TOYOTA DYNA

OVERVIEW

Manufacturer: Toyota, Hino, Kuozui Motors

Also called: Daihatsu Delta, Hino Dutro, Toyota ToyoAce, Hino Ranger 2/3

Production: 1959–present

Assembly: Japan: Honsha plant, Toyota City

                  Taiwan: Zhongli

                  Portugal: Ovar

                  Indonesia: Purwakarta

                  Philippines: Canlubang

• Body and chassis

Class: Medium-duty truck

Body style: 2-door standard cab, 4-door crew cab, 2-door wide cab, 5-door van

Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive

             Front-engine, four-wheel-drive

Platform: Toyota R (1959–1968)

                Toyota U (1968–present)

Related: Toyota Coaster

HISTORY

The Toyota Dyna is a light to medium-duty cab over truck for commercial use. In the Japanese market, the Dyna is sold alongside its twin called the Toyoace. The Toyoace was a renaming of the Toyopet SKB Truck as a result of a 1956 public competition with 200,000 entries.

The Dyna was originally available in Japan only at Toyota Diesel Store locations, then later available at Toyota Store locations, while the Toyoace twin was available at Toyopet Store locations. The Dyna was also sold as the Daihatsu Delta and the Hino Dutro.

In Japan, its traditional competitors are the Isuzu Elf, the Mitsubishi Fuso Canter and the Nissan Atlas.

The former Central Motors produced the Dyna Route Van from April 1957 to June 1967.

• RK52

The Toyopet Route Truck RK52 was the contributing platform of the Dyna. A new Toyota Japanese dealership was established to sell the Toyopet Toyoace series SKB called Toyopet Store, which also introduced a sedan version of this platform called the Toyopet Master.

• RK60 – RK80

Second generation of Toyopet Route Truck, Designed by Kanto Auto Works, Ltd. The frame was shared with the Toyopet Masterline RK23 pickup truck and the Toyota Stout.

The Toyopet Route Truck was renamed as the Toyota Dyna in April 1959. Although it shared the same platform as the Toyoace, its appearance is more similar to its other derivative, the Daihatsu Delta.The K20 Series Toyoace was produced until the Y10 Series arrived. It was sold as Toyota PK25 Truck for the export market.

DESIGN

• Exterior

Exterior design has been revamped to create a smarter look that blends in better with the urban landscape and to accentuate functionality.

The grand new cab is similar to that of a 4.0-ton truck and features a spacious cabin and deck space to expand cab variations.

Standard and wide cabs feature front panels with rounded, more aerodynamic corners to protect the side windows from mud and to lend the look of a wider, more open, more road-hugging vehicle.

• Cabin

The cabin provides greater functionality and riding comfort. For both standard and wide cabs, changes have been introduced to increase driver vision, visibility, and user-friendliness, minimizing fatigue. Apart from motorized outer mirrors, the grand cab offers riding comfort that is top in its class. The driver’s seat includes adjustable seat belt anchors and a 31° reclining angle.

• Deck

A completely new design has been introduced, with larger wooden decks and greater durability.

• Customization

The trucks have been designed to allow greater latitude in customization, as outlined below. Toyota has also upgraded its Toyota Easy Carry System (TECS) for special-purpose vehicles, particularly vans.

• Maintenance

Daily inspection and maintenance has been made much easier by providing easier cab tilt operation and a trouble-free stay mechanism. Changes have also been made to the shift lever installation. Changes to the front panel and upper garnish make equipment easier to inspect. The open/close front panel for the grand cab series improve inspection for seven items, including the window washer tank and wiper motor and link. Relay fuses have been centralized under the glove compartment and a seat-folding system is added for easy access to the tool kit in the rear.

• Safety and Environmental Considerations

The new models have been designed to meet social requirements for safety and environmental conservation.

The outer mirror has been made wider, greater mirror curve implemented, and new cornering lamps installed to increase the range of indirect vision. Instrument visibility has been increased and pedal, switch, and lever control made easier. Seats have been designed to minimize fatigue. Modified suspension increases running stability, and an upgraded braking system provides outstanding braking performance. Thermoplastic resin used for front steps ensures greater recyclability, and cleaner, more fuel-efficient engines conform to the latest emission regulations. The steel deck has been reinforced to reduce the use of tropical timber.

SOME INFORMATION ABOUT THE TOYOTA DYNA

The Toyota Dyna dates back to 2001 and follows the Japanese light-truck formula of a forward-control cab, with driver and passengers sitting over the front axle. This gives the potential for a relatively long load area compared with the overall length of the vehicle, making it an attractive model for builders and landscape gardeners operating in urban areas, where parking spaces are tight.

The Dyna is available as a chassis cab, giving buyers the option to fit bodywork of their choice. Toyota also sells ready-bodied dropside and tipper models. The Dyna is available in 300 (3,000kg gross weight) and 350 (3,500kg GVW) models, giving three different lengths. 300 models are only offered with a short wheelbase and a choice of chassis-cab, dropside and rear-tipper bodies.

The same options are repeated for the 350 medium-wheelbase model, except that the tipper body will tip to either side as well as the rear. The long-wheelbase model is offered as a chassis cab or with dropside body. All models are powered by the same 3.0-litre diesel engine, producing 144bhp.

HOW TO TAKE CARE YOUR DYNA?

Preventative maintenance is the best way to keep your DYNA running reliably and reduce the risk of breakdown.

Here are the top ten preventative maintenance tips that we suggest all trucking businesses follow:

1. Check fluid levels: Verifying your engine oil, coolant, transmission, brake, power steering and other underhood fluids only takes a few minutes and is an easy way to avoid major problems. If you see a drop in a fluid level between checks, it’s a good indication that you have a consumption or leak problem and can fix it before it becomes a major problem.
2. Change fluids: The frequency for changing your fluids will depend on how many miles you drive, the weight of the loads you carry and the type of driving you do (highway, dusty roads, city traffic, etc.). Trying to get extra life out of your fluids may save in the short term but cost you big in repairs and breakdowns later on.
3. Verify tire pressures: Any trucker will tell you that tire pressure is critical to check often on your large truck or tractor-trailer.
4. Check your tires: Uneven tire wear can be related to tire pressure issues or problems with your alignment or suspension. Include a check of your tire condition and tread depth as part of your preventative maintenance plan.
5. Inspect your brakes: When you’re carrying a full load, you want to be sure you can get stopped safely. Frequently check your brakes and replace them when they reach the minimum wear condition.
6. Check air filters: A clean air filter can go a long way toward reducing your fuel consumption and helping your engine run more smoothly.
7. Do a battery load test and electrical system verification: If you operate in colder climates, a check before winter is the best way to avoid charging problems.
8. Inspect your gearbox and clutch: A regular inspection of your gearbox and verification that it is functioning properly can help you catch problems as they arise. You will also want to ensure that your clutch isn’t slipping, as this can affect reliability and fuel economy.
9. Check out your exterior lighting: A quick walk-around verification of your exterior lighting helps you catch burnt out bulbs and replace them before you hit the road.
10. Service your fifth wheel platform: Problems with your fifth wheel platform can slow you down and even keep your truck off the road if you can’t securely hook up your trailer.

Every trucking company has a unique fleet of trucks and trailers and needs to adapt their preventative maintenance list to suit their situation. Including these ten tips in your list will help ensure your trucks run more reliably and are less susceptible to breakdown.

Source: wikipedia, autoexpress, nmcca.