Special telehandler solutions

As a handling, personnel lifting, and earthmoving specialist, the Manitou Group’s know-how allows it to create custom machines and attachments. Its ‘Special Solutions’ department offers a multitude of adaptations to meet the specific needs of its users.

Load cell jib crane

Manitou telehandlers have a number of applications, some of which require pull force to be measured such as where pipes from 70 to 650mm in diameter, with a weight of 70 to 500kg/m, are unrolled and rolled up. To meet this demand, the Group’s teams put their heads together and designed a jib crane with a load cell.

A load cell has been added to the hook of a standard jib crane to enable the force to be measured. The measurement is then displayed on three different screens inside and outside the lift truck. When the maximum force is reached, an audible and visual alarm is triggered. This system, validated by Apave (a group that supports companies in the fields of control through inspection, testing and measurement services), is proving to be effective. For increased safety, a shatterproof film has also been applied to the windshield to make the driver’s cab safer, and a blue dot projected onto the floor gives a visual indication of the machine’s forward travel.

Four telehandlers have been fitted with this new attachment for the same client: an MLT 630, an MHT 790, an MHT 10180 and an MHT 10230. They also feature innovative equipment: four cameras positioned around the machine giving 360° vision on the in-cab screen, two external emergency stop buttons and a rear parking aid.

It took two years to develop this tailored solution in collaboration with the local dealer and the end customer.

Mining telehandler

As well as customising attachments, Manitou adapts existing machines for use on challenging terrain, including for mining operations. A number of options are added directly to the machine to make it more robust and enhance operator safety. Laurent Cuvelier, Special Solutions manager, sys, “What our team is trying to do is offer our clients a bespoke service by meeting all their needs. We can satisfy many niche markets by offering comprehensive and innovative solutions that allow operators to work in complete safety.”

The fixed telehandler MT 1335 HA is a prime example. Protection grilles are placed over the lights, the engine hood and the cab to protect them from damage. Many of the controls accessible inside are now on the outside, for instance two emergency stop buttons, emergency steering and access to the batteries. The integration of a green and red indicator lamp indicates the machine’s direction of travel. The platform basket has also been reinforced to withstand potential impact with walls.

All these options have been designed on the Ancenis site as a result of the combined skills of the design offices in France and Italy (where the Mining Competence Centre is based).