The latest Hino 700 launched in South Africa, is already carving a niche 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 6x4 freight carrier tractor pulls a custom-built trailer built by Motor Body Construction (MBC) in Johannesburg. This 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 to transport 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 already been to destinations all over Namibia.
The combination has covered more than 28 000km 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 2.6km 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,” Theo explains.
“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 highly positive,” he adds.
China updated its national standard on child safety restraints in vehicles, including laws regarding car seats. Both in China and globally, car crashes are a leading cause of death for those between five and 29 years of age. Safety restraints can reduce deaths among infants by up to 71%.
When the first motorised vehicle, the Benz Patent-Motorwagen arrived in 1885, people in general did not take it too seriously. It was not considered as an alternative to the trusted horse, horse cart or family-size horse carriage.
A star is born, and he is in the Foton stable of CMH’s Randburg dealership. His name is Wayne Bull, big in stature, soft spoken with a passion for customers and his product.
Advertisement
Advertisement
A light on my car’s dashboard came on, and instead of fixing the problem, I waited for the bulb to burn out. Crisis solved.
Jarod Kintz
MG is back in the country and recently revealed its line-up for the local market.
Toyota announced that it has expanded its Land Cruiser 70 Series with the addition of new 5-speed manual gearbox option in the range. The manual powertrain will be offered in both the Single Cab and Station Wagon variants.
Peugeot has updated its Landtrek bakkie with the big news of the addition of a new, more powerful engine. The Landtrek continues to establish itself in the one-ton pick-up segment, which represents 2.5 million annual sales worldwide. It is sold in around 40 countries, predominantly in Africa, the Middle East and South America.
