Hino 700 Series Review
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Hino 700 Series Review
The Japanese Alternative for Heavy Duty Tipper Work
A heavy-duty tipper has one job: move serious weight, day after day, without becoming a problem for its owner.
That sounds simple. It isn't.
For owner-drivers, the truck has to earn its keep. Every hour spent waiting for repairs, chasing parts, or dealing with a thirsty engine eats into the week's income. That is why the Hino 700 Series deserves a close look if you're considering a Japanese-built alternative for quarry work, earthmoving, construction, or general heavy-duty tipping.
The Hino 700 is not the biggest truck on the market. Nor is it trying to be the cheapest. Its appeal is different: a combination of Japanese engineering, heavy-duty driveline capability, driver comfort and a reputation for doing the job without unnecessary drama.
What Makes the Hino 700 Different?
Hino has been building heavy trucks for decades, and the 700 Series sits at the serious end of its truck range.
For an owner-driver, the attraction is easy to understand. You get a truck designed for demanding commercial work while retaining the driving characteristics many operators associate with Japanese trucks.
It is worth remembering, though, that specifications vary between markets, model years and configurations. Engine outputs, transmissions, axle ratings and available cab options can differ, so always check the exact compliance plate and factory specification of the truck you're buying.
That's particularly important with used trucks.
Two Hino 700s can look almost identical but have very different working histories.
Engine Performance Matters When You're Tipping
Heavy tipper work puts a different demand on an engine than highway freight.
You're regularly pulling away from a standing start with a loaded body. You may be climbing steep quarry roads, working on loose surfaces and spending plenty of time at low road speeds.
That's where engine torque becomes extremely important.
The Hino 700 range has been offered with large-displacement diesel engines designed for heavy commercial applications. Depending on the version, you'll find substantial torque reserves intended to keep the truck moving when the payload is working against you.
And that matters more than simply looking at the horsepower figure.
A truck can have impressive peak power, but if the engine and transmission combination doesn't suit your operating conditions, you'll notice it every day.
For tipper operators, ask:
What is the engine torque figure?
At what engine speed is peak torque produced?
What transmission is fitted?
What is the rear axle ratio?
What is the manufacturer's rated GVM and GCM?
Does the configuration suit your intended body and payload?
Those questions can save you from buying a truck that looks impressive but isn't properly matched to the work.
The Transmission Can Make or Break the Truck
Nobody wants to spend eight hours fighting a gearbox.
The transmission needs to work with the engine rather than against it, particularly when you're carrying a heavy load.
Depending on the specific Hino 700 variant, transmission arrangements can differ, so don't assume every 700 has the same setup.
If you're looking at a used example, take it for a proper drive.
Don't just drive around the dealership.
Get it loaded if possible. Find a hill. Test low-speed manoeuvring. Pay attention to gear changes, clutch engagement and driveline noise.
A truck that feels fine empty can tell you a completely different story when it is carrying a full tipper body.
Is the Hino 700 Comfortable Enough for an Owner-Driver?
This is one area that is often overlooked.
You're not sitting in the truck for twenty minutes.
You might spend most of your working day there.
Cab design, visibility, seating position, steering effort, storage and access all affect how you feel when you get home. A truck that leaves you exhausted after every shift eventually becomes expensive in ways that don't appear on a servicing invoice.
The Hino 700's cab is designed around commercial drivers, with a practical rather than flashy approach.
Visibility is particularly important for tipper work.
You need to see what's happening around the truck when manoeuvring on construction sites, building projects and quarry yards. Mirrors, cameras and additional safety equipment can make a major difference.
If you're buying second-hand, sit in the driver's seat for ten minutes before making your decision.
Adjust everything.
If you still feel cramped, don't assume you'll get used to it.
Hino 700 for Heavy-Duty Tipper Work
Here's where the 700 starts to make real sense.
Tipper work is hard on trucks.
The chassis experiences repeated loading and unloading cycles. Suspension components take punishment. Brakes work hard. Dust gets everywhere. The driveline gets tested repeatedly.
Then there is the tipping equipment itself.
A perfectly good truck can become a poor investment if the tipper body, hydraulics or subframe have been badly designed or abused.
When inspecting a used Hino 700, look underneath.
Check the chassis rails for cracks, repairs, distortion and signs of previous accidents. Inspect crossmembers and mounting points carefully.
Then examine the hydraulic system.
Look for oil leaks around cylinders, hoses, pumps and fittings. Raise and lower the body and listen for unusual noises.
The body should operate smoothly.
Slow or jerky movement deserves investigation.
Payload Is More Important Than Truck Size
This is where many new operators make an expensive mistake.
They see a large truck and assume it automatically means a large payload.
It doesn't.
Your legal payload depends on the truck's tare weight, GVM, axle ratings and the particular body and equipment fitted.
A heavy steel tipper body, hydraulic equipment, toolboxes, spare wheels and other accessories can add considerable weight before you've loaded a shovel full of material.
So calculate it.
Don't guess.
If your truck weighs 15 tonnes ready for work and has a legal GVM of 26 tonnes, your theoretical payload is around 11 tonnes. But the actual figure needs to be established from the truck's real tare weight and legal configuration.
That number affects your income every single day.
What About Running Costs?
Fuel is going to be one of your biggest expenses.
There is no magic number because fuel consumption depends heavily on payload, terrain, traffic, driving style, idle time, gearing, tyre pressure and the type of work.
A tipper working around a quarry will not achieve the same consumption as a lightly loaded truck travelling on the highway.
That's why asking another operator, "What fuel economy do you get?" doesn't necessarily tell you what you'll achieve.
Instead, look at the truck's operating history.
If you're buying used, ask for service records and fuel information if available. Look for evidence of regular maintenance rather than simply relying on a seller saying, "It's been serviced."
What Should You Check Before Buying a Used Hino 700?
Take your time.
A truck inspection should cover much more than paintwork and tyre tread.
Pay particular attention to:
Engine
Look for oil leaks, excessive blow-by, cooling-system problems and evidence of poor maintenance.
Transmission
Check clutch operation, gear selection and unusual driveline noises.
Chassis
Inspect the rails, crossmembers, suspension mounts and areas around the tipper subframe.
Hydraulics
Check cylinders, hoses, fittings, pump operation and signs of hydraulic oil leakage.
Brakes
Heavy tipper work demands properly maintained braking systems. Have the system professionally inspected.
Tyres
Don't only look at remaining tread. Check for uneven wear, cuts, sidewall damage and mismatched tyres.
Service History
This may be the most valuable paperwork in the entire deal.
A well-documented truck is easier to assess.
Hino 700 vs European Heavy Trucks
The Hino 700 isn't necessarily the right choice for everyone.
European manufacturers offer excellent heavy-duty trucks, often with impressive technology, sophisticated automated transmissions and highly developed driver environments.
But some owner-drivers prefer the straightforward feel of a Japanese truck.
That comes down to personal preference, dealer support, parts availability and the type of work you do.
Don't buy a badge.
Buy the truck that makes financial sense for your operation.
Is the Hino 700 a Good Choice for an Owner-Driver?
For the right application, yes.
If your business involves regular heavy-duty tipping and you want a Japanese truck with serious commercial capability, the Hino 700 deserves to be on your shortlist.
But don't make the decision based purely on horsepower, appearance or purchase price.
Work out your payload.
Calculate your repayments.
Estimate fuel consumption.
Allow for tyres, servicing, insurance and registration.
Then ask the most important question:
How much money can this truck realistically make for me each week?
That's the question that matters.
A good truck isn't necessarily the one with the highest specification. It's the one that suits the job, stays productive and leaves enough money in your pocket after the bills are paid.
For an owner-driver, that is the real measure of a heavy-duty tipper.
And that's why the Hino 700 remains an interesting Japanese alternative worth considering.
The accompanying image was created specifically for this article and is suitable as a royalty-free/copyright-free AI-generated feature image.
Contact Wayne Taylor on 0418 266 994 today for an obligation-free discussion and discover how the right finance solution could help move your business forward.