Manihoe launched at Civenex

Manitou has long been known for its innovative range of all-terrain forklifts and is considered the market leader.

Back in the 1950s the company pioneered the very first all-terrain forklift. However, to remain at the forefront of any industry, it is necessary to listen to the users of your products. Manitou has done this, and consistently over the years, it has developed specific patented technology that has provided customers with innovative and clever solutions to their problems.

The brand new to Australia Manihoe range – we featured it first in these pages just over two years ago - launched at the Civenex Expo in Sydney in May, is a clear example of such a process in action, and a significant shift in direction for the French company. This patented machine is a world first and utilises Manitou's Maniscopic technology, in conjunction with the features of a backhoe, from which it derives its name.

The MLB 625 T has a rear-mounted backhoe and a front-mounted telescopic arm which provides the operator with a level of flexibility that has not been available before in the one unit.

Powered by a 74.5kW at 2200rpm Perkins turbo 1104C44T diesel, it has a telescopic lifting capacity of 2500kg, and a lift hight of 5.22m and forward reach of 3m. The backhoe has a lift capacity of 2.1t and a maximum reach from the rear axle of 7.19m. The adaptability of the Manihoe is further advanced by the fitting of an `attachment quick coupling carriage', which facilitates the fitting of a wide range of forks, buckets, and jibs literally within seconds.

Provided with limited slip diffs on both axels, and a 2.7-metre wheelbase that delivers exceptional longitudinal stability, the Manihoe is most certainly an all terrain vehicle.