The "fuel efficient" Toyota forklift.

A Toyota internal combustion forklift has been named the most fuel efficient and productive forklift by a United States Auto Club subsidiary.

The 5,000lb (2,268kg) capacity, 7-Series, internal combustion, cushion tyre Toyota forklift "dramatically outperformed" equivalent models from Caterpillar, Komatsu, Nissan and Yale, a Toyota Material Handling USA Inc (TMHU) statement said.

USAC Properties Inc, the auto club subsidiary, conducted the tests which showed Toyota outperformed the other brands by as much as 25 per cent in fuel efficiency and almost 10 per cent in productivity.

The tests were conducted on a 135-foot (41.15-metre) long course at a warehouse. Designed to simulate a common warehousing application, the course included typical forklift operations, like loaded and unloaded travel, turning, braking, and lifting and lowering of a 3,610lb 1,638) load.

Three independent, certified forklift operators repeated the 15 lap test on each of the five forklifts, with consistent and repeatable results.

Data collected throughout testing was analysed for fuel efficiency and performance rankings of the five forklifts.

"Although Hyster and Mitsubishi models were not tested, their results may be similar to Yale and Caterpillar models respectively since they are essentially identical models sold under different brands," TMHU said.

Fuel consumption was measured by weighing the LPG fuel tank to an accuracy of one-five thousandth (0.005) of a pound (0.45kg). At the end of 15 laps, the tank was reweighed to determine fuel consumption.

Once the three drivers had completed the test for each truck, an average fuel consumption figure was calculated based on 45 cycles.

Performance was measured by initiating a timer when the engine was started then stopping it when the cycles ended and the ignition turned off.

David Petrali, vice president of testing operations for USAC Properties Inc, said USAC was satisfied the testing was conducted with the utmost fairness to participants.

USAC Properties Inc is an independent testing organisation specialising in product testing for the automotive industry.