Superior equipment gives KZN farmers competitive advantage

With KwaZulu-Natal farmers entering peak citrus season, the province is anticipating a projected national export growth of 3% to 5%, reaching 215 million cartons.

To ensure this growth is realised, farmers are constantly looking for ways to protect their crops across the full value chain and deliver superior products to both local and export markets.

General Manager for KZN, Stephen Curry, of Toyota Material Handling, a division of CFAO South Africa, says the three-wheel 8FBE and four-wheel 8FBN electric forklifts with fork vibration dampers are specifically designed to help reduce potential bruising when fruit is moved from the field to cold storage.

“The fork vibration dampers are engineered to absorb vibration across a wide range of load weights, smoothing hydraulic flow during operation. Pilot studies have shown a 40% decrease in fruit bruising when used on electric forklifts.”

The compact design of the 8FBE models means they are optimised for tight spaces, making them perfect for space-constrained cold storage rooms; while the 8FBN series offers greater stability and lifting speeds for enhanced productivity during the busiest times.

Both models boast Toyota Material Handling’s System of Active Stability, which monitors operations and automatically takes corrective action to prevent instability; as well as the Operator Presence Sensing System that stops the forklifts from moving and disables load handling if the operator leaves the seat.

Additionally, the forklifts’ automatic anti-rollback systems ensure controlled stopping and descent when brakes are released on a slope.

With a focus on sustainability, both models are equipped with high-performance AC motors that deliver improved energy efficiency for both drive and load handling. This also reduces maintenance requirements, as there are no motor brushes.

Curry adds that while the harvesting season in KZN is typically characterised by warm, dry weather and low humidity, unexpected rain can disrupt operations. “Toyota Material Handling has addressed this concern in the 8FBE and 8FBN models, which feature high water resistance (IPX4 rating), allowing them to operate in wet or rainy conditions.”

Both forklift models offer similar comfort features for operators including small-diameter steering wheels, Operator Restraint System suspension seats, and easy-entry assist grips. They also support quick battery exchange options including side-out or roll-out configurations to facilitate multi-shift operations.

Curry says that when pressure is high during the KZN harvesting season, farmers need reliable equipment to get the job done quickly, efficiently and with minimal fruit damage.

“The superior functionality of our forklifts – with the added benefit of fork vibration dampers – means they can help farmers maintain product quality while maximising throughput during peak demand periods.”