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 |
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.