Mahindra has added a refrigeration unit to its line-up of specialist bakkies, which includes the Pik Up Ambulance, the Pik Up Mining Specification bakkie and the Pik Up Game Viewer. 

All these models, which have been developed locally, are assembled with the assistance of Mahindra’s facility in KwaZulu-Natal, which means they retain their factory warranty. 

“When we opened our local assembly facility in 2018, we emphasised that this not only strengthens our commitment to South Africa as our second home outside of India, but it allows us to adapt our vehicles to local needs and budgets,” says Mahindra South Africa CEO Rajesh Gupta.

“The Pik Up Karoo is perhaps our most popular and best-known local addition to the range. But for professionals looking for a reliable, capable and affordable game viewer, mining-approved bakkie, ambulance and now refrigerated unit, these specialised units are very popular indeed.” 

Based on the Pik Up S4 chassis cab, the refrigeration unit has a load capacity of 733 kg in its refrigerated box and/or a 6 385 l loading volume.

The unit’s Pik Up underpinnings also mean that it can tow up to 750 kg, while it can also, on request, be fitted with a full 4x4 drive train for rural applications. 

The load capacity is thanks to the design where the large square insulated box is fitted above the wheel arches. This means that the box can be fully optimised, without any intrusion from the wheel arches or other part of the chassis.

The refrigerated box itself is available in two versions, a chiller with a maximum cooling ability of ­–5 ˚C, and a full freezer unit with a maximum cooling ability of –20˚C.

“By developing two options, we can cater to both the retail market with products such as meat, ice cream and other chilled or frozen foods, and the medical market, which needs much colder temperatures to transport vaccines and other medicines,” says Gupta.

Both the chiller and freezer options are powered by an additional compressor in the engine bay, which, in turn, is linked to a digital control unit in the cabin.

This unit offers real-time feedback on the temperature inside the refrigerated box and allows the driver to always monitor and control the temperature.

The chiller and freezer units are also fitted with an evaporator and condenser unit fitted to the front of the refrigerated box, and it extends over the roof of the Pik Up.