Key Facts:
- Downer Group, Australia and New Zealand’s leading integrated infrastructure services provider, has added a Hino 700 Series FY 3248 8×4 Bergkamp feeder unit to its fleet for road preservation and micro surfacing operations.
- Following an extensive evaluation of different manufacturers, Downer selected the Hino 700 Series based on driver comfort, low tare weight, high horsepower, competitive pricing, and advanced safety features, including Lane Departure Warning, Driver Monitor, and Autonomous Emergency Braking.
- The vehicle is powered by an E13C engine producing 480hp (353kW) and 2,157Nm of torque, paired with a ZF TraXon 16-speed Automated Manual Transmission, and features an air-suspended cab and ISRI 6860 NTS2 driver’s seat to support driver comfort during long-distance travel.
- Downer highlighted the importance of Hino’s strong dealer network and customer service in supporting the build of highly specialised vehicles, from initial concept through to ongoing aftersales support.
- The Hino 700 Series is backed by the Hino Advantage package, which includes a 5-year or 600,000-kilometre warranty and 5-year roadside assist, and is available at Hino dealerships nationwide.
The Downer Group has added another Hino 700 Series to its fleet recently taking delivery of an FY 3248 8×4 Bergkamp feeder unit, used for road preservation and micro surfacing.
Downer is Australia and New Zealand’s leading provider of integrated infrastructure services with a fleet working across many critical sectors including transport, utilities and facilities.
In selecting the Hino 700 Series, Downer undertook an extensive evaluation of different original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to identify a suitable chassis for its Bergkamp units.
Jake Sauer, Fleet Category Manager AU (On Road HV) for Downer cited driver comfort, low tare weight, high horsepower and advanced safety features as key reasons for choosing the 700 Series.
“The primary driver for selecting the Hino 700 Series was driver comfort – these vehicles operate in a stop-start environment, with operators frequently entering and exiting the cab, so a lower cab entry point was a key requirement.
“Hino’s technology and standard inclusions are comparable to similar European models, while offering strong horsepower at a more competitive price point,” he continued.
The Hino 700 Series FY 3248 utilises a E13C engine with peak horsepower of 480hp (353kW) and 2157Nm of torque, which is combined with a ZF TraXon 16-speed Automated Manual Transmission.
“The standard safety features of the 700 Series were also particularly important, specifically Lane Departure Warning System, Driver Monitor and Autonomous Emergency Braking,” said Mr Sauer.
Other standard safety features in the Hino SmartSafe package include a Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and a Reverse Camera.
“Finally, a non-negotiable requirement was an air-suspended cab – these units travel extensively across Australia, and drivers spend long periods behind the wheel, making comfort a critical factor,” he said.
Downer’s 700 Series FY 3248 prioritises driver comfort with Taper Leaf Spring front suspension, taper leaf springs in the rear and an ISRI 6860 NTS2 driver’s seat.
“The trucks we build at Downer are often highly specialised vehicles,” Mr Sauer explains.
“As a result, we require a strong dealer network and excellent customer service to support us from initial concept and build through to ongoing aftersales support, ensuring these vehicles remain operational every day – and Hino is able to provide exactly that,” he concluded.
The Hino 700 Series offers an expanded range of driveline and axle configuration options that allow customers to choose a truck that suits their operational requirements.
Like all Hino products, the 700 Series is supported by Hino Advantage suite of business solutions that are designed to reduce costs over the life of the vehicle including a 5 Years or 600,000 kilometre standard warranty (whichever comes first) and 5 Years Roadside Assist.
