Watch: Manitou makes it easy

Manitou’s new MLT range has seen the addition of several clever features that make a lot of sense for the operator. Improved comfort levels and vision from the new cabin are the most notable. The MLT can now have four transmission options, including a CVT gearbox on the next generation of telehandlers.

Overall there are eight new patents on the new MLT range. The group has been working for nearly three years on the new telehandler. Arnaud Boyer, vice-president marketing & product development for the Manitou group, said: “As requirements for comfort, performance and productivity are increasingly high on farms, we have to offer a choice of machines that are adapted to these demands”. Boyer commented that the sales of telescopic loaders have increased.

Transmission options

The entry-level transmission is the torque converter transmission with powershuttle gearbox. The manual torque converter transmission powershuttle gearbox has four gears for handling agricultural loads on the road or on the farm. The next option uses a torque converter transmission with Powershift Plus gearbox. This transmission enables the operator to choose between a manual and automatic mode. The gears are changed using the +/- buttons on the JSM® (Joystick Switch & Move). There are six forward gears along with three reverse speeds.

The operator can move into automatic gearbox mode by using the DSB (Double Switch Buttons) reserved for this purpose on the dashboard. Manitou says this feature will allow for more concentration during material handling and transport operations. The Powershift Plus transmission is available on the MLT 635-130 PS+ and MLT 737-130 PS+ models and has a maximum speed of 40km/h.

The M-Varioshift is hydrostatic transmission – again new to this model and designed to meet all tasks. The joystick switch and move enables transition from a low speed to a high speed via two gears as found on the previous models. The first gear drives up to 18km/h while matching the torque output. The second gear gives a top speed of 40km/h.

Manitou says the machine’s fuel consumption is also managed better, with the “Eco Mode” system that reduces engine revs. The M-Varioshift transmission is available on the MLT 630-105 V CP and MLT 630-105 V models. The M-Vario Plus transmission is a complete CVT with a single gear from 0-40km/h.

Varioshift is aimed at farmers who have to travel a lot on the roads for straw or muck loading. The transmission developed by ZF uses a radial motor, reducing the rpm and oil demands.

The visibility of the models in the NewAg range has been improved, with the redesign of the bars on the roof grid by an engineer that is patented by Manitou. The bars are replaced by blades at the same angle as the operator’s line of sight to the boom. This is a simple and effective idea from Manitou that works well.

Another feature that will be welcomed by any operator who has missed the step when exiting the machine is the curved floor. The idea behind this is extremely clever as the curve in the floor allows the operator’s foot find the step much easier, with two large handles on the uprights. The new one-piece door closes flush against the curve to seal the cabin. The cab’s door is no longer a double-door system. Instead, an electric window is fitted, allowing the operator to work with the window down when appropriate. The new concepts do not protrude so it still makes it good for travelling in through confined spaces and doors.

All the new range is wired using a CAN bus system. This has allowed Manitou develop the DSB (Double Switch Buttons) concept on interchangeable switches. The operator can choose to position the buttons on the armrest or on the dashboard, to activate the functions that are regularly used. All of the models in the range are also equipped with the JSM® (Joystick Switch & Move), specific to Manitou. Fixed on an unattached armrest, it gives the user single-handed control of raising and lowering the boom, as well as all hydraulic and transmission movements. The increased level of soundproofing is one of the key elements of this cab. The NewAg has the quietest cab on the market at 73dB,reduced from 80dB on the old model. The cab changes include the fitting of silent cab blocks. The cab controls are now colour-coded for each function – blue for hydraulics, orange for transmission controls and black for all other functions. Interestingly, Manitou has added over 80 pop-up communication messages on the dash displays about the handling and performance of the machine.

Two front and rear adjustable working lights (LED lights on the Premium and Elite finishes), as well as main-beam headlights, provide the operator with greater comfort during material handling operations while remaining visible, thus increasing his/her safety. Two additional LEDs at the front and the rear are also available with the LED+ option. Another option for improved visibility is a de-icing electric external rear-view mirror, adjustable from the cab, enabling optimal work in spite of difficult climatic conditions.

“With the NewAg, we are offering a set of new options. Our machines are even more comfortable, as well as more visible thanks to high-quality lighting,” says Camille Rouvrais, market manager for the agricultural range.

The NewAg is equipped with three new “Intelligent Hydraulics” concepts. The “Quicklift” enables the operator to extend or retract the telescope and lift the boom simultaneously. The “Bucket shaker” that shakes the bucket via a single movement of the controls by the operator. The third function is the “Return to load”, which memorises the exact angle of the initial position of the bucket, enabling an automatic return to the right level, allowing the operator to perform loading operations without adjustment.

The hydraulic pump installed on the MLT models of the NewAg range can deliver a flow of up to 170 l/min. The new generation of boom suspension, Active CRC, speed sensitive and fitted with activation memorisation, is also available on this new range. The “Regenerative Hydraulics” option enables the boom to be lowered quickly, using gravity only. The unused hydraulic power is used to perform other movements, allowing a gain in productivity.

The engine

The NewAg uses a Deutz TCD3.6L4 engine developing 101hp or 136hp, depending on the model. Emissions are managed using a thermal management system and a DENox 2.2 post-treatment system from Bosch, essentially an SCR system using AdBlue with a DOC. The engines also have a reversible automatic fan provided as standard (except on the MLT 733 where it is an option) which both regulates the temperature of the engine and expels residue such as hay and straw from the intake. The automatic ventilation reversal takes place every three minutes when activated from the button in the cab.

Options and intervals

Data connectivity, through the Easy Manager tool, enables the operator to monitor the real-time condition of the equipment and organise maintenance optimally, according to Manitou. A large amount of data is also collected, such as the number of hours worked and the distances run.

This data is then used to determine the total cost of ownership (TCO) concept by Manitou. On the NewAg range, Manitou says fuel consumption has been reduced by 5% and maintenance costs by 15%.

This has been achieved through extending the interval for changing hydraulic oils, which has increased from 1,000 hours to 2,000 hours.

Manitou said this extended interval has been achieved by working on the oil filtration system and the new Intelligent Hydraulic system. Manitou has also pushed out the service interval to 2,000 hours for the air filter, four times longer than the existing model.

The air filter has an external self cleaning pre-filter located on top of the engine hood as standard. The previous machine models had no self cleaning. Manitou says this eliminates bigger particles before air enters the air cleaner and gives excellent performance in dusty conditions.

The four greasing points in the NewAg range are now central at the rear of the machine in contrast to the old MLT models, where they were located above the rear axle. They are more easily accessible to the operator; the greasing points on the wheel pivots are also easy to access.

Tyre options

A wide range of tyres from manufacturers such as Michelin, Trelleborg and Alliance are available. The Alliance 460/70 R24 A580 radial tyre with steel belt and nylon fitment is the tyre supplied as standard on the NewAg.