Recently, I took a Mitsubishi Fuso FE 125 out for a spin through innercity streets and a network of residential lanes. The road-ready ArcadiaSilver truck model I drove is a special edition model offered withmatching silver-colored Morgan 16 ft. van body. This model comesstandard with an Aisin Electronic six-speed dual overdrive automatictransmission (OD AT), which makes this truck effortless to drive.
After a quick check of controls on the driver-friendly dashboard, aneasy adjustment to the seat-cushion height and the steering wheel (thelatter telescopes and moves back and forth to accommodate all sizes ofdrivers), I was ready to pull out and into city traffic. The firstthing I noticed was the excellent visibility, while cab-over engine(COE) models like this one are known for their expansive windshieldsand good sight lines, Mitsubishi Fuso models have an added advantage inenhanced-view side windows. In addition, split side mirrors arestandard on 2010 models, and heated mirrors are an option on all models.
Once on the road, I began taking inventory of the ride’s aspects—smoothover railroad tracks, gentle adjustments over potholes, great corneringand very little cab vibration, which is undoubtedly a direct benefit ofthe front sway bar and multi-leaf suspension. The four-cylinder 185 HPengine was quick to accelerate, the vacuum/hydraulic dual-caliper discbrakes responsive and solid (ABS is standard on this model as well).For nearly three hours, I drove through old neighborhoods with narrowstreets lined with parked cars, negotiated tight turns, eased throughtraffic on busier roads and found the FE 125 to be agile and easy toride.
| Mitsubishi Fuso FE 125 Specs |
GVWR.............................................12,500 lbs.
FGAWR.............................................5,360 lbs.
Front axle cap...................................5,510 lbs.
RGAWR............................................9,880 lbs.
Rear axle cap....................................9,920 lbs.
Max. body cap...................................6,600 lbs.
Engine Model 4M50/ 4-cyl.185 HP @2,700 RPM
Torque 391 lb.-ft.@1,600 RPM
Std. transmission Aisin Elec. six-speed OD AT
Brake type Vacuum/hydraulic
Front/rear brakes Dual caliper disc
Exhaust brake Vacuum actuated
Frame type Ladder/straight
Frame yield strength 56,560 PSI
RBM per rail 459,830 in.-lbs.
Frame height/width 34.4/33.1 in.
Fuel tank 33 gal.
Cruise control Std.
Windows/door locks Power
Front/rear suspension Multi-leaf
Sway bar front/rear Yes/no
Tire size & type F/R 215/85R16 10PR all season/all positions
Disc wheel 16 X 6-in./208mm BC/5-lug/127mm offset
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In tight spots, hard turns and in back-up situations, the truckperformed well and actually made me feel as though I knew what I wasdoing—which means it’s a great truck for the non-professional driver.This is a good thing, since Class 3 truck owners/fleets are oftenlandscaping, appliance repair, local P & D businesses, ormunicipalities and utility companies that employ drivers who lack acommercial driver’s license.
Speaking of niche markets, Leighton Good, manager, Product &Applications for Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America, who was mywalk-around guide to this vehicle, pointed out some special designfeatures provided specifically for body builders. The frame is astraight ladder, C-channel rail configuration that does not taper atthe rear, which makes it easier for shortened wheelbase applications.The frame yield strength is 56,560 PSI with a resisting bending moment(RBM) per rail rating of 459,830 in.-lbs. The frame height is 34.4-in.and the width is 33.1-in. Another helpful feature is an easy-accesspowertrain.
Other features include a unique transmission cooling system, exhaustbrake, cruise control and cold weather starting capabilities thanks toindividual ceramic-tipped glow-plugs. In addition, the truck has powerwindows and comfortable, adjustable cloth seats with room for a crew ofthree (interior ceiling height is 41-in.). Floor carpet is optional.
Driving smaller, well-designed trucks like the FE 125 may be deceiving.It really is possible to forget you are in a truck. With features andbenefits similar to those offered in passenger cars, it’s an easytransition from a car to this truck. For small business owners andfleets that operate these vehicles, it’s a definite advantage––driversare going to be more comfortable in their surroundings and, as aresult, perhaps more productive.