History is full of technologies that started out either too expensive or impractical to take off.
Bubble wrap entered the market in the 1960s as a type of trendy wallpaper. It flopped until finding its place as packing material. Remember personal digital assistants (PDAs) like the Palm Pilot? These advanced machines were fragile and expensive, relegating them to the domain of the rich and tech hobbyists. Then, smartphones arrived, and now nearly every American carries that power in their pocket.
Small and mid-sized diesel forklifts saw a similar arc.
Stricter EPA regulations made producing diesel forklifts of that size too expensive for the price point. As a result, manufacturers worldwide stopped importing new diesel forklifts into the United States. That is, until now. Thanks to their industry-leading engineering, Toyota has reintroduced diesel options for their core and mid IC pneumatic forklifts. Your access to the power and convenience of Toyota diesel forklifts has finally returned!
Read on to learn:
Since 2020, Toyota core and mid diesel pneumatic forklifts have been an endangered species in the United States.
In their ongoing battle against climate change, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set new, stringent standards for diesel engines. These Tier 4 standards require reducing particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) by 90% compared to previous regulations.
That’s great for the environment but costly to engineer.
Meeting these standards requires advanced exhaust systems. Many designs use technologies such as diesel particulate filters and selective catalytic reduction with diesel exhaust fluid to achieve Tier 4 compliance. While incredibly efficient at removing PM and NOx from emissions, these advanced exhaust systems were previously too expensive to produce for the price point of Toyota's core IC pneumatic forklifts.
Consequently, Toyota stopped importing new core and mid-sized diesel forklifts, leaving only the used forklift market to meet the demand.
Diesel power offers numerous advantages for forklifts of all sizes. Notably, it provides greater low-end torque than LP or gas. Forklifts operate at much lower RPMs than automobiles. However, lifting heavier loads requires a spike in RPMs to generate the necessary power. This burns more fuel and puts more strain on the forklift.
Diesel’s greater low-end torque means the forklift generates more power at lower RPMs, making it more efficient.
Additionally, infrastructure plays a significant role in diesel’s popularity. Many outdoor work sites, such as farms and construction material suppliers, use a lot of diesel-powered equipment. Because of this, they already have the infrastructure to efficiently refuel diesel engines. Using an LP forklift at those sites adds an unnecessary layer of complexity.
In other words, it’s a waste of time to use two different fuel types when one could do the job.
Making new core and mid-sized diesel forklifts cost-effective was a challenge. However, Toyota engineering has once again proved itself up to the task. As your authorized Toyota forklift dealer, we're excited to announce that diesel options for Toyota core IC pneumatic forklifts and mid IC pneumatic forklifts are back in stock.
We are now accepting new orders for Toyota models 8FDU20, 8FDU25, 8FDU30, and 8FDU32!
These newly redesigned models feature a robust 4-cylinder diesel engine capable of delivering 57 HP at 2,400 RPM and 145 ft./lb. of torque at 1,500 RPM. So if you've been making do with second-hand diesel fork trucks, now is the time to upgrade. Let our expert staff help evaluate your operational needs and find the best Toyota forklift for you.
To learn more about the new Toyota core diesel pneumatic forklifts or to request a quote, contact us online, by phone 844-LILLYCO (1-844-545-5926), or visit one of our Toyota branches across the mid-South.
Arkansas - Jonesboro
Alabama - Dothan, Irondale, Mobile, and Montgomery
Mississippi - Tupelo and Richland
Tennessee - Jackson and Memphis
Further Reading
Henry Brick Customer Success Story
How Imerys Processes 5 Mill Lbs of Marble Yearly With Toyota Forklifts
How to Buy the Best Forklift for Your Work Environment