The Evolution of Smart Screen Technology

In 1967, the first Toyota forklift was sold in the United States. As you can imagine, the instruments available then were limited compared to today’s complex systems. The LA 1-ton model came standard with water and torque converter oil temperature gauges as well as an hour meter to track overall usage. While not the most sophisticated system, these tools provided sufficient information for a time period when forklift usage was light and systems were relatively simplistic.

In 1986, Toyota launched the 5-series internal combustion engine forklifts, which were the first Toyota IC forklifts to come standard with a combination meter. Consequently, the 5FGCU25 model was actually the first Toyota forklift manufactured in the United States. In addition to the temperature and fuel gauges and the hour meter, the 5-series’ display included various indicator lights to warn operators of certain conditions. These indicators included a clogged air cleaner warning, parking brake indicator, engine oil pressure warning, and many others.

Toyota began producing their 5-series, 4-wheel electric models in 1991, which featured Toyota’s first use of an LCD digital display. The display featured a backlight for illumination in low light settings and an LCD panel heater that turned on automatically in low temperatures. Additional functionalities included: a speedometer, pump and motor hour meters, programmable speed control, over-speed alarm, and lift interrupt capabilities.

When Toyota’s 8-series IC forklifts launched in 2008, they sported more than just overhauled appearance and performance. The multi-function display also changed to an LCD style display and took up a new home on the dash of the forklift. The brightly lit display’s status screen featured many useful indicators including a speedometer, maintenance reminder, and torque converter temperature indicator.

In addition to the 7-series’ extensive list of capabilities, the 8-series saw new features added, including an eco-mode indicator, engine auto-stop time setting, and the ability to set a second administrator password.

With the launch of the High-Capacity Adjustable Wheelbase models in 2018, Toyota introduced its first ever touch screen, multi-function display on a forklift. The 7-inch display, which is now standard on nearly all Toyota Heavy Duty (THD) models, boasts tools and functions never seen before on material handling equipment. A built-in capacity calculator provides estimated capacity based on certain inputs such as load center and attachment. Operator manuals, service manuals, engine diagnostics, and fuse diagrams are now all available at an operator’s fingertips. Optional camera systems and customizable pre-operation checklists can also be integrated into the system.

While these technological advancements are fascinating, today’s forklifts aren’t limited to the capabilities of integrated displays. As new advancements develop for integrated screens, some of this functionality could begin to be incorporated into them. I’m not saying you’ll be able to place your Starbucks order through them anytime soon, but more advanced monitoring capabilities certainly aren’t out of the question. Regardless of what the future holds, you can count on Toyota continuing to be at the forefront of smart screen innovation for years to come.