot model and the SR460CJ is a 46-foot model with a jib. The SR-Series joins 60-foot and 70-foot boom models already offered by Aichi.

The booms have been tested and designed for rough terrains and allow a 13-inch ground clearance and 57.5 percent gradeability. The booms also have a three-stage boom structure, which, Aichi says, allows the operator to have a larger working range from not only the boom in stowed position, but also during horizontal outreach.

Next year, Dotts said, the company will release 60- and 80-foot boom models.

All products are available exclusively through Toyota forklift dealers, Dotts said. And despite the current market crash, Dotts insisted TMHU is moving forward. "We are still going full-steam ahead."