TOYOTA TOYOACE

OVERVIEW

Manufacturer: Toyota, Hino

Also called: Toyopet Light Truck SKB

                    Toyota Dyna

                    Daihatsu Delta

                    Hino 300 Series

Production: September 1954 – March 2020

Assembly: Honsha plant, Toyota City, Japan

• Body and Chassis

Class: Truck

Body style: Truck (standard cab, crew cab)

HISTORY

The Toyota ToyoAce is a light to medium cab over truck built by Toyota since September 1954. Until a renaming contest in 1956, the truck was sold as the “Toyopet Light Truck SKB”. Since 1985 the ToyoAce and Dyna truck lines have been merged, with the Dynas generally being intended for heavier duty work. In Japan, it was exclusive to Japanese Toyota dealerships called Toyopet Store.

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.

• 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 TOYOACE

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.

With the latest minor changes, the Toyoace Quick Delivery have been renamed the Quick Delivery 200. Engine displacement has been increased and compliance to the latest emission requirements ensured, while driver visibility has been improved. The exterior is further refined with a wider, lower window for the front passenger seat, and a new radiator grille design.

HOW TO TAKE CARE YOUR TOYOTA?

Preventative maintenance is the best way to keep your TOYOACE 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, globaltoyota.