You are probably thinking they have some sort of new animal on the ranch… Bzzzz – wrong!Suzi is our brand new (to us) work vehicle for our little ranch. She is a 1990 Suzuki Carry “truckette” specifically made for the Japanese domestic market but imported to this country after the Japanese owners are done with them (yes, we know – Suzie for

a name isn’t very creative…) It is a tiny truck at about ten feet long and it only weighs about 1400 pounds but can haul about 800 pounds in its four foot by six foot bed. The engine is only 660 CC but it develops about 45 HP (and Suzie is four-wheel drive!) Our Carry is pretty unique since it only has about 10,300 miles on it! Oh, in most states, these little trucks can’t be titled or registered for highway use. Canada has a more enlightened perspective about these little trucks and they will issue a license for highway use.

Apparently in Japan it is extremely expensive to own vehicles and there is a definite bias towards keeping new/newer vehicles on the road due to very strict vehicle inspections and strict maintenance requirements. The interesting situation is the Japanese drive on the left, so Suzie’s steering wheel is on the right. Fortunately the clutch, brake, and throttle are oriented the same as a left-hand steer car. However shifting the four-speed transmission with the left hand does take a little bit of focus, but it really isn’t too difficult.

For more information about these little trucks, do a web search on “mini truck”,
“Suzuki Carry”, or “Kei truck” – it is really interesting reading!

John has wanted a diesel Kawasaki Mule practically ever since we have owned this property for chores but the price has been a huge impediment (about $9,000+ out the door.) He called about a couple of golf carts in the newspaper, but they were in the two to three thousand dollar range for a used one. We’re not quite sure how he got interested in the little trucks, but it has worked out great. Suzie was about half the price of a new diesel Mule and not much more expensive than a golf cart. Suzie also has an enclosed cab and a radio and heater!

For more pictures of Suzie, please see our gallery.

Welcome Suzie!!