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SKU: 232868
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The Hino 817 Front ELocker package provides driver-controlled positive locking of the front differential, giving the Hino 300 Series 817 4x4 significantly greater traction when conditions become difficult.
During normal driving the ELocker operates as an open differential, preserving normal steering and cornering behaviour. When additional traction is required, the driver can activate the system from the dash-mounted switch and positively lock the front differential. Once locked, the available drive torque is delivered equally to both ends of the front axle, keeping both front wheels driving together.
This is a complete fitted package for compatible Hino 817 300 Series 4x4 vehicles, including the front ELocker, its electrical control system and the 24V-to-12V conversion equipment required to integrate the 12V ELocker into the Hino's electrical system.
One of the major advantages of the ELocker is that it does not permanently change the behaviour of the front differential.
With the locker switched off, the differential remains open. The left and right front wheels can rotate at different speeds when cornering, helping retain normal steering behaviour and manoeuvrability during everyday road use.
The locking function is only activated when the driver decides additional traction is required.
When the ELocker is activated, its electromagnetic mechanism engages the internal locking system and positively couples the differential side gear to the differential housing.
The front differential then operates as a full locker, providing drive to both ends of the axle rather than allowing differential action between the left and right front wheels.
This can provide a significant traction advantage in situations where one front wheel becomes lightly loaded, loses contact with the ground or encounters a surface with substantially less grip than the opposite wheel.
A Hino 817 used for expedition travel, remote-area work or as a truck-based motorhome can carry substantial vehicle mass while operating over highly uneven terrain.
Axle articulation, cross-axle terrain, washouts, erosion channels and steep uneven climbs can reduce the amount of weight carried by one front wheel. With an open front differential, this can limit how effectively the available engine torque is converted into forward movement.
Engaging the front ELocker connects both front axle outputs together, helping the wheel with available grip continue contributing to vehicle movement.
This can be particularly useful for:
The ELocker is electrically activated rather than pneumatically operated.
There is no requirement for a separate air compressor, pneumatic solenoid or air lines to operate the differential lock. Electrical power energises an electromagnet within the differential, which activates the internal locking mechanism.
This provides a straightforward driver-controlled system with push-button engagement from inside the cab.
The fitted package provides a conveniently located driver control for ELocker operation.
The switch allows the driver to leave the front differential open during normal driving and engage positive front-axle locking before approaching terrain where additional traction is expected.
Because the front wheels are mechanically locked together when the system is active, steering effort and vehicle manoeuvrability can change considerably. The locker is therefore intended as an on-demand traction aid rather than something that remains engaged continuously.
The ELocker uses precision-forged differential gears designed for strength and accurate gear engagement.
The 4-pinion internal design provides a heavy-duty differential arrangement suited to demanding 4x4 operation, while the rebuildable construction allows the differential to be serviced rather than treated as a sealed disposable assembly.
The ELocker itself requires a 12V electrical supply, while the Hino 817 installation uses a 24V vehicle electrical system.
The fitted package therefore incorporates a dedicated 24V-to-12V 15A DC converter to provide the appropriate supply voltage for the ELocker control circuit.
This allows the 12V locking system to be correctly integrated without simply connecting it directly to the Hino's 24V electrical supply.
A Victron 24V-to-12V 15A converter is incorporated into the fitted package.
The converter provides a regulated 12V supply from the truck's 24V electrical system for operation of the ELocker and associated control circuit.
The converter is rated at approximately 180W output capacity, providing a dedicated voltage-reduction stage for the installation.
The AAV4x4 electrical installation also incorporates dedicated switching and circuit protection components, including:
These components form part of the electrical integration required to operate the 12V ELocker correctly from the Hino's vehicle electrical system.
This product is supplied as a professionally fitted AAV4x4 package for compatible Hino 817 300 Series 4x4 vehicles.
The installation includes mechanical installation of the front differential locker together with the required electrical integration.
The completed installation incorporates:
Installing a locking differential involves considerably more than simply replacing the differential centre.
Correct side-bearing preload and ring-gear backlash are critical to differential operation, noise, gear contact and component life. The ELocker installation therefore requires the front differential to be correctly assembled and adjusted to the applicable vehicle specifications.
The electrical wiring must also be routed so that it remains protected from rotating components, sharp edges, exhaust heat and areas vulnerable to off-road impact.
The front ELocker is designed to be engaged as an anticipatory traction device before the vehicle becomes stuck or excessive wheelspin develops.
For correct operation:
The ELocker should not be switched on while there is a significant speed difference between the two front wheels.
If one wheel is already spinning, the internal components are rotating at different speeds. Attempting to positively lock the differential under those conditions places unnecessary shock loading through the locking mechanism and driveline.
The preferred technique is to reduce or stop wheelspin, engage the locker, confirm engagement and then proceed through the obstacle with controlled throttle input.
A locked front differential substantially changes steering characteristics because the two front wheels can no longer differentiate their rotational speeds while cornering.
With the front ELocker engaged, steering effort can increase and the vehicle may resist turning compared with normal open-differential operation.
The manufacturer advises against maintaining differential lock at speeds above approximately 30km/h. The front locker is intended principally for low-speed traction situations rather than normal road driving.
The ELocker should not be left engaged unnecessarily on high-grip surfaces.
When the front differential is locked, the left and right wheels are forced to rotate together. During a turn they naturally need to travel different distances, so operating the locker on high-traction surfaces can create driveline wind-up and unnecessary loads through the axle, steering and drivetrain.
Once additional traction is no longer required, return the differential to its normal open mode.
| Product | Front Electronic Locking Differential – Fitted |
|---|---|
| Vehicle application | Hino 817 300 Series 4x4 |
| Axle application | Front |
| Differential type when disengaged | Open differential |
| Differential type when engaged | Fully locked differential |
| Activation | Driver-controlled electronic / electromagnetic |
| Control | Dash-mounted switch |
| Internal gear design | Precision-forged gears |
| Pinion design | 4 pinion |
| Serviceability | Rebuildable design |
| Pneumatic compressor required | No |
| Pneumatic airlines required | No |
| ELocker electrical supply | 12V |
| Vehicle electrical integration | 24V-to-12V conversion |
| Voltage converter | 24V-to-12V, 15A |
| Converter capacity | Approximately 180W |
| Additional circuit protection | Inline fuse holder and 35A fuse |
| Additional switching | 4-pin relay and holder |
| Recommended engagement speed | Stationary or no more than approximately 5km/h with minimal wheel slip |
| Front locker operation | Low-speed use in 4WD |
| Installation | Professionally fitted as an AAV4x4 package |
The ELocker should be engaged before additional traction is required, not after excessive wheelspin has already begun.
Engage only while the vehicle is stationary or travelling at approximately 5km/h or less with minimal difference in front wheel speed.
The front ELocker should be used at low speed and while operating in 4WD. It should not remain locked during normal high-traction road driving.
Steering behaviour will change while the front differential is locked. Increased steering effort and reduced manoeuvrability are normal characteristics of a positively locked front axle.
Once the obstacle or low-traction section has been cleared, disengage the ELocker and allow the front differential to return to normal open operation.
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