Continuing the BT tradition of excellence in reach truck design, Toyota Material Handling Europe (TMHE) is launching the new generation of BT Reflex reach trucks.
The BT Reflex range has been completely redesigned from the inside out, with intelligent engineering and an operator-friendly design to meet the evolving needs of customers across Europe. From powerful, efficient AC motors for safe, highly productive operation – to advanced electronics and PIN-code programming for each application and driver’s specifications – the BT Reflex sets new standards for intelligent reach truck design.
Offering five models, with load capacities of 1.4, 1.6. 1.8, 2.0 and 2.5 tons, the BT Reflex range includes two new load capacities: 1.4 and 1.8 tons. Offered with BT’s exclusive tilting cab for added ergonomics, the BT Reflex is also available with cold store specifications and with drive-in versions for use in narrow racking systems.
To ensure the best reliability and value, the trucks will be built according to the strict quality standards of the world-renowned Toyota Production System (TPS) at TMHE’s ISO 14001-certified plant in Mjölby, Sweden. As part of TMHE’s environmental commitment, the BT Reflex is designed to limit environmental impact throughout the four product life cycle stages: development, manufacturing, operation and recycling. The BT Reflex is engineered for years of clean, energy-efficient operation and high levels of recyclability, with recoverability levels of 99% at end-of-life.
Customer needs come first when TMHE designs new products. As part of the development process for the BT Reflex, TMHE conducted extensive research to determine what key factors European customers consider when choosing reach trucks.
“The BT Reflex is designed to give European customers exactly what they have told us that they are looking for in a reach truck – safety, productivity, driveability and durability,” says Joe Cunningham, TMHE Product Marketing Manager Warehouse. “And by following the Reflex+ approach, customers can choose the trucks that meet their specific business needs in the areas of safety, productivity and driveability.”
Safety
Safety remains a top priority for customers, and the BT Reflex is engineered for excellence in this category, with a cab designed to ensure that the operator is always seated well within the profile of the truck. The ‘BT Totalview’ concept means that the mast and chassis are designed in harmony for optimal driver visibility. The new, low sloping console affords a panoramic view when driving in the cab direction, and the fan-shaped overhead guard has an angled design for superb upward visibility. Excellent visibility around and through the mast helps with safe positioning of the truck and load, and the rear visibility window gives drivers a better view when looking backwards or reversing.
The truck’s electronic features also support safety, with PIN-code entry that restricts operation to authorised drivers. Performance characteristics can be programmed to suit individual drivers and applications, and the maximum drive speed reduction with lifted load feature provides excellent stability for added operational safety. The BT Reflex’s ‘car pedal’ layout gives a safe, intuitive driving experience, and the automatic parking brake engages when the truck is stationary and releases when the accelerator is pressed, for added safety.
For applications with highly intensive work cycles, or operation in congested areas or with variable load weights, the Reflex+ Safety formula provides a range of safety features, including optimised acceleration with lifted loads to promote load stability. The optimised speed and acceleration with reached-out mast feature supports safe driving and handling. Automatic speed control when cornering enhances lateral stability, and the lift height is limited when the drive speed exceeds 6 km/h. The reach speed is adapted to suit the lift height and load weight, and the height indicator display lets drivers position the forks at the required height quickly and accurately. The load weight indicator lets drivers check that loads are within the truck’s rated capacity.
Productivity
To help businesses boost their productivity, the BT Reflex range uses advanced AC motors to deliver high lift and lowering speeds, high drive speeds and rapid acceleration – for shorter cycle times. BT reach trucks were the first warehouse trucks to offer 360° electronic steering for exceptional manoeuvrability and smooth travel, and the new BT Reflex range is no exception. Transitional lift control provides smooth, careful handling at all lift and lowering speeds.
For applications requiring longer travel distances or fast, repetitive stacking at constant lift heights, the Reflex+ Productivity formula delivers high travel speeds (up to 14 km/h) to reduce the driving time over longer travel distances. The horizontal E-bar – with 12-volt power supply, PC mounting kit, and keyboard holder – allows easy connection of an on-board computer, for full integration into the most sophisticated operations.
Driveability 
Efficient reach truck operation depends on seamless interaction between the operator and machine. The BT Reflex is designed to optimise driveability – for excellent productivity and safety. The low step-in height, easy-grip overhead guard post, and foldable steering console make it easy to enter and exit the truck. The seating position, steering console and control console can be adjusted to the most ergonomic position for each individual driver. Single function levers or the multifunction control provide for fast, comfortable, confident materials handling. A range of information indicators – including battery discharge, steering wheel direction, power mode, parking brake, and service/maintenance – provide an intelligent interface between driver and truck.
The BT Reflex+ Driveability formula provides added driveability features targeted to applications requiring frequent operation at greater lift heights, and operators who work for extended periods under demanding conditions. With the unique BT automatic tilting cab system, the truck’s cab automatically tilts backwards as the forks are raised, providing a clear view of the load at height and helping to reduce the risk of driver neck strain. In addition, the automatic fork levelling feature levels the forks at the touch of a button for fast, accurate handling. The ergonomically designed left armrest provides added comfort in high-intensity operations.
Durability
The BT Reflex range is built to last. Produced using TPS to deliver consistently excellent standards of Toyota quality and reliability, the range features heavy-duty drive units and gear boxes for extended durability in the most demanding operations. Fewer parts, along with advanced components – such as totally brushless motors and leak-free hydraulic connectors – help ensure that the BT Reflex works harder for longer. Extended service intervals, on-board diagnostics to quickly identify and fix problems, and easy service access to the truck mean that less time is required for service and maintenance.
“From advanced electronics and PIN-code programming for each application and driver’s specifications, to powerful, efficient motors for safe, highly productive operation – the BT Reflex sets new standards in intelligent reach truck design,” says Joe Cunningham. “More than 60 years of BT warehouse equipment expertise has gone into designing these trucks, and customers can count on BT Reflex for the highest levels of quality and value.”
The BT Reflex is one of the final steps in TMHE’s ambitious two-year programme to renew the heart of its product range. Over the past two years, TMHE has launched four major product ranges in addition to BT Reflex: Toyota Tonero engine-powered forklifts, BT Levio powered pallet trucks, BT Staxio powered stackers and Toyota Traigo 48 electric forklifts. These four new ranges – together with BT Reflex – address 70% of the European materials handling market in terms of units sold.
“For decades, BT reach trucks have set industry design standards, with innovations such as 360° steering and BT’s unique tilting cab system,” says Andrew Elliot, TMHE Executive Vice President Marketing. “As part of the world leader in materials handling, Toyota Material Handling Europe has the unique ability to develop new products – like the BT Reflex – that draw on Toyota’s global resources and expertise, meaning that customers are stronger together with Toyota Material Handling.”
