Toyota customers can now enjoy the benefits of compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel and meet strict emission level regulations mandated by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
Toyota Material Handling US Inc (TMHU) is making a CNG fuel system option available for its 4000lb to 6500lb internal combustion cushion and 3000lb to 6500lb internal combustion pneumatic forklift models.
CNG-powered forklifts were usually converted from LPG or gasoline to CNG using conversion kits before the January 2004 EPA and CARB emission regulations.
The regulations' strict guidelines for altering certified engines have essentially eliminated after-market CNG conversions in the US, Toyota said in a statement.
TMHU president and CEO Dr Shankar Basu said his company was the first and only forklift manufacturer to develop the factory-installed, EPA and CARB-certified fuel option for the US market.
TMHU engineer Mark Hartman said: "In addition to addressing the regulatory situation generated by the EPA and CARB enactments of 2004, CNG fuel has benefits over other more popular and traditional forklift fuels.
"First, CNG fuel has been proven to provide the lowest emission levels over LPG, gasoline and diesel," he said.
"Secondly, LPG fuel impurities that commonly accumulate through the fuel distribution chain are virtually eliminated with CNG.
"CNG fuelling stations tap directly into the utility natural gas lines, unlike other common forklift fuels, which typically rely on several modes of transportation and storage before being used by the forklift.
"CNG is also an abundant fuel source, domestically produced, which directly reduces our dependency on foreign oil," Hartman said.
CNG fuel prices vary widely among different US states but the cost is typically lower than other forklift fuels, like LPG, gasoline and diesel.
TMHU's CNG fuel system option features a closed loop design that automatically adjusts and optimises the air-fuel mixture ratio.
The system works in conjunction with a three-way catalytic converter to minimise tailpipe emissions.
A swing-out CNG tank bracket features a one-touch latch design, allowing the operator quick, easy access to the engine compartment.
TMHU provides an analog CNG tank pressure gauge to help the operator know when the forklift is low on CNG fuel.
An optional digital CNG tank pressure gauge located on the dashboard is also available.