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V8 forklift a show stopper

Toyota has put together a 6.0-litre V8 forklift show stopper. You heard right, 6.0-litre V8.

The forklift is the work of staff at Toyota Material Handling Australia (TMHA).

Debuting at the recent Mt Panorama motor race, it will be the star attraction in a busy round of coming charity events and trade shows.

The V8 forklift is the brainchild of TMHA executive vice president and COO, Steve Takacs.

It’s based on a four-tonne payload Toyota model.

National Used Equipment manager Wayne Barty project-managed the 18-month build, performed by members of the TMHA Used Equipment refurbishment team, Fabrication Shop and Paint Shop.

“We sourced components from around the country,” Mr Barty said.

“The forklift was at our Newcastle branch. We purchased a Crate Chevrolet engine and the gearbox came from Adelaide.

“We had to engineer the engine installation, mating the engine to the forklift transmission and differential.

“Then were no guidelines to work from, so the whole project has taken 18 months, including overhauling the transmission and differential, and fitting disc brakes to the steered wheels.”