Hino has released new air bag suspension variants to its Ranger 10 model, specifically to cater for industries and users requiring a truck with smooth ride quality, especially with a lightly loaded vehicle, where standard spring suspension is not as effective.

The new Ranger 10 ACE is available in four different variants and all are fitted with Hendrickson airbag suspension delivering the ride quality and rough road handling which an increasing number of specialist carriers require.

The Ranger 10 ACE range is expected to be used in a range of industries and uses including computer and electronic equipment, fragile goods, removals and fruit and vegetable transport.

The airbag equipped Ranger 10s also offer the benefit of being able to be raised and lowered up to 40 cms in height to bring the cargo area level with loading docks.

According to Hino Motor Sales Australia's general manager Mr Roger Hall the Ranger 10 ACE was developed specifically to meet the requested demands from customers.

"The development work for the Ranger 10 ACE was carried out in Australia where road conditions and increasingly ride sensitive cargoes have placed a greater emphasis on trucks able to cope with such conditions," said Mr Hall.

"The development of trucks such as the Ranger 10 ACE is part of Hino's policy of continually evolving its model range to fit the changing needs of the market," he said.

The Ranger 10 ACE is available in four variants including either nine speed or six speed transmission models and with a choice of either 5530mm or 6220mm length chassis.

All four Ranger 10 ACE variants boast a GVM of 16.5 tonnes.

Suspension on all of the Ranger 10 ACE's is handled by Hendrickson's 230 Series Air Bags with double acting shock absorbers and In-Cab Air Suspension Dump Valve.

Power is provided by Hino's Heritage J21 series JO8C-TG eight litre in line six cylinder engine with direct fuel injection and turbocharging producing maximum power of 184 kW at 2,500 rpm and torque of 739 Nm at 1,500 rpm.All Hino trucks sold in Australia use overhead cam four valve per cylinder technology for optimum power and fuel efficiency.

Hino's modular engine design means common componentry is used across its range of four, five and six cylinder engines reducing the requirement for large parts inventories and speeding up parts supply.

Hino turbocharged trucks are warranted for 24 months or 150,000 kilometres and for 36 months or 200,000 kilometres on engine, major driveline components and for cab corrosion perforation, with Extended

Power Train Warranty coverage of up to 5 years available.