Mitsubishi Fuso’s full line of 2008 model cabover medium duty trucks includes at least one model in every GVWR range from Class 3 to Class 7. In addition, new 2008 Class 4 Crew Cab and 4WD models will be introduced in the fall of 2008.
The Class 3 FE125, new for 2008, becomes the lightest duty vehicle in the Fuso line-up, offering a 12,500-pound GVWR. The FE125 uses the same basic chassis and same cab configuration as its heavier duty Class 4 and Class 5 siblings, making it one of the most maneuverable, comfortable and rugged Class 3 trucks available. The frame is made from steel with a 51,200 psi yield strength, in a straight/ladder configuration that provides an RBM per rail of 415,232 lb-in. The FE125 offers vacuum-servo assist, hydraulic-type, dual-caliper disc brakes at all wheels, plus nodular cast iron spring brackets, sintered bronze bushings and laminated leaf springs with shock absorbers and stabilizer bar, front and rear.
Both the FE125 (12,500-pound GVWR/Class 3) and FE145 (14,500-pound GVWR/Class 4) now come with an Aisin electronic 6-speed overdrive (OD) automatic transmission (AT) as standard equipment. The FE180 (17,995-pound GVWR/Class 5), too, features the Aisin electronic 6-speed OD automatic as standard, but also offers a Mitsubishi 6-speed overdrive manual transmission as an option.
On all FE models, the shift lever is mounted on the dash and the parking brake is mounted between the seats, so the floor is free of obstacles, providing more centre-seat leg room and allowing the driver to easily exit from the curbside door when that’s the safer path.
The FK-FM Series trucks are powered by a completely rebuildable Fuso 6M60 7.5L (460-cubic-inch) in-line SOHC six-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that generates 243 hp and 514 lb-ft of torque. An Allison automatic transmission is standard; a Mitsubishi six-speed manual transmission is optional on the FK260 and the FM330. Stopping power is provided by drum air/hydraulic brakes on the FK200 and full air brakes on the FK260 and FM330; an air-operated exhaust brake is standard on all models.
The new FK-FM cab has been refined to produce better aerodynamics – a four percent improvement with van bodies installed and a 25 percent improvement with flatbeds and other low-profile bodies installed. Flush-mounted headlights also reduce drag, and an air dam under the front bumper prevents air from splitting over the front axle, further reducing aerodynamic drag.
A semi-floating cab mount, optimized cab roof structure and redesigned interior work together to reduce vibration and interior noise even further, with noise levels in the 2008 model eight percent lower at idle than in the 2007 model.
Both tilt-angle range and telescoping range have been increased with the new steering column assembly, and the steering wheel has been redesigned to increase impact absorption (22 percent improvement with wheel straight ahead and 48 percent with the wheel at a 90 degree angle). To make getting in and out of the cab easier, the grab handles have been more than doubled in length, and now extend much lower in the door opening to make access easier. Air conditioning systems have also been improved by adding a high-capacity blower motor and sub-cool condenser, and heating performance has been boosted by optimizing cab vent locations.
The Class 3 FE125, new for 2008, becomes the lightest duty vehicle in the Fuso line-up, offering a 12,500-pound GVWR. The FE125 uses the same basic chassis and same cab configuration as its heavier duty Class 4 and Class 5 siblings, making it one of the most maneuverable, comfortable and rugged Class 3 trucks available. The frame is made from steel with a 51,200 psi yield strength, in a straight/ladder configuration that provides an RBM per rail of 415,232 lb-in. The FE125 offers vacuum-servo assist, hydraulic-type, dual-caliper disc brakes at all wheels, plus nodular cast iron spring brackets, sintered bronze bushings and laminated leaf springs with shock absorbers and stabilizer bar, front and rear.
Both the FE125 (12,500-pound GVWR/Class 3) and FE145 (14,500-pound GVWR/Class 4) now come with an Aisin electronic 6-speed overdrive (OD) automatic transmission (AT) as standard equipment. The FE180 (17,995-pound GVWR/Class 5), too, features the Aisin electronic 6-speed OD automatic as standard, but also offers a Mitsubishi 6-speed overdrive manual transmission as an option.
On all FE models, the shift lever is mounted on the dash and the parking brake is mounted between the seats, so the floor is free of obstacles, providing more centre-seat leg room and allowing the driver to easily exit from the curbside door when that’s the safer path.
The FK-FM Series trucks are powered by a completely rebuildable Fuso 6M60 7.5L (460-cubic-inch) in-line SOHC six-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that generates 243 hp and 514 lb-ft of torque. An Allison automatic transmission is standard; a Mitsubishi six-speed manual transmission is optional on the FK260 and the FM330. Stopping power is provided by drum air/hydraulic brakes on the FK200 and full air brakes on the FK260 and FM330; an air-operated exhaust brake is standard on all models.
The new FK-FM cab has been refined to produce better aerodynamics – a four percent improvement with van bodies installed and a 25 percent improvement with flatbeds and other low-profile bodies installed. Flush-mounted headlights also reduce drag, and an air dam under the front bumper prevents air from splitting over the front axle, further reducing aerodynamic drag.
A semi-floating cab mount, optimized cab roof structure and redesigned interior work together to reduce vibration and interior noise even further, with noise levels in the 2008 model eight percent lower at idle than in the 2007 model.
Both tilt-angle range and telescoping range have been increased with the new steering column assembly, and the steering wheel has been redesigned to increase impact absorption (22 percent improvement with wheel straight ahead and 48 percent with the wheel at a 90 degree angle). To make getting in and out of the cab easier, the grab handles have been more than doubled in length, and now extend much lower in the door opening to make access easier. Air conditioning systems have also been improved by adding a high-capacity blower motor and sub-cool condenser, and heating performance has been boosted by optimizing cab vent locations.
