Sisu M-161

The preceding models of M-series were three-axle KB-112 and two-axle KB-117 which featured a serial produced hydraulically tiltable cabin first in Europe. In 1968 SAT took over its main domestic competitor Vanajan Autotehdas (VAT) from which it got new technical solutions and the company's new head designer Veikko Muronen. The development of the new concept had begun, however, before the takeover of VAT. A 1968 built military application, artillery hauler prototype KB-46 was equipped with an entirely new, rectangular shaped cabin which was used also on the initial prototype MS-162BPT. == Production and market ==

The first units were handed over to customers already at the end of 1969 but officially the new model was launched in 1970 together with the new R-type, which featured a conventional type cabin. Algeria and Greece. All M-series lorries were produced in the Karis factory apart from a 30 units' series of four-axle M-168CEV and M-168BEV lorries which were assembled in Hämeenlinna factory due to lack of capacity in Karis. The last M-series units were produced in 1984 and the range was replaced by modular SM-series. == Technical data ==

Engine M-series used initially Leyland and Rolls-Royce diesels. Later Cummins came into the selection. During the years Leyland had produced for Sisu sturdy, reliable and nearly indestructible engines – as well as technically utterly failed units. The V8-diesel O.801 was first tested in the KB-46 before it was used in M-series; unfortunately, this engine belongs to the latter category and therefore it stayed in the selection only for a short period. The first Sisu's with Rolls-Royce engines were produced in the 1950s. The first Rolls-Royce used in the M-series was a 282-hp version of the Eagle 275. In 1973 an optional 297-hp Eagle 305 became available. The 315-hp Eagle 320 Mk III presented in 1976 became a famous engine in Sisus; later that year power was increased to 327 hp. The following year a downgraded 271-hp Eagle 265 Mk III became available. The lorries powered by these units can be recognised by the "RR 320" or "RR 265" badges on the grill. The very last Rolls-Royce engine installed in a Sisu is the Eagle 340 Mk III which was used in the MA-162CZV concept vehicle. The weakness of Eagle Mk III engines was excessive wear of cylinder liners. The problem was fixed with silicon carbide treated liners which were taken into use in 1980, after which the engine type became called Rolls-Royce Eagle Mk III "Finlandia." The more durable liners were later also installed in the older engine types. The first experiences from Cummins engines in Sisu's in the late 1960s had not been good. Engine data or 14 forward and 3 reverse gears. Cabin The rectangular shaped, riveted forward control cabin was produced by SAT. The sleeping cabin is equipped with bunk bed of which upper bunk can be lifted close to ceiling for better visibility. The bunks and rear windows are with curtains. The below table lists maximum permissible weights and dimensions of some of the variants. The list is incomplete. The figures which concern the applications with sleeping cabin, whenever they differ from the day cabin values, are shown in Italic. == Sisu MA-162 ==

In 1978 SAT made a study for increasing of payload on logging trucks by reducing the kerb weight. The vehicle was based on Sisu M-162 and it was connected to a two-axle conventional trailer. Transversal frame beams and some other chassis parts, rims, subframe, wings, crane beam, protection wall behind the cabin and the vertical side beams to hold the logs were made from aluminium alloy instead of steel; this led to weight saving of 1,435 kg. The trailer was lightened with similar methods, leading to 950 kg lighter kerb weight. In addition, the truck was equipped with RR Eagle 340 engine that is slightly lighter than the standard Eagle 320. The model name of the prototype was MA-162CZV. The truck was nicknamed "Emma" and it was developed together with the end customer, company Tehdaspuu Oy. Another similar study followed in 1980 when SAT built a container truck by using aluminium structures. The prototype model name was MA-162CZV, this time with Cummins engine. == In popular media ==

A fictionalized Sisu M-162 (known in universe as the Gifu 405T Vacuum Truck) is featured in the popular Finnish game My Summer Car and its successor My Winter Car as the truck of the protagonist's uncle, Toivo Kesseli. During My Summer Car the protagonist inherits the truck after their uncle loses his driver's license, and may use the truck to pump up sewage wells for money. A non-drivable transport truck model also exists in the game. == Sources ==