Exploring Different Types of Trucks and Their Uses

Trucks are one of the preferred vehicles for entrepreneurs or businessmen because they can carry heavy loads over long distances.

 

When it comes to speed, trucks fall behind compared to passenger cars because trucks are designed to prioritize greater power and typically use diesel engines. 

 

Various Types of Trucks Commonly Found on the Roads
 

Explore the article below to learn more about the various types of trucks and their uses, ranging from those with small sizes to those with large sizes. 

 

Pickup Trucks 

 

A pickup truck is the smallest type of truck. Essentially, a pickup truck is based on a car, so its interior, size, engine, chassis, steering, and so on are adapted from cars. Examples include the Tata Super Ace HT, the Isuzu Panther Pickup, and many others. 

 

Pickup trucks also have the smallest dimensions. Nowadays, pickups usually have a length of less than 4.5 meters and a width of less than 1.75 meters. This makes it easier to navigate through narrow streets. 

 

Pickup trucks are used for the lightest needs due to their limited carrying capacity, mainly for light-duty tasks. 

 

Also read: 5 Main Differences Between Pick-Up Trucks and Double Cabin Vehicles

 

Light Duty Trucks 

 

Light duty trucks are small-sized trucks but larger than pickups. These trucks are fully based on trucks rather than being car-based. Examples include the Mitsubishi Colt Diesel, the Isuzu Elf, and others. 

 

The size of these trucks varies considerably. Some are as long as 6.7 meters with a width of 2.035 meters, while others may only reach 4.745 meters in length with a width of 1.717 meters, or even up to 6 meters in length with a width of 1.835 meters. 

 

Light duty trucks are used for light-duty purposes but are heavier than pickups. For instance, they are used for transporting electronics, packages, and similar items with loads heavier than pickups can handle. 

 

Medium Duty Trucks 

 

Medium duty trucks are large-sized trucks fully based on truck platforms. At first glance, compared to light duty trucks, medium duty trucks may appear much larger. Examples include the Mitsubishi Fuso Fighter, Hino 500, and Isuzu Giga. 

 

These trucks also come in various sizes, ranging from around 5.5 meters in length for a 4x2 tractor head (excluding trailers), up to almost 12 meters, or as short as 7 meters. Their width is generally similar, ranging from approximately 2.45 to 2.5 meters. 

 

Medium duty trucks, as the name suggests, are used for "medium" purposes, although they are considerably heavier than light duty trucks, especially for dump trucks in 6x4 configuration, and are approaching heavy duty truck territory. They are commonly used for business purposes and similar needs. 

 

Heavy Duty Trucks 

 

When it comes to the heaviest trucks that can legally operate on public roads without violating regulations, they're undoubtedly heavy duty trucks. While they may not seem significantly different from medium duty trucks at first glance, they have distinct specifications. Examples include the Mitsubishi Fuso Super Great, Hino 700, Volvo FH16, and others.

 

In terms of size, they are generally similar to medium duty trucks but highly diverse. However, heavy duty trucks typically have cabins positioned higher than those of medium duty trucks. For instance, the Hino 700 has a cabin height of 3.2 meters, which is vastly different from the Hino 500, which has a cabin height of only 2.7 meters.

 

As the name "Heavy Duty" implies, these trucks are used for heavier purposes, or even much heavier than medium duty trucks. They are used for construction, freight transportation, and similar heavy-duty tasks.

 

There's actually a segment between medium duty and light duty trucks, but trucks within this segment are rare. We've only included these four segments.

 

Conclusion 

 

Trucks play a crucial role in daily life. In industries and commerce, they serve as transportation tools for moving goods from one place to another. Trucks also play a vital role in public services such as firefighting and waste disposal.

 

To function effectively, trucks are equipped with engines, transmission systems, loading spaces, suspensions, and brakes. Safety is also a priority in truck usage, with features like lights, seat belts, and airbag systems.

 

Proper use and regular maintenance are essential for keeping trucks in good condition. By maintaining and caring for trucks properly, their optimal functionality can be ensured, providing maximum benefits.