On Tour With Hino

In-depth

30 Jul

Driving the Range up the Range & Coasting down the Coast

Hino has just commenced The Hino Roadshow which will travel around Australia over the next 18 months. Coinciding with V8 Supercar events where possible, the Roadshow represents a $3Million+ demo vehicle investment.

Supported by the new Hino Sports Deck, Hino anticipate over 1,700 customers will engage with the Roadshow events in this year alone. As well as static displays of the Hino range, there will be plenty of drive opportunities, as well as explanation of the excellent Hino Connect telematics system.

Hino invited me to join them at a preview of The Roadshow….

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I’ve had the pleasure of driving some varied product over the past 15 years that I’ve been writing about trucks. Sometimes it’s been for just a couple of hours, a day or two and sometimes the OEM’s have taken me away to exotic places like Canberra for a bit.

Hino has been the only company that give me the keys to their trucks – any truck – and ask only for the date on which I will return it. This obviously gives me greater insight into their products and I’m grateful for the trust they place in me.

Of course it’s always been one pair of hands which equates to only one truck at a time. So when Hino invited me to sample their whole range back-to-back I accepted with alacrity. That this drive would start at Cairns, drive around the Atherton Tablelands and head down to Townsville with a couple of free days to enjoy Hino’s hospitality at the V8 Supercars was also pretty irresistible for this winter-bound Victorian.

**The Hilton, Cairns. 25 degrees. This is a good start …**

Leaving Melbourne’s 7 degrees and arriving in Cairns’ 25 in mid-July has only hardened my resolve to one day follow the annual Victorian caravanning exodus north. Not that I had much time to drool over it as, along with another 7 journos representing the Australian trucking media, we gathered for a presentation and business update from various members of Hino’s management team.

There they took us through an overview of the company’s products – 300, 500 and 700 Series and their sub-groups, as well as a detailed explanation of the business’ excellent Hino Connect telematics which gives the owner/driver all the info they could ever need on their Hino vehicle and the way they drive it. That will be the subject of another article.

A quick shower and it was time to stroll from The Hilton around the corner to the Ochre Restaurant where we were joined by Supercar V8 Team 18 drivers, Mark ‘Frosty’ Winterbottom and Scott Pye, whom Hino had flown up from Townsville to join us. Frosty caught my eye and wandered over to say hello.

“Hi Frosty, I’m Kermie,” say I.

“Yeah, I know. We’ve met before haven’t we?”

“Were you a Judge in a past life?” I respond.

We were still nattering in a corner half an hour later. Good blokes, Frosty and Scott, happy to have photos taken and to step outside to talk with fans old and young gawping through the restaurant window.

Credit to Ochre – the food was excellent!

Thursday: Leg 1. Driving up The Gilles Range to Lake Barrine.

After a breakfast I didn’t need we clambered into a bus to take us to the starting point for our drive. Rounding a corner, there in all their glory stood the Hino range – some dozen models covering the 300, 500 and 700 Series. There were standard cab, wide cab, pantechs, a hybrid, prime mover with flat bed, tipper and dog, tilt-tray tow truck, tray trucks and a super cool looking 300 Series 817 4x4 Crew Cab

Climbing up into the cab the first thing to do is log into the AVN. I enter my phone number to sign in and Hino Connect knows it’s me. It will log how I drive every step of the way.

The first leg was up the Gillies Range to Lake Barrine Tea House where morning tea was to be served before changing vehicles. This stretch is nominated as Australia’s windiest road. Names were called to delegate us to a truck and as luck would have it I scored the spectacular looking 300 4x4. Lucky me.

**300 Series Wide Cab 817 4x4 Crew Cab with all the trimmings**

The 300 4x4 has a mere 1900km on the clock and is a six-speed manual with the gate sprung to the 4/5 plane – logical when you think these will be the most used ratios. Off we go and soon start the steep climb up the Gillies. I’m having trouble downshifting to the 2/3 plane. So much so that my co-pilot, Clare calls Hino’s Product Department Manager, Dan Petrovski.

Dan says he had the same problem until he started treating the gear shift like a Road Ranger, i.e. gently. Back across and down from 4 to 3 too hard and the lockout for 1/reverse come into play. Fingertips and she slid in as smoothly as. From then on this was a joy to drive. No doubt the ‘box will also loosen up with use.

Hino tell me that they are getting a lot of interest in this rig from the caravanning/5th wheeler grey nomad type and I can see why. She’s got all the grunt you’d ever need. Payload with a GVM of 7.5 ton will never be a problem and she’ll go where others (including the ubiquitous LandCruiser) would fear to tread.

This road gives spectacular views which I didn’t see much of due to concentrating on the next corner. A quick squirt in 4th – or on rare occasions, 5th – and it was back down to 3rd and even 2nd to take the next bend. I’m vaguely wondering how Hino’s telematics are regarding me, but hey, I’m not paying for the juice!

Like all Hino products the 4x4 is well screwed together. The driving position is comfortable and the stick shift falls nicely to hand. I know from past experience with the 500GT 4x4 that this will also be a mountain goat, which means it will suit a range of applications – fun being at the top of the list.

In no time we are at our first stop up on the Tablelands – Lake Barrine Teahouse - for coffee and scones with jam and cream. Famous for water skiing throughout the 50’s and 60’s, the sport was stopped in the mid 70’s due to erosion, returning the lake to its natural tranquillity. Up to 60 metres deep the waters are still and pristine, so pristine in fact that it’s not great for fishing – something to do with not enough oxygenation I believe. But what a view. Great scones too!

The 2nd leg to Lake Tinaroo saw me behind the wheel of an old friend, the 300 Series 721Tray. I had this truck for a few days a while back. Loved it then and I still do. Wonderful road manners, classy interior, plenty of power to do the jobs for which it intended. This is a truck you can chuck around with aplomb. It is a tradies weapon.

Like the 4x4 you could easily use this truck to tow your tradie toolbox trailer without exertion, as well as the caravan on weekends – as long as there’s just the two of you. For the family its back to the 4x4 and its double cab setup.

This truck – as with all 300 Series features Hino SmartSafe, a comprehensive safety package with advanced driver-assist technology that takes an active focus in protecting the life of drivers, passengers and other road users.

Hino SmartSafe includes: Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB); Pedestrian Detection (PD); Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS). These are in addition to the already extensive list of standard safety features such as Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Reverse Camera.

Since the introduction of these safety specs, 300 Series sales have increased by over 21% with the 4x4 versions up over 33%, so there are plenty of safety conscious buyers out there who like what Hino is doing.

The Hybrid version order rate has doubled. The hybrid has been around for a bit now but Hino readily admit that they were late to the party in promoting the version. With fuel costs through the roof and parent, Toyota’s expertise in hybrid drive trains, the increase in demand is not surprising with the 300 Hybrid offering a 22% reduction in fuel costs and a similar reduction in emissions.

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A quick stop at Lake Tinaroo for a truck swap saw me climbing into a 700 Series FR2632 6x2 rigid. This is the low roof version of the 700 without the occasional ‘sleeper’.

With a GVM of 26,000kg and a GCM of 36,500kg driving through a 6-speed overdrive Allison auto (touch pad controller mounted beside the driver), the 320hp and 1275Nm is plenty adequate for hauling those last line of delivery loads to their destinations or for the smaller operator.

By now we are well beyond the ‘long and windy road’ sections atop the Atherton Tablelands and there are good stretches where I can cruise at the speed limit. As with all of Hino’s product we are cocooned within an inviting environment. Steering is well weighted and accurate, the Isri seat is comfortable and conversation with my Hino compatriot is easy, given great insulation from road and wind noise.

We come to a corner at speed and this is my first real opportunity to give the Engine retarder (Jake) brake a workout. Coupled with an exhaust brake and ‘Brake Sync’ where the brake pedal activates the engine brake (gee that’s a lot of brakes), Hino’s system is the best I’ve ever experienced on any truck full stop!

Pull the lever back one, two, three or more times and you’ll get all the “Whoa There!” you’ll ever need. In 99% of driving, if you need to use the brake pedal at all you’re going waaay too fast. The pads in these things are going to last forever with sensible driving. In the ‘burbs where many of these models will spend their days, a dab on the brake pedal for the last few metres at the lights is all you are going need. Simply wonderful.

Lunch beckons at the Skybury Coffee Plantation at Mareeba in the form of a smorgasbord of goodies. If memory serves me right this is the 4th feed of some sort today – and it’s only lunchtime. If you’re travelling up that way I can highly recommend it.

Lunch done and belly exploding we set off on stage 4 and I pull the straw for the 500 Series Tilt Tray. I’m now playing Towie. But I reckon I’m a bit special ‘cos I’m driving the Crew Cab Official Recovery Truck that Hino use at the V8 Supercar events. Unfortunately, later the following weekend it was used to bring Scott Pye’s Commodore back to the pits after a clip up his backside knocked him out of Sunday’s racing, Lap 1, 3rd corner. It’s a cruel sport.

Here however I’ve nothing more than a Mitsubishi 380 on the tray. This is a 500Series FE 1424 Wide Cab 4x2 putting out 240Hp and 833Nm from its 4 cylinder motor. This model is dominating 500 Series orders, and its popularity amongst the Towie community is huge. Like all models however, you can put what you want on the chassis.

The wide cabs offer a GVM from 16 to 26 tons. A choice of engines and a wide range of axle and wheelbase configurations. Alison True Automatic Transmissions are standard across the range, as with the 500 Standard Cab versions (11-14 ton GVM).

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We arrive at Kuranda for our final changeover and after yet more nibblies I’m taken to my next drive, a 700Series FS2848 6x4 rigid.

“You recognise it?” says Dan Petrovski.

“Nah, should I?”

“It’s the white one you wrote about in your story, ‘Where’s the Red One Hino?’ subtitled ‘Hino Will Never Lend me Another Truck’.

Here’s the link to that story ….

https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.truckinwithkermie.com%2Fblog%2Fwheres-the-red-one-hino-will-never-lend-me-another-truck%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3lnCuH8f-La5H6ovKmnhjR_293yYg3rcj_wM8KpRAErf1MJ1AZBEcKmGY&h=AT1tm6Pibm2Rkkx4zKBZ0hiaNeSJV7bh8ISC_IDntexAoJFgu94e85_HW2BEmDDIQZPquY01ds8qtM4Dl6y979CF9Y7fY5WeJ4HH67Dj_iaU2KHZbM3TkhhER4b4oFRNpFClqlaLkZcDoaCJs8gIog

“We painted it red just for you, Kermie. Even added some extra go-faster striping on the doors. Aaaand, we’re giving you another chance.”

He’s a good bloke that Dan Petrovski.

My driving companion for this stint is Hino Australia’s Vice President, Richard Emery so I’m conscious of being on my best behaviour. The story I’ve linked above was before his time so hopefully he won’t read this.

The FS is everything I wrote about in that story. It’s got the big boss 13 litre with 480HP and 2,157Mn which works just fine in any application. And I remember where the Auto gearshift is this time around. It’s a 16 speed – the most gears I’ve come across in a big truck – and changes up and down the range with aplomb.

As with all Hino’s, all the safety gear is there including Pre Collision, Adaptive Cruise, Lane Departure Warning and Safety Eye which seemingly approved of my driving this time around and didn’t rap me over the knuckles once. As with the FR and other Hino trucks the intarder is the best in the business.

This stretch took us back down the Gillies to sea level and was just as winding, if not more so than the trip up. I swear to you that I touched the brakes very lightly maybe three times during the long descent – and this is a drop that could wear out your pads by the halfway mark. Again, simply brilliant!

To give you an idea of this road have a look at the video below which I’ve speeded up - a lot!.

Finally after a long days driving we’re back at the hotel for a debrief, some info on Hino Connect and yep – more food. Back to the room for a shower and it’s time for DINNER! Just the one glass of vino though as Friday was bringing another day of driving . . . . .

THURSDAY

Leg 1: Pacific Hino to Astron Fuel @ Deeral

For some reason I’m back in the FS 2828 14 pallet jobbie first up the next morning. But hey, I like the truck so I’m not complaining. Besides, we’re heading down the coast to Townsville today and without that trip down the Gillies I have more opportunity to glance out the window at some of the scenery as we pass it by. This is the opportunity to set the truck on cruise with all its safety features on standby in case needed. The truck in front slows and so do we. Speed up and we do as well. Reckon I could do a day’s deliveries in this and feel pretty good at the end. Besides Hino’s VP has moved to another truck so I don’t feel so pressured.

Leg 2: Astron Fuel to Castaways resort, Mission Beach

Now it’s time for a bit of tipper work in the 4x2 700 Series FH 1832. This gives me 235Kw and 11275Nm from 1100rpm, so basically from a crawl. Getting in and out of all the 700’s is a breeze, which you’re likely to do many times a day in whatever configuration, so big tick on that front. You all know my penchant for red Hinos if you’ve read the attachment above, but I must say the chrome grill and Alcoa wheels with this white tipper also look pretty cool, especially with Hino’s badging. Like all the trucks I’m writing about here (and more), this tipper will be a part of Hino’s national tour so you’ll be able to get a chance to see and drive them all when they come to a town near you.

I get to drive the 1832 to our lunch break at Mission Beach. How nice of Hino to arrange this little detour to a slice of heaven.

**I tried to stay but they wouldn’t let me**

**Yes that’s an Ambo who Hino arranged to travel (with ambulance) in the convoy.**

I spied a local sunbaking at Castaways. It’s easy to pick them because on this 24 degree day she was wearing a cardie! More great food and it’s on to Leg 3 which takes us to Cardwell.

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Leg 3: Mission Beach to Cardwell

Now I get reacquainted with the big boy of the entourage in the form of Hino’s 700 Series SS High Roof Prime Mover – this time with a low loader hooked up with a spare 300 Series sitting atop it.

I had this truck with a reefer in tow for a couple of days last year and loved it. Like all their products it’s comfortable, quiet at speed with all the safety trimmings and the added bonus of being able to stand tall in the cab. I look behind me at the occasional sleeper and there is the cushion I took with me back then - just in case my sensitive backside needed more support than the excellent Isri would give.

That cushion came off our patio and Rita was not happy that I’d left it behind back then as she can’t find a match. She’s still not happy because I couldn’t quite figure out how to get it back home but Hino assure me they’ll find a way.

I wish I had taken it because it would have improved Virgin’s rock-hard seat on the flight back home.

I’ve said it before but I’ll repeat myself. This truck is not designed for interstate or long haul work – although you could easily use it if one of your bigger bangers had a breakdown. For everything else though it’s ideal. When Hino’s Roadshow gets to your area do yourself a favour and give it a burl. You won’t be disappointed.

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Leg 4: Cardwell to Ingham

Pulling up at Cardwell sometime later for – you guessed it – more food, I swap into the very cool 300 4x4 again. Not much more to say on this other than I want one! Hino have suggested I can get hold of one for a few days in late October if I want. I want!

Leg 5: Ingham to the Rollingstone Weighbridge

At Ingham I’m into the 300 Series 721Wide Cab with all the usual safety gear on board, which was just as well because it’s this stretch where I realise just how good safety features are in modern trucks. We’re cruising along at the speed limit when I spy one of Hino’s photographers on the side of the road.

I look at him and wave wondering why he’s waving back in a downward motion (as in slow down you idiot!) As I look ahead the traffic has come to a standstill but thankfully the truck is way ahead of me and has initiated all its ‘brains’ to avoid a collision.

This is the sort of incident that can occur multiple times in driving. You only need the help of this sort of Hino technology once to make it pay for itself. I didn’t wave to any photographers after that.

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Leg 6: To Townsville.

The last leg into Townsville was in the 700 Series FS2848 Tipper and Dog.

I’ve not driven this type of combo before so looked forward to this stretch. Loaded to some 80% the 480Hp and 2157Nm had no trouble hauling the load. The ZF TraXon16 speed AMT ‘box has a cog for every geographical situation and, as mentioned earlier the engine retarder and transmission intarder are the best in the business.

I loved driving this combo with the trailer tracking so nicely behind the truck. Hino are hopefully going to let me drive this set-up from Sydney to Melbourne in the near future, something I’ll really look forward to.

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The Company you keep: Hino’s recipe for success.

The best company I ever worked for was also one of the most successful in its sphere of operations. Yes they had some great product but I’ve maintained that the reason they stayed at No.1 in my book, some 38 years after I left them (to travel overseas), was because of the people they employed. We worked hard, we played even harder, but we operated as a cohesive unit, including management – united in our goal of making our products the very best they could be.

After spending five plus days with the Hino crew I can only come to the conclusion that this company operates in the same way as that business I was involved in all those years ago. The camaraderie of the people involved with the company is genuine and the result is not only great product, but extends well beyond that, to all the intangibles that make a great business platform.

Hino Australia does not just take trucks from Japan and flog them on the showroom floor, they are heavily involved in the development of the products sold on these shores. Hino Connect is a shining example and deserves more than a passing mention so I’ll delve into that in the near future, but if you’re looking to buy a new truck then Hino Connect may well be the difference in your decision making.

Then there’s the after-sales service, the specially trained mechanics, and all the other intangibles that go into making a successful company. This is Hino’s recipe and because of it, the company’s continued and growing success is well and truly assured…..

But don’t stop reading just yet.

…… It’s the end of a long day and after dropping the trucks we are taken to The Ville Hotel and Casino where we are to spend the next three nights.

Our drive is over but, because Covid resulted in lack of face-to-face over the past couple of years, and because Hino are sponsors of V8 Supercars Team 18, they thought it would be nice to have a wind-down at that event in Townsville.

The next couple of days were spent eating too much, drinking too much, spending time in Hino’s sponsor box above Team 18’s pit and touring the pit with Team 18 owner, the very down to earth Charlie Schwerkolt (who joined us for dinner on the Saturday evening), having a fast lap, touring the Media Centre (gobsmacking!), spending more time in Hino’s brand new Sports Deck which very possibly had the best vantage point of the track. Did I mention eating and drinking?

Team 18 driver, Frosty Winterbottom had a rough weekend with power steering failures but that didn’t stop him from doing a quick plug for Truckin With Kermie. Bless him.

I could write another 3000 words about the weekend but I think you’ll enjoy the pics …..