I'd prefer a Tata 407 type tipper but the 4x4 version with tipper body is nowhere to be found.

BHPian x-o-b recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I'm looking for a small tipper truck (1.5 to 3 ton payload capacity) for ferrying sand/timber/construction material on a hilly unmetalled road (read it as off-road) and looking forward to some suggestions.

• Tata Yodha 1700 4X4 (has no tipper facility but can be added as aftermarket job perhaps)
• Tata 407 4X4 (the 4X4 version is not available in tipper version)
• Mahindra Pick-up 1.7 FB 4X4

I have zeroed in on the above vehicles but am confused on addition of the following accessories, namely:-

Differential Locks

Now, I have read here in this very forum about Auto DL (the eaton type), Manual DL(the Lamda type) and LSD (not sure about availability). I know I need a DL for sure (to get off of regular intervals of deep muck where just a 4WD isn't sufficient). I enquired the local dealerships here (in Sikkim) and most of them had no clue about what I was talking about. Where can I source these from (I can take care of installation myself)? Which type of DL is best for load carrying off-roaders? Do I need to install them on both the front and rear differentials?

4X4

I'd prefer a Tata 407 type tipper but the 4x4 version with tipper body is nowhere to be found. If I install a differential lock, would that compensate for the lack of a 4WD? Is a DL for Tata 407 available at all?

After market tipping modifications

I was planning to modify a normal (stock) flatbed vehicle into a tipper (dumper) in a body shop. The two options I was given were PTO or a battery operated hydraulic power pack (this one was easier to source). I am not sure which one to opt for (for lack of knowledge). The PTO for Mahindra seems to be non-existent. Ideally, my wishful thinking full of technical flaws I'm sure, would be to drive the tipping piston with the power steering pump (using a hydraulic changeover valve perhaps). Could anyone with experience in this matter provide some helpful pointers please.

My ideal vehicle would be this one.

Alas, I could find none anywhere (OLX, Facebook Marketplace, Team-BHP Classified). Where are these second hand small trucks listed anyways?

Sorry for the long post. Thank you

Here's what BHPian Black_Star had to say on the matter:

Your best bet would be an SML 4x4, it can probably handle most things you can throw at it and further modification will be easy. And well you can ask around in the Black Cats if they have one lying around, jokes aside you can probably buy it new or get it through army auctions, or find someone who has already bought it through it.

Here's what BHPian Apex1815 had to say on the matter:

• Ferrying Sand/Construction Material is a different application than ferrying Timber therefore Truck bodies are supposed to be different.
• To my knowledge currently no such Mini Truck is available in the Market which gives you Tipping option witihin 1.5 ~3 Ton Payload capacity.
• All you will get is a Pickup Truck for your Timber hauling application. That may not be suitable for hauling Sand/Construction material.

Here's what BHPian condor had to say on the matter:

Timber for construction would not be the timber from logging trees. It would be more like scaffolding logs, and sheets that are often used for roof moulding. Hence I think a tipper will do just fine. Tippers for regular use have a body similar to regular trucks, and not the mining tippers.

OP may need to look at a vehicle rated more than 3 tonnes to be able to carry 3 tonnes of material in the terrain that has been mentioned. A Bolero FB or Yodha may not help, and the 404 may not be available in open market. However, I have seen a couple of posts on SM for 4x4 407's on sale. Very rare vehicle, though.

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The LCV comes in two variants IeV3 and IeV4, offering a payload capacity of 1.2 tonnes and 1.7 tonnes, respectively.

Switch Mobility, a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland, has unveiled the IeV electric light commercial vehicle (LCV) range in India.

The all-electric LCV comes in two variants IeV3 and IeV4, offering a payload capacity of 1.2 tonnes and 1.7 tonnes, respectively. It is based on a 330V high-voltage architecture.

The IeV3 uses a 25.6 kWh battery pack that powers an electric motor having a peak output of 54 BHP and 190 Nm. It has a maximum range of 120 km on a single charge. The battery can be charged in 6 hours using a 3.3 kW AC charger, while a 30 kW DC charger takes just 60 minutes.

The IeV4 uses a 32.2 kWh battery that powers an electric motor that generates 80 BHP and 230 Nm. The maximum range is 120 km, and the battery can be charged in 8 hours using a 3.3 kW AC charger or a 30 kW DC charger in 75 minutes.

In terms of design, the IeV range looks similar to the Ashok Leyland Dost and Bada Dost models. The LCV uses the same cab with a few modifications. Inside, the trucks offer driver+2 seating, a dual-tone dashboard with a touchscreen infotainment system, USB ports, electric power steering, hill hold assist, sliding and reclining driver seat and Swich iON connected tech.

The Tata Ace is also available in petrol and CNG variants, with prices starting at Rs. 4.29 lakh (ex-showroom).

Tata Motors has commenced deliveries of the Ace EV. The first batch was delivered to Amazon, Delhivery, DHL, FedEx, Flipkart, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health, MoEVing, Safexpress and Trent Limited.

The Tata Ace EV, which made its debut in May last year, is priced at Rs. 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom). It has a lightweight container with a cargo volume of 208 cubic feet. The vehicle can tackle grades of up to 22% under fully loaded conditions.

The electric LCV is based on Tata's EVOGEN platform and is said to offer a certified range of 154 km on a single charge. It is powered by a single electric motor that generates 36 BHP and 130 Nm.

The Tata Ace is also available in petrol and CNG variants, with prices starting at Rs. 4.29 lakh (ex-showroom).

We think it might be a pure electric version of the Tata Intra or Ashok Leyland Bada Dost.

A prototype of an electric Light Commercial Vehicle was recently spotted testing in Noida. Can you guess what brand it might be?

Bhupinder Singh, who spotted the vehicle stated that it looked similar in size to the Tata Ace Plus. He believes that it could be a Mahindra product. Having inspected the spy images, we think it might be a pure electric version of the Tata Intra or Ashok Leyland Bada Dost.

Lately, Tata Motors has been at the forefront of EV development. The company launched the Ace EV in May last year. The electric LCV is said to have a range of 154 km on a single charge. It is powered by an electric motor with an output of 36 BHP and 130 Nm.

Last year, Ashok Leyland stated that it was planning to roll out an electric LCV based on the Bada Dost. Mahindra too offers a range of electric commercial vehicles, including the eSupro.

Thanks to Bhupinder Singh for sending these images in. Heartfelt gratitude for sharing them with other enthusiasts via this Team-BHP share page!

The Mahindra Bolero MaXX Pik-Up City 3000 comes with a 3 years / 1,00,000 km warranty.

Mahindra has launched the Bolero MaXX Pik-up City 3000 at an introductory price of Rs. 7.68 lakh (ex-showroom).

The Bolero MaXX Pik-Up City 3000 comes with a 1.7-meter wide cargo bed. It has a payload capacity of 1,300 kg. The single-cab offers seating for three, including the driver, and is equipped with a height-adjustable driver seat and Mahindra's iMAXX telematics solution with over 30 features that can be accessed via a mobile app.

The Bolero MaXX Pik-Up City 3000 is powered by Mahindra's m2Di diesel engine that puts out 64 BHP and 195 Nm. It is claimed to deliver a mileage of 17.2 km/l.

The Bolero MaXX is equipped with over-slung suspension and 15-inch wheels that are said to offer a better loading stance. The pick-up truck has a turning radius of 5.5 meters.

Mahindra offers a warranty of 3 years / 1,00,000 km. The service interval is 20,000 km. The company also offers an optional 3 years / 90,000 km free preventive maintenance service.

Tata Motors could be looking to adopt the technology used in the Porter EV in its upcoming electric LCVs.

Tata Motors has imported a Hyundai Porter electric LCV from South Korea for R&D purposes.

A leaked document confirms that the Porter EV imported by the company is a 2021 model with chassis no. KMFZCZ7NFMU021446. The truck measures 5,105 mm in length, 1,750 mm in width, 1,970 in height and its wheelbase is 2,810 mm. It comes with an “Extra Long Super Cab” and a cargo bed measuring 2,860 mm in length and 1,630 mm in width.

The Porter EV uses an electric motor that has an output of 181 BHP and 395 Nm. It is powered by a 58.8 kWh battery pack, offering a range of 211 km.

The Porter EV can be charged using a 100 kW fast charger from 10-80% in 47 minutes. A 7.2 kW slow charger takes about 8 hours and 30 mins to recharge the battery to 100%.

Automakers often acquire vehicles for R&D purposes. Tata Motors could be looking to adopt the technology used in the Porter EV in its upcoming electric LCVs.

Thanks to Santhosh for sending this information in. Heartfelt gratitude for sharing it with other enthusiasts via this Team-BHP share page!

At present, the Tata Ace is available in petrol, diesel and CNG versions.

Tata Motors seems to be gearing up to launch an all-electric version of the Ace LCV. It was recently spotted during an ad shoot, which suggests that the launch could be just around the corner.

Details of the Tata Ace EV are still unknown. However, this is not the first electric version of the LCV. Earlier, the company had introduced a Lead Acetate battery-powered Ace in Europe. The vehicle was designed by Tata's European Technical Centre. Whether the new version will use the same battery or will switch to a lithium-ion pack remains to be seen.

At present, the Tata Ace is available in petrol, diesel and CNG versions. It is powered by a 694cc petrol unit that makes 30 BHP and 55 Nm and a 700cc, 2-cylinder diesel engine that produces 20 BHP and 45 Nm. The CNG version packs 25 BHP and 50 Nm.

Source: Rushlane

Prices of Tata M&HCV, I&LCV, SCV and buses will be hiked by 2.5%.

Tata Motors has announced that it would increase the prices of its commercial vehicle range by 2.5% from January 1, 2022.

According to the company, the price hike will affect all segments, including medium and heavy commercial vehicles (M&HCV), I&LCV, SCV and buses, but will vary depending on model and variant.

Prices are being increased due to rising commodity costs, especially that of steel, aluminium and other precious metals.

Out of the 21 new models that Tata Motors has introduced, one is an electric bus called the Starbus 4/12.

Tata Motors has unveiled 21 new commercial vehicles. The new models belong to multiple segments, including Medium & Heavy Commercial Vehicles (M&HCV), Intermediate & Light Commercial Vehicles (I&LCV), Small Commercial Vehicles & Pick-ups (SCV & PU), and Passenger Commercial Vehicles (PCV).

The 7 new models in the M&HCV segment include the Construck, Tractor-Trailer and Rigid truck range. These are the Signa 5530.S, Signa 4623.S, Signa 4625.S ESC, Signa 4221.T, Signa 4021.S, Signa 3118.T and Prima 2830.K.

In the I&LCV segment, Tata Motors has introduced 5 new models of 4-18 tonne GVW with CNG powertrains. These include the Ultra T.18 SL, 407G, 709G CNG, LPT 510 and Ultra T.6.

In the SCV & PU segment, 4 models have been unveiled - Winger Cargo, Ace Petrol CX cab chassis, Ace Gold Diesel+ and Intra V30 High deck.

The PCV segment sees the introduction of 5 new vehicles including an electric bus. There is the Winger 15S, Starbus 4/12 (E-bus), Starbus 2200, Cityride Prime and Magna coach.

The Furio 7 is available across three product platforms - 4-tyre Cargo, 6-tyre Cargo HD and 6-tyre Tipper.

Mahindra has launched its new Furio 7 range of light commercial vehicles (LCV) with prices starting at Rs. 14.79 lakh (ex-showroom, Pune).

The Furio 7 is available across three product platforms - 4-tyre Cargo, 6-tyre Cargo HD and 6-tyre Tipper. The LCVs come equipped with the Mahindra iMAXX telematics system.

The Furio 7 range is designed by Pininfarina and is manufactured at Mahindra's Chakan facility near Pune. The trucks are powered by lightweight, low friction engines with MDi and MDi Tech, along with Dual Mode FuelSmart technology.

Furio 7 ex-showroom prices:

• 10.5 ft. HSD - Rs. 14.79 lakh
• HD - Rs. 15.18 lakh
• Tipper - Rs. 16.82 lakh