Hino Australia will use this year’s AFAC convention in Melbourne to showcase more than four decades of involvement in firefighting and emergency service fleets, with vehicles representing the past, present and future of specialist truck applications.
The manufacturer will have an expanded presence at the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council convention from 18-21 August, led by a Hino 700 Series FS2632 6×4 fitted as an Ultra Heavy Water Tanker.
“Hino has been providing reliable transport solutions to the firefighting and emergency services for over 40 years, and this year’s AFAC stand provides a glimpse of the past, present and future within the emergency services,” Hino Australia Manager – Product Strategy Daniel Petrovski said.
700 Series takes on heavy tanker role
The 700 Series FS2632 has been fitted with a body designed and manufactured by R.A. Bell & Co and features a 9,000-litre marine-grade aluminium water tank.
The truck includes dual 65mm rear delivery outlets, dual 50mm and a single 40mm deck outlet, a dedicated hydrant boost line and a remote-controlled monitor mounted on the bull bar.
A burn-over crew protection system with an audible warning has also been incorporated into the build.
Water delivery is handled by an MK300 pump capable of flows of up to 1,400 litres per minute, giving the vehicle potential applications across emergency services as well as local government and mining operations.
Petrovski said the new vehicle builds on the role previously performed by the 500 Series Wide Cab FM2632 6×4.
“It is the latest generation Hino chassis ideally suited to firefighting and emergency response applications with higher levels of performance, efficiency and safety,” he said.
The Euro 6-compliant FS2632 is powered by Hino’s A09C six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine producing 235kW and 1275Nm, paired with an Allison 3200 six-speed automatic transmission.
Safety technology includes Hino’s SmartSafe package with autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, vehicle stability control, driver monitoring and a reversing camera.
Mobile workshop supports CFA operations
Also appearing on the stand will be a Hino 500 Series FE mobile workshop developed for Victoria’s Country Fire Authority by MFI Automotive Group.
The vehicle is designed to support CFA Tower Overseers carrying out maintenance work across Victoria and provides storage, onboard power, lifting capability and field access to tools and equipment.
Equipment includes a Maxilift electro-hydraulic crane, manual stabiliser legs and a 6.4-metre Branach Powermaster extension ladder.
Additional modifications include a front recovery point and custom four-post bull bar.
“It provides CFA Tower Overseers with a practical, safe and highly capable mobile workshop for maintenance work throughout Victoria,” Petrovski said.
The 14-tonne GVM truck is powered by Hino’s A05C engine matched with an Allison 2500 six-speed transmission and uses Hendrickson airbag rear suspension.
Its SmartSafe package includes pre-collision technology, pedestrian detection, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and vehicle stability control.
Both the 500 and 700 Series models are also equipped with Hino-Connect telematics, providing fleet operators with vehicle tracking, operating data and remote diagnostics.
Restored 1986 pumper completes display
Providing a contrast to the newer trucks will be a restored 1986 Hino Type 2 pumper that previously served with the CFA.
After frontline service in Melbourne’s outer suburbs, the truck was later used for industrial firefighting and emergency response training in Victoria and Queensland.
Originally finished in Weidelux DayGlo Orange, it has been restored by Eastey Fire Trucks in traditional CFA red.
The truck remains operational and continues to be transported between Victorian fire station precincts for training activities.
“This remarkable truck is a fantastic example of Hino’s renowned quality, durability and reliability,” Petrovski said.
“After four decades of service across frontline firefighting, industrial operations and training environments, it continues to demonstrate the dependable performance that Hino customers have come to expect from our trucks.”
For emergency service fleet operators, the three vehicles also highlight how specialist truck requirements have evolved, with modern fleet decisions increasingly combining payload and pumping capability with active safety systems, telematics, remote diagnostics and whole-of-life support.
