Toyota Material Handling UK has
completed the restoration of a 1970’s
Toyota FG7 gas-powered
counterbalance forklift truck.

Carried out at Toyota’s fleet
management centre in Old Dalby,
Leicestershire, the project was
completed by four dedicated
members of the team: apprentice
technician Joe Power (pictured),
paint sprayer Surinder Mahi, with
mentoring by senior engineer Chris
Edwards and engineer Mark Astill.

The project was the idea of Mike
Mathias, MD of Toyota Material
Handling UK. He comments: “I
wanted to introduce a project to
inspire those individuals just starting
out in a hands-on and practical way,
but also demonstrate the skills and
incredible attention to detail of
Toyota’s highly experienced
technicians.”
The 1971 FG7 gas-powered
forklift truck, originally petrolengined
but later converted to gas
and capable of lifting 1.5t, was traded
in for a newer model by a customer
in South Wales, who was still using
the truck for occasional use.

The project was completed over a
12 month period with work carried
out in sections, including a engine,
gearbox and steering overhaul, the
removal of a non-standard overhead
guard, as well as a complete re-paint
using specially mixed paint.