Business Fleet Africa

A number of changes are being made to the Hino 500 – Series range. Two of the changes follow regulatory requirements, to be implemented by the end of 2016 and early 2017. These involve the fitment of speed limiters according to GVM and anti-skid brakes (ABS).

They create the magic – the Hino SA assembly plant team in Prospecton.

However, Hino has introduced additional changes to its very popular Hino 500 – Series, relating mainly to modifications to the engines.

The speed limiters will permit a maximum speed of 80km/h for all trucks with a GVM exceeding 9 000kg. For Hino this means that the Hino 500 – Series trucks will naturally have to comply, and plans are in place to start fitment on the production line at the Prospecton plant as from November. The requirement that all commercial vehicles be fitted with ABS is already being done on the assembly line in Prospecton.

With regard to the Hino 500 – Series’ engines, the changes have necessitated the installation of common rail fuel injection on the J08E engine to permit the fitment of the speed limiter, which means emission compliance moves from Euro2 to Euro3, with improved power output.

Hino 500 – Series’ engines moves from Euro2 to Euro3, with improved power

For example, the engine fitted to the 1017 model currently puts out 121kW of power and 496N.m of torque. These figures move up to 129kW and 500N.m and the model is to be appropriately renamed the Hino 500 Series 1018.

The Hino 500 Series 1326 model (left) and the 1018 model (right). — The Hino-500 Series 1326 model (left) and the 1018 model (right).

The same applies to the current 1324 tipper and freight carrier models, where the engine is currently rated at 170kW and 710N.m. After the changes these move up to 184kW and 739N.m in the renamed 1326 models. The 1326 models will also benefit from a full air-brake system.

Changes to the engine – Euro2 to Euro3 – and the fitment of a speed limiter to the 1322 four-wheel drive model will only take place in March 2017. ABS is not a required for this model.

At the same time, a single-wheel rear axle will be introduced, which improves off-road handling capabilities and makes for more efficient operation in sandy conditions. The single-wheel fitment will also have a benefit in terms of improved fuel consumption.