Innovative Iron Award: The Toro Dingo TX 1000 Turbo Compact Utility Loader

The off-highway equipment industry has made significant strides in 2024, introducing machines that are smarter, greener and more efficient and powerful than ever before. Compact Equipment‘s 2024 Innovative Iron Awards celebrate these advancements, highlighting equipment that sets new standards in performance, sustainability and operator comfort. See all the winners here. Now, let’s celebrate…

Toro Dingo TX 1000 Turbo Compact Utility Loader

Toro revolutionized the compact utility loader market in 2015 with the groundbreaking Dingo TX 1000, the first in its class to boast a 1,000-lb rated operating capacity. We were there to cover it. Nearly a decade later, Toro has raised the bar again with the all-new Dingo TX 1000 Turbo. Launched in 2024, this turbocharged powerhouse delivers more torque, faster performance and impressive productivity. At The ARA Show earlier this year, we caught up with Sam Dando, senior product marketing manager at Toro, to explore how this next-gen machine is setting new benchmarks for compact utility loaders or mini skid steers.

“We took everything we’ve learned in the last nine years, and we redesigned it from the ground up,” explained Dando, giving me a walk-around. ” We tried to keep all the things that people love, like the vertical lift and traction controls, and then fix some issues and try to build on it and add some features.”

The first big wow factor is in the name — that turbochargered Yanmar diesel engine delivering 24.7 hp and ground speeds up to 4.1 mph. We also love the new patent-pending Smart Power system. This allows the TX 1000 Turbo to optimize engine, auxiliary and traction torque for superior jobsite efficiency. Then there’s the vertical-lift design, 81-in. top hinge pin height and 1,000-lb rated operating capacity, making it ideal for heavy lifting and tight spaces. With intuitive controls, a focus on operator comfort and minimal maintenance downtime, this machine is engineered for non-stop productivity, making it a standout innovation for 2024.

What’s New with the Dingo TX 1000 Turbo?

The new Dingo TX 1000 Turbo delivers improved torque and faster productivity, particularly when paired with attachments like trenchers and augers. Key enhancements include:

• Turbocharged Power: The 24.7-hp Yanmar diesel engine reduces vibration and increases torque for heavy-duty applications.
• Improved Maintenance: A larger hydraulic filter, borrowed from the TX 1300, ensures longer maintenance intervals and reduced downtime.
• Versatile Models: Available in narrow- and wide-track configurations, with unique tread patterns to suit various terrains.
• Smart Power Technology: Maximizes power across engine, traction and auxiliary systems, adapting to operator needs.

“Smart Power helps manage the traction speed when you’re using auxiliary hydraulics,” said Dando. “So the primary applications would be like a trencher, soil cultivator or a snowblower. It reduces the traction speed so that the auxiliary hydraulics can maintain full speed. It’s very cool, and it’s selectable. So it’s not on all the time.”

Operator-Centric Design

The Dingo TX 1000 Turbo maintains Toro’s focus on operator comfort and usability. Features include:

• Smooth Traction Control: Intuitive, easy-to-use controls enable all-day productivity.
• Vertical-Lift Design: Keeps loads closer to the machine for better balance and enhanced lifting capacity.
• Ergonomic Operator Platform: Includes thigh and hip padding and an auxiliary foot control, freeing hands for other tasks.

“We also moved the hydraulic tank from the front to the back,” said Dando. “That did two things. It put more weight in the back, but more importantly, it opened up the front for serviceability. The old unit, you almost had to have three hands to operate it as the auxiliary was on the dash. So now we integrated that into the loader function. So two hands is more than adequate to operate the Dingo TX 1000 Turbo. We also made the low flow a standard feature. It used to be a kit, so you can switch to the auxiliary between high flow and low.”

The Broader Toro Dingo Lineup

Toro’s Dingo lineup includes 14 models, catering to a wide range of applications and customer needs. Options include tracked and wheeled versions, gas and diesel engines and models built for indoor or outdoor use. Toro might have the broadest lineup on the market. This lineup also features the eDingo 500 — pictured above — a battery-powered model ideal for zero-emissions operations in confined spaces. The Toro Dingo TX 1000 Turbo is another impressive addition to this product offering.

Why the Dingo TX 1000 Turbo Stands Out

The Dingo TX 1000 Turbo embodies innovation with its increased power, efficiency and operator-friendly features. Its ability to handle demanding applications with ease makes it a great tool for landscaping, utility and earthmoving professionals. Compact Equipment’s Innovative Iron Award celebrates machines that push boundaries in design and performance. The Dingo TX 1000 Turbo is a deserving recipient, continuing Toro’s legacy of excellence in the compact utility loader market. For more information about the Dingo TX 1000 Turbo and Toro’s full lineup, visit Toro’s website.

Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.