Author: Kim Salazar

Christmas Party at Rice Creek, Plus Fresh Used-Unit Deals Ready to Ship

December is all about wrapping up the year strong, celebrating the people who make it happen, and setting the stage for a fast start in the new year. At DJ Products, we did all three.

Christmas Dinner at Rice Creek

Our Christmas dinner at Rice Creek was the kind of night that reminds you why teamwork matters. Great food, lots of laughs, and a little holiday magic.
The star of the party was Barb, who showed up fully committed as Mrs Claus. Yes, Mrs Claus made an appearance, and the room absolutely loved it.
A few highlights from the night:
  • The food was wonderful (the kind of “seconds are mandatory” wonderful).
  • The raffle prizes were a big hit across the board.
  • Mrs Claus (Barb) brought the holiday energy and made the night unforgettable.

raffle prize tv raffle prize dewalt Mrs. Claus aka Barb raffle prize aura raffle prize craftsman

Big thanks to everyone who helped make it such a fun way to close out the year.

DJ Products Used Units: Discounted, Inspected, Serviced, Ready for Fast Shipment

We are excited to share our latest list of quality used units available at special discounted pricing. Every unit listed has been inspected and serviced and is ready for shipment almost instantly.
These units are limited, and availability is first come, first served.
If you see something you are interested in, reach out and we can provide:
  • Pictures
  • Specifications
  • Quotes
  • Option add-ons (as needed)
Note: Prices represent unit as-is. Other charges may apply for additional options.

Current Used Inventory

Waste Caddy’s
  • Waste Caddy HeavyDuty (326862): $8,904
  • Waste Caddy Lite (327675): $6,860
  • Waste Caddy HeavyDuty (328384): $10,381
  • Roll-Off Caddy 23K (328732): $42,880

Material Handling

  • 4SC Lite (326550): $7,689
  • Cart Caddy 6K 36V (327698): $14,242
  • Vehicle Puller 7K Gray (324005): $21,578
  • Vehicle Puller 7K (323719): $20,710
  • Shorty (327234): $7,894
  • Cart Caddy 6K 36V (328661): $18,018
  • Shorty (329038): $7,259
  • Cart Caddy 5W (328995): $9,819
  • Cart Caddy 5W (327510): $7,717
  • Cart Caddy 5W (328752): $9,983
  • 15K 48V Rail Car Caddy (328017): $36,474
  • Shorty (328540): $6,496
  • Cart Caddy Lite (327501): $4,896

Used VP7 Collector

Used Shorty

Trailer Caddy’s

  • 15K 48V Trailer Caddy (329015): $32,575
  • Trailer Caddy 2.5K (328842): $10,122

Used TC

Fast Start for the New Year

If your operation is planning upgrades, replacing an older unit, or adding capacity without a long lead time, these used units are a smart way to move quickly and control cost.
To reserve a unit or request details: contact us with the unit name and number in parentheses (example: Cart Caddy 6K 36V (327698)) and we will respond with availability, photos, and the next steps.

Meet the New Adjustable Spring Hitch: 12 Inches of Field-Adjustable Flexibility

DJ Products is rolling out a new adjustable spring hitch that replaces our fixed, welded design. It delivers 12 inches of vertical adjustment and can be set in minutes with basic hand tools (a 3/4″ wrench) so your team can dial in the perfect hook height without welding, shims, or guesswork.

Why we built it

Material handling isn’t static. Dock plates change, bins vary, carts get swapped, and facilities evolve. A fixed-height, welded hitch forces you to adapt the fleet to the hardware. The new adjustable spring hitch flips that script:
  • One hitch, many heights: Up to 12″ of vertical travel to match different carts or bin lips.
  • No welding required: Loosen, slide, tighten… you’re done.
  • Less back-and-forth: No need to send dimensions when ordering a replacement; final fit happens on-site.
  • Keep moving: Once tightened, the spring action still works for quick, confident engagement.

new style spring hitch

How it works (fast)

  1. Install into the Fifth Wheel Arm on your DJ Products unit.
  2. Loosen the locking bolts with a 3/4″ wrench.
  3. Slide the inner spring‑loaded section to your required height.
  4. Tighten the bolts. The hitch remains fully functional.
  5. Hook and go. If your application changes, repeat the steps in minutes.
The spring‑loaded inner piece lifts to engage (commonly with a J‑hook), which helps compensate for small misalignments during daily operations.

Swap it in: retrofit‑ready

If you’re running a welded hitch today, you don’t need to fabricate a new one. Replace the welded assembly with this adjustable spring hitch and fine‑tune heights right in the field as needs change.
Compatible with any DJ Products unit using a Fifth Wheel Arm, including:
  • WasteCaddy and WasteCaddy Lite
  • CartCaddy 5W
  • CartCaddy Lite
  • CartCaddy Shorty
  • Select RiderCaddy configurations equipped with a Fifth Wheel Arm
(If your unit uses a Fifth Wheel Arm, this hitch is designed to fit.)

Quick specs

  • Adjustment range: 12 inches of vertical travel
  • Field setup: Basic hand tools; 3/4″ wrench for locking bolts
  • Mechanism: Spring‑loaded inner section for positive, repeatable engagement
  • Upgrade path: Direct retrofit for existing welded hitches

new style spring hitch 2 new style spring hitch 2

What this means for your operation

  • Fewer delays, less hassle: Keep maintenance in-house with quick height changes—no welding bay or outside fab required.
  • Standardize the fleet: One hitch style covers multiple cart/buffer heights across shifts and sites.
  • Future‑proofing: When carts or containers change, your hitch adapts with them.
  • Confidence at the hook: The spring action helps you line up and latch cleanly.

Field testing & rollout

We’re conducting initial field trials with five beta units placed at customer sites for roughly 30 days to monitor performance in real‑world conditions. Early feedback will continue to inform documentation and training resources as we complete the rollout across our product lines.

See it in action

FAQs

Does this replace the current hitch?
Yes. The new adjustable spring hitch replaces our fixed, welded design, and from now on it becomes the standard option across our lineup.

Will I need to provide measurements when ordering?
No. Since the hitch offers 12 inches of vertical adjustment, you can set the final height on-site… which means no measurements are needed during ordering.

What tools are needed?
You only need a 3/4″ wrench to loosen and tighten the locking bolts, so setup stays simple from start to finish.

How long does it take to adjust?
In most cases, adjustment takes only a few minutes. First you loosen the bolts, then you slide the hitch to the right height, and finally you tighten it back down so the unit can return to service quickly.

Which units are supported?
This hitch works with any DJ Products unit equipped with a Fifth Wheel Arm, including WasteCaddy, WasteCaddy Lite, CartCaddy 5W, CartCaddy Lite, CartCaddy Shorty, and select RiderCaddy configurations.

New Style 5th Wheel Arm Assembly Improves Strength and Control

At DJ Products, every design change has one goal: make our equipment stronger, easier to use, and more reliable for our customers. Our new style 5th wheel arm assembly is built to do exactly that. It’s heavier duty, cleaner looking, and replaces multiple older versions with one universal design.

Why We Made the Change

The 5th-wheel arm assembly is the pivot point that allows a unit to steer left and right once it’s connected to a load. For years, we used three different versions of this arm. Each came with its own set of parts, and over time, each developed too much play in the pivot. That “slop” led to more maintenance than we’d like to see.

The new-style arm replaces all three versions with one stronger assembly. That means less upkeep, less parts complexity, and better performance in the field.

5th wheel arm over the top view

Key Improvements

Tighter tolerances
The pivot holds tight with minimal play, reducing sway and keeping loads steadier.

Tapered bearings
Built with tapered roller bearings on the pivot, the new arm is stronger and holds up under heavier use.

Adjustable crown nut
Operators can set how freely the arm pivots.. smoother and lighter for easy maneuvering, or tighter for more control under load.

Simpler, cleaner design
The assembly has fewer parts, a compact look, and is now robot-welded for consistency. This makes it easier for us to build and stock, and easier for customers to maintain.

5th wheel arm top view

Built From the Shop Floor

This redesign didn’t start in a conference room. A few years back, our welding lead and his team built a prototype out of spare parts during some downtime. It worked so well that it became the foundation for this new assembly. That kind of hands-on problem solving is what keeps our products moving forward.

Already in the Field

The new 5th wheel arm assembly is being tested on Waste Caddies, Waste Caddy Shorties, Cart Caddy 5Ws, & Cart Caddy Shorties. By replacing three separate designs with one universal version, we’ve made things easier for both our customers and our production team.

What Customers Should Know

  • The new arm is stronger than it looks.
  • It will replace all previous versions across our product lines.
  • Units in the field are already using it, with positive early results.
  • The new arm will bolt on-to existing units in the field.
  • The new arm will still accept existing attachments.

What’s Next

As soon as we finish using our existing stock of old assemblies, all DJ Products units will ship with the new style 5th wheel arm. Customers who want to upgrade existing equipment can make the switch as well.

The result is a 5th wheel arm assembly that’s stronger, tighter, and built to last… helping your team move loads with more stability and less maintenance.

Ready to upgrade or need specs for your application? Request a quote and Contact Sales and our team will match the arm to your unit and use case.

Molded Handlebar: Enhanced Ergonomics for Better Control

At DJ Products, we are always looking for ways to improve usability in our walk-behind tugs. Our equipment has always been built with safety, durability, and reliability in mind, and now we’re taking it a step further with a new ergonomic handlebar option that makes operation even smoother and easier. That’s where our Molded Handlebar comes in. 

What is a Molded Handlebar? 

Our ergonomic handlebar upgrade makes operating our equipment easier and more user-friendly. While our traditional potentiometer system still serves our customers well, the new molded handlebar introduces a throttle cartridge that makes operation more intuitive and fine-tuned. This upgrade helps reduce maintenance needs, streamlines control, and enhances day-to-day usability. 

Have no fear, the Molded Handlebar also contains an emergency stop button. This feature ensures that operators can quickly halt the machine whenever necessary, giving an added layer of confidence and safety in any work environment. 

Why Our Customers Approve It 

  • Secure handling – The throttle is controlled by your thumbs, allowing for quicker navigation, especially in tight spaces. It moves forward or backward depending on the direction you push or pull it. 
  • Proportional throttle – The farther you push it, the faster the unit will move, giving you more accurate control with minimal effort. Its speed-matching attribute responds to how far you press, from light pressure for slow, controlled movement to full pressure for faster motion. 
  • No potentiometer = reduced maintenance requirements 

the old/standard handlebar Picture of a molded handlebar top view

From manual control to ergonomic ease (old meets the new)  

Technical Compatibility 

Our molded handlebar is a great upgrade, but it will not be compatible with some of our units. It will not work on the following: 

  • Terminal Tractor Line 
  • Round Tube Frame models (like Parts Caddys or Wagon Caddys) 
  • EPC Models 
  • CarCaddy Push Frame units 
  • Old tube frame styles 
  • Units equipped with a service air brake option 

Our team will happily assist you and answer your questions about whether your unit can be upgraded. We are here to help you verify compatibility as well. 

Tested in the Field 

The molded handlebar upgrade can now be found across several of our product lines, including: 

Customers report reduced strain, smoother handling, and greater confidence in operation. The molded design keeps control simple and reliable, helping extend equipment life while making it easier for operators to do their jobs effectively. 

 Misconceptions About the New Design 

We sometimes hear that the molded handlebar “looks too simple,” but don’t let that fool you. It’s not cheap or flimsy. It’s engineered for strength, tested for durability, and trusted by operators who prefer it for day-to-day use. Think of it like switching from a manual crank to a modern push-button control. Same power, less hassle. 

Key Takeaway 

Our molded handlebar is a smart move as long as your model supports it. If you are looking for a smoother, more comfortable, and secure way of operating your DJ Products units, our optional molded handlebar is the perfect choice. Ready to make the switch? Call us today for a free demo at 1-800-686-2651 or download our brochure here.