Mitsubishi Trucks

Addressing medium-duty needs

The light-duty and medium-duty truck lineups came on the scene for Mitsubishi in the early 60s. Although the transportation sector was dominated by heavy-duty trucks at the time, the popularity of the Jupiter medium-duty truck line was on the rise. Many user/operators voiced their requests for a truck with the cargo capacity comparable to the Jupiter combined with the inner-city maneuverability and transport versatility of the new cab-over type trucks.

In answer to these requests, Mitsubishi released the 4-ton T620 truck in 1964. This new truck fit firmly in the emerging medium-duty truck class. The T620 cab-over truck with the engine mounted under the seat, it could seat three in comfort. T620's top speed off 105km/h and the great hill climbing ability was provided by the 4,678cc, 120ps 6DS1 diesel engine. Drivers and operators appreciated the T620 for a number of reasons not least of which drivers did not require a license for heavy-duty vehicle operation. The T620 was so popular that it became the best seller of any single model truck. In its first four years, 50,000 units of the T620 were sold.

In 1969, the 4.5-ton, T630 was released. It was powered by the 122ps, 6DS5 diesel engine and at 4.5-tons, the T630 was placed at the weight class threshhold for operation with a normal driver's license.

In 1970, Mitsubishi's medium-duty truck lineup underwent a full model change and was redesignated as the T650 series. The T650 series integrated a number of features which greatly appealed to drivers. The power output was increased on the 6DS1 to 122ps, and the 130ps, 6DS5 diesel engine was added to the engine lineup. The overall area of the windshield was increased offering enhanced panoramic visibility which also upgraded safety during operations. Comfort features for the driver were not overlooked with the adoption of a reclining driver's which also offered an inreased fore/aft slide adjustment and the innovative tilt steering wheel. Combined these features allowed the driver to maintain the perfect driving position and posture to minimize operational fatigue.

To keep pace with the times and in response to user needs, the T650 series expanded in model variations and the application of newly developed engines. In 1972, two 4-ton models were added to the lineup, the T652 powered by the new 125ps, 6DS3 engine and the T653 which adopted the new 135ps, 6DS7 engine. 1974 saw the release of the T654 truck with a load capacity ranging from 4 to 4.5 tons and integrating the new, high performance 6D10 engine with a power output of 145ps. In 1975, the powerful 160ps, 6D14 engine was adopted on the T656 truck model.

In 1973, the 6 and 6.5-ton T663 truck was released. The following year, the FM104, also 6 and 6.5-ton trucks, were released utilizing a cabin in-common with the T663 but with a more powerful engine and a new chassis. The FM104's weight capacity gave it the cargo carrying capabilities nearing those of a small heavy-duty truck yet keeping it within the official medium-duty classification. Developed shortly after the first oil shock in 1973, the FM104 incorporated the 155ps, 6D11 diesel engine known for its excellent fuel economy without sacrificing the power performance.

In 1976, the T650 underwent a full model change and took on the new name as the FK series. Three models made up the initial lineup; the FK115 featuring the 160ps, 6D14 direct injection diesel engine, the FK103, adopting the 145ps, 6D10 pre combustion chamber type diesel engine and the FK102 powered by the 135ps, 6DS7 pre-combustion chamber type diesel engine. The FK was fully redesigned to meet the new demands of the day. The series presented a bold new face to the public with its straight-line cubic styling. To address the needs of operators, a wide cab model was also offered. The FK was very much a driver's truck with the latest in ergonomic design features to compliment the interior layout. To enhance driver comfort during long distance operations, a high-back reclining bucket seat were adopted. To ensure an optimum driving position and to simplify turning operations a tilt steering wheel adopting a new spoked design was incorporated. To upgrade overall operational ease a short stroke gear shift lever, semi-combination switches on the steering column and an easy to view meter cluster came standard. Driver safety was also addressed through the adoption of a new stronger structural design of the cab and a well padded dashboard that was also pleasing to the eye.

Mitsubishi medium-trucks entered the turbo age in 1982 with the introduction of the 195ps, 6D14T, turbocharged direct injection diesel engine.

In 1984, the FK and FM medium-duty trucks underwent a full model change and became known as the "Fighter" in Japan. By this time, Mitsubishi medium-duty trucks had gained a reputation for their fuel economy, durability, comfort, safety and a lineup to meet the ever growing user demands. The Fighter series embracing this reputation took it a step further. The FK series ranging from 3.75 to 5.5 ton capacity and the FM series ranging from 7 to 7.75 ton capacity provided for a full range of applications. The 190ps, 6D14T turbocharged engine offered powerful performance while more modest needs were covered by the 160ps, 6D14 non-turbo version and the 175ps, 6D15 engine. A spacious interior adopting a full trim and a fully adjustable driver's seat together with the tilt/telescopic steering wheel and column ensured total ergonomic comfort while safety was upgraded by the adoption of a visually enhancing large, low cut side window on the door opposite the driver side. This series also boasted the largest windshield and the first use of rectangular halogen headlamps in its class. In 1985 the Fighter tractor adopting the 6D14T turbocharged engine was released and automatic transmission was offered on models adopting the 6D14 and 6D15 engines. The Fighter FK415J received the G-Mark from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry.

In 1986, the 4-ton capacity Fighter Mignon was released. It featured a regular medium-duty chassis with a Canter sized cab to further maneuverability on narrow streets of inner-city applications as well as allowing for more adaptability to special applications.

In 1992, the Fighter underwent yet another full model change to be reborn as the 5th generation of the celebrated series. The Fighter was built on all of the characteristics which driver's had come expect from the popular lineup. Operational ease was further enhanced by the integration of the latest technological breakthroughs. A wide, powerful range of engines was available from the 160ps, 6D14 engine to the 245ps, 6D15T3 turbocharged engine with intercooler. A new round cubic styling presented a friendlier face to the general public. For weight reduction, the Fighter was the first Mitsubishi truck to introduce the adoption of an aluminum transmission case. The Fighter also incorporated the newly designed 3-speed, electronic controlled automatic transmission.

In 1995, the Fighter Mignon medium-duty short-cab truck underwent its first full model change. The redesigned interior and exterior trim, improved safety features coupled with high performance, low-consumption engines of the second generation Fighter Mignon were adopted to meet diversifying market needs for greater load carrying performance, perservation of the environment, comfort and safety.