Hino Road Ranger
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A Hino Road Ranger is a welcome addition to a Waikanae fleet
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Hino Road Ranger
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Hino is a well-established and respected name in the truck industry that has built up a strong reputation for producing versatile and reliable trucks. This could not be more appropriate for a contracting company looking for a strong durable truck that can always be relied upon.
Jamie Smith is owner and manager of Colin Smith Contracting in Waikanae, a successful contracting company specialising in earthmoving and roading services. Jamie is well known for investing in the best equipment because so far his growing success has been through word of mouth and trusted reputation to do the job right the first time. To continue this tradition of excellent service and reliability he is well aware that his equipment needs to be top of the line.
Colin Smith Contracting currently operates 2x6 wheeler and 2x4 wheeler trucks in its fleet and among these is Jamie’s new pride and joy, a 2005 Hino Road Ranger. This is the second Hino that Colin Smith Contracting has invested in and so far both Jamie and his staff are extremely impressed with their new purchase.
This 18-speed, 410 horsepower, 6x4 workhorse is mainly used for transporting road metals and soil. Currently it is responsible for the movement of 15 loads a day, each load weighing around 11 tonne.
Lynne Eathorne, a veteran truck driver of 35 years, has driven a wide range of new trucks, large and small, but finds this Road Ranger up there with the best of them.
"I enjoy driving it so much I have been known to miss smoko," he says. "It’s a practical truck built for hard work, but with all the modern comforts of a luxury vehicle, quiet and smooth."
The Hino cab and chassis were purchased through Nigel Adams at Hino in Wellington and Jamie Smith had the purpose-built tipping bin made by Gary Douglas in Palmerston North to suit the special needs of his business.
This bin features a swing tail gate release which can be easily operated from ground level, hidden tie downs inside the deck, which means it also has the ability to chain down machinery that needs to be transported. The hoist is air operated and controlled internally and is simple and quick to operate.
The front suspension is semi-elliptic springs and also features double acting shock absorbers. The rear suspension is Hino 6 rod leaf springs and ABS brakes are also fitted. Other safety features include laminated safety glass, reverse warning buzzer, central locking and three point retractable seat belts.
Both windows are electrically controlled and the air conditioning functions particularly well. With power assisted steering this truck has excellent turning capabilities in comparison to its length.
The driver’s seat is air suspended and fully adjustable and the control panel has been ergonomically designed housing the speedometer, air pressure gauge, coolant temperature etc. The cab is well lit with a reading lamp as well as florescent cab interior lamp. It also has drink holders for those early morning caffeine fixes.
For more information on the Hino range contact Hino Distributors in Palmerston North, tel (06) 356 7179.
By Kelly Ryan
BRIEF SPECIFICATIONS
Hino 2005 Road Ranger
Engine: Hino E13C diesel
24-valve turbo-charged intercooler system
Cylinders: 6
Transmission oil capacity: 14 litres
TARE weight (without fuel): 8060kg
GVW: 24,000kg
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