Kennards expands Hino fleet

Kennards Hire has expanded its fleet of Hino rentals, the firm recently purchasing a number of Hino 500 Series FE 1426 and 300 Series 921 High Horsepower models to its range.

The FE 1426s, fitted with Fleet Towing Equipment tilt trays, are mostly used in Kennards' rural branches for delivering large items, such as excavation equipment, that won't fit on the back of a trailer.

According to Kennards Hire Director of Procurement, Angus Kennard (pictured, right, with AdTrans Hino's Daniel Stephens), the FE won the business over for many reasons.

"The FE 1426 allows us to carry seven tonnes on the back, and the trucks have good safety features for our drivers – they're reliable, easy to drive and comfortable," he said.

"We get good feedback about the Hinos from our drivers."

The 500 Series FE 1426 is powered by the 6.4-litre J07E-TN five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, which produces 191kW and 794Nm.

Features include an ISRI air-suspended driver's seat, ergonomically designed cabin, ABS brakes, SRS driver's airbag and ECE-R29 crash safety compliance.

Kennards Hire also purchased a number of 300 Series High Horsepower 921 Autos for its rental fleet.

"The 300 Series 921s are used by staff at our larger stores as delivery trucks," Mr Kennard said.

"The bigger engine gives it good power and the auto transmission makes it easy to drive."

The recent acquisitions join a fleet of over 500 Hino vehicles in the Kennards Hire fleet.

In other Hino news, an automatic version of the Hino 500 Series FE is also now on sale.

Kennards Hire is a family-owned business with over 150 hire centres in Australia and New Zealand, offering a wide range of tools, equipment and vehicles.