Experience with fuso 4x4

[WantedWolf]

Im looking at an FG140 model has anyone had experience with them.

Its a medium duty cab over made by mitsubishi fuso its 4cyl turbo diesel putting out 155 hp @ 2700 rpm and 347 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm, it has a GVW of 14050# but Im concerned that the engine will slug on hills and with heavy loads.
As a cab and chassis they are priced about the same as a new big3 3500,

 

[Diamondpilot]

My question would be do you need this truck? Also what will it do that a 1Ton Diesel will not do? I have zero experiecne with any type of truck other than pickups so I am the wrong guy to ask but my fear would be the cost of repairs. Granted they run forever but when these types of trucks need service, even simple things like brakes, it can be expensive.

Chris

 

[WantedWolf]

My question would be do you need this truck? Also what will it do that a 1Ton Diesel will not do? I have zero experiecne with any type of truck other than pickups so I am the wrong guy to ask but my fear would be the cost of repairs. Granted they run forever but when these types of trucks need service, even simple things like brakes, it can be expensive.

Chris

very good point on the repairs. I am considering that and the distance to the dealer is substantial . I am writing a list of parts like glow plugs, oil filters, brake pads, etc. to find out prices before hand on things I expect to go first.,

The GVW is higher on the fuso then a 3500p/u but the overall power is lower
So I can legally to more but I likely cant physically. Fuel economy will be great but top speed is 68mph/110km.

If say the starter last 3 times longer then the dodge then I wouldnt complain about paying 3 times more for the part and only servicing once, if thats the case great.

 

[OKnewguy]

I do not have any experience with the fuso, but I used to use a couple of isuzu units. They were setup box truck style, they had 23,999 total weight rating (i believe, but it has been about 10 years so it it hard to remember). They were very reliable, even more reliable they the fleet of Ford e250's and 350's that the company also had. I do not know if they were super expensive to have serviced, since I was always traveling and we always tried to service the vehicles at our home office, but none of them ever broke down on me.
Dave

 

[Builder]

very good point on the repairs. I am considering that and the distance to the dealer is substantial . I am writing a list of parts like glow plugs, oil filters, brake pads, etc. to find out prices before hand on things I expect to go first.,

The GVW is higher on the fuso then a 3500p/u but the overall power is lower
So I can legally to more but I likely cant physically. Fuel economy will be great but top speed is 68mph/110km.

If say the starter last 3 times longer then the dodge then I wouldnt complain about paying 3 times more for the part and only servicing once, if thats the case great.

I heard the Mitsus have the longest warranty in the medium truck business. Something crazy, like 200,000 miles. So if you're buying new, I wouldn't worry about repairs too much.

I think they're an excellent choice if LOW OVERHEAD is your biggest priority. If driving a powerful more stylish truck is more of a priority, then go big-3.

The reason they're so reliable is their low power. The driver can't really damage the driveline so clutches, trannies, rears, tires, axles, brakes, etc. all last a long time.

How much heavy towing do you do? Do you live in a real hilly area? I would think if you're mostly running flatland and not pulling over 12K, you should be fine.

 

[Deaf]

WW,

Did research on these rigs 5 years ago and every FUSO (2wd and 4x4) I saw at gas stations or loading docks I stopped and asked the drivers how they liked them. Most said they were tough little trucks but slow and very rough riding in the short wheel base (I think 109? I was going to get one used for a hunting rig. Was also going for the 田ool factor? seen some on the web with larger tires, camo paint, lights, winch, flat bed? and really liked them. Not being able to load 6 people into the cab like one of the big 3 trucks was a big factor in my purchase, Hard to find them used with AC was also a factor.

One guy I talked with was driving a FUSO FG (4x4) with a Refer box on back said the thing was murder to drive unloaded. Most 1 ton big 3 truck ride pretty nice now loaded or not

Deaf

 

[WantedWolf]

thanks guys.
im working at it but cant determine exactly what I will be carrying. I want to be versitile. i wont be in a hilly area when all is done but i am for another 4 months min.

they do offer a pretty amazing warrenty `175000k/5year limited on everything
4year rust warrenty included.

iv heard its bouncy, and slow between 90-110km 110 being top speed
after warrenty theres fun things like propane injection and roll cages etc but for now a simple toolbox extra fuel tank and GN hitch is all i Would add.
most people do make expo rigs from them but one guy farms in texas with an FG. Many tow backhoes and skid steers.

I havent decided yet. I will test drive 08/09 Dodge/chev/ford beggining next week

thank you for the replys

 

[LoneCowboy]

GM makes the same basic thing (I think they call it a W series, usually Isuzu motors)), any GMC truck dealer should be able to point you in the right direction. That might solve your dealer being far away problem.

I see you are in Canada, and I know your laws are different, so.....
But here in the states, if the GVW is 14,050, you can only put a 11,950 GVW trailer behind it or you are over 26k and you need a class A license to drive it.
You could put a 10,000lb trailer behind it and be ok, but what's the point of that?

Most 3500 series pickups rate at 9900GVW so you can run a 16,000lb trailer behind them. (less some axle weight issues) without needing the Class A license.

Something to think about

the turning radius is amazing on those cab overs, incredibly short wheelbase.

 

[Diamondpilot]

GM makes the same basic thing (I think they call it a W series, usually Isuzu motors)), any GMC truck dealer should be able to point you in the right direction. That might solve your dealer being far away problem.

I see you are in Canada, and I know your laws are different, so.....
But here in the states, if the GVW is 14,050, you can only put a 11,950 GVW trailer behind it or you are over 26k and you need a class A license to drive it.
You could put a 10,000lb trailer behind it and be ok, but what's the point of that?

Most 3500 series pickups rate at 9900GVW so you can run a 16,000lb trailer behind them. (less some axle weight issues) without needing the Class A license.

Something to think about

the turning radius is amazing on those cab overs, incredibly short wheelbase.

This CDL thing is argued more than Ford/Chevy but if its for personal use he can be over 26,000# without a CDL. Also check the data. Most 1 tons are now way over 9,990 gvwr, that's 3/4 ton territory. My 2006 F-350 4x4 SRW is 11,500# and if it were a dually it would be 13,000#

Chris

 

[Harold_J]

This CDL thing is argued more than Ford/Chevy but if its for personal use he can be over 26,000# without a CDL. Also check the data. Most 1 tons are now way over 9,990 gvwr, that's 3/4 ton territory. My 2006 F-350 4x4 SRW is 11,500# and if it were a dually it would be 13,000#Chris

Current 3500 GMC/Chev SRW are still 9900#. I think they keep it like that for a reason(s), eg. keeping combo under 26K, laws in CA and NY, interstate hauling, etc.