Downer Group has added another Hino 700 Series to its fleet, selecting an FY 3248 8×4 chassis for a specialised Bergkamp feeder unit used in road preservation and microsurfacing.
The purchase followed an extensive evaluation of different truck manufacturers, with Downer assessing how each chassis would meet the demands of the application. Driver comfort, low tare weight, horsepower and standard safety technology were key considerations.
For Jake Sauer, Fleet Category Manager AU (On Road HV) at Downer, cab access was a significant factor in a working environment that requires operators to repeatedly climb in and out.
“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.”
The selection highlights how daily operating conditions influence procurement decisions for specialised fleets. Cab access matters during roadworks, while ride comfort becomes equally important when vehicles travel long distances between jobs.
“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,” Sauer said.
The Downer truck also features taper leaf spring suspension at the front and rear, along with an ISRI 6860 NTS2 driver’s seat.
Safety and performance support the application
The FY 3248 is powered by Hino’s E13C engine, producing 480hp (353kW) and 2,157Nm of torque, paired with a ZF TraXon 16-speed automated manual transmission.
“Hino’s technology and standard inclusions are comparable to similar European models, while offering strong horsepower at a more competitive price point,” Sauer said.
Standard safety equipment also influenced Downer’s decision.
“The standard safety features of the 700 Series were also particularly important, specifically Lane Departure Warning System, Driver Monitor and Autonomous Emergency Braking,” he said.
The Hino SmartSafe package also includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Vehicle Stability Control and a reverse camera.
Support beyond the chassis
For Downer, which operates across transport, utilities and facilities in Australia and New Zealand, the purchasing decision also considered the support required to build and maintain a specialised vehicle.
“The trucks we build at Downer are often highly specialised vehicles,” Sauer said.
“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.”
Downer’s selection demonstrates the breadth of considerations behind a specialised truck purchase: matching the chassis to the equipment, supporting operators throughout their working day and securing service support for the vehicle’s operational life.
