As many livestock and poultry farmers know too well (myself included), a skid steer is a tool that you just simply won’t want to do without once it comes through the farm gates.

The compact and nimble form factor of such machines really sets them apart when compared with their closest rivals. Although use is mainly limited to inside the farmyard gates, versatility is unlimited, with attachments for all necessary tasks from silage feeding, dunging out sheds, yard scraping/brushing, bale handling, etc.

We decided to put the latest Manitou 1650R through its paces. The 1650R is the direct replacement for the older Mustang 2054/2050 models, which still prove popular in many farmyards.

Most recent model numbering relates to the machine’s operating capacity (in pounds).

Watch: Mighty Manitou 1650R skid steer review.

So for, example, the 1650R has an operating capacity of 1,650lbs (748kg), with the R relating to radial lift.

Engine and transmission

The 1650R is fitted with a Yanmar power plant, as is the rest of the radial lift range. This non-turbo four-pot setup meets Stage IV emission standards while churning out a respectable 69hp (52kW). This is substantially more than its predecessor, the Mustang 2054, which had 47hp underneath the bonnet.

After having a walk around the skid steer, it is evident that improvements to accessibility have been made. Climbing into the skid steer is improved thanks to the more open design behind the headstock, but there is more space for servicing as well. Once the rear door and bonnet has been opened, all necessary filters, fluid fill points and the isolator switch are easily accessible. Pull the locking pin on the radiator and it swings around for better access to the engine bay.

On the rare occasion the hydraulic pumps need to be accessed, the hinged cab easily tips back via gas struts – simply loosen the two nuts and lift. The accessibility and simplicity is a major selling point of this machine in my opinion, something that’s not very common with modern machinery.

As expected, the 1650R is fitted as standard with a single-speed Poclain hydrostatic drive, although a two-speed transmission is available (19km/h). Top speed is 12.6km/h, which may put a number of people off, but these machines were built for small working areas, and speed never posed an issue during our time with the skid steer.

Like older models, each drive motor is centrally mounted between the front and rear axle, with two chains on each side rather than a single chain. According to Manitou, this distributes forces more evenly and allows the chain to be tensioned more easily by moving the stub axles away from each other along the slotted holes.

Cab and controls

Three controls options are available on the 1650R:

  • 1 Mechanical hand/foot control. Levers controlling drive and pedals controlling loader functions.
  • 2 T-bar controls, using two levers, each of which can be pushed forward and twisted. The left lever controls drive while the right lever controls the loader.
  • 3 Pilot control joysticks, similar to the T-bar system, with the left joystick controlling drive and the right controlling the loader.
  • The model we had out was fitted with the T-bar controls, which initially took some getting used to moving from the hand and foot controls I know too well.

    As I clocked up the hours on the 1650R, I found myself growing fonder of the T-bar controls. Once engine revs have been set with the dial, the foot throttle can be used to override this if more revs are required for faster forward speed or greater hydraulic flow.

    Control layout is simple. Switches are present on both pillars, although in our more basic machine a lot of these were redundant. Cab options include side windows (which our machine had), a front door, heating/air con and hydraulic attachment locking/unlocking.

    The parking brake and hydraulic locking (Hydraloc) function engages automatically every time the body restraint is lifted, preventing a potential accident. A small digital display on the right-hand pillar shows the usual machine information. At certain engine rpm, vibrations pass up through the cab creating an unpleasant sound which is mainly the side windows vibrating.

    Turning the dial increasing or decreasing the engine rpm reduces this noise and vibration, making the cab a more pleasant place to sit.

    The only issue I found was when using the left-hand T-bar. Reversing straight required more effort trying to keep the lever pulled straight back and not twisting my wrist which causes the vehicle to veer off course. I reckon hand and foot control would require less getting used to or perhaps be more suitable to some people as less precision is needed to achieve the movement wanted.

    Hydraulics and handling

    The 1650R comes with two hydraulic options – the standard 71.4l/min pump which our machine was equipped with or the high-flow option which delivers 94.6l/min. For the majority of farmyard applications, the standard pump will be more than enough. While feeding with the shear grab, the 1650R was more than capable of closing the grab at its ease while the engine idled.

    The hydraulic circuit appears to be a more simplified system than the older Mustang machines. Pipes, fittings and rams are easier accessed in the event of a pipe bursting. Manitou has continued with the straight lift arms, a simple design with one pivot point located near the top of the rear towers, allowing a 3.87m maximum lift height. Although these towers may hinder visibility to rear corners of the machine, I like the uncomplicated approach taken by Mustang/Manitou since the start.

    The machine we had out was fitted with a self-levelling headstock which could be switched on or off, a nice feature for certain applications such as using the shear grab and pallet forks. Boom suspension is available if required.

    The third service pressure-relieving coupling block is a smart feature which I liked coming from an older standard coupling system that requires skill to detach implements without having pressure in the line. The one-piece block has a built-in depressurisation system which relieves pressure once its flat-faced couplings are pushed into one another.

    Our verdict

    Overall, I was impressed with the Manitou 1650R. A major standout feature for me is its overall simplicity and accessibility – everything from ease of access to and from the cab to its service locations.

    The T-bar control system takes some time to grasp and operate smoothly compared to hand/foot controls, but I reckon once fully mastered this would be the better control method. Hydraulics proved very responsive, almost abrupt at times but I feel as the machine clocks up more hours the mechanical control cables will free out more.

    Considering the machine I had is still in its running-in period, fuel consumption was good, roughly burning 3.3l/hr of diesel. The fact hydraulic flow was ample meant I could operate the shear grab and do the majority of farmyard tasks at 1,850rpm roughly, just over half way on the dial.

    Build quality is very good all round as expected. Operating position inside the cab is good with everything near to hand. I was impressed with the addition of a foot pedal for the extra grunt when needed.

    The rear counterweight/bumper is definitely worth opting for giving the skid steer an extra 68kg operating capacity as well as protecting the rear of the machine.

    P Likes

  • Hydraulic oil flow.
  • Build simplicity and easy access.
  • Pressure-relieving third service coupling block.
  • O Dislikes

  • Cab vibrates at certain engine rpm.
  • T-bar pulls back very close to body restraint.
  • T-bar movements need to be precise.
  • Specs

    Engine: 3.3l four-cylinder Yanmar (non turbo).

    Horsepower: 69.3hp (51.7kW).

    Travel speed: 12.6 km/h (19.5km/h optional).

    Hydraulics: 71.4l/min (94.6l/min optional).

    Max lift capacity: 748kg.

    Operating weight: 2,777kg.List price: €47,550 plus VAT (£43,226).*

    * (List price can vary from buying price by as much as 10% to 50%).