Hino beefs up 500 Series off-road specialist

[kscarbel2]

Trade Trucks Australia  /  August 27, 2019

Hino is upgrading its 500 Series GT 4x4, adding power, torque, and an increased payload to the off-road model which is set for operation in the first quarter of 2020.

Available in single or crew-cab configurations, the 500 Series GT 1528 will feature an upgraded 5.5-tonne front axle and a 10-tonne rear axle, increasing its gross vehicle mass (GVM) to 14.5 tonnes.

"The current 500 Series GT 1322 has been a popular choice for off-road work among various Australian emergency services, the mining industry, and infrastructure support applications, and we are confident these changes will further increase its appeal," Hino Motor Sales Australia manager of product strategy Daniel Petrovski says.

"When this GVM is combined with the relatively low tare weight of the GT 1528, it results in a nominal payload of approximately nine tonne, which will please operators of these large 4x4 models."

The Hino J08 turbocharged six-cylinder engine increases the power from 215hp to 280hp (158kW to 209kW) and torque improves dramatically from the current 637Nm up to 824Nm.

The engine complies with ADR80/03 using Euro 5 emission standards through the Hino Diesel Particulate active Reduction (DPR) system.

Hino used the annual 2019 Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) exhibition to unveil the upgrades.

"Given the current 500 Series GT model’s popularity with emergency services, the 2019 AFAC is the obvious place to announce these changes," Petrovski says

"More power and torque enhances the on-road performance for emergency services vehicles attending incidents, while a larger payload increases operational flexibility and efficiency by allowing more water carrying capability.

"The Allison 2500 Series automatic transmission makes the role of the emergency service driver easier by eliminating the need to shift gears."

Other refinements to the new 500 Series GT 1528 include a new larger capacity dual-range transfer case to handle the increase in power and torque delivered from the upgraded engine.

The new 500 Series GT 1528 will feature a reverse camera as standard equipment as part of the smart new multimedia system, which is being rolled out across the Hino range.

The new Hino multimedia system is an Android-based 6.5-inch capacitive multi-touch digital screen features AM/FM/DAB+ digital radio, Wi-Fi connectivity, and the latest version of Bluetooth tethering, which enables enhanced call handling, and improved speech to text functionality.

Safety and comfort features included as standard on the new 500 Series GT 1528 are anti-lock brake system (ABS), cruise control (single cab only), driver’s SRS airbag, heated and electrically operated external mirrors and an ISRI 6860/870 driver’s seat with integrated safety belt.

 Full specifications and pricing will be released in the first quarter of 2020.

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