Hino GB

Engine and gearbox

The Hino GB is Hinopak’s smallest bus chassis, sold under the factory code XZU730R. Hinopak’s official chassis sheet lists the Hino N04C engine, a 4,009 cc four-cylinder turbocharged and intercooled diesel with electronically controlled common-rail injection. It produces 154 PS (about 152 hp) at 2,800 rpm and 43.1 kgf.m (about 423 Nm) at 1,400 rpm. A six-speed manual gearbox with synchromesh on all forward gears and an overdrive top gear is standard. The GB is the only Hinopak bus chassis rated for Euro III emissions, while the larger RN and AK models are Euro II.

Size and practicality

Hinopak quotes an overall length of 7,260 mm, a width of 1,990 mm and a 4,200 mm wheelbase, so this is a coaster-sized bus suited to city streets, school runs and tour work. Road clearance is 195 mm and the turning radius is a tight 7,600 mm. Gross vehicle weight is 7,500 kg and the fuel tank holds 100 litres. It rides on 7.50-16 14-ply tyres on 6-stud disc wheels, with seven tyres including the spare, and uses leaf-spring suspension with double-acting shock absorbers and stabilisers. Hinopak lists a top speed of 127 km/h. In our opinion, its smaller footprint also makes parking and depot space easier than with a full-size bus. Height and seating are not given because they depend on the body.

Equipment

Braking is hydraulic, with two-leading-shoe drums at the front and dual two-leading-shoe drums at the rear. The clutch is hydraulically operated with an automatic gap adjuster, and steering is a recirculating-ball integral power system with a tilt and telescopic column. The 24-volt electrical system uses an 80 A alternator. Hinopak quotes 48.1% gradeability, well above the 32.6% listed for the AK8J, which helps on hilly routes. Passenger features such as air conditioning, curtains and seat type depend on the body builder.

Warranty and price

Hinopak’s website does not publish a price list or warranty terms for the GB. Ask an authorised dealer for a written quote for your chosen body.

Which version to buy

There is one GB chassis specification. In our opinion it is the sensible Hinopak choice for operators who need a compact bus with lower running costs and a cleaner Euro III engine. Note that an older Skyliner brochure still linked on Hinopak’s site describes a previous WU730R chassis with a smaller 130 PS engine, so confirm with the dealer that you are being quoted the current N04C-engined GB.