Manitou Group: Committed to Optimizing Performance, Reliability & Convenience of its Machines
By constantly bringing new innovative products and aftermarket services, the Manitou Group is bringing additional value, which far exceeds the expectations of its stakeholders.
Manitou Group is a worldwide reference in the handling, access platforms, and earthmoving. By improving workplace conditions, safety, and performance, it aims to create environments that remain renewable and sustainable. The Group is designing, developing and manufacturing equipment, and providing the requisite support and services, to the construction, agriculture, and industrial markets, under its three iconic brands: Manitou, Gehl, and Mustang by Manitou. It has its headquarters in France, a worldwide team of 4,400, and a vast network of over 1,050 dealers. Its focus on meeting customer expectations powered sales of €1.6 billion in 2020.
New Manitou Backhoe Loaders MBL 745S & MBL 745HT S
With new emission norms in force, Manitou has taken the opportunity to adapt quickly and revamp its Backhoe Loader range of construction equipment in line with its global standards of durability, reliability, productivity, and operator comfort.
The New Manitou Backhoe Loader comes with a new and easier nomenclature MBL – under which series two variants: MBL 745S and MBL 745HT S have been introduced.
The new appearance and addition of new Decals in line with the branding of Manitou products across the globe, gives the machine a Stronger, Modern and Updated look which has been revamped keeping the Customers Feedbacks and Recommendations in mind.
The operator cabin is more spacious and has uncluttered, aesthetic interiors. Improvements have been made on the side and rear windows, entry door and window catcher. The rear quarter windows allow air flow, along with improved right-angle trenching visibility and more ventilation in the cabin. Features include a comfortable mechanical seat with head -and armrest, a new steering wheel with better grip and handling, and a stereo system with two output speakers.
The MBL 745HT S has an option of an AC unit. Access to the cabin is easier with conveniently placed grab rails, and all safety measures. Ergonomically designed switches, lever and control clusters have large, easy to read indicators and warnings. An option of Level 2 ROPS/FOPS cabin is also available for tougher working conditions and safety norms, as per specific requirements.
A battery cut-off switch is provided as standard to protect against electrical fires and theft when the machine is not in use. There is also an emergency cut-off switch which can be used by the operator to stop the engine immediately during any hazardous situation.
BS IV Compliant MBL Series
The MBL machines follow the new emission norms of India with their robust, more fuel-efficient BS IV Kirloskar engine, which comes in two variants: 74.5 Naturally Aspirated, and 74.5 High Torque.
The ECU, coupled with the Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI) system, provides higher output power and torque, while offering 10% more fuel efficiency. The engine mounted After Treatment Device used is DOC (Diesel Oxidation Catalyst). The regionalized Cooling System is designed to operate with ease in demanding and extreme environmental conditions like dust and high ambient temperatures.
Value to Customers with Add-On Features
Manitou is bringing more value to its customers by incorporating advanced and robust features in its machines so that they can perform multi-application functions. The MBL series of machines are structurally very solid and more reliable, as they deliver higher uptime and require lowest maintenance. With optimum total cost of ownership, customers get better RoI in the shortest possible time.
Additional reinforcements on the boom and dipper tubes add strength and increase productivity. The in-built Loader Locking Strut offers additional safety during idle position and when the machines’ are undergoing any maintenance work. With Smart UCH, the powerful and dual delivery pump unique unloader controlled (UCH) hydraulics are engineered to optimize engine power and thus increase fuel efficiency.
The performance of the machine is enhanced with best-in-class breakout forces allowing better digging without being stressed. The Loader Bucket Cylinder is equipped with Single Tilt Diversion Loader Arm of high tensile strength steel; and it also offers the best visibility with higher tear out forces.
There are numerous attachments on offer: an Extended Dipper adds additional 3.5 feet reach for the machine; Excavator Buckets ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 cu.m help customers select the most appropriate digging tools: options of 1.1 cu.m and 1.2 cu.m multi-purpose Buckets with Forks and Grapple help in achieving the best performance at the loader end, while the Rock Breakers for secondary breaking display the highest energy per blow.
Telematics on Manitou Machines
Manitou standard Telematics ‘Easy Manager’ is now available on all MBL machines, enabling the operator to have a digital twin of the machine on the smartphone with MyManitou App, which provides real time updates on the machines’ performance etc. It helps in tracking, locating, and controlling the machines, and protecting them from unauthorized usage. With all these features, customers will have better fleet management and more profitability with access to live machine information like total running hours, functions, fuel consumed, etc.
Not only does MBL guarantee lower Total Cost of Operations and higher productivity, but also maximizes lifetime customer value. The new Backhoe Loader comes with a standard two years or 4000 hours of warranty, which means more machine time and less stress for the customers.
Improved Features based on Customer Feedback
- New and improved braking system with increased brake pressure from Bosch, which reduces operator’s efforts; 3 discs in rear axle brake system
- Floor mounted accelerator throttle for reducing operator fatigue
- Additional nylon sleeves on hoses in mast casting for prolonged life
- Standard transmission dump switch on loader lever for ease of operation, reduced time for de-clutching and stopping machine movement during loader operation
- New standard 1 cubic meter loader bucket with additional plates to avoid material spillage, and standard 0.27 cubic meter deep profile excavator bucket to improve machine’s productivity.
Aftermarket support has always been Manitou’s focus. The company has been setting benchmarks in efficient service by delivering a reliable and timely proactive response. To help customers improve their business potential and profitability, Manitou comes up with many new technologies and advancements in its products, with added features that enhance operator efficiency.
Over the years, Manitou has been investing in providing direct sales, aftermarket support, and technical training through its in-house facilities (Manitou SSP), which are well equipped with spare parts, training facilities, and a highly skilled engineering team, whose core KPIs are ‘Responsiveness, Low Machine Downtime, and Reduced Total Cost of Ownership for Customers’.
Manitou’s tagline ‘Handling Your World’ is based on its commitment to help customers to better handle their work and businesses using world-class, technology-driven products. This tagline also holds good in supporting customers with efficient service, timely parts supply, and on-time troubleshooting in case of machine breakdown.
NBM&CW August 2021
