Hino helps power Flower Power

Sydney's Flower Power Garden Centres recently added another Hino truck to its fleet

A Sydney-based garden centre chain recently expanded its fleet of Hino trucks, with the purchase of another 500 Series model bringing Flower Power Garden Centres' Hino fleet to a total of 27 vehicles.

Operating a total of 11 outlets across the wider Sydney metropolitan area, the chain runs a range of Dutro, 300 Series, 500 Series and 700 Series models, while its relationship with Hino goes back over 25 years.

Flower Power's latest addition, a 500 Series GH 1728 XXL Auto Air, features an 8.5-metre FRP body and a two-tonne Anteo door sealer. It's also been kitted out with a roof scoop, flares, a reversing camera, multimedia system and a Hino bullbar, while it now sports the company's logos in numerous places.

The truck is powered by Hino's J08E-VD in-line six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, rated at 206kW (280hp) and 824Nm. The grunt is fed to the ground via an Allison 3000 five-speed automatic transmission, while safety and comfort features include anti-lock brakes, dual airbags, heated rear-view mirrors and an ISRI driver's suspension seat.

According to Ryan Barry (pictured), Logistics Manager for Flower Power, the purchasing decision hinged on the firm's past experience of Hino products.

"Reliability has always been a strong point with Hino," he says.

"I always look around at other brands but end up buying more Hino trucks.

"The 500 Series' performance, comfort and safety attributes are outstanding. Its ride and handling surpasses other brands I've driven, and the Allison automatic transmission helps it drive just like a car."

The fleet has its work cut out for it in meeting Flower Power's needs, as it delivers goods from the firm's wholesale nursery site at Glenorie to its 11 retail outlets.

"Our Hino fleet does 10- or 12-hour shifts, seven days a week, covering up to 450 kilometres per day," says Mr Barry.

He also says the strong relationship Flower Power enjoys with Hino has been instrumental to the chain's on-going support.

"We've had good experiences with Hino, Toyota, and our dealer – Adtrans," he says.

"They know the critical functions of running a business, 364 days a year."

Hino helps power Flower Power

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