[AT] Butt Buggies, Golf carts, etc.

[WF Smith]

We've talked about butt buggies and golf carts here before, as well as
4-wheelers and gators annd "mules". but lately around here I am seeing a lot
of japanese mini-trucks. Basically, these are small trucks used for urban
deliveries in Japan, and retired after 50,000 miles or some threshold.

They are becoming popular around here on larger farms and are replacing golf
carts, 4-wheelers and "Gators" in hunt clubs and other such venues. I have a
few friends that own them and they are satisfied with them esp. vs. their
atvs. The advantages are an enclosed cab, heat, windshield wipers, sometimes
a dump bed but always a huge utility bed with drop down sides, 4-wheel drive
and a very efficient 3 cylinder gasoline engine. They come with no end of
possible configurations.

They are too large to putter around the yard but they definitely have
utility where load hauling or longer distances are the norm.

Here is one site importing them by the container, but as they catch on you
will be able to find people closer who will sell individual vehicles. Google
will find those dealers. http://www.japaneseminitrucks.com/

Has anyone else seen them around yet?

Warren

On topic- it looks like the real farmers hereabouts are having a terrific
first cutting of hay. I've been watching the same two gentlemen on my way
back & forth to town this week cutting hay on their fields along the
highway. Two fairly small tractors of the blue variety. They were raking
some fields today and some are already baled with rain called for tomorrow
night- I hope they get it all done.