RAYMOND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I would speculate that the person who started this thread in May 2008 has already made his decision by now or had his budget cut and can't spend a dime. What say you?
I would recommend having a look at the dealer for both. Their size and their support. raymond parts depot is in Syracuse, if that helps.
If I had to choose, I have to go with Raymond.
Jim
We have been using the Crown SHR5500 which is a pallet type reach truck for over a year now in a heavy production setting, have had no problems to date.
Let's not assume that the Toyota/Raymond quality is going to be there just because they say it is. They do a great job of marketing the Toyota quality based on what they have done in the automotive industry, but, you tell me! Who has been in the headlines the most recently with recalls on their vehicles....? Toyota!! Do your research in terms of the overall cost. Is the SAS system, for example, really going to help you operation (ie. safety) or hinder you (ie. cost to maintain/repair)? Take a look at the service manual...you should be able to get your answer there. They do not back it up. Also, get a feel for which dealer/dealer rep is going to support you the best.
Raymond for sure. Using AC motor and controllers is a good thing. The Curtis controllers are extremely user friendly. Toyota is a Raymond.
Do also have a look at the Linde.
I think MFExpress just wanted to advertise prices to see if any of the dealers in his area would give him a better deal based on price.
I also think most of these prices are close enough that a good salesman could "work with the customer" and the price not be as important as after-sales support.
MFExpress says "I've visited 4 of the main vendors in my area", but did any of their salespeople offer to visit your operation to see just which level of pallett jack you really need? I know for a fact Cat has about 3 to 5 different pallet jack designs based on how the machine is going to be used, with different batteries and controllers and price points.
Differences in battery packages are enough to make the differences in the posted [here] prices.
I also think in Pallet jacks, you very often "get what you pay for", as most dealers can sell you the top of the line tough truck, or a few models that may lift the same weight and drive as fast, but are 'less expensive to purchase' (upfront) units.
I am of the opinion a good eye can usually tell which is the better built unit.
Zarci's "opinions" seem to me to be right out of Toyota's sale literature, and not opinions developed over years of working with all different brands, but his English is excellent.
I am also still of the opinion that the relationship with the local dealer's staff is as important as the name or color of paint on the product, especially when speaking about something where the difference in price is less than the price differences of the optional battery packs, or a troubleshoot controller replacement service call.
raymond technolgy and quality is better than the other truck.. the new design of bt raymond are base on TPS(toyota production system) it's improve the quality of this truck from safety,durability,productivity,and driveability
Yale/Hyster is a very simple machine that have proven its self year after year. I have seen these unit in harsh environments such as pickle factory's to bouncing around in a delivery (Pepsi) truck in -30 degree conditions work flawlessly. Best advice is to ask your salesmen for a" Recommended Spare Parts List" these are known wear parts to stock and are common wear items. Take look at the Yale/Hyster and then compare the Raymond. The Yale/Hyster is a buy far a much better unit then the Raymond on cost of ownership and durability.
Did anybody ever hear what MFExpress ever bought on or about May 27, 2008? Was it quality or price?
An extremely large Retailer in the US did a study and found that Raymond forklifts cost 1/6 the cost for on-going maintenance over less expensive brands.
Some of the reasons:
The undercarriage uses pull rods, not threaded rods (that can strip)
Password protection (people can't steal it)
Synthetic bushings (you don't have to grease the axles)
Shorter, top-mounted handle (more maneuverable in tight places)
definitly Raymond
your local dealer is GN Johnston