Manitou has been awarded the National Ploughing Association Machine of the Year 2026 accolade for its electric MLT 625e telehandler at this week’s National Ploughing Championships.
Described by the French manufacturer as its first fully battery-electric agricultural model, the MLT 625e made its Irish debut on the Manitou stand, following its official European launch at Agritechnica in Hanover, Germany, last November. Manitou has said the machine is purpose-designed for livestock operations, equestrian centres and grain stores.
The MLT 625e is designed to deliver performance equivalent to that of the MLT 625, its diesel-powered counterpart. It is powered by an in-house-assembled 34.8kWh lithium-ion battery, which supplies two electric motors. One 30kW motor powers the hydraulic system, while a second 40kW motor replaces the hydrostatic transmission.
A propshaft distributes power evenly between the front and rear axles. Maximum forward speed is 5km/h lower than the diesel-powered MLT 625, with the electric model topping out at 20km/h.
In terms of operating range, Manitou quotes up to five hours and 40 minutes of use in a typical farmyard environment. Providing additional peace of mind, the battery pack is covered by a five-year or 3,000-hour warranty, with a guarantee that at least 70% of its original charge capacity will remain available at the end of the warranty period.
The battery pack is positioned beneath the boom and centrally within the chassis, running almost the full length of the telehandler. This layout helps to maintain a low overall centre of gravity.
Using a 240V single-phase 16A supply, Manitou quotes a charging time of around 11 hours, equivalent to approximately 10% charge per hour
Aside from its on-board 9kW charger, which is capable of charging the battery from 0 to 100% in four hours using a 380V three-phase supply, the MLT 625e supports a range of charging options from 110V, 220V and 380V supplies.
Using a 240V single-phase 16A supply, Manitou quotes a charging time of around 11 hours, equivalent to approximately 10% charge per hour. Operators can monitor progress via a rear-mounted charging status indicator.
For operators requiring faster turnaround times, the MLT 625e is also fast-charger-ready, with a secondary charging socket providing access to DC charging. This system can deliver up to 30kW, allowing the telehandler to be fully recharged in around one hour.
The move away from a hydrostatic transmission has also allowed Manitou to reduce the size of the hydraulic tank
In terms of lifting performance, the MLT 625e can lift 2t to a maximum height of 5.85m, while its maximum lift capacity is 2.5t.
Weighing 4.8t, it shares the same physical footprint as the diesel version and retains an identical cab and control layout.
The move away from a hydrostatic transmission has also allowed Manitou to reduce the size of the hydraulic tank. At approximately 35 litres smaller than that fitted to the Kubota-powered diesel MLT 625, the reduced hydraulic capacity is another benefit of the electric drivetrain.
Cost of ownership
In terms of financials, Manitou claims that the MLT 625e offers a substantial reduction in total cost of ownership (TCO), despite a price tag which is roughly 40% more than the diesel equivalent.
It explains that electric telehandlers accumulate 20% to 30% fewer recorded working hours than diesel counterparts, simply because idling time is virtually non-existent; the power system automatically shuts down after three minutes without a driver present.
The judges explained that they selected the Manitou MLT 625e battery-powered compact telehandler for meeting a range of criteria. The judging panel said they were particularly impressed that the compact telehandler sector is ideal for battery power, as work cycles are frequently just a few hours a day.
They also noted that the MLT 625e’s dimensions, capacities and performance were similar to those of its diesel-powered equivalent, which was impressive.
And finally, they noted the scope to reduce emissions and global warming by adopting alternative energy sources – using battery technology where work cycles are suitable. From the 14-strong and varied entries to the competition, the judging panel also gave a special mention to the Erth Engineering Panbuster drill, targeted at the tillage sector.