The latest Hino 700, launched in South Africa earlier this year, is already carving niches for itself in the local market. One of the operations where the latest Hino is shining is in transporting cattle in Namibia. Outstanding fuel economy and a low overall cost of ownership are major plus features allied with the rugged construction of the truck and trailer.
The Hino 700 2841 6×4 freight carrier tractor pulls a custom-built trailer built by Motor Body Construction (MBC) in Johannesburg. The combination can carry a total of 22 tons. The maximum number of slaughter oxen loaded so far has been 33 but it could carry up to 56 oxen weighing 230 kg each, with 28 on the truck and a further 28 on the trailer.
The combination was built to the order of Gobabis Toyota and is being operated by dealer principal Theo Redelinghuys as a service to the Gobabis cattle farming community. The service has proved especially worthwhile to local farmers during the drought season by transporting cattle to auction or the abattoir at reasonable tariffs. Most of the operations have been in the Omaheke district of Namibia, which is as large as the Free State, but the rig has been to destinations all over Namibia already.
The combination has covered more than 28 000 km to date and is proving particularly well suited to the varying road conditions in Namibia, which range from rough gravel roads to tarmac. Fuel consumption is averaging 2.6 km per litre.
“The competitive Hino 700 is proving ideal for this type of operation with a rear axle set up that provides diff-lock and cross-lock. It also has advanced driver safety features, and the Hino brand’s attributes of quality, durability, and reliability,” explained Redelinghuys.
“Gobabis Hino realised that a solution was needed to assist cattle farmers who have an ageing fleet of trucks and trailers to take their livestock from far-flung farms on unpaved roads to market. The Hino 700 combination has been given bold branding based on that of Hino’s Dakar Rally racing trucks by Vista Branding in Gobabis and feedback from the farming community has been most positive,” he added.
