The MLT-X-840-140 telehandler is the machine (on the left) holding a load of bales high in the air. The figures in the name of the handler means it can hoist a load of 4 tons 8 metres into the air and is equipped with an engine of 140 hp (104,4 kW).

At NAMPO much was made of its towing prowess – proving it can tow a wagon fully loaded with bales. The machine can tow close to 30 tons. This means one can have a tractor free for other work while the Manitou loads the bales and then also tows the trailer outside to where it should be.

This multi-purpose machine is a rough-terrain forklift or front-end loader and is most suitable for the handling of big bales or round bales. A variety of quick-change telehandler attachments – altogether 164 options – can be inter-changed within 60 seconds.

 With its moderate consumption of 10,3 litres per hour, it will not make big inroads into the fuel account. It has full four-wheel drive and also four-wheel steering, and it can run laterally with the aid of crab steering. It turns on the proverbial tickey, and can also be driven safely on the open road. The ergonomic panoramic cabin is comfortable with an air-suspended seat, air conditioning and 360 degrees view.

The operator is not only comfortable, but also safe. All Manitou machines comply with the strict European safety standards. For example – the lifting arm has been designed in such a way that, should the impossible happen and a load falls, it will never fall on the cabin.

The MC18-4

This new, compact, rough-terrain machine with the crate full of oranges was the belle of the ball and well-admired by the farmers during the NAMPO Show, says Johan van der Westhuizen, owner of Managri, a Manitou accredited dealer. This multi-purpose machine can lift 1,8 ton and drive around with it in a packing shed, as well as outside on the ground where a standard forklift would not dare to go.

 “It makes no difference if it is muddy or in loose soil – with its four-wheel drive the little rascal makes light work of moving between packing shed and the orchard,” says Johan.

The main attraction, however, was the attachment making it possible to tip the fruit in the crate into a trailer, or even in the packing shed onto the sorting belt. The tipping action is activated with two small hydraulic arms that holds the crate firmly so that it can return to the orchard for the next load. One can also release the crate from inside the cabin and fetch another one that is full.

The bigger front wheels ensure better grip and easier turning with a turning circle of less than three metres. Fuel consumption is a low 3,8 to 4,2 litres per hour, and the machine is driven by a stalwart Kubota engine of 34 kW. It has a reach of between three and six metres in height.

The TLB 844S

About three years ago Manitou also entered the competitive TLB market. The NAMPO price of R740 000 for the user-friendly TLB 844S had the tongues wagging. The four-wheel drive machine, with its 90 hp (67 kW) engine, has a basic concept and is more mechanical than electronic, which makes it a popular choice for the South African market, says Johan. It has a burly bucket and typical monkey tail for digging holes and trenches of up to six metres deep.

With the competitive price comes a three year warranty, spare wheels for the front and rear, and free training and certification for the operator.

Visit www.manitou.co.za , or send an email to info.msa@manitou-group.com for more information. You can also phone Manitou on 011-975-7770.