Hino continues to track miles ahead from the rest.
We recently caught up with Leon Mack, owner of Mack Gates, to find out how his company is helping to keep South East Melbourne homes a little safer, and how his Hino has helped his business turn a corner.
From the back of a truck to the front of a home
Leon knows a thing or two when it comes to trucks. Spending 10 years building bodies for cab chassis on some of the biggest truck brands in Australia, he developed a strong passion for trucks and always dreamed of owning his own one day. In 2014, he began helping a company fabricate gates, which led him to start his own company just two years later.
Leon and the team at Mack Gates design, build and install gates and feature fences for the residential market, as well as handle all general metal fabrications.
But starting Mack Gates wasn’t without its challenges. Leon explains that it was tricky finding consistent cash flow and the right staff to build out his team. But it didn’t take too long for Mack Gates to find their footing, “I believe as a tradesman, if you take pride in what you do, are honest and turn up, you will always be busy. We pushed hard on social media to get the word out there and now make some of Melbourne’s finest gates and feature fences.”
The Hino 300 Series TradeAce above all others
Leon loved trucks as a kid and first came across Hino trucks when he was growing up. But it wasn’t until he started his vehicle body building apprenticeship that his knowledge of the brand really grew. “I only really recognised the brand fully when I started working on them as an eager 18-year-old apprentice, building various bodies for Hino trucks from 2000 onwards”.
So, when finally in the market to buy his own truck, what made Leon choose a Hino over the other brands he had worked on? “For me, when I was able to purchase my first truck, I was after dependability, performance, safety, comfort and of course, looks! Hino ticked all those boxes. The main reason for choosing the Hino 300 Series TradeAce over competitor equivalents was the conventional torque converter gear box, the layout of the interior and the far superior factory alloy tray. As a vehicle body builder, it was very clear who offered the better alloy tray!”
When your Hino comes with Prestige
Prestige Hino in Dandenong were lucky enough to help Leon get the Hino he wanted and made the purchase simple and seamless. “Prestige Hino were great. I’ve manufactured truck bodies for them in the past and when I was ready to purchase my very own cab chassis, I looked no further. Their prompt service, friendly staff, and genuine know-how within the industry were a huge help.”
The Hino 300 Series pleasing the toughest of critics
Leon’s background in fabrication and truck body building gives him an eye for detail when it comes to truck trays, making him especially particular about this feature. But Leon tells us that the tray on his Hino had everything he was after and has quickly become his favourite part of the truck. “I really love the tray and its proper hinges and latches. They’re durable and reliable; they’re built to last, unlike the plastic ones found on other factory trade models.”
Being around trucks for all that time has also given Leon a nose for the importance of safety when it comes to driving a larger, heavier vehicle on the roads. When asked about his favourite safety feature on his Hino, he was quick to answer. “Definitely the lane departure warning system and emergency breaking. There’s nothing more important than staying safe on the road, for your sake, and all other road users.”
How Hino helps Mack Gates latch onto business
When you’ve got a business that means you need to get around the tricky suburbs of Melbourne, you need a truck that is powerful enough to do the heavy lifting, but also has the agility to get around the smaller streets and hilly areas. For Leon, his Hino truck fit the bill perfectly. “We mainly purchased the TradeAce based on the ability to carry more equipment, effectively making the truck a workshop on wheels. Also, the small turning circle makes manoeuvring a breeze in tight residential areas.”
Leon also explains how he fitted the tray to work harder for the needs of his business.
“We fitted out the tray to specifically suit our trade, including a small crane to help lift heavy gates into position. Both large toolboxes are fitted out with all the gear we need to do the job efficiently, allowing us to carry everything and save on any unnecessary trips to the workshop or hardware store. You can’t do that on the back of a Ute!”
Hino really has shut the gate on any other brand or type of truck for Leon and Mack Gates. “The TradeAce is far better than my previous Utes. It has a much bigger payload, and I can even fit a small crane in it. After 14 months of using the truck almost every day, I truly can’t fault it.”
From the man who knows his trucks, Leon is one of our greatest ambassadors. Thank you, Leon, for choosing Hino as your truck brand of choice. We’re proud that you can rely on us to help keep your business thriving.
If you’re located in South East Melbourne and are in need of a gate or fence for your home, be sure to contact Mack Gates. We know they’ll take good care of you!
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