Mitsubishi's mini-tipper fills new market slot
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THE MITSUBISHI 1200 one-tonne pick-up exhibited last year at the NEC is now available on the British market. It fills a market niche which is not at present contested by any other European manufacturer.
The 1,597cc overhead-cam Saturn engine develops 60kW (75bhp) at 5,000rpm with a maximum torque of 116Nm (851bft) at 3,000rpm. Maximum gvw is 2,310kg (5,0921b) based on an average kerb weight of 1,080kg (2,3811b). The maximum rear body capacity is 1,000kg (2,2041b).
The interior of the body is 2,070mm (81.6in) long and extends to 2,495mm (98.3in) when the double-skinned tailboard is lowered to horizontal on its chains. Interior body width is 1,430mm (56.3in).
Extra-heavy-duty suspension, double-circuit powerassisted brakes with discs at the front, divided propellor shaft with centre bearing and tail-lamp clusters visible to the rear and side are all standard.
The cab is wide enough for three large adults. The fullwidth bench seat is kept clear by the use of a steeringcolumn gearchange.
The unusually rigid chassis frame permits the fitment of Telehoist single-stage ram underfloor electro-hydraulic tipping gear to convert the pick-up to a tipper. The power pack is located behind the seat and controlled by pushbuttons in the cab. The tipper version's tailgate is tophinged. Tipping time is nine seconds.
With a tested unladen road speed of over 136kph (85mph), this vehicle has already created interest among local authorities and small builders.
An option pack comprising LW /MW radio, high-backed seats, chromium-plated front bumper and windscreen mouldings is available.
The vehicle is covered by a 12-month unlimited warranty and requires major servicing at 19,300km (12,000-mile) intervals.
An example of the tipper will be found on the Telehoist stand at this year's RHA Tipper Convention and Exhibition at Harrogate.