MITSUBISHI Fuso Truck of America Inc has introduced a new engine, transmission, and emissions technology to its 2012 Canter FE/FG Series Class 3-5 cabover work trucks, which address a wide range of vocational needs, from dry freight, refrigerated delivery, landscaping and delicate cargo transport to auto recovery, municipal roadwork, and snow plowing.
They have an advanced 4P10 turbocharged diesel engine, with DUONIC 6-speed transmission, Daimler's BlueTec emissions control technology, a refined frame that makes body attachment easier while increasing available payload, extended service intervals (18,000 miles, a 300% increase), payloads that MFTA says are as much as 2200 pounds better than competitive models, and a five-year, 175,000-mile powertrain limited warranty.
The line includes standard chassis designs for Class 3 through Class 5 — the Canter FE125 (12,500 GVWR), FE160 (15,995), and FE180 (17,995), but also extends to a seven-passenger crew cab model, the FE160CC (15,995), and the only 4-wheel-drive medium duty cabover in the industry, the FG4X4 (14,050).
MFTA is calling it “the most extensive redesign” the company has undertaken in seven years, asking its engineers and designers to go beyond new drivetrains that meet EPA 2010 regulations.
The company's new 4P10 dual-overhead-cam, dual-balance-shaft, turbocharged, intercooled 4-cylinder diesel engine is coupled to an advanced Mitsubishi Fuso DUONIC 6-speed, dual-clutch automated manual transmission — what MFTA says is the only dual-clutch transmission available in a commercial truck
Adoption of Daimler Commercial Truck's BlueTec SCR (selective catalytic reduction) emissions technology has brought the new drivetrain into EPA 2010 compliance. Yet, because the BlueTec system treats emissions in the downstream exhaust rather than in the engine, the engine can be tuned exclusively for optimum performance and fuel economy.
For 2012, the standard-width 33.5" straight ladder frame has been designed with patterned holes at regular intervals along its length and height to make body mounting easier and to save weight without loss of strength. Made with 56,565 psi-yield-strength steel, this new frame provides comparable chassis stiffness and body-fitting ease as the previous FE models, at a substantially lighter weight. The frame's high strength-to-weight ratio helps give the new FE series what MFTA says is the highest payload capability among Class 3-5 cabovers.
Wind-tunnel testing has not only led to the improved aesthetic profile of the 2012 models, but also to reduced aerodynamic drag and improved stability. Compact halogen headlamps allow sculpted corner profiles, which enhance aesthetic appeal while the lamps themselves improve nighttime visibility and boost potential for improved driver safety. Smooth frontal surfaces, combined with faired character lines around the doors, help to reduce wind noise, so the cabin is quieter.
The parking brake is located between the driver's seat and the adjacent passenger seat, where it's handy, but out of the way. The transmission shifter is mounted on the dash, with a simple, well-defined shift pattern label, and the FG4X4's transfer case range-selector lever is mounted at dashboard height, to the left of the steering wheel, so the floor area is clear of obstructions. This allows the driver and passengers to easily exit the vehicle on the curb side, generally the safer location.
Mitsubishi Fuso's offset door hinges open to 70 degrees, then push forward several inches to provide full access for driver and passengers, while limiting the extension of the doors into traffic or curbside obstructions. Turning diameter for the Canter FE models with 110.2-inch wheelbase is a tight 34.1 feet — shorter than the turning diameter of a MINI Cooper (35.1).
The Canter FEs also feature dual-caliper hydraulic disc service brakes with vacuum servo assist and ABS on all four wheels, while the FG4X4 uses hydraulic drum service brakes with ABS all around. All models include an electronic brake override system for added safety.
Leighton Good, manager of product and applications, said the new 4P10 engine, DUONIC transmission, and BlueTec emissions treatment system combine to boost the FG4X4's horsepower by nearly 4%, compared to the previous FG model. At the same time, the lightweight frame and weight reduction strategies have allowed an upgrade from the five-speed manual transmission used previously to the new DUONIC six-speed dual-clutch transmission, while reducing curb weight.
The combination of the transfer case, front-locking hubs and standard DUONIC transmission give the Canter FG4X4 the on-road economy of two-wheel drive plus the versatility of four-wheel drive when the front hubs are manually locked.
With this drivetrain, the new 4P10 (3.0L) dual-overhead-cam, dual-turbocharged, intercooled 4-cylinder diesel engine generates 161 HP and 295 lb-ft of torque.
Wiring guidelines
Addressing the Signal Detection and Actuation Module (SAM), Good said standard incandescent and LED parameters are mutually exclusive. All wires, left side and right side, must be utilized (the “stop” or “tail” can't be piggybacked to one side).
The license plate lamp circuit also must be utilized. The catch: there must be a minimum 0.33A load (4W incandescent). Grounding via the frame is acceptable.
To check for LED programming, an inquiry should be made to the dealer or to MFTA (if optioned at POE).
The best method to check the type of S/T/T coding, whether the chassis cab comes from a POE, a Fuso dealer, or another upfitter:
Depress the four-way hazard switch (no key or engine start is required) prior to the start of any work. If the flash rate of all four of the factory incandescent turn lamps is rapid (150 pulses per minute), this is confirmation that the SAM has been programmed for LED-type S/T/T lamps.
The rear combination lamps must be connected to the original wiring circuits. (Each L&R combination lamp set has a multi-pin pigtail. These are often disconnected during chassis transport.)