Toyota Material Handling (TMH) has announced a voluntary suspension of production of certain diesel forklift models at its Columbus, Indiana factory. This action immediately affects the production and sale of the 6-8 T forklift model “out of a proactive abundance of caution as TMH continues to confirm the compliance of these products within EPA standards”, the company explains.

For the other Columbus-produced diesel forklift models, the production suspension will go into effect at the beginning of 2022.

This is due to a delay in seeking emissions certification. Toyota Heavy Duty (THD) models are not affected. 

In May, TMH halted production and shipment of some models of engine-powered forklifts manufactured in Columbus. That suspension was limited to LPG- and LPG/gasoline-powered models.

The May disruption was triggered by a requirement for an annual emissions certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and CARB.

“We anticipate lengthy delays in certification, which is why we made the announcement involving our production suspension. We are working diligently to resolve this issue and provide alternative solutions wherever possible,” a spokesperson told Forkliftaction News at the time.

There is still no indication when the certifications will be granted.

The EPA, which certifies engine emissions, has declined to elaborate on the current suspension.

“We do not comment on existing or pending enforcement actions,” an EPA spokesperson tells Forkliftaction News.