From a gritter trending twitter to potholes on prime-time TV – how one gritsy Multihog is making a name!
Not many – outside of the highway and winter maintenance industry – may have heard of Multihog, but as of last week over 9 million were introduced to Doncaster’s latest ‘Gritsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Anti-Slip Machiney’.This is the story of how one cool and compact yellow multi-purpose vehicle went from salt spreading to social media trending and now pothole mending tonight at 7pm on BBC 1. When Doncaster Council took to Twitter to get suggestions for the name of their new Multihog gritter they launched a frenzy of funny and freaky ideas from the public and celebrities alike.
Famous faces such as comedian Rufus Hound, Bob Mortimer and Curtis Stigers all chipped in with efforts such as ‘Grit Balls o’ Fire’ and other less savoury suggestions. With the deadline for a decision drawing nearer over 40,000 votes were cast in what was deemed the #DoncasterGrittingWorldCup.
A council spokesman confirmed: “It seems to have cheered Britain up. It’s been amazing and got people interested in gritting.” However, if industrial salt spreading isn’t interesting enough, the Gritsy Bitsy Multihog has a lot more on offer in terms of areas of application to entertain. Unlike David Plowie, the other conventional gritter named in the #DoncasterGrittingWorldCup, Gritsy Bitsy has a more colourful set of all-seasonal skills to show off soon.
Considered the ‘Swiss Army Knife’ of municipal equipment because it accepts different attachments on the front and rear, the Multihog can be transformed into anything from a lean pothole mending machine to a confident grass cutter.
In fact, the same Gritsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Anti-Slip Machiney who took over twitter has permanently repaired more than 10,000 square meters of potholes in and around Doncaster within the last 6 months. Busy Gritsy Bitsy does this in addition to its de-icing duties making Doncaster one efficient and versatile operation by getting the best use out of this innovative equipment as Highways Operations Manager Gary Willmot explains: “We trialled several different machines that offer a range of repair methods before settling on the Multihog. For us, it’s about repairing it right at the first time of asking to reduce disruption and long-term costs associated with repeat repairs. The versatility of the machine makes us even more adaptable.”
#PotholeWars will feature this evening at 7pm on BBC1 with the aim of exploring the different types of repairs available from specialist spraying systems to more permanent long-lasting fixes. Potholes are problematic for most road users, but what else could keep Gritsy Bitsy busy? Josh Sweeney, Marketing Manager at Multihog UK wants you to get involved next: “The #DoncasterGrittingWorldCup has really helped raise awareness in a fun way, we’re hoping to reach out to people outside of the industry to carry this creativity forward with amusing and/or practical #job4hog suggestions.”
Do you want to see Gritzy Bitsy star in a music video attempt for Christmas No1? You decide. We want to hear your suggestions – what would you like to see the Multihog doing next? Tweet @multihog using #job4hog
For further information on Multihog click here
