Thinking Small...

Some of you already know my desire to obtain a vehicle which for many seems more fit for transporting circus clowns than a maintenance man.  Well, here are a few reasons why I think these vehicles are pretty cool and how they are quite versatile for many applications.

1. Weight.

Pros:
1. you can drive across a lawn or field and leave little to no damage.
2. If you get stuck trying to get over a log or a rock while travelling through narrow passages, you can simply go to the back of the truck and lift it up a little to help it along.
3. The fuel economy on these trucks is usually over 40mpg which helps with fuel prices staying above a dollar these days.
4. The 4-wheel drive on these is impressive as they can jump out of deep ruts made by other heavier vehicles and can crawl up and around things effortlessly.

Cons:
1. Not very safe in an accident with another vehicle.  Ok, neither are VW vans or many other vehicles, but it's worthy of note because there is a risk involved in driving these on public roads.
2. Because of its GVW you are limited to how much you can haul or tow.


2. Size.

Pros:
1. It's narrow and can squeeze through passages which no other truck can take you.
2. Easy to work on or under without a hoist.

Cons:
1. Limited passenger capacity.
2. Limited cargo capacity.


3. Versatility
These little trucks are easy to modify.  You can lift them, add extra cargo space, customize tool storage and add components such as snow plows and dumping boxes to them with ease.  As well, compared to an ATV or other utility vehicle, these trucks have cabs, windshields, large box (4'x6'), air conditioning, transfer cases and other perks which other options cannot offer.

4. Alternative
Whether compared to an ATV or other utility vehicles such as Gators or Rhinos, these little trucks offer a greater variety of options at a much lower cost (with the exception that an ATV is a similar price point).  Check out this chart for comparisons: http://www.superlauto.com/compchart.html

5. Price 
These trucks range in price from $2,000-$10,000.  You can get a 2wd base model with no components or 4x4 (with diff locks), lift kit, dumping box and much more for around $10,000.  The one pictured at the top was advertised for $4500 (plus$1500 for the custom canopy).  You can apparently get an engine and transfer case for around $600 and it takes an afternoon to swap them out with new.  Can't beat that!

I know a guy who imported a container of these a few years back.  He has earned his stripes customizing landcruisers with his incredible ability to manufacture custom suspensions, engines and upgrades from scratch.  He loves Landcruisers, but told me straight up that one of these little trucks could take a person places where some of his custom Landcruisers couldn't touch.  He then proved it by taking me for a little ride on his large acreage.  After catching my breath on a few "here's-why-they're-better" maneuvers, I was convinced.  I mean, every vehicle has its place and I'd very much like to have another Landcruiser one day, but that would be for personal/family use.  A mini-truck for my work seems to me the best vehicle for the price.