kei trucks

[4merfarmer]

I'm considering a kei truck for running around my small farm, hubby wants an atv. We want to be able to move hay, check fencing, dump mulch, etc. The ground is fairly smooth, but not like a golf course. Any thoughts?

 

[part-time-Farmer-NC]

You and me both... I look at them, don;t know of any dealers around or any history. I like the idea of them though.

 

[Eaglesfate]

Kai trucks are not bad, used them when I was Japan. You can get a model with a dump bed, and four wheel drive. As to finding a dealer using the Online oracle may be helpful.

 

[ponytug]

With unusual vehicles, I'd consider buying two to have one, and one that could be down for servicing. Some parts swap from Suzuki, others...

Fun machines. I think it helps to have driven RHD stick shifts before, but you'd get the hang of it.

All the best,

Peter

 

[ultrarunner]

Some states license and others don’t.

Talked to owners in Washington State and in every encounter the owner was pleased… mostly horse people and used as an UTV with the added functionality to be highway legal…

Most I saw were Honda…

Never seen a plated one in California but only my observation.

 

[tacticalturnip]

They're awfully damn cool; I love them, but I'm too big and tall.

 

[Eaglesfate]

An interesting look into why we cant have little trucks. First time trying to drop a link.

 

[EarPlug]

Be aware that you probably can't get a new Kei Truck in the US. Importing rules and regulations restrict them to over 25 years old.

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[ultrarunner]

I was in a similar situation 30 years ago and picked up a eight year old $1000 Suzuki Samurai and it’s been bullet proof and I tow a landscape trailer every week with it…

A little dump truck would be the perfect compliment.

All I needed was a small no frills 4wd to refuel diesel to my equipment when I started but it has ended up being so much more.

 

[Too many Kubotas]

Be aware that you probably can't get a new Kei Truck in the US. Importing rules and regulations restrict them to over 25 years old.

About six years ago I bought a low mileage HiJet with a dump bed. Don't remember what model year it is, but it might have been 15 years old at the time, probably less.

My girlfriend, who likes stick shifts, didn't care for the shifter being on the left, so about a year later she ordered a new automatic with a dump bed. That one came with P/S, A/C, and other fancy things mine doesn't have. Or need.

Mine's registered, hers stay on the property and is not.

 

[nyone]

I was in a similar situation 30 years ago and picked up a eight year old $1000 Suzuki Samurai and it’s been bullet proof and I tow a landscape trailer every week with it…

A little dump truck would be the perfect compliment.

All I needed was a small no frills 4wd to refuel diesel to my equipment when I started but it has ended up being so much more.

That same 30yrold samurai today would be 6x that price.

 

[EscapedSuburbia]

A friend of mine bought one of those imported mini trucks for working around the farm. He's short so it fits him but I'm 6' tall and my knees hit the dash. His reason for getting it was that it could be plated but in his county UTVs can be used on roads. The truck was fine right up until it wasn't. It's been down almost a year for a transmission problem that he can't get parts for. He's been trying to dream up other solutions like putting a Goldwing engine and transmission in it but he doesn't have the skills to do it himself and can't find a shop willing to take on such an open ended project. He's have been much better off buying a UTV.

 

[Too many Kubotas]

It's been down almost a year for a transmission problem that he can't get parts for.

That's odd, considering how many places sell parts for Kei vehicles. Maybe it's a really rare version/make/model?

If so, consider buying another one for cheap, but a common one. Private party can be very affordable.

 

[bigtiller]

Deere offers their XPX 615E Gator with a power lift cargo box for the retail price of $16500

 

[MossRoad]

1994 Suzuki Carry Scissor Lift Dump 4WD

This 1994 Suzuki Carry Scissor Lift Dump is a great work truck with amazing capability and practicality. This mini scissor lift dump truck comes with AC, 4WD, axle lock, and a hi/lo transfer case. This combination makes it a great all around vehicle; combining great off-road capability and easy...

minitrucks.net

 

[nyone]

Deere offers their XPX 615E Gator with a power lift cargo box for the retail price of $16500

No cab, no heat/AC and cant be registered in many places. Granted it's new.

One thing to think about on these Kei truck is parts can be very expensive.

 

[hiddentacocatneddih]

Kei trucks are getting harder to register

I had a 1995 Mitsubishi mini cab 4wd

It was cool. Air and heat. 4wd

But it didn't do anything well

Sucked to drive on the road. Technically it went 50-55 but you were screaming wide open. Big vehicle goes by in the other lane and you really feel it. Also burned way more fuel than you would think. Iirc like 25 is mpg.

Technically it can hold like 1000 lb cargo ? Maybe

On the farm it was a pain to get in and out of when working on stuff. It got stuck in wet grass on flag ground. Even with 4wd. Granted I had street tires but it was awful.

Hard to find parts compared to most vehicles. Insurance was annoying to get. I ended up just staying off the road since it wasn't worth it.


All in all. After 4 years or so I sold it.

On road, use the pickup.

Off-road use the sxs or 4 wheeler. Sold the sxs too

For working on the farm, just use the tractor.

 

[bigtiller]

No cab, no heat/AC and cant be registered in many places. Granted it's new.

One thing to think about on these Kei truck is parts can be very expensive.

The OP. doesn't want a cab, heat & air. The Hubby wants an ATV. The OP. wants to be able to move hay, check fencing, dump mulch, etc. That's what an atv/utv does best.

 

[Mtsoxfan]

I've always dreamed of owning one, 4x4, dump bed. But over the years, I've read too much of what was already stated on here.
Still cool looking though...

 

[nyone]

It got stuck in wet grass on flag ground. Even with 4wd. Granted I had street tires but it was awful

My suburban with Michelin ATX tires would need 4x4 on to also not be stuck on flat grass. They had 75% tread too. Worst AT tire ever made. It also has a positive rear.