The rescue capability of the Tasmanian State Emergency Service has received a significant boost thanks to the delivery of a Hino specialist rescue vehicle fitted with cutting-edge equipment.
The new Hino 500 Series FD 1124 Crew Cabin model, with a custom built rescue body from SEM Fire and Rescue, was presented to the Tasmanian SES North West Region at SEM’s headquarters in Wendouree, Victoria.
The vehicle was purchased in cooperation with state and local governments, together with fundraising assistance from the local community.
It will be stationed at Circular Head in north-west Tasmania, where it will be on call to assist with general response and road crash rescue incidents for a large rural community in an isolated part of the state.
The Hino FD 1124 Crew is fitted with a fully customised modular extrusion frame body designed to secure the best response equipment available while retaining accessibility.
Additional new technology fitted to the truck includes an 8kVA generator that runs off the truck engine to provide 240-volt power through 10 outlets around the vehicle.
Anthony Dick, Regional Officer for the Tasmanian SES North West Region, said the Hino was selected because of its suitability for the task, comfort, reliability and record of success in other emergency agencies.
“We were aware of the extensive use of Hino trucks in fire agencies around the country, and with this particular build being applied successfully by the Victorian SES for many years we decided to order the same build for Tasmania,” Mr Dick said.
“With the 500 Series FD Crew we went for a bigger truck that carries a larger quantity of emergency response equipment. This will help overcome the limited back-up resources available in the isolated community where it will be used.
“It was also important to get a reliable truck with the safety features found in modern cars, enabling the crew to travel in comfort and arrive ready for the job.
“The Allison automatic transmission we had fitted by Hino will also help avoid driver fatigue, and the cab configuration provides a good place for the crew to communicate and share operational information on the way to and after each job,” he said.
Mr Dick said local dealer FRM Hino was extremely helpful in explaining the features and benefits of Hino trucks to assist in the selection process.
Jon Julian, SEM’s Product Manager for Vehicles, said he has worked on Hino trucks for over 10 years and has always had positive experiences.
“Hino Australia provides great service, and Hinos are good quality trucks that are fit for purpose,” Mr Julian said.
“We get positive feedback from the organisations we build them for.”
SEM customises around 50 Hino trucks each year for use in firefighting and emergency services across Australia.
The Tasmanian SES’s Hino FD 1124 Crew trucks have a GVM of 11,000kg and a 6.4-litre Hino turbocharged and intercooled direct-injection engine that delivers 240Hp (176kW) at 2400rpm and 716Nm of torque at 1500rpm.
Standard equipment includes ABS anti-skid brakes, cruise control, driver’s SRS airbag and ISRI 6860 driver’s seat with integrated safety belt.