Hino AK8J

Engine and gearbox

The Hino AK8J is a front-engine bus chassis assembled by Hinopak in Karachi. According to Hinopak’s official chassis sheet, it uses the Hino J08E-UH engine, a 7,684 cc turbocharged and intercooled six-cylinder diesel with direct injection. Hinopak quotes 215 PS (about 212 hp) at 2,500 rpm and 62.0 kgf.m (about 608 Nm) of torque at just 1,500 rpm. Power goes through a six-speed manual gearbox with synchromesh on 2nd to 6th gear and a 5.125 rear axle ratio. The engine is rated for Euro II emissions, and Hinopak lists a top speed of 112 km/h and a gradeability of 32.6%.

Size and practicality

This is a full-size chassis. Hinopak lists an overall length of 11,190 mm, a width of 2,420 mm and a 5,800 mm wheelbase, with 240 mm of road clearance and a 9,900 mm turning radius. Gross vehicle weight is 14,000 kg and the fuel tank holds 200 litres. It runs on 10.00-20 16-ply tyres on 8-stud disc wheels, with seven tyres including the spare. Suspension uses semi-elliptic leaf springs with double-acting shock absorbers and stabilisers at both ends. Hinopak offers the AK as a bare chassis as well as with bodies built at its own plant, so the seat count and layout depend on the body you order; the official sheet gives no seating figure or height.

Equipment

Brakes are air-over-hydraulic with dual circuits and leading and trailing shoes front and rear, and the 350 mm dry single-plate clutch has hydraulic control with an air booster. Steering is a recirculating-ball system with a hydraulic booster, and the column tilts and telescopes with a locking device. The electrical system is 24 volt, with two 12 V 100 Ah batteries and a 60 A alternator. Cabin and passenger equipment such as air conditioning, seats and doors depends on the body builder, so check the quotation carefully.

Warranty and price

Hinopak does not publish a warranty term or a price list for its buses on its website. The final price depends on the body and fittings, so ask an authorised Hinopak dealer for a written quote for the exact configuration you need.

Which version to buy

There is a single AK8J chassis specification. In our opinion it suits operators who want a proven, simple front-engine bus for intercity or staff transport, where mechanical familiarity and easy parts availability matter more than the latest emissions standard. Our view is that buyers who want a quieter cabin and air suspension should also look at Hinopak’s rear-engine RN8J before deciding.