What's all the fuss about the HiKOKI Multi Cruiser?

The HiKOKI Multi Cruiser was first released in 2022 in Japan. Now here we are about 2 years on and we aren't any closer to seeing them in more widespread use. That, in part, could be down to the price that these things are selling at which is pretty hefty. So what's it all about, and why are they so expensive?

What's in a name?

First we need to get a couple of things straight. HiKOKI's first foray into the toolbox market was back in 2020 with their HIT (or HiK) system cases. Confusingly. they're interchangeably referred to as either HiK or HIT system. While "HiK" is obviously shorthand for HiKOKI, "HiT" stands for HiKOKI Intelligent Transport. In their words, "emphasising the system's focus on smart, efficient tool organisation and transportability."

These are fairly standard in terms of functionality, akin to Makita's Makpac range. We've stocked ready made inserts for this HiT range for some time now. Many people use the case and purchase the inserts to get the most from the cases, so it's clear that people do use this system. It's cost-effective and practical and often comes bundled in with power tool purchases.

To further confuse the name issue though, there are more factors to consider. Whilst from a tools perspective, you'll most widely see the ranges being referred to as HiKOKI, again this is interchangeably replaced with Hitachi. And that, in turn, was formerly Hitachi Power Tools. In October 2018, Hitachi Koki, the company’s power tool division, changed its name to HiKOKI (a mash-up, shortened version of Hitachi Koki), following its acquisition by the investment firm KKR back in 2017.

Why does HiKOKI still get called Hitachi?

Whilst the rebranding was global, with HiKOKI becoming the new name for Hitachi’s power tools and storage solutions, it doesn't seem to have caught on in all areas. Even though the cases that once bore the Hitachi name now have the HiKOKI logo. Plus there's a certain "prestige" attached to the old Hitachi name which continues it's legacy in spite of the re-brand.

When it comes to the uniquely named Multi Cruiser though, many wonder what that's all about. Their marketing claims the name encapsulates the essence of the toolbox range, ie:  multifunctional, portable, and efficient storage. The "Cruiser" aspect is said to both imply it's rugged, durable design. The double edge being that it allows users to "cruise" through their gear easily. 

About the HiKOKI Multi Cruiser

Released in 2022 in Japan, this promised to be "a rugged toolbox system designed for the toughest job site challenges". On the face of it, it does appear that way, certainly when compared to their earlier HiT cases. The main stand-out feature for us though is the colour of the system. We are of course used to the usual Hitachi/HiKOKI green colour. But unusually, these come in either a khaki green colour (officially "forest green"). Or alternatively in a buff colour (official name "sand beige").

They expand, "Stackable and interchangeable, these boxes offer customisable stacking options to suit your preferences. Achieving a maximum load capacity of 120kg when stacked. With an IP65 rating, they provide protection against dust and water ingress. The included accessory cases and inner trays ensure organised storage for screws, chargers, batteries, and more." Anything that helps organise is a win in our book, but presently the accessory trays are pretty basic. For that reason we'll be introducing custom fit inserts for the stack. These will really allow owners to optimise use of space and organise their tools. Which is an important consideration when your tool storage system has cost that much.

The good and the bad of the system

Aside from the very different colours and the tough, rugged look of the case it does have another interesting feature. The outside corners of the boxes give a similar vibe to Milwaukee's Packouts, without the aliuminium struts. But in place of that, this design boasts a hooking plate for instant tool access. Negating the requirement for additional fittings on the exterior of the case which you do need with many systems. Nice, and handy since there aren't presently any accessories for the stack.

Surprisingly though the latches for secure stacking are a little old-school by today's standards. Similar in design to the original ToughSystem cases from DeWALT which they improved in their 2.0 version. So nothing ground-breaking there.

Plus the "large, resilient tyres" they promise are basic moulded plastic so don't really instill much confidence for long-term use over rugged terrain in quite the same way as many of their competitors who are now coming to market with rubber tyres.

Of course, the cases are IP65 rated which you'd expect, so you can keep your tools safe from dust and rain. Disappointingly though the handle on the trolley unit doesn't detach from the unit as many cases now do. This could potentially make stowing more cumbersome in some vehicles or applications.

And the really not so good elements...

Possibly the quirkiest element of the stack comes in the rear of the Large Tool Box (379484). There you'll find a rubber seal bunging a small hole in the back right hand side of the case. At first glance, we surmised it was to allow a power cable to be fed through for charging purposes which didn't seem the best of ideas. But their official application seems to be that it's for two other primary purposes:

Securing the Toolbox to a Vehicle or Wall: The hole allows users to secure the toolbox to a fixed surface, such as the inside of a vehicle, workshop, or shelving system. Preventing the toolbox from shifting during transport or when stored in a stationary location, keeping it safe and stable.

Adding a Lock or Cable: The hole can also be used to add a padlock or security cable to lock the toolbox, providing extra security for your tools.

So, not totally impractical reasons then, however you'd need to know the rubber bung wouldn't perish over time and use otherwise the case would no longer be IP rated.

But the overwhelming negative on the system is price... 

Why is the HiKOKI Multi Cruiser so expensive?

This, as they say, is the real million dollar question. It seems that pretty much anywhere in the world, you really do pay through the nose for this system. Right now, the cheapest listings on Ebay for the 3-piece stack is £1,416, and it seems some people are actually buying it at that price too. After a lot of trawling, we were able to find ours online from Ali Express for £338.59 + £150 shipping so £600 all in to get the system. Still, a marked improvement on £1400+.

The pricing in Japan is a little better than we seem to be able to find elsewhere. Their market tends to see the cases being sold as individual modules rather than as a complete stack, and at time of writing, that price breaks down as:

379487 Carry Box - 28600 Yen = £146.37
379481 Medium Tool Box - 36000 Yen = £184.25
379484 Large Tool Box - 51900 Yen = £265.62
TOTAL for the 3-box stack = £596.24

...versus £250.00 roughly for the entire Milwaukee Packout 3 box stack which is arguably a superior system. 

Our main working hypothesis on the heady prices people are paying right now for the HiKOKI Multi Cruiser would be that lack of accessibility is driving the price up. At least outside of Japan, though they clearly aren't all that cheap on their home turf either. It just doesn't seem to make commercial sense for HiKOKI to deliberately sell through such a very restricted number of distributors. As a brand strategy that would be quite flawed, so perhaps the reason for this scarcity lies elsewhere.

How the HiKOKI Multi Cruiser is priced.

The tool storage market is a competitive, constantly evolving one. Stockists may understandably be prioritising carrying more established or popular brands, leaving less shelf space for less mainstream options like this. To our mind it's more likely that because this system is positioned as a premium product, clearly at a high starting price point if the indicative Japanese pricing is to be believed, so many stockists would be hesitant to stock it if they believe it won't sell at this price point. 

Pair this with the fact that HiKOKI has much lower market penetration compared to most of their competitors. It's a fair assumption that not all consumers, certainly in the West, are familiar with the HiKOKI brand in the same way they are the other big players. These factors combine into a perfect storm which then makes the cases harder to get, therefore more coveted by those who do want it, ergo the few sellers who do take a chance on stocking it can essentially name their price when it comes to setting their prices. 

In conclusion

It's not always true that you get what you pay for. Scarcity breeds demand and demand drives pricing. So certainly in the case of the HiKOKI Multi Cruiser, while it's definitely good and a strong professional modular toolbox solution, it's far from the best out there. Many other ranges display vision, ruggedness and innovation that this just doesn't. Yes the colour makes it different and will no doubt attract some buyers, and it will definitely do the job for you. There's absolutely nothing "wrong" with it, it's a great system and we do like it. But in terms of expanding or accessorising the system, two years on from launch, the options are scant, and that's going to be prohibitive for many. 

This may be one to watch for future, but with little news on developments pending, it's looking increasingly less likely that we'll see the range expand any time soon. But watch this space...