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MichTrucks
of
Petersburg, Michigan 49270
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Our New
and Used Mini Trucks are your Jobsite
Workhorse! |
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FAQ |
| What is a Japanese Mini truck? | What type of transmission do they have? | ||||
| Why are these used trucks in such good condition? | Are Diff lock and LSD's available? | ||||
| Why are mini-trucks making their way to the United States? | How heavy are mini trucks? | ||||
| What size are the Engines? | How big is the bed? | ||||
| Are the trucks available with diesel engines? | How much weight will they carry? | ||||
| Are they only available in 4 wheel drive? | Can you get parts/repairs? | ||||
| What are the average miles on the trucks? | Can these trucks be licensed for road use? | ||||
| Which is the best model? | How fast will they go? | ||||
| Are "Dump beds" available? | Do we take trades? | ||||
| What colors are available? | What is the history of the Mini Truck? | ||||
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What is a Japanese Mini truck: Kei means “light weight” in Japanese, which describes the highly efficient nature of these vehicles. Manufacturers produce these small trucks as alternatives to larger trucks. There is a need for smaller vehicles that can maneuver the narrow streets, and fit into extremely small parking spaces found in the cities. They are also versatile enough to be used for farm work and in the mountain villages.
These tough little trucks are used for deliveries
and service work in towns, and for field work on the farms of Japan. Japanese "Kei Mini-trucks" are mini utility trucks that have two seats, fully enclosed cab, A/C and heat, with a 6'x 4' cargo bed, and are used in Japan much like full size delivery trucks are used here. These little trucks are powered by liquid cooled 3 cylinder 660cc gasoline engines with shift on the fly 2WD to 4WD. They are imported to be used in off-road applications. These are off-road vehicles only. We import the trucks from Japan and sell them as off road utility vehicles. These little trucks will go anywhere and keep you warm or cool and dry. Some even come with power dump beds. Jumbo cabs are also available. Normally this is a special order item. They are very easy to drive, handle great, and have plenty of power. The Japanese manufacturers, Suzuki, Daihatsu (Toyota affiliate), Mitsubishi, Honda and Subaru primarily produced these trucks with a 550cc engine until the early 1990’s. Then regulations changed, allowing them to be equipped with 660cc engines. While each manufacturer offers slightly different features, they are all about equal in their size, ruggedness, power and capabilities. The most important feature of these vehicles is the proven engineering and manufacturing quality that goes into each one. They are built to last!
Why are these used trucks in such good condition: Why are mini-trucks making their way to the United States: In Japan, mini-trucks are often used for regular travel. However, the cost of owning an older model mini-truck increases significantly. The Japanese government imposes high taxes and fees on older models because the emissions increase considerably. There is little to no market for used or older mini-Trucks in Japan because of the high costs of owning one.
Up to 1991 all models had a 550cc engine. The Japanese Government changed the law in 1991 which allowed all "Kei" vehicles to have an engine up to 660cc. All models from 1991 onwards are 660cc. All models have a mid mounted 3 cylinder gas engine except the Subaru Sambar which has an 4 cyl engine mounted in the rear. (We normally don’t import this model).
Are the trucks available with diesel engines: No. All Japanese models are gasoline-powered.
Are they only available in 4 wheel drive: No. These trucks are also available in 2 wheel drive. Because of the insignificant price difference between 2 and 4 wheel drive we only import 4x4’s.
What are the average miles on the trucks: We now carry both NEW and USED Mini Trucks. The used trucks generally average 30,000-50,000 miles when we get them. While the New trucks are virtually without any miles on them.
We have not found a significant difference between different makes. They all live up to the Japanese reputation of high quality and dependability. This is a commonly asked question. A lot of it depends on the terrain or the environment . On very hilly , steep country a centrally mounted engine is better ( a central center of gravity ) and perhaps a model with diff lock is more suited. On flat to light rolling country any model will perform well. The Subaru and Mitsubishi tend to have the larger cab which is better for the taller or larger person.
Yes they are. We try and keep a couple in stock but they go fast. It’s best to pre-order if you would like one with a dump bed. After market dump kits are also available.
Most all are white when they arrive. We can paint any color you'd like. Most popular is camo, green, tan, or black We can also do a spray in bed liner or spray the entire truck with the bed liner type paint. This gives a very durable and long lasting paint job that's scratch resistant.
What type of transmission do they have: Suzuki "Carry" - usually 4 spd hi/low - some have a 5spd + extra low gear ( 6 spd ) - no hi/low. 1st gear low ratio and extra low gear are very similar. Mitsubishi "Minicab" - 4 spd hi/low ratio or 5spd hi/low. Daihatsu "Hijet" - all have a 4spd hi/low ratio gearbox . Some late model 1992 on have a std 5 spd with no hi/low.
As of 2009 we are now permitted to import Automatic Transmission Vehicles.
So we also carry Automatic Transmission in the NEW trucks. Only about 10% to 15% of Mini trucks have a diff lock or LSD. Suzuki & Daihatsu from 1986 - 1992 put out some vehicles with diff lock ( elec - on the rear ). Suzuki continued putting diff lock in some vehicles from 1992 onward as did Daihatsu, in limited numbers.
Mitsubishi's don't usually have a diff lock, however the odd one is fitted
with LSD. Approx. 1540lbs (700kg) . This varies slightly.
Generally they
are about the same size; approx. 6’ 6" long x 4’ 3" wide We have seen all kinds of weight carrying capacity claimed on other sites! The vehicles are rated from the factory for a 350kg payload. This works out to about 770lbs.
Yes. We carry some parts. Oil Filters, spark plugs, etc are available at your local parts store such as Napa, Auto Zone, etc. There are several other sources where parts are available to us. Most parts are available right here in the USA.
We can also order directly
from Japan and delivery in usually less than 2 weeks. No. Although these trucks have many of the safety requirements, they are imported into the U.S. for off-road use. They can not be legally licensed for the road.
Top speed varies depending on tire size. While the average top speed is about 55 mph in Japan, these off-road mini trucks are speed limited to 25mph for importation in accordance with current U.S. Government regulations.
Generally the answer is NO but it doesn't hurt to tell us what you want to trade.
Click on the following link to read the history of this series of mini vehicles! http://www.xs4all.nl/~mjs/cabover.html
MichTrucks is a Michigan LLC based in South Eastern Michigan Copyright 2008 MichTrucks, LLC |
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