Olympus Midi: Unlocking the Goldilocks Principle

Not too big and not too small, the ‘just right’ Olympus Midi was built to handle tight urban streets and narrow country lanes with ease, adding impressive versatility and outstanding manoeuvrability to any RCV fleet. Offering a class-leading payload in a compact footprint, the Midi redefines its 12-16 tonne category by fulfilling the increasing demand for higher payloads in a smaller RCV. Only recently introduced to the market, the latest addition to the highly regarded Olympus family has already been making an enormous difference to waste collection across the UK for many Dennis Eagle customers. 

“We’ve ensured all of the excellent engineering and design features that make the Olympus range the number one choice in refuse collection bodies were incorporated into the Midi,” said Ben Hoadley, General Manager, Dennis Eagle. “Packed with industry-leading capabilities, as well as a sleek, contemporary design, the Olympus Midi was made to enhance operational efficiency, improve manoeuvrability, and maximise payload capacity. This combination of an unrivalled payload in such a small footprint has been very well received by customers since its launch last year.”  

Getting it 'just right' for our customers

Certain features enable the Midi to satisfy what is known as ‘the Goldilocks principle’, striking the right balance of a mid-sized body with a best-in-class payload. These include a short rear overhang, which reduces weight and enhances manoeuvrability, pack-on-the-move technology, allowing packing cycles to be completed during transit, a strong compactor speed of 17 seconds, and the widest tailgate hopper in its class to date. It also offers multiple bin-lifting configurations, including an integrated multifunction bin lift, which provides high lifting capacity and a precise, robust auto-gather system ideal for 2- and 4-wheel waste collections. Terberg OmniDEL or OmniDEKA automatic bin lift options are also available, as is an open back version. 

Another large benefit of the conveniently sized Midi is that it was purpose-built to fit the most common 12-tonne to 16-tonne chassis. Our engineers have worked specifically with third-party chassis providers to ensure a seamless integration, allowing the body to be built on a range of chassis from DAF to Renault. What’s more, the Midi features a configurable HMI display, enabling operators to efficiently manage key functions such as bin lifter movements, integration of body weighing systems, and rear camera integration, all while giving access to the Terberg Connect remote diagnostics system. 

Not too big, not too small, and incredibly safe

Every single product we manufacture has safety at its heart, and the Olympus Midi is no different. It features intuitive safety systems developed from our unmatched knowledge of waste management operations and vast industry experience. Importantly, the Midi is also fully compliant with EN-1501 and CE-approved, furthering our steadfast commitment to delivering high-quality, high-performing RCVs that are safe by design. It even features LED lighting that ensures both operators and the vehicle itself are always clearly visible. Purpose-built for durability and long-term use, the robust Midi is also equipped with heavy-duty connectors and wiring to keep it performing during harsh weather conditions. 

A promising future ahead

Since the Olympus Midi hit the nation’s roads, it has proven particularly popular with many of our key customers within the London boroughs, able to readily navigate the tight and narrow streets across the city. Ben puts this success down to its ability to offer a 6.5-tonne payload from such a modest size, as well as maintaining the same strength and durability as much larger, heavier vehicles.  

“The Midi has seen a really good uptake following its arrival in the market,” Ben added. “Because it’s able to provide specifications that fulfil a lot of our customers’ unique requirements, it’s unsurprising that it tends to receive excellent feedback when we go out and demonstrate its capabilities. I truly believe 2026 will be a big year for the Midi.”