Toyota SA’s Hilux to make the trek from balmy Durban to freezing Antarctic
By: Irma Venter
Of the six vehicles, two will undergo what Arctic Trucks call full AT44 conversions,
while another two will also be converted to AT44 specification, but with full 6x6 configuration.
These four Hilux vehicles will operate as back-up vehicles in the gruelling Antarctic Ski Challenge to the South Pole, to be held at the end of the year as part of the Extreme World Races series.
The fifth Hilux, also to AT44 specification, will be built for the Indian National Centre of Antarctic and Ocean Research, while Hilux number six will be built to AT38 specification.
What then, does AT44 and AT38 mean, and what makes it so special?
To start with, a converted AT Hilux pick-up is fitted with running boards and brackets, a fire extinguisher, torque wrench and a first aid kit. (AT conversions can be done on all Hilux versions, including the double, single and extended cab versions, with the latter to be launched in South Africa soon.)
In the case of an AT38 conversion, the Hilux is fitted with Toyota’s 3.0 D-4D diesel engine with a power rating of 126 kW and 360 Nm. The vehicle can be ordered with either an automatic or manual gearbox, and can be fitted with a heavy-duty suspension. Heavy-duty differential locks on both axles can be ordered, while the fuel tank can be expanded by 55 l (for a combined 110 l), or to 160 l (two 80 l fuel tanks).
Other added extras include a compressed air tank with waterproof compressor, an extra heavy-duty dual air filtration system, a 24 V generator and more power outlets, if requested.
Ground clearance is 420 mm under the vehicle’s belly.
Designed for even harsher conditions, the AT44 has a 1,5 t carrying capacity. The vehicle can be ordered with manual or automatic gearbox.
The AT44 can be fitted with two 80 l fuel tanks, or with a combination of 135 l and 55 l tanks for a total capacity of 190 l.
An Arctic Truck trailer can be fitted that will allow for as much as 1 350 l of fuel to be carried with the vehicle.
Ground clearance is 480 mm.
The AT44 is fitted with 100% differential locks on both axles and a heavy-duty suspension. As with the AT38, the AT44 offers a compressed air tank with a waterproof compressor, an extra-heavy duty dual air filtration system, as well as a 24 V generator.
The 6x6 specialist machine offers the same features as any of the AT-models, but with a much longer load bay, especially when ordered as a single cab. Off-road carrying capacity is three tons, and the fuel capacity can be stretched to 400 l.
An AT Hilux was the first to drive over the entire ice shelf in Greenland, while many vehicles do service as backup and support vehicles for major scientific, climbing, skiing, hiking and rescue missions.
The AT Hilux’s large tyres offer the same abilities as traditional track-driven ice vehicles, but with a much smaller carbon footprint than more traditional modes of ice transport, as it uses less fuel.
The six South African conversions to be done will be executed under Arctic Trucks supervision at TSAM’s Johannesburg based workshops, in partnership with 4x4 Mega World.
The process, which is already under way, will provide Arctic Trucks with a cost-effective way of converting the Hilux bakkies prior to shipment through Cape Town to Antarctica.
“We are very excited about this partnership with Arctic Trucks,” says TSAM sales and marketing vice-president Andrew Kirby. “We believe the Hilux is a most appropriate vehicle for use on the Antarctic continent. Besides its proven ability to work hard and last long, it offers the scientists and adventurers a way of traversing the ice landscape with the smallest possible carbon dioxide -footprint.”
“The vehicles we are preparing with TSAM and 4x4 Mega World in South Africa will soon perform tasks that few people knew to be possible,” adds Arctic Trucks head Emil GrÃmsson.
“These include travelling unsupported in the most extreme conditions, while being more comfortable and using a fraction of the fuel that conventional track-driven Arctic support vehicles use. Besides being able to rely on the South African built Hilux-vehicles, I believe we have a lot to learn from the 4x4 expertise in South Africa, while I hope we can benefit this market as well.”
Arctic Trucks started operations in 1990 as a division of the Toyota distributor to Iceland.
The company has since expanded its operations and now offer conversions and servicing from a dedicated operation in Norway. It also has a presence in the Baltic states of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania, as well as Finland, Russia and the United Arab Emirates.
Within the next two years Arctic Trucks says it will add yet more markets to its portfolio.
Edited by: Creamer Media Reporter
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