When leading manufacturer of refuse collection and municipal equipment, Bucher Municipal, needed a replacement truck platform with extra safety and emission performance on which to base its new MaxPowa V65t Truck Mounted Sweeper (TMS), it found the perfect solution in IVECO's latest ML160 Eurocargo model.

Although the company had a long history with IVECO using ACCO, Stralis and Eurocargo for some of its refuse compactor models, this is the first time Bucher Municipal has selected from the IVECO range for a streetsweeper application in Australia.

Bucher Municipal Marketing Manager - Oceania Region, Marcus Hughes, said imminent Australian Design Rule (ADR) changes to improve safety and emission performance had meant that the company's earlier platforms, would no longer comply.

"A move from Euro 5 to Euro 6 emission standards along with the mandatory introduction of Autonomous Emergency Braking ruled out the two cab chassis that we had been using," Marcus explained.

"We began an exhaustive process to find a replacement chassis and found that the latest generation Eurocargo ML160, not only met the new ADR requirements, but offered other benefits in the application compared to what we'd used previously."

When it comes to emission standards, the Eurocargo was well ahead of competitors, with Euro 6 rated models available in Australia since 2017. In the years since, IVECO has further improved its emission performance meeting the Euro 6 'Step E' measure, which reduces cold-start emissions and has stricter particulate matter limits.

The latest Eurocargo engines are also fully compatible with cleaner burning second generation paraffinic biofuels such as HVO and XTL, conforming to European standard EN 15940 and standard EN 590 diesel, including the B7 biodiesel blend.

While emissions are down, the Eurocargo ML160 still offers a generous output of 250hp and 850Nm of torque, with the engine matched to a ZF 8-Speed fully automatic transmissions that's been optimised for low speed, start-stop sweeping.

In terms of safety, as well as the mandated autonomous emergency braking system, the Eurocargo range offers other active safety equipment including Lane Departure Warning System, Advanced Driver assistance System, Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) - where the taillights pulse under heavy braking - and LED Daytime Running Lamps.

Marcus said that these benefits aside, the Eurocargo's compact 3690mm wheelbase and driver comfort features also positioned the model well as a TMS.

"The wheelbase is shorter than what we've used before and this gives us a better turning circle and improved manoeuvrability, especially when working in tighter areas such as cul-de-sacs and inner-city laneways; it also provides better access into the kerb," he said.

"Other highlights of the Eurocargo for us are the dual air-suspended ISRI seats provides a smooth and comfortable ride for the driver. As a company, we've had experience with Eurocargo as a TMS in Europe, and this also gave us the confidence to choose the platform for Australia and New Zealand."

Co-engineered dual control program

In developing the road sweeper specification ML160, Bucher Municipal and IVECO worked closely to engineer the platform to closely suit the application.

The Eurocargo cab chassis is delivered to Australia with certain components including emission after treatment system, exhaust assembly, battery box, air, AdBlue and fuel tank relocated to allow easier fitment of the body. The truck also features dual control provision that includes a second left hand side steering arm on the front axle, extra steering box brackets and several other components.

From here Bucher Municipal Engineers use a variety of IVECO and Bucher Municipal components that result in a reliable and aesthetic factory-look finish inside the cabin.

Introducing the MaxPowa V65t

Working in tandem with the Eurocargo is Bucher Municipal's new MaxPowa V65t body, which offers several important enhancements over previous models, improving suction power, efficiency and usability.

The body offers a generous 6.5m³ hopper capacity and a payload of over 4.8t, allowing the vehicle to work for longer without emptying, boosting productivity.

Among the body's new technologies is 'Coolflow', which increases cooling performance by directing more airflow through the radiator and around the powerpack, contributing to an energy saving of up to 5kW which reduces fuel use while increasing overall performance. Complementing this is 'Smoothflow' technology which promotes more efficient airflow and increases suction while also reducing noise by two dB.

Emptying the hopper is now also easier and safer thanks to a standard wireless pendant.

Inside the cabin, sweeper functions are controlled via a single 10" touchscreen centre console that can be accessed from both the operator and driver side of the cabin. The new console offers enhanced user experience and a single point of contact for all controls, gauges and cameras which were previously split between two screens.

Also included in the new body is 'Bucher Connect', the company's proprietary telematics system.

Bucher Municipal has so far manufactured four units on the Eurocargo ML160 platform, using these as demonstrator models around the country since mid-2025. Marcus said that operator feedback had been outstanding.

"The feedback to the new Eurocargo TMS has been extremely positive," Marcus said.

"We're receiving comments on the outstanding visibility, the great turning circle, the high level of comfort and the aesthetics of the Eurocargo. Other feedback is that the brakes are excellent, that the drivers like the push button engine start on both sides of the cabin and that the way the mirrors adjust in sequence is handy, and the MaxPowa V65t - we're told that just eats up the leaves!"