Manitou is certainly no stranger to the telehandler market, manufacturing its first four-wheel drive telehandler in 1981, before launching its agricultural range in 1989. The brand has established itself as a household name for handling materials across the construction and agricultural sectors across Europe.

The all new MLA-T (Manitou Loader Articulated-Telescopic) 533-145 V+ model was displayed at this year’s National Ploughing Championships and attracted some serious attention. The new machine has begun retailing this year, with a sizeable amount of units already sold across the country.

The revamped model has a new engine, transmission and a cab packed with intelligent and user friendly features.

Engine

The new articulated telescopic loader is powered by a 4.1 litre four-cylinder Deutz TCD engine capable of churning out a lively 143hp. This engine is Tier 4/Stage IV compliant, with a maximum torque of 550Nm at 1,600rpm. Previous Manitou telescopic machines would have been powered by Perkins engines.

Oil and diesel filters, the radiator, the battery and Adblue/diesel tanks are very easy to access via lifting the bonnet.

Access to the engine is easy through the rear folding bonnet. Oil and diesel filters, the radiator, the battery and Adblue/diesel tanks are very easy to access via lifting the bonnet. The engine cut-off, better known as the dead-man switch, is located to one side of the battery.

Transmission

The new pivot-steer loader is equipped with an M-Vario Plus transmission from Rexroth Dana. The new continuous variable transmission (CVT) comprises two hydraulic motors with axial pistons powered by a hydraulic pump. This transmission makes it possible to smoothly go from 0km/h to 40km/h without any gearshift.

The interior is finished to a high standard with a very simple control layout.

In an attempt to reduce fuel consumption while maintaining tractive power, only one motor is used while travelling at high speeds while the two motors will engage when optimum performance is required. This new CVT transmission replaces the existing six-speed power-shift transmission used by Manitou in previous telescopic models.

The pickup hitch is an optional extra.

The transmission has a speed regulator which can be altered from the cab via a dial. This speed regulator is independent of engine RPM, thus allowing low speeds and fast hydraulic movements. In addition, the new telescopic loader has a hand throttle, allowing constant RPM to be set for fast hydraulics. This inching feature with speed regulation and set RPM makes it suitable for tasks such as pushing up silage.

The loader is available in three different finish levels including classic, premium and elite. The telescopic machine has multiple disk oil bath brakes within the well-known Italian-built Spicer axles which Manitou has being using for many years.

Hydraulics

The Rexroth hydraulic pump provides a flow rate of 158l/min. The loader has a handy little feature that regulates the hydraulic flow to the attachment lines. This flow can be altered via two dials in the cab.

There is nothing worse than trying to connect the hydraulic hoses of an implement on to a machine when there is pressure built up. However, Manitou’s Easy Connect System will depressurise the hydraulics when the operator is attaching an implement, thus allowing for ease of hydraulic connection. The operator can engage the Easy Connect System feature from two switches, one under the main headlight or the other from inside the cab.

The boom suspension is an optional extra and makes a huge difference to operator comfort while in transport on the road.

The elite level finished machines will come with the intelligent hydraulics feature. This feature has three different innovations which are designed to make the handling of materials easier. These features include Quicklift, Bucket Shaker and Return to Load. These features do exactly as they say. For example, the Bucket Shaker feature will engage when the operator maintains the joystick at over 90% of the tilt aimed towards the loader for over two seconds. The feature will then repeatedly shake the bucket to empty any contents that may be stuck such as manure etc.

The cab

The new cab is larger than previous models and with this comes increased visibility and more room inside. The interior is finished to a high standard with a very simple control layout.

Manitou’s JSM (Joystick Switch and Move) controls all hydraulic movements. Features on the joystick include forward, neutral, reverse, third hydraulic attachment, telescopic retraction and extension, lowering and raising and tilting of the boom.

The transmission has a speed regulator which can be altered from the cab via the dial on the left.

Access to the cab is provided through two doors which can be opened back onto a catch. A small latch attached to the front pillars of the cab allows the operator to partially open the door up to around 10cm. A small issue but something many operators desire is a sliding window within the door, which is not available.

The centralised grease points for the steering cylinders and the oscillating rear axle.

Depending on the level of finish, either halogen or LED lights will be fitted. The one issue I would have with the cab is that the operator terminal is quite small. While travelling on the road it is difficult to monitor speed.

Manoeuvrability

The loader has a 44° articulation which provides for a small turning radius in areas of restricted space.

The rear axle can oscillate +/- 9.5°, helping to maintain contact between the tyres and the ground in rough terrain. The boom suspension is an optional extra and makes a huge difference to operator comfort while in transport on the road. The boom suspension can be engaged in an automatic mode or can be permanently engaged.