Rod Simmonds in New Zealand has sent me this rather splendid shot of a new Hino eight-legger for for Garrity Brothers, Greytown. And quite a looker it is too, what with its livestock body and four-axle dangler on the back Rod tells Biglorryblog: "Hino NZ have upgraded the complete Hino heavy truck line up and are now offering a range of lightweight Dana/Meritor axles and suspension options too. Garritys have just commissioned another new Hino for dedicated livestock work throughout NZ, an addition to the existing 7 all Hino heavy truck fleet with a couple of 'projects' in the sheds including Dodges, Commers, and Chevs." And here's one of those special projects that Rod alludes too... Perkins power rules! But is it me or is this one of the ugliest cabs around?
Meanwhile, Rod continues: " This Hino 700-2913 is rated at 450hp and runs through an 18 speed roadranger. New engine options are due later in 08. Garritys have been in transport for over 100 years, and have been on the Bobby Calf collection run for much of the time (new season veal) the picture shows them trans-shipping from one truck to another...
"This entails picking up during late Winter period from dairy farms throughout the Wairarapa region, and transporting them to abattoir some three hours away. Many trucks are used for collections and are consolidated for the larger trucks to take. Great care is taken for the welfare of the calves and Garritys (or G Boys as they are known) are experts at this."Now click through here for more and a nice cartoon too.
Getting a quick wash and brush-up...and now that cartoon...
Lookimg a bit bullish I'd say--and thanks Rod.
Re that Dodge cab. One of the ugliest cabs around; I don't think so. At the time it came out, which was well before Rod was born, it was regarded as being quite a smart looking truck, and I still think it has a real purposeful look; it was certainly more driver-friendly than the LAD cab that Dodge used and a lot better looking than the parrot beak cab used on previous Dodges.
Not too many left that the rust hasn't got to in New Zealand. Another in reasonable shape in Ashburton in the South Island.