The proof is in the performance

A cruise liner capable of carrying 3 000 passengers and 1 000 crew is what two 2005-model Hino 15-258 freight-carriers have moved in the past 13 years… Well, actually, the amount of steel scaffolding that could make up a cruise liner – more than 100 000 t of it, to be exact!

During this time, one of these freight carriers has covered nearly 900 000 km and the other more than 500 000 km. Importantly, both the Hino trucks have their original engines, gearboxes and rear axles, with no major repairs required during this time. Both trucks are still fitted with the original load boxes, which are in good condition considering the rugged type of usage to which they are subjected.

Operated by Midrand-based Viva Access Scaffolding, the trucks and their dedicated drivers, Nathaniel Muvhango and Clarence Madau, usually work six days a week transporting steel scaffolding components to building sites all over Gauteng, and sometimes in neighbouring provinces, too.

Adrian Nunn, MD of Viva Access Scaffolding, bought the trucks new from Honeydew Hino in 2005. He says they are still performing well and remain competitive in terms of operating expenses. So much so, that he does not find it necessary to replace them.

“A good indicator of the durability of these Hino trucks is that when we shared a depot with another company using different trucks for similar work, that company replaced its trucks three times while our Hinos kept on working reliably,” comments Nunn.

“I must say these two Hinos certainly deliver on all fronts. They carry heavy loads most of the time and often operate in heavy traffic in urban areas. This puts a big strain on the clutches, so they are replaced approximately once a year. The only other maintenance work that is required to keep the trucks running reliably is brake overhauls, which we do every two years or so,

“I am amazed at the strength of the transmission components, as the laden trucks usually operate on uneven surfaces at building sites where they often encounter wheelspin, which puts heavy loads on the gearboxes, driveshafts and rear axles,” explains Nunn.

“Our business is highly competitive and service oriented, so I am grateful to have the two Hino trucks still running reliably, as our customers have very specific requirements that need to be met timeously,” concludes Nunn.