We recently spoke with Brock Kinman, the owner of Handcrafted Gardens in Brisbane, about the evolving gardening industry and the role Hino trucks play in his business. With 15 years of experience specialising in high-end maintenance and soft landscaping, Brock has built a reputation for creating vibrant and sustainable gardens.
After taking over the business from his uncle in 2021, Brock has continued to grow and innovate, including adding two new Hino 300 Series trucks to his fleet.
Hino helps take the business up a gear
In 2018, it came time for Handcrafted Gardens to upgrade their old truck - it had clocked up over 300,000kms and it was time for Brock to take his business to the next level. With the bulk of their work being done around the suburbs, Brock needed a small truck that combines power and maneuverability to make the job easier and more efficient for the business.
“I’ve always been a big believer in Toyota. It’s such a strong brand and has that connection with Hino”, says Brock who trusted this link when choosing his trucks. Seeing Hino trucks frequently used by councils and other contractors only reinforced his confidence in their reliability.
Hino going the extra mile for Handcrafted Gardens
Brock’s longstanding relationship with Sci-Fleet Toyota put him in touch with Nathan Murdoch and the team at Sci-Fleet Hino Eagle Farm. Brock tells us that when he went into the dealer looking for a 300 Series, he was looked after immediately. “The team at Hino treated us like a customer, not a number. They were extremely helpful and listened to what we were after with our Hino.”
Brock needed a purpose-built body designed for a business that picks up and delivers all manner of materials like mulch fertiliser, soil and large plants. “Nathan worked tirelessly with Duralloy to help get the body built that we wanted with a toolbox canopy in the front section to store all our equipment and a tipper in the back.”
The canopy was fitted with drawers, shelving, and a false floor for storage, while the rear section is a tipper with plenty of space to take the bulk materials that the business needs. It meant that Handcrafted Gardens could now do all the pick-ups, deliveries and tip dumps themselves, and not have to rely on other companies for that part of their business.
The 300 Series proved so successful for Brock’s business, that he recently invested in a second Hino 300 Series, this time a 616 crew cab. “Nathan really went the extra mile to help secure the Hino 300 Series 616” says Brock. The truck was sourced from interstate, and upon arrival, the team installed the alloy tray and custom toolboxes to complete the setup.
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Hino 300 Series 616 bespoke build.
All in a day’s work with Hino
For Brock and the team, they can turn up to site, work out of the back of their trucks and have everything they need on hand for the job.
“There’s quite a bit of equipment up back. Add the likes of soil, cement, bulk vegetation or the rubbish we collect and there’s some serious weight to carry. The Hino has the power when we need it, especially in some of the hilly areas of Brisbane. Plus, it has the manoeuvrability and tight turning circle needed to travel around the suburban streets and sites where we do most of our work.”
He continues, “It’s also a really comfortable truck to drive. You have the reverse camera and the Autonomous Emergency Braking which are a pretty handy with an operation like ours.”
But It’s not just the mechanical features of the Hino trucks that set Brock’s business apart from the competition. “Customers see us as a professional outfit that means business. The trucks are cleaned weekly and kept tidy. They’re like a free billboard for us to drive around Brisbane.”
A good word for a good truck
When we asked if Brock would recommend Hino, he has a bit of a laugh. “People ask me about the trucks all the time. I’ve recommended them to a few plumbers and electricians who have gone on to buy one. I’ve had three or four other landscaping companies hit me up about the Hino 300 Series. I’ve seen them on the roads, and they’ve pretty much copied what I’ve done. Not sure I’m doing myself a service though, telling them how good the Hino trucks are.”
For Brock, getting in touch with SciFleet Hino has been one of the smartest business decisions he’s made since taking Handcrafted Gardens over from his uncle. With Hino helping Brock to pave the way for success, another 300 Series may well be on the cards.
To find out more about Handcrafted Gardens and the range of services they offer, visit their website at https://handcraftedgardens.net.au/