When Serban Ilie, Bucharest Airport’s Head of Special Ground Operations first saw the MH90 model at the Inter-Airport exhibition in 2011, he immediately recognised its potential for improving the quality of apron clearance in the winter months. Bucharest Airports National Company were subsequently equally impressed and two MH90s are scheduled for delivery in September 2015, with a total of seven units to be delivered by 2018.
In the past, the airport had used bigger machines for winter clearance on the aprons but with limited success. On recommendation from other airports already using Multihogs the management liked what they saw and realised that not only would the Multihogs be able to access the more confined areas around parked aircraft but would also reduce turnaround time on the apron during adverse weather conditions.
The first two machines operate a rear mounted de-icer, snow blower, two combi snow plough & brush units and a salt spreader, so will be more than adequately kitted out for whatever the Romanian winter brings. A special safety feature specifically requested by Bucharest is an automatic lift of the combi unit when the vehicle is put into reverse gear which will prevent any potential damage to the attachment. As parking space is also restricted this will assist with tight manoeuvering to access a parking bay.
With temperatures in winter dipping to as low as -20⁰C operator comfort is high on the list of priorities and Multihog added further features to ensure that drivers are protected from the cold. Auxiliary cab heating and a heated windscreen will ensure that the cab is warm with a clear screen when drivers start work. A two way radio will ease communication and a rear camera was requested as an added safety feature.
As well as apron clearing, the Multihog’s ability to get into tight corners will allow it to be deployed for de-icing the narrow crew stairs on the passenger air bridges as well as the push back areas for the tow tractors. Possible future uses may also include all seasonal operations such as grass cutting and apron washing or brushing.
Mr Ilie says: “I really liked the machine from the first moment I saw it, and I know from demos and video footage I’ve seen that it will do exactly as it promises. It will definitely be a valued addition for smoother airside operations for Bucharest.“
"Before the purchase, we looked at other products which compete with Multihog, but its quality and comfort is certainly better."
“My operators love the Multihog. Even the bigger operators tell me how much more comfortable it is."
"We’re cleaning the streets more efficiently, so that is definitely an environmental benefit for our city."
"The Multihogs were ideal for us. As they’re much lighter than our old machines, we can use them to remove snow from our boardwalks and sidewalks."
"The driving experience absolutely convinced me. I love driving it, the suspension is amazing. To be honest, the comfort level could not be better."
I knew it must be a really good piece of equipment, and my instincts were right - our two machines have been operating flawlessly.
“Since the purchase of our first Multihog in 2019, they have proven to be a valuable asset in our machinery fleet."
"I recognized straight away that a Multihog could serve our city well. We’ve got 8 attachments for it, and it’s taken the place of multiple machines."
"Apart from the environmental benefits, it’s also really, really comfortable to drive and I'm relieved that it has improved our operational safety."
“Our cycle paths are very neat in just one sweep/working passage. This ensures the safety of our residents, especially during autumn and winter."
“From a maintenance standpoint we have far fewer problems and downtime than other similar equipment in our fleet."
“Our MH outperforms our older snow blower by at least 200%. It can handle all types of snow with a greater output and much faster.”
"The suspension really allows an incredibly high level of driver comfort, and we’re amazed by the performance of the PTO hydraulics."
"The Multihog has performed very well on the reliability front compared to other machines. It’s a really solid and extremely strong machine."
"My colleagues are so much happier using this machine. It’s more ergonomic, warm and comfortable for them."
"Our 2 machines can do so many things, and although they’re small and compact, they’re so well built that they do the work of much larger equipment"
"The Multihog puts us at a professional level that’s unmatched by our competition"
"The Multihogs are working really well for us. The operators have found them straightforward to use and we hope to add to our range of attachments."
"The Multihog doesn’t vibrate like our old machine, and it’s so quiet I don’t even need to wear ear protection - no post-shift fatigue anymore!"
DHL at Leipzig-Halle airport operate a fleet of 12 Multihog tractors equipped with combi snow plough & brush attachments, de-icing sprayers and V snow
"It’s one machine that does it all - safely and efficiently. Very comfortable in the cabin too, which makes work more enjoyable for the operator."
"The only way to compare the Multihog to other machines is to compare the comfort of an old vintage car to a brand new car. - there is no comparison"
"At that point the snow is super dense, icy and solid; it’s pretty hard to shift, but it’s no problem for the MX. This tractor is really, really good"
"Our asphalt grinding process is faster and more efficient now, we tested it and we’re definitely covering more feet per hour than before"
"The Multihog is a different animal from anything we’ve ever had – the articulation, rubberised tyres and 4-wheel drive ticks a lot of our boxes."
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