provided by: 
Toyota's electric and diesel tow tractors were previously available in the United States market by special order. Recently, Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A., Inc. (TMHU), officially launched its electric and diesel tow tractor line in the U.S.
Intended for the airline ground support, factory and warehouse industries, Toyota's electric tow tractors, available in 3,300- and 4,000-lb. drawbar capacities, have been popular with airport ground support equipment (GSE) operations where air quality or government fleet average requirements are a factor.
The diesel tractors, in 4,400- and 5,500-lb. drawbar capacities, meet material handling requirements that call for long runs and high cycle operations.
"The Toyota tow tractors are built with industrial use in mind, using many components that have been proven in our lift trucks during our 40 years of operation in the U.S.," says Shankar Basu, president and CEO of TMHU.
Celebrating its 40th year since establishing operations in the States, Irvine, CA.-based TMHU has been the No. 1 selling lift truck supplier in this country since 2002.
Electric models
Toyota's electric tractors use an 80v AC drive system for extended peak operating time. An AC drive motor offers a virtually maintenance-free system by eliminating motor brushes, commutator and a directional contractor.
CAN bus communication technology offers fast, reliable control from the operator to the drive motor with fewer components. The electric tractor line uses MOSFET (metal—oxide—semiconductor field-effect transistor) controller technology for strong acceleration and top travel speed as well as smooth speed control. A Power Keep function allows the electric models to maintain their battery charge longer than DC-powered tow tractors.
To recover energy for extended battery performance, three forms of regeneration have been built into the electric tow tractors. Regeneration comes from an accelerator release system (coasting); a shift directional lever from the forward to reverse operations (plug braking); and a brake pedal depression system.
An automatic shut-off feature turns the vehicle off after 30 minutes of idle time. An emergency battery disconnect lever allows the operator to easily disconnect the battery while sitting in the operator's seat.
Ergonomic and durable
For operator comfort, an ergonomic layout of the operator's compartment offers enhanced visibility of the gauges. A back-lit, liquid crystal multifunction digital display monitor provides the operator with access to a range of programmable functions including password-protected performance parameters; a time and date feature; parking brake and battery capacity indicators; and a brake fluid and overheating warning system.
The battery compartment in the electric series is situated low inside the chassis to allow increased rearward visibility to the hitch. Toyota's hydraulic power steering system increases operator comfort by preventing shocks and vibration from being transmitted from the ground to the steering wheel.
Toyota tow tractors use a unibody design with a bolt-on counter-weight. Items such as inset headlights and high mounted tail lamps for better protection and longer life are provided to keep impact damage to a minimum.
To guard against obstacles in harsh work terrains, the power steering cylinder and steering mechanism are mounted within the frame of the vehicle. Toyota's diesel tow tractors offer a tight turning radius industrial front axle, providing long life to steering components.
Diesel models
The diesel tow tractor lineup offers a 2.4 liter Toyota 1DZ-II diesel engine for hauling large loads at high speeds over long distances and up steep ramps and grades. The diesel engine is Tier II emissions compliant.
Additionally, an optional steel cabin offers greater operator comfort and productivity for working in extreme weather conditions.
A single pin drawbar quick-release hitch is standard that enables the operator to release carts without having to leave the seat, further increasing productivity. Other hitch options are available to meet specific application requirements.