Tell us a bit about Prospect Timber and Landscape Supplies.
We are a one-stop landscaping supplies shop, that services all of Tasmania. We supply soils, stone, mulches, timber supplies, hand tools and bagged products – almost everything you’d need for your garden. After 5 years of operations, we expanded and purchased a Sand Quarry, which allowed us to deliver wholesale bulk products to other landscape yards and concrete batch plants throughout the state.We pride ourselves on delivering great customer service and assisting everyone - from the weekend warrior to seasoned professionals.
How did you decide to purchase your first Hino?
When we took over the business in 2005, we inherited a Hino 500 Series GH Tipper and fell in love with it. When it was time to upgrade some of our trucks, I researched all brands online and asked other truck owners lots of questions. Everything kept pointing back to Hino truck’s being the best fit for our business. So, I guess it was a good experience with Hino, word of mouth and online research. The trifecta.
We now have six Hino trucks in our fleet (with one on the way), ranging from a 300 Series 616 right up to a 700 Series SS Tipper and Dog.
Which dealership did you purchase your truck from, and what did they do to make sure you got the right truck for your needs?
The team at FRM Hino really understood our needs and how tough the Landscape/Quarrying Industry is on vehicles - due to the environmental stress (dirty and dusty, rough roads, steep access to sites etc) - and offered upgraded features to suit.
We always receive consistent, whether it is with the purchase of a new vehicle, parts or servicing. We know what things are going to cost, and by using Genuine Parts we have the bonus of the warranty that comes with that. The aftersales service and warranty are excellent. They act quickly and if something did happen, we know our vehicle would be back on-road ASAP. They are always honest, reliable and offer us great service.
How has Hino proven to be a reliable business partner for Prospect Timber and Landscape Supplies?
The stock of vehicles in Australia has always impressed us, whenever we need a quote or are ready to purchase our next Hino, FRM Hino has provided us with clear, up-to-date information for a quick turn-around. Even if supply doesn’t allow us to have it right away - the ability to give accurate timeframes on the new vehicles are really good.
Landscape and construction supplies are hard on trucks. The constant loading and the raw materials we use mean parts do need replacing or fixing. Knowing Hino has our back with their Genuine Parts and Servicing gives us the peace of mind that we can keep up with our growing business demands.
What features do you like most and how do the models differ in terms of operations?
Our team covers a lot of kilometres, so the driver's comfort and vision inside the cab is something we love. Also, the variety of features that suit our business needs like the cameras, navigation and safety . The Pre-collision system, Vehicle Stability Control and the Lane Departure Warning help us to keep everyone safe in and around the trucks. We carry heavy loads and sometimes cars seem to just appear!
The horsepower and braking capabilities, especially on the 500 and 700 Series trucks, handle everything we throw at them. On all of our trucks - with the help of FRM Hino - we upgraded the suspension/GVM, installed larger tyres and made changes to the trays for different purposes.
All our trucks were purchased to suit different applications. We use our smaller trucks for deliveries around town that may have limited access, our medium-sized ones for loads for the building and construction contractors, and we use our heavy-duty trucks for the bulk deliveries we do state-wide.
How would you describe your experience with Hino to someone looking to buy a new truck?
I wouldn’t go anywhere else. The FRM Hino sales team have helped make the correct vehicle choice to suit our wants and needs every time. They took the time to learn and fully understand our business to be able to provide trucks to suit us. For us it’s turning circle, payload and ground clearance. We deliver to some pretty hard spots (tight, steep, rugged etc) so need trucks that are suitable.
Doing non-stop deliveries would be hard on the trucks, is there anything that has stood out or surprised you with how they perform?
Our business can be fast-paced, and we pride ourselves on being able to deliver on time. In the busy period before Christmas we achieved 62 deliveries within 12 hours – the trucks never skipped a beat. They’re easy to drive and the turning circle in tight spots is great. The vision out of the cab makes it easier to place the product where the customer requires it and keeps our drivers safe. The trucks are workhorses and they’re always up for the task.
Which truck model is the pride of your fleet and why?
I would have to say our 700 Series, with an alloy tray and trailer. A close second is the 500 Series GH Tipper. The trucks look smart with alloy trays, visors, and stone guards. We put the trucks through a lot, but our drivers take pride in their vehicles, and they are always clean, neat and tidy. These trucks are an excellent representation of our business, and of Hino.
The team at Prospect Landscape and Timber Supplies expanded through necessity to keep up with Tasmania’s demand.
If you are looking to expand your business, want to upgrade your current truck, or are in the market for the first truck for your business, visit your local Hino Dealership test drive one today.
Find out more about Prospect Timber and Landscape Supplies here:
Contact: (03) 6340 1518
Website: https://www.ptls.com.au/landscape-materials/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProspectTimberLandscapeSupplies/