With gas prices soaring, you need a tough vehicle that will cut your fuel expenses but is still tough enough to handle the most challenging tasks you need it to accomplish. With all-terrain tires, a large truck bed, and an enclosed cab, a Japanese Mini Truck is the solution to your off-highway transportation needs.
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What is a Japanese Mini-Truck?
The best way to describe a Japanese Mini Truck is that it is literally a smaller version of a pick-up truck. They are approved in the United States for non-highway use (similar to an ATV or a Gator). The majority of them were constructed in the early 1990’s, and they include the very best manufacturing and technology available from Japan. As you would expect, these vehicles are extremely reliable and fuel-efficient. Those characteristics, along with their all-terrain 4x4 capabilities make these trucks the right choice for your property.
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What are their stats?
Each Japanese Mini Truck may have some slight variation (with respect to mileage or features) however here are the most common characteristics of a vehicle:
- Dimensions: 10 feet long, 5 feet high, 4 feet wide
- Weight: 1800 lbs
- Truck Bed: 4’ x 6’ with fold down sides.
- Bed capacity: 880 lbs
- Engine: 550-660cc, Liquid Cooled, 2, 3, or 4-Cylinder, Gasoline-powered, with approximately 40 Miles per Gallon
- Transmission: 4 or 5-Speed manual transmission, Low/High range
- 4x4, 12” All Terrain Vehicle tires, some trucks with differential lock or axle lock
- Standard heat, defroster, windshield wipers, headlights. Some units have A/C.
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Who makes these Miniature Trucks?
These used miniature trucks are produced by leading manufacturers with years of experience and based on highly efficient and reliable Asian engineering. You know the names Honda, Suzuki, Mazda, Mitsubishi and Subaru… all of these brands stand for quality and performance.
The different Japanese mini truck companies make the slightly different variations of mini trucks. A lot of times it is left to your personal preference to which brand you like best. All japanese mini trucks perform great on flat rolling country terrain. Subarus and Mitsubishi mini trucks tend to have the larger cabs suited better for taller and larger riders. If the terrain is going to be very steep and hilly you may wish to choose a centrally mounted engine to have a better center of gravity, maybe even choosing a mini truck with differential lock.
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Suzuki & Mitsubishi mini trucks typically have a greater ground clearance. Lift kits are available for all models of mini trucks. Daihatsu (Made by Toyota) and Honda have generally the softest ride around. Subaru’s are popular for their rear mounted engines.
What types of gears or transmissions do the mini trucks have?
Diahatsu mini trucks all have a 4 speed hi/low ratio gearbox. Some late model 1992+ have a standard 5 speed gear box with no hi/low ratio. Suzuki mini trucks generally have 4 speed hi/low gears but some have a 5 speed + extra low gear (6 speed) – no hi/low. 1st gear low ratio and extra low gear are very similar. 1st low may be somewhat slower. In either case the low gear idel speed is perfect for following stock.
Mitsubishi mini trucks have typically 4 speed hi and low ratios in nearly all models. A Few models may have a 5 speed hi/low. Subaru mini trucks all have 5 speed + extra low gear (6 speed). No hi/low gears. Honda mini trucks come with 5 speed fulltime 4WD, no hi/low.
What are some other details about the japanese mini trucks?
- Mini trucks only come in gas engines—NO DIESEL.
- All mini trucks come with heaters.
- Mini trucks are equipped with an AM radio
- Most mini trucks do NOT come with air conditioning (A/C). However a few models can be found with A/C.
- We have mini truck parts in stock and can order almost any part needed.
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How is it possible that Japanese Mini Trucks are such a good bargain?
Japanese laws provide an incentive for vehicle owners to buy newer vehicles earlier than we do here in the United States. Unlike in America, taxes and insurance costs increase as a vehicle gets older, which prompts owners to trade in their vehicles earlier than we would expect. This creates a surplus, and enables Americans to import these perfectly capable vehicles at low prices. Plus, the average Japanese vehicle is driven only 6,000 miles per year… meaning these vehicles have years of valuable life left in them! You can buy a few Japanese Mini Trucks for the cost of just one John Deere Gator or Kawasaki Mule! |
How would I use a Japanese Mini-Truck?
The uses of a Japanese Mini Truck are endless, however a few of the uses are listed below:
- Farms: You can forget paying for an expensive John Deere Gator, a Kawasaki Mule, or buying a vehicle that doesn’t have a large bed or an enclosed cab. Japanese Mini Trucks combine the best of both worlds: Inexpensive 4x4 handling with the hauling capacity and comfort of a pick-up truck. Move hay, harvest, or equipment around your property with ease and comfort. These farm trucks enable you to do more work in less time.
- Campuses: Both Universities and private companies alike can benefit from the low cost but reliable transportation that Japanese Mini Trucks provide. In this cost-conscious economy, moving people or equipment around your location has never been cheaper (in the form of both lower initial investment and lower operational expense) or more comfortable. Stay away from golf carts, which expose riders to the elements and have limited hauling capacity! And don’t drive full-sized pick-up trucks around your campus, damaging the aesthetic beauty or the lawn! Japanese Mini Trucks are truly your solution.
- Manufacturing and Airports: Transport material, baggage or goods throughout your location in a Japanese Mini Truck. These trucks are better equipped to fit into small spaces and maneuver in order to make your facility more productive!
- Parks and Land: Move people and equipment around your golf course, zoo, theme park, or public park with ease and with little disruption to your patron’s experience. Japanese Mini Trucks are a quiet, fuel efficient, compact alternative to bulkier full-sized pick-up trucks. They are also better equipped to navigate the terrain and through tight areas.
- Recreation: Move around your property and enjoy your favorite activities, like hunting, camping, boating or fishing in style.
- Note that these miniature trucks are not for highway use.
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What is the stability of a mini truck like?
Mini trucks are very stable due to the lower center of gravity. Most mini trucks have a centrally mounted engine in most models except Subarus. Mini trucks are typically more stable than a quad. Mini trucks are highly unlikely to tip over backwards going up hills. They can easily stop going up a hill with excellent 4 wheel braking.
Mini trucks are also very stable going down hill even will towing! The mini trucks wheel base help prevent them from jack-knifing while towing heavy loads.
Traveling sideways on a hill the width and the low wheelbase combined with the low center of gravity make them very stable on the side of hills. Also any shift in load should not have an adverse effect. |
What does KEI mean?
Kei means “light weight” in Japanese, which best describes the highly efficient nature of the Japanese Kei Mini Truck. In recent years, Japanese manufacturers have shortened the name of the category “Kei-class” trucks to simply “K-class.” Japanese Kei Mini Trucks are designed for the toughest conditions in the Japanese landscape, capable of hauling loads on rough roads through hills and turns.
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