Significant changes have been made to the Hino 700 Series extra-heavy duty truck tractor that was introduced to South Africa in 2004. The changes make it even more competitive in the highest growth sector of the SA truck market, while the revised model range will open up some important new markets to Hino.
The most important new feature, which will find favour with many truck operators and drivers in South Africa, is the introduction of the ZF-AS Tronic electronically-controlled, 16-speed, automated manual transmission. The two-pedal system incorporates an automatic start function and eliminates the need to operate the clutch manually, which makes life much easier for the driver and cuts maintenance costs into the bargain.
Those models still using the ZF 16S 221 manual gearbox get a revised clutch, with a 430mm single disc unit instead of the previous 380mm twin disc type, with the aim of weight reduction. There is a transmission intarder as well as the Hino engine brake to assist in the stopping department.
A more powerful, 353kW engine is now available too, with high torque (up to 1157Nm at 1 100rpm) virtually throughout the engine speed range, which ensures strong acceleration and the ability to hold speed in hilly terrain.
The diameter of the engine cooling fan has been increased from 720mm to 750mm in order to improve the performance of the turbocharger and cooling capacity to handle the extra power.
Other engine power outputs in the range include 279kW, 302kW and 331kW. All the engines are the same basic six-cylinder unit of 12.9-litre capacity, with variations in turbocharging and electronic engine management to alter the power output.
A significant change for Hino is a switch from a riveted to a bolted chassis, with grid holes in the side rail that make wheelbase changes and body mounting easier, as well as facilitating the transfer of accessories. The use of a bolt up chassis has the benefit of increasing torsional stiffness.
High roof models are added to the line-up in addition to the standard cab models. The new styling results in much larger cabin space with an extra 425 mm of inside roof height on the high roof model. The maximum height of the high roof cab from floor to ceiling is 1.9m which is 210mm higher than the standard cab and allows people to stand upright in the cab. Only two of the 10 models in the new 700 Series range is offered with the standard day cab.
Two beds are fitted to the high roof model, with the lower bed having space comparable to that found the largest beds of European models.
The interior trim colour has been changed from blue to black and there is far more storage space than in the previous model.
The front suspension springs have been increased in length to 1.7m which has made it possible to decrease the number of spring blades from three to two, while a stabiliser bar has been added as standard.
There is a choice of Hendrickson two-bag air suspension or steel leaf spring suspension at the rear. The span of the rear leaf springs has also been increased and this has allowed a decrease from four to three blades. The conventional one-piece torque rod acting on the rear axle has been changed to a V-type with a laminated rubber support mount, which improves the stability of the truck.
Another new feature that will be appreciated by fleet operators is the standard fitment of a second fuel tank to provide a capacity in excess of 800 litres compared to the previous 400 litres.
The former stack-type exhaust silencer has been replaced by a box-type unit, which is mounted on the right hand side of the chassis, with the battery and air tank unit transferred to the left side. The larger silencer box, of 134 litres capacity, results in far less back pressure than the previous 63-litre stack type, which improves fuel economy. The new position for the silencer also keeps the exhaust fumes away from the cargo.
The air drier now uses a cartridge instead of having to disassemble the unit, which reduces maintenance time. Additionally the pre-filter sedimenter is designed for easy visible checking of the separation of the water content.
The step for getting on and off the catwalk behind the cab has been changed from the right to the left and side and a grip is provided to make it easier to get on and off this platform.
“The driving objectives with the Hino engineers and designers involved with the original 700 Series was for these trucks to be environmentally friendly, economical, reliable and having high levels of safety, while the latest evolutionary changes have come from customer feedback,” explained the vice-president of Hino in South Africa, Dr. Casper Kruger. “We are very pleased with the updated range and look forward to increasing our share of the extra-heavy segment of the SA market.”
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