Montana State University’s two Multihog multi purpose tractors have proved to be the ideal solution for year round maintenance of the 160 acres of turf, 5 miles of street and 25 miles of sidewalk on the campus, situated in south central Montana. The Multihogs have replaced previous pieces of equipment and according to Dave Hawkins from the Department of Landscape and Grounds, they are the most versatile machines that the University has come across.
The MH90 models can be used with all the University’s existing front mounted attachments thanks to the Multihog 3-point adaptor plate and the Multihog skidsteer adaptor. Implements that were previously towed with an agricultural tractor can now be fitted to the rear thanks to a pintle hitch. “We try to improve our operations with each new purchase of equipment,” said Dave, “and this has definitely been the case since our recent acquisition of the Multihogs. They can be put to use for so many tasks, and the excellent visibility, quick change of attachments and operator comfort compared to our previous machines are further benefits.”
For winter maintenance, the Multihogs are used primarily for clearing sidewalks on campus and work with a front mounted sweeper, a V-plow and a snow blower, which can be interchanged according to the depth of snow, as well as with a sander on the rear.
In the summer time one machine is fitted with a 12’ 6” mower deck for use on sports fields, and the other works as a “jack of all trades”, handling a wide variety of jobs as they pop up. The number of attachments deployed at MSU exemplifies the vast array of tasks that can be carried out with the Multihogs. Dave Hawkins: “We have fitted pallet forks for moving pallets of material around campus, a sidewalk edger, an aerifier, a clamshell/grapple bucket for moving dirt, and have moved material using our 1.5 yard3 hoppers. We have also pulled our Dakota turftender for fertilizer application and for some dirt grading work.”
“The constant availability of the Multihogs, their ability to access all areas and to undertake the widely differing tasks at MSU whatever the season has improved productivity and everyone involved has been very satisfied with the overall performance,” said Darin Smith, who recommended the machines on behalf of local Multihog dealer Alpine Smith Inc.
"Honestly, we love these machines. We work these machines to the bone, and we’ve had very little down time."
"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"
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