Frequently Asked Questions

There are many advantages to using an Impact Quadtruck as your preferred method of 4WD farm transport verses other methods of off-road vehicles. Below is a list of some of the frequently asked questions we get about our Impact Quadtrucks.

• What is the weight?

  Approx 850kg. This will vary a little depending on the extras fitted e.g. bullbar, towbar etc

• Fuel Consumption

  All comments confirm what the vehicles will run for 2 weeks on a tank full (approx 30 litres) when used on a daily basis in general use. This should be less than a quadbike will generally use. Consider that our quadtrucks have the equivalent of a trailer for a tray. If a quad is towing it will use even more fuel.

• What weight will they carry?

  The vehicle are rated from the factory for a 350kg payload. Due to ATV tyre sizes etc we recommend a max of 500kg.

• What is the best model?

  This is a commonly asked question and in our view no one model is better than the other (it's a bit like the Holden vs Ford thing). A lot of it depends on the terrain / enviroment it is to be used in. On very hilly, steep country a centrally mounted engine is better (central centre of gravity) and perhaps a model with diff locks is more suited. On flat to light rolling country any model will perform well.

• How stable are they?

  Due to the low centre of gravity they are very stable, especially when compared to a quadbike. They are very stable:
  - going up hills - highly unlikely to tip back-wards. Safer if there is a need to stop during ascent, with excellent 4 wheel braking.
  - going down hill - especially when towing, with excellent 4 wheel braking & a full 5 speed manual gearbox. The vehicle wheel base makes them safer down hill and less likely to jack-knife.
  - Side-ways - wide, low wheel base and low centre of gravity make them very stable on the side of hills. Also any shift in load (fluid weight or post etc moving) should not have adverse effect.

  See roll over test below.

• Engine Sizes?

  Up to 1991 models had a 550cc engine. There was a Japanese Govt law change in 1991 which allowed all this style of vehicle to have an engine uo to 660cc. Hense all models from 1991 onwards are 660cc. All models have a 3 cyl in-line petrol engine. All models from 1999 are fuel injected.

• What gear box do they have?

  - D83 - all have a 4 speed hi/low ration gearbox. Late model 1992 have a std 5 speed g.box with hi/low ratio.
  - S51 - Late model are all 5 speed hi/low ratio gearbox. Early models were 4 speed hi/low but some have a 5 speed + extra low gear (6 speed) - no hi/low ratio gearbox. - M42 - Late models are all 5 speed hi/low ratio gearbox
  - SU4 - all have a 5 speed + extra low gear (6 speed). No hi/low.
  - Honda - 5 speed fulltime 4wd - no hi/low.
  All new models are 5 speed hi/low ratio & rear diff lock.

• Can they be registered for the road?

  Once modified with accessories such as ATV wheels & tyres, etc these vehicles are suitable for off-road use only (similar to a quadbike). However various customers have applied for 'ag plates' (EB regd) as you would for a tractor or other farm vehicle where you are needing to travel on a public road- say go from farm to a run-off etc (please enquire on this for exact requirements). Road registration is available for most late models if required.

• Do they all come with a heater?

  Yes all models have standard heater and also an AM radio (Japanese model). A standard NZ radio can be fitted if required for extra cost. Also new model vehicles now can come with power steering and air conditioning.

• Can you get Diff Lock or LSD?

  In our experience about 1 vehicle in 7 has a diff lock or LSD. Suzuki & Daihatsu from 1986 to date put out some vehicles with diff lock (elec - on rear). To date we have never had a Mitsi with diff lock however we have had the odd one with LSD. All new model quadtrucks have rear diff lock.

• Rust - Do they rust badly?

  Again this problem has not shown up to date (or we haven't been told about it). We do offer a full chassis & body tectyl/texture option if required (recommended). This is best done prior to delivery, while the vehicle is still clean underneath.

• Are they available in diesel?

  No, all makers produce petrol engine models.

• Can you get a tipper model?

  We have had a few OEM tippers, mainly S63 and M62. The problem is that tippers are generally used in harsh conditions (suck as cement factory, lime works, quarry etc) so their condition is not always good and hense it reduces the quantity which we are viable to import. We can get Brand New D510 Heavy Duty Tippers from the factory on request (electro-hydraulic).

• What colours do they come in?

  White, white or white is the general option. We have had the odd different colour one, however if you require a particular colour we can get you vehicle re-painted to your requirements at an extra cost. We can get the new D510 Quadtrucks in different colours but it all depends on what is available at the auctions or what we have in stock at the time.

• Parts Supply

  We have a comprehensive range of used parts at our yard. A lot of new parts (oil filters, brake pads, cluthes, water pumps, etc) we keep in stock. We can also source new parts directly from Japan if necessary.

• What things are breaking or giving problems?

  We have now had these vehicles running on farms etc for over 20 years and sold more than 4,000 NZ-wide. To date there are no inherent problems or things breaking on them (some of the early models Suzuki's need the steering idler bush replaced). We are sure if anything was going to show it would have done so by now as there are a lot out there in everyday use - and some being used by some fairly tough operators! As with any machinery it is important to maintain and service it regularly.

• What are they like for towing?

  They are excellent for towing in that they will tow a heavier weight than a quad bike and more safely. The general running gear on a quadtruck is heavier & stronger than quad bike. Bear in mind that a quad bike was not designed for towing heavy loads.

  With the larger Quadtrucker Tyres fitted and the hi/low ratio gearbox they give excellent traction when towing and are friendly on the pasture. Customers are using them for many towing applications including boom-spraying fert.
  Spreading and towing round bale feeders are very satisfied with performance. The cab is an added bonus when fert spreading.

• What size is the tray size?

  The rear tray measures 1900 long x 1400 wide on later models and 1900 long x 1300 wide on earlier models. This means a 6ft post will fit in with 4" to spare. With an Impact Stock Crate you should fit approx. 9 calves on the rear.

• What are they used for in Japan?

  In Japan there are literally thousands & thousands of 2WD models used for delivery vehicles. The Japanese Govt has a special dispensation for these vehicles due to their light weight and low fuel consumption / emissions so their annual registration costs are much cheaper than a normal vehicle. In northern Japan in winter there is a lot of snow and ice hence 4WD is a necessity. In general all these vehicles have been used at some time on the road in Japan.

• How soon can I get one?

  As soon as we can get it on the transporter (subject to what specs you require). Done!

• What are the dimensions of a quadtruck?
  
• Roll over test