MINITRUCKS BLOG

Mini Farming Trucks

Mini Farming Trucks

Running a farm means there is always work to be done and tasks are all over the property.  It can be convenient and efficient to have a smaller vehicle that can do the same tasks as a full size pick up truck or SUV but is easily able to go off road and to fit down thin paths that will not fit a full size truck.  The mini farm trucks from Japan are well suited to this type of task as they are smaller and lighter than traditional trucks but come with all the same options and functions, including four wheel drive, truck bed for transporting large items or loads of materials, and even animals from one area to another.

Reliability of Mini Trucks

Mini trucks are quite reliable and have been known to stay functional for well over 250,000 km and several decades.  They were created with top quality materials and meant to last for several years in hard jobs, are durable and have extended life spans when they are cared for well.  Due to strict inspection rules in Japan, they are well maintained so even a Japanese used farming truck will be in reliable shape and will have all safety features still functioning.

Makers of the Mini Trucks

Brands that make the most popular versions include Honda, Daihatsu, Subaru, Mazda, Mitsubishi and Suzuki.  All these brands are available in the classic models that are 25 years old and are good to import into the USA and Australia, and

Quebec in Canada.  Newer models are available by Nissan and Toyota makes too.  All these Japanese mini trucks makers have created cars, vans and even SUVs in the mini version and they are all suited for their own set of tasks.  These vehicles have been manufactured for several decades and many of them are over 25 years old and still in the best running condition.

Advantages

There are several advantages to a japanese used mini truck on the farm that makes it well suited.  Their ability to go off road with four wheel drive makes them able to drive not only on the highways and main roads but also on small paths, dirt roads, and through fields where necessary, and have the ability to carry needed supplies from one area of the farm to another.  The lighter vehicle will leave less damage on the fields and grass than a full size truck but will still carry a lot of material to a new space.

When choosing which is the right fit for your farm, be sure to consider the type of trucck bed that you need.  Each manufacturer has created a line of farming trucks in Japan and they have several different purposes.  For carrying loads of loose materials there are several mini dump trucks with a hydraulic lift for the bed of the truck that will allow you to dump the loads upon arrival without manually removing it.  Another option is fold down or removable sides for easy unloading of construction materials or small farm machinery and resources, or even a refrigerated or freezer back for the truck.  This makes them suited for many types of farms and other businesses.  

The lighter weight allows for better fuel efficiency as well as a smaller motor sizes.  With lowered fuel costs there can be savings to the whole farm and allows increased flexibility for moving things around the farm or to purchase new materials and take them back to the farm.

As they are approved for both roadways and highways as well as for off roading it is an all round efficient vehicle for all the needs of a small or medium farm.  If the business grows it may be used for smaller trips and for checking on the fields and animals without the full size truck, allowing owners to get closer to the fences and to fit through small spaces than would be otherwise possible.

Disadvantages 

Due to the 25 years rule in the USA, Australia and Quebec in Canada and a 15 years rule in Canada excluding the Quebec area, they must be purchased used.  This also affects the availability of some spare parts, though they are a popular utility vehicle and when well cared for will be reliable and safe with few repairs needed.  You can contact us to find hard to find parts for classic models of all types of mini trucks.

When you decide to purchase one, it may be difficult to find, and will often lead to working with Japanese exporters of the vehicles to select one that is the right fit for your farm and have it shipped to you.  A reliable exporter who specializes in the export of mini trucks would inspect the truck thoroughly for quality to avoid any risk to purchase a vehicle that you have not seen in person.

Where to find a Japanese Mini Truck for Farming

There are two main ways to find a suitable mini truck from Japan for farming, and these include finding and purchasing one at an auction in Japan or to have one imported from the used mini trucks' exporters ready stock. When looking for one at an auction, it will be a time investment, check all auction listings before the auction begins to determine which will have a Kei truck listed or will be most likely to have one.  Attend the auctions a few hours early to inspect the vehicle you are interested in and ensure that it is in running condition and will perform the tasks you need it to.

The other option is to contact an exporter of these trucks that is located in Japan.  They will often have stock available. An exporter is knowledgeable in the rules and regulations for shipping a vehicle and the documentation, and walk you through the process ensuring the correct paperwork is completed and the import rules are followed.

Affordability

Purchasing a used mini truck for farming has many benefits, and one is that the used vehicle will have a lower cost than a new truck, and the improved gas mileage will save costs on fuel.  As they are made to last long, the repair costs will be lower than many others and they are sure to last for several years if cared for well.  Purchasing one used averages between 4,500 US$ to 6,000 US$ including the shipping costs and insurance to the USA, Canada or Australia, and it takes roughly less than 60 days to be shipped and arrive at your destination port.