Big on tech
The latest 700 Series represents a significant technological advancement from its predecessors, particularly regarding the extensive standard active and passive safety features, as well as improvements in fuel efficiency and fleet management capabilities.
These extra-heavies bolster Hino South Africa’s existing offerings. “Our current medium truck ranges are proving very popular, as is our 500 series in the heavy truck segment. Now we will also have a strong competitor in the high volume extra-heavy category,” explains Anton Falck, Hino South Africa Vice President. “Minimising downtime for our customers was a prime aim with the redesign of this important model.”
Safety first
Koyo Goto, 700 Series chief engineer, says Hino Motors in Japan has “aimed to enhance safety through the adoption of active driver support systems and preventive safety systems” that work individually or collectively to prevent collisions and lessen damage.
Standard safety features include a pre-collision system, lane departure warning system, and staggering warning, as well as a driver monitor camera, Adaptive Cruise Control with vehicle-to-vehicle distance control, anti-lock brakes, driver airbag, side impact beams, and engine retarders. The Freight Carrier and TT models additionally have ZF intarders fitted as standard for additional brake assistance.
Long-awaited facelift
The 700 Series has undergone its first major exterior design change in 14 years, with a totally new, bold, and aerodynamic frontal appearance.
The restyled interior focuses on driver comfort and ergonomics to reduce driver fatigue. The cab is more spacious, and this is the first Hino in South Africa to feature a steering wheel with multi-functional controls. The speedometer and tachometer are much easier to read and are complemented by an enlarged multi-information display. Night-time driving is also much improved with halogen type low beam lights.
According to Goto, the much quieter cab, improved ride comfort, and new, high-functionality seats will reduce fatigue and improve driving efficiency, providing a safe and comfortable working environment.
Compact and fuel-efficient range
The tipper, freight carrier, and two truck-tractor 6x4 models are powered by derivatives of the 13-litre Hino E13C six-cylinder turbocharged and intercooled diesel engine.
The engine in the 2841 models develops 302kW at 1,500 to 1,800r/min and peak torque of 1,961Nm at 1,400 to 1,800r/min, while – on the high-powered 2845 truck tractor – it produces 331kW at 1,500 to 1,800 r/min and peak torque of 2,157Nm at 1,050 to 1,400r/min.
There are several fuel-saving changes, including a redesigned rear suspension that reduces weight by 20%. The power-assisted, variable ratio rack and pinion steering has a variable hydraulic pump as a further fuel saver.
Both Hino E13C engines are mated to a ZF 16-speed TraXon automated manual transmission with fully automatic shifting and optional manual override, saving fuel via optimised gear selection. The standard Eco Mode system also significantly improves fuel efficiency.
Tailor-made solutions
All warranties for the vehicle, powertrain, and chassis frame of the new 700 Series are unlimited distance (24 months on the tipper and 36 months on the other models), while there is also a 48-month/unlimited distance cab corrosion warranty.
Service intervals are every 15 000km /250 hrs for the tipper and 30 000km for the other models (intervals may vary with operating conditions), while dealers can tailor a range of Hino-Care service and maintenance plans to customer requirements.
The Hino-Connect full fleet management system, in partnership with Cartrack, includes a three-year subscription and bolsters Hino’s holistic approach. “Hino’s Total Support strategy, which builds strong relationships and trust with all stakeholders, has been the backbone of our success in South Africa for many years,” explains Falck. “The strategy will benefit hugely from the data this system will now be able to provide to our customers, Hino South Africa, and Hino Japan.”
Lots of info for fleet operators
Hino-Connect – a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) telematics platform – gives fleet operators access to invaluable information and data. For instance, fleet managers get fuel use and wastage reports for assessment and cost reduction, driver scorecards to promote good driver behaviour, vehicle alerts and actionable data for monitoring and preventative maintenance. CAN Bus Integration means operators receive detailed vehicle performance data in real time for fleet monitoring and analysis. Furthermore, vehicle tracking and recovery are provided by a 24-hour recovery team.
Clearly, both the 700 Series and Hino-Connect have a lot to offer transport operators in South Africa.
