 
Norba Ki-5 'Hippo'
The Ki-5 batch-type rear loader; based on Heil's Colectomatic, but built by Norba
Around 1970, Norba released their first entirely new design, a batch-loader designated Ki-5. It was made in Sweden, but based on the American Heil Colectomatic Mark II/Mark III series, a proven design that was already becoming one the best selling rear loaders in the world. A generous-sized hopper was constructed separately from the tailgate, and hinged to swing up and inward towards the body, as a fixed packer plate swept the contents against the ejector plate. The Norba version used a completely different body and tailgate than Heil models, and only the packer and hopper a recognizable as Heil components.
The Ki-5 kept Norba competitive across broader section of the market, as continuous-loading designs were becoming somewhat antiquated. The batch-loading Ki-5 saved fuel, since the packer was only operated for short periods, whenever the hopper was full. In England, the UK division of Norba also offered the new model, designated "Hippo", owing to the fact that its cycling packer and hopper resembled the jaws of a Hippopotamus. Curiously, Norba was competing against American-made Heil Mark III's imported by Jack Allen Motor Bodies, and later Scottish-built versions from Heil's European factory.
American refuse bodies were making a strong push into the UK and European markets, and having a profound influence on design. The Ki-5 is certainly evidence of this. However, Norba had the distinction of becoming the first (and only) European manufacturer to reach the UK, Russia and the United States! The Norba-built Ki-5 would serve from Moscow to London, while the Norba screw system turned up inside the American Wayne Gruncher as both a rear loader and automated side loader. In return, Wayne supplied Norba with a their Royal GT mini rear loaders which were sold as the Norba Ferrett.
The early version of the Ki-5 had an un-ribbed packer panel, similar to a late-model Heil Mark II
Subsequent models featured a ribbed panel, very similar to a Heil Mark III
Curiously, this Norba Hippo competed with almost identical Heil-built models from rival Jack Allen
Though based on the American design, the Ki-5 had distinct Norba body construction
The generous hopper could hold the contents of several stops, without need for continuous cycling
Large Ki-5 hoisting a commercial conatiner
10/13/19
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Photos from factory brochures/trade advertisements except as noted
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