Yer European manufacturers seem to have more electronics on there truck making them more expensive.But Toyota are number one so they must be doing something right


I think it's a compromise between tech,cost and design with European leading in design and tech and Japan leading on price


I think customers require four things cost ,easy maintenance,efficiency,low down time

Yeah I dont think there is any argument that the Germans make the best stuff basically in everything manufactured. However from what I have been lead to believe that here in Canada parts especially internal engine/ electrical can be very expensive and have very long lead times. Often because they are shipped from the Fatherland.. Can anyone attest to this that maybe has experience with Linde in Canada or the U.S? I know it was common 10 years ago but what is the reality today?

Now this might shock some people but for basic design I think at the moment there is not much difference in all manufacrures but if you had to pick one you would go for linde up to 4,000kg still 5,000kg - 8,000kg and over 10,000 kg again the Linde 1401


Now why to be quite honest only Linde and still have changed any of the basic design all other manufactures have panular fuel and oil tanks Linde and still have a transverse engine system that allows better room for engine and better operator benefits. The Still truck also alows same chassis to be used for diesels and electric.

The Linde 1401 hydrostatic transmission puts it above all competitors for driveability.


Now it will be interesting to see what Toyota do as they have just started to look at hydrostatics for transmission but again they need major design changes to be at the top in designe and manufacturebiliy.Toyota might say their SAS system is a step forward but if you have a low center of gravity and a electical control system for hydrostatic you dont need SAS



A man called Stan Simpson who designed the Kalmar rough terrain reachstacker made a very good point in a IVT article