Truck Topics
A Closer Look: The Hino 338 Expediter
The Hino nameplate has been the leading producer of medium and heavy-duty diesel trucks in Japan for the last 30+ years. In the U.S., it is best-known for its medium-duty cabover trucks sold here since 1984. In 2004, the COE's were replaced by six new models in Classes 4 through 7, all with conventional cabs. Toyota holds a controlling interest in Hino.
Churney's Truck Center of Cleveland, Ohio is a long-established dealer of the Hino product line. Jeff Brown, the expediting truck specialist at the dealership, says that these trucks are truly a mixture of east and west: "Hino has a group of American partner manufacturers, includes Allison, Arvin Meritor, Hendrickson and Dana, to name a few."
North American parts content
He says, "The Hino's engine and cab are constructed and crated in Japan and then shipped to the U.S. where they are assembled at a Hino facility in Long Beach, CA. The chassis and other essentials are manufactured in America, with steering columns from TRW, transmissions from Allison and Eaton, drivetrains from Dana and suspension by Hendrickson. Even the hoods are manufactured in Indiana."
Brown says that Hino now offers a truck that should be of great interest to the expediting owner-operator - the company's flagship vehicle, the Hino 338.
The 338
This 33,000 GVW model sits on a 271" wheelbase and is powered by a Hino 8 liter,6-cylinder, 4-valve diesel that makes 260 hp @ 2500 rpm, and 585 lb-ft of torque @ 1500 rpm.
It’s variable-geometry turbocharged and after cooled; it uses high-pressure, common-rail fuel injection, and cooled EGR to meet emissions requirements. Braking is accomplished by a full air brake system, with front and rear drums with ABS. A dealer-installed exhaust brake kit is also available.
Brown says that the 338's Allison automatic 3000RDS, 5-speed transmission has taken over - the standard transmission is no longer standard.
The 2006 Hino 338 comes standard with Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel, Electric Windows, AM/FM CD player, Air Suspension Seat, Oil Lubricated Front Wheel Bearings, a 3-Piece Front Bumper, Dual 52-Gallon Fuel Tanks and a Chrome Grille. The interior is finished in blue, with standard vinyl or optional cloth seats.
Jeff Brown says that Churney's Truck Sales has access to a number of custom sleeper manufacturers and can outfit the truck with the customer's sleeper preference. A variety of cargo box brands are available as well.
Brown says, "These trucks are not over-engineered and that simplicity of design is a major factor in the Hino's reputation for durability and reliability."
"The engine selection is purposely limited to the Hino line and that makes for a simpler approach. The Hino technicians know the engine. It doesn't have be serviced by a technician trained on another engine builder's product . This translates into ready parts availability because of simplicity of manufacture and design."
"This ease of serviceability and parts availability mean much less downtime for service. Hino just opened a new major parts distribution center in Northern Mississippi."
He continues, "When you add up all of the features of this truck you come up with economy of operation. Of course this means great fuel mileage and just as importantly, it means staying out of the shop. This truck will get up and go to work for you every day and generate revenue. They’ve been building these trucks for some time, and they have a proven track record."
Churney's recently completed a fleet sale of one hundred model 338 trucks for a major supply company that had been using a mixture of Freightliners and International Class 7 units. The reason for the change?†Reliability and economy," says Brown.
"If a truck buyer is looking for neck-snapping horsepower, this is not your truck," he says, "but if you're interested in keeping more of your revenue and keeping out of the shop, the Hino is a very wise choice."
With an 84" Condo sleeper and a 22' box, the truck will scale an empty weight of 18,400 lbs. Brown says, "That comes out to around 1,000-2,000 lbs. less that most of the comparably sized-chassis. That translates to more cargo capacity and more load opportunities. This truck compares with any comparable Business Class competitor."
As everyone knows, any trucks built after January 1, 2007 will have to meet more stringent EPA emissions standards and these will include the installation of a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). Brown says that the DPF's on Hino trucks will be no larger than the size of a football and will have a service life of around a half million miles.
In Europe and the U.S., these emissions standards are new territory for the truck manufacturers. In Japan, the OEM' s have been dealing with more stringent standards than those in the U.S. for some time. They have already complied with standards more stringent than the upcoming ones and they're close to being ready for the new set of changes in 2010.
To comply with the '07 EPA standards, the truck will require the installation of a football-sized Diesel Particulate Filter and minimal changes. Hino is informing its dealers that the company envisions no effect on horsepower, torque or fuel mileage because of these changes.
The Hino product line comes with 3-year, unlimited mileage warranty on the engine, while the rest of the truck is covered by a 2-year, unlimited mileage warranty.
Jeff Brown says that besides the very generous warranty, another Hino feature that sets this brand apart from the competition is the 3-year roadside assistance program. He states, "This means that Hino service providers will
bring you fuel if you run out, jump start your truck if your battery's dead and even come out to let you in if you lock your keys in the vehicle - all at no charge.
"And, if you need service, you can call a toll-free number and you will be directed to one of 22,000 authorized service locations in the U.S. If a tow is required and the repair falls under warranty, the tow is free.
The dealership
Churney's Truck Center began over 25 years ago as a body shop. It was a shortage of power units and chassis along with the difficulty in getting them from dealers that prompted them to enter the dealership side of the business.
They began with Hino and UD and grew the business into the thriving concern that it is today. They still operate the body and collision repair shop, and as a matter of fact, "if it's on a truck, we can fix it." They've been in their current location for over ten years.
The 268
The company carries the complete Hino truck line (7 models). This includes a Hino Class 6 model, the 268, that Jeff Brown says is a truck for non-CDL drivers, with a an under 26,001 GVW. This model is available n two versions, one with hydraulic brakes and one with air brakes.
This truck shares the same chassis with the 338 as well as the same 8 liter engine only in a 210HP version. Brown says that his dealership will be bringing the 268 online in the near future.