July 2008 - Feature
Hino Aims to Increase Market Share
By Chad Simon
Hino Trucks is expanding its medium-duty product offerings for the 2009-MY to enter into a broader range of applications, including refuse, street sweeping, construction, utility, tree care, and work truck. "We’ve implemented new options over the past year to help us get into those mission markets," said Glen Ellis, vice president, marketing and dealer development, Hino Trucks, based in Bloomfield Hills, Mich.
Features Expand Applications
New options for the Class 7 338 model include increased capacity frames up to 120,000 psi and the ability to install cranes on the truck. Hino also has added a short wheelbase for its street sweeper and dump truck applications, and three new cab configurations. The extended model is 30 inches longer than the regular cab size and features a bench seat or 26-inch fold-down sleeper. A new dual-steer sit-down configuration is available for street sweeper and refuse applications. The third new offering, a right-hand standup, is designed for recycling and refuse missions.
"These new features offer our fleet customers the same advantages our lease, rental, car hauler, and tow truck customers have experienced with our products," said Ellis. "For drivers, it’s the roominess and ergonomics of the cab and the quiet and maneuverability of the truck. With the dual steers, we still have a 55-degree wheel cut, which provides excellent maneuverability, especially in a refuse application where a truck is making 600-plus stops per day, and the ability to get in and out of traffic easily."
The right-hand standup uses a steering gear mounted to the truck’s current steering shaft, a cross member to a right-hand steering shaft. A hole is cut in the floor in which a bucket is placed so drivers can step into the truck. The straight-across dashboard gives the truck the same belly room on both the passenger and driver sides.