Richard,

All I can tell you is that I worked for Yale for many years. Once I made the move to Toyota I discovered a much greater appreciation for the standards of manufacturing and expectations that manufacturers have of their dealers. I have trucks delivered to customers and don't have to deal with phone calls for warranty work that I had with Yale.

I had a customer the other day that had a 1994 3-wheel truck that had 37,000 hours and 27,000 miles on it. I asked the custoemr what work had been done? He said "tires and that's about it".

There's a reason that the majority of major manufacturers of anything and everything follow "TPS" Toyota Production System.

I've been to the manufacturing plants for Toyota, Raymond, Komatsu and Yale/Hyster. Nothing compares to the investment that Toyota has made in it's plant in Comumbus, In.

Yes of course I am biased, but I have had the opportunity to work for or with at times most major lift truck manufacturers and have some perspective.