The Manitou Building the Future initiative has heralded the launch of three entirely new product lines, as well as developments in its MRT rotating telehandler portfolio.
Buildings are increasingly constructed closer together and urban jobsites are shrinking, whilst structures with a reduced footprint often demand additional height to compensate. That means ever more compact machine solutions must inevitably follow. The Manitou answer is three new machines – the 7metre, MT 730 H, the 9metre MT 930 H, and the MT 930 HA (with platform basket) – all with dimensions of just 2m wide by 2m high, but still capable of reaching the 3rd floor of a build. Add to that a choice of attachments, which includes dedicated high capacity, narrow buckets, and you have a tool that is capable of operating in the tightest of spaces.
Not only that, thanks to a new system that folds back the forks during transit – and reduces the overall machine length by 4.67m – the new MTs are easier to transport. When it comes to performance good things really do come in small packages, because these rough terrain solutions benefit from what is described as a best in class ground clearance of 35cm, and a nimble turning radius of 3.30m, whilst still bearing the brawn to carry up to 3tonnes at 9m.
These are units that will excel in masonry applications, roofing, inside renovation, housing and many more applications. The smoothness, control, precision and simplicity of hydrostatic is the future and Manitou is championing that transmission system on these machines. In addition, thanks to a common Harmony dashboard operators will find it easy to move from one model to another. Simplicity equals safety and that’s why all controls are colour coded with clear symbols denoting function and, by detecting the operator’s hand, a sensor in the joystick avoids any inadvertent movement.
Moreover, if the machine is driven with the boom up, or the operator is not wearing his seat belt, that behaviour is flagged by a red beacon, with a message also sent to the fleet manager’s smartphone, whilst there’s also stepless access, and an automatic parking brake. A key consideration in the development of these machines has been total cost of ownership. That’s why many components have been harmonised with the existing MT625, minimising spare part stocks and technician training, and maintenance time has been reduced wherever possible. From its own customer feedback Manitou has identified that up to 70 per cent of mechanical issues in hydraulic circuits are as a result of oil pollution. That’s why the this materials handling expert has developed an easy and clean solution to change and analyse hydraulic oil through two caps on the boom.
The French manufacturer’s research into real world machine usage also revealed that a machine can be sitting idle up to 45 per cent of the time. With Stop & Start, however, the engine will automatically shut down after a period determined by the end user, reducing fuel consumption, emissions, wear on components and noise levels. It is then very simply reactivated by touching the joystick or accelerator.
The MT is, of course, already an established product line but the ULM (Ultra-Light Manitou) represents a new departure. A 1.9m high and l.49m wide machine that weighs – including attachment – just 2,700kg can be towed on a trailer behind a van or pick-up truck, but without any compromise on power, lifting height or load. Indeed, the ULM exhibits the same 4-wheel drive and oscillating axle technology from its larger siblings, as well JSM joystick, and is compatible with all of the Manitou Group’s attachments. It’s a size that opens up a whole new world of renovation and refurbishment jobs to a telehandler, with small contractors benefitting from a class of machine that they might previously have discounted and will be available to order by the end of the year.
The ULM is not the only new product line, however, because the MLA (Manitou Loader Articulated) range is a comprehensive new suite of smaller machines. Available with both long and short arms – and incorporating the MLA 2, MLA 3, MLA 4, and MLA 5 – all will be available with hydrostatic transmission, choice of cab or canopy, and may well demonstrate the kind of functionality that could tempt UK operators to invest in a class of equipment which has been hitherto under-represented on these shores.
One of the challenges in construction plant design has been accommodating Stage V emissions technologies underneath existing canopies, especially when machines which are themselves getting smaller, and Manitou has taken great care to ensure that these are solutions that that tread with a lighter footprint both in carbon emissions and vital statistics.
One machine that is gradually making the move from Euro star to UK favourite is the rotating telehandler and, with its MRT solutions, Manitou is already a leader in the field. The latest editions, the product of more than two years’ work by the manufacturer’s engineers – and including more than twenty individual patents – will no doubt attract even more converts amongst contractors this side of the Channel.
The MRT Vison and Vision+ units demonstrate Manitou’s focus on visibility, cab access and performance. Under those banners there’s two entirely new models – the MRT 1645 and MRT 1845 – with lifting height of 16 metres and 18 metres respectively for a load of 4.5 tonnes (9,900 lbs). The 14 machines in the Vision range offer a wide selection with heights ranging from 16 to 25 metres and 4.5 tonne lifting potential.
The highest capacities are grouped together as Vision+, which features 12 models, and six new products: MRT 2260, MRT 2660, MRT 3570 (also available in an electronic suspension version), MRT 2570 and MRT 3060. Here, lifting heights extend as far as 35 metres and 7 tonnes.
