Farm Tech: Telescopics upgrade showcased at YAMS

There was a new kid on the block unveiled when the Yorkshire Agricultural Machinery Show (YAMS) was held at York Auction Centre in Murton on Wednesday. Two all-new Manitou MLT NewAG telescopic handlers took pride of place on the Russells stand providing farmers with a first glimpse of the latest range that has been heralded as offering greater operator comfort and machine control.
By The Newsroom
Published 14th Feb 2017, 07:00 BST
Updated 28th Feb 2017, 12:46 BST
Paul Russell and the Manitou NewAG, with Manitou sales boss Andrew Dixon. Pictures: Jonathan GawthorpePaul Russell and the Manitou NewAG, with Manitou sales boss Andrew Dixon. Pictures: Jonathan Gawthorpe
Paul Russell and the Manitou NewAG, with Manitou sales boss Andrew Dixon. Pictures: Jonathan Gawthorpe

The telescopic materials handler market has developed hugely in the past three decades having started life from the traditional fork lift truck to agile, versatile farm machinery that means at least one telescopic is invariably seen on most farms today.

Paul Russell, CEO of Russells, one of Yorkshire’s largest multi-depot, multi-franchise farm machinery businesses, explained: “The telescopic handler is one of the most important pieces of equipment in any farming operation and Manitou is the biggest supplier in the world.

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“The new MLT NewAG will be extremely popular with our farmer customers with its innovative cab design offering an emphasis on operator comfort and thereby a greater reduction in fatigue. The in-cab noise has been reduced by half and some great new features make it even more of a pleasure to drive. Manitou has utilised ergonomics from the truck industry and that has led to much improved access to the cab.

Paul Russell MD of Russell Farm Machinery with the new Manitou New-AG, which was on show for the first time at the Yorkshire Agricultural Machinery Show held at York Auction Centre, Murton.Paul Russell MD of Russell Farm Machinery with the new Manitou New-AG, which was on show for the first time at the Yorkshire Agricultural Machinery Show held at York Auction Centre, Murton.
Paul Russell MD of Russell Farm Machinery with the new Manitou New-AG, which was on show for the first time at the Yorkshire Agricultural Machinery Show held at York Auction Centre, Murton.

“Traditional transmissions are still there but in addition there are now new hydrostatic and continuously variable transmissions available on certain models in the new eight model range. The cab access has been improved by a cut-out in the cab floor, above the step, allowing the operator to swivel in and out.”

Another new feature across all Manitou machines including the NewAG range is a focus on ensuring cost effective ownership. Paul believes this is a major step at a time when increased purchase prices are causing farmers to think even more carefully over their investments in new machines.

“Brexit has been detrimental in terms of the prices we pay for the goods we are selling due to the weakness of the pound against the Euro and the dollar. The farm machinery market has been struggling in recent years due to pressure of commodity prices but our farmers still see the need to keep updating their machines.

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“We’re back to the old adage that a tonne of wheat is being sold today at the same price it was 25 years ago and yet farm machinery has increased in price by at least three times if not more and that creates pressure on the new machinery market, so Manitou now focuses on cost of ownership to end users.

Paul Russell MD of Russell Farm Machinery with the new Manitou New-AG, which was on show for the first time at the Yorkshire Agricultural Machinery Show held at York Auction Centre, Murton.Paul Russell MD of Russell Farm Machinery with the new Manitou New-AG, which was on show for the first time at the Yorkshire Agricultural Machinery Show held at York Auction Centre, Murton.
Paul Russell MD of Russell Farm Machinery with the new Manitou New-AG, which was on show for the first time at the Yorkshire Agricultural Machinery Show held at York Auction Centre, Murton.

“All new Manitou machines are fitted with a telematics system whereby both the operator and manufacturer can monitor machinery performance. Telematics gives real time feedback from the machine that determines faults and if attention is needed. The dealer and operator are alerted to when services are required and the whole concept means that machines don’t go beyond service times.

“How it really benefits the operator or the farmer owner is that if there’s a problem it means the repair can be undertaken with probably less cost than if it’d persisted without any checks. As well as the telematics there are warranty packages of up to five years. Customers can now buy a machine that, if it’s properly maintained, should give them the comfort that their cost of ownership is appropriate to the price paid when new.”

Deutz 3.6l engines are used in the new machines and comply with Stage 4 engine emission rules using selective catalytic reduction and a diesel oxidation catalyst; power outputs of 101hp, 130hp and 136hp are available. A self cleaning, pre-filter is used for engine air intake increasing filter changes up to 2,000 hours. Hydraulic oil service intervals have increased from 1,000 to 2,000 hours.

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New MLT NewAG models range from a lift height of 6-9m with a 3,000-4,100kg lift capacity. Mounted on rubber dampers the new cab provides a noise level of 73dB.

Manitou will unveil another new model range later this year as it seeks to maintain its position as world telescopic number one. Paul believes the launch of the new MLA pivot steer machine will be just as important as the MLT NewAG.

“The return of Manitou to the pivot steer market with a new machine is great news. It was 25 per cent of our telescopic market previously so the new MLA with a completely new design incorporating what customers liked about the machine previously but with some great enhancements is exciting news.”