Automotive repair help and parts is way more accessible than lift trucks. First of all, you have a smorgasbord of available parts to choose in automotive. With Lift trucks, just OEM or maybe one aftermarket supplier with crappy service. Lift truck parts suppliers have little competition. Info...you get a million hits when asking an auto question about codes,repairs. You get You-Tube videos on how to change anything...but Lift trucks...maybe this forum and not much else after that. Service manuals.....automotive ahead by a mile....any car, any make....go to ALLDATA or other sources and get factory manuals for $20! The real deal, with recalls and actual factory bulletins. Try getting any lift truck manual, especially Toyota....zero...nyet..nada. You cant even buy them at any price with some lift truck companies. Scan tools....biggest difference of all.....Auto has one tool fits all....Lift trucks...good luck buddy! Pay the OEM guy $900 for a diagnostic on a $3000 truck. If it wasn't for this forum, there might be no help at all for a lift truck tech at all..!!!
Automotive Techs and garage owners are getting more customers arriving with their own parts in hand, bought online at way less than they can buy a jobber prices. These customers have already diagnosed the problem via the internet and need only installation of the part in hand. The shop loses Diagnostic time and any commission on parts sales due to the help and availability provided online.
Lift truck support and parts supply is no where near automotive. That's why we still enjoy higher salaries and more supplied tools, free diagnostic equipment and Vans to drive. It wont be long boys, (and the rare girl) that the internet catches up to the Lift truck world. Then, we will be buying our own scan tools, laptops and service Vans