The Multicar division of Hako-Werke used the recent 'Snow Dome' exhibition in Germany to launch a new model in addition to the already well established M-30 'Fumo' multi-purpose tool carrier range.
When it was launched a decade ago, the key design parameters of the M-30 were to increase payload potential, outright travel speed, driver and crew comfort. All of those requirements were met, but it could be argued, in doing so, the Iveco-powered M-30 became more 'sophisticated' and in order to increase the number of 'tools' or attachments it could work with, more complex and expensive.
In one of the first major product launches since financial and management restructuring at parent company Hako-Werke, the new Multicar M27 has been introduced to meet the needs of budget-strapped city authorities, by offering a specification that is based on the earlier M26 range.
A significant change has been to return to the 1900cc Volkswagen Euro-5 diesel engine with a 91hp output, instead of the more powerful Iveco unit still specified in the M-30. This helps reduce unladen weight by over 400kg (significant on a machine with a maximum gross weight of 5.3 tonnes), but in being shorter, the VW engine has also helped reduced encroachment behind the tilting cab.
It was expected that a return to the more simple design would result in putting the engine back under the cab floor (as on the M26), but in fact Multicar designers have managed to keep the same cab structure as that of the M-30. A return to the simpler hydraulic and transmission systems has been made however - but with the latest axle and ABS (disc) braking systems needed to keep ahead of EU legislation.
Two or three circuit hydraulic services, front tool hitch plate, a gross train weight (with trailer) up to 7.5 tonnes and an overall width of as little as 1620mm still add up to a useful combination. Both 4x2 and 4x4 options are offered, but the full hydrostatic transmission (available on the M-30) is not.
The M27 is likely to expand the market for this compact truck considerably as the list price of this new 'budget' model is close to 10% below that of the M-30.
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