Hino bolsters Tasmanian SES

The Tasmanian State Emergency Service (SES) fleet has received a welcome boost, with a new medium-duty Hino FD 1124 recently signing on for duty.

The 500 Series model features a custom body fabricated by SEM Fire and Rescue, and comes bristling with the latest emergency services equipment.

The vehicle was recently presented to the Tasmanian SES North West Region at SEM's headquarters in Ballarat, Victoria, before the vehicle heads across Bass Strait to take up its post at Circular Head, east of Devonport.

The vehicle, which was purchased through state and local government funding in conjunction with local community fundraising, will be used for general response and road traffic accident duties.

The Hino FD 1124 Crew is fitted with a fully customised modular extrusion frame body designed to secure equipment while retaining accessibility.

Additional new technology 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 proven track record.

"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," he 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."

Jon Julian, SEM's Product Manager for Vehicles, said he has worked on Hino trucks for over 10 years.

"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.