In a Kiwi logging industry where 600-horsepower trucks have become commonplace and an increasing number boast 700-plus, it might seem that Jason Inness is working his 460hp Fuso Shogun a little beyond its comfort zone.

Especially loaded near its 53-tonne HPMV permit and working out of some remote wood lots with tricky access.

Jason admits the Fuso FS3146 is slow on the hills, but adds the Shogun is working within the manufacturer specs and is covered by the Fuso 5-year/500,000km warranty.

He reckons the truck is only doing what it’s been designed to do. And with just over 300,000km on the odometer, the proof has been in its reliability and fuel efficiency.

In the past I have enjoyed testing trucks that are really suited to the role they’ve been purchased for.

Usually that means having enough power to get the job done but many of the big horsepower options out there could be considered as overkill. In contrast this test stretches the idea of doing more with less.

I have been wanting to test a Fuso Shogun in the logging sector since they were first launched here. After waiting – unsuccessfully – for a 510hp 8x4 option, we have decided to do the next best thing. This 460hp logger running on a 53-tonne permit will sound extreme to most and after trying to trick this engine and gearbox on other tests, I don’t think I could find a better opportunity to make this drivetrain hiccup.

We catch up with Jason Inness and his Shogun in Te-Awamutu to cart a load from a wood lot from Waikeria over the Kaimais to the Mount port. Loaded at 52.8 tons we head off and I take over the driving seat in Kihikihi for the run through Arapuni to Putaruru.