The fully redesigned Manitou MRT rotating telehandlers – the Vision and Vision+ ranges - were unveiled last week at a virtual product launch event.
“By modernising the design and ergonomics of our products, we are now able to offer a single cab across all the models in the range, thus providing excellent visibility to users whatever the model. Having the same cab also means having an equivalent control station on all models, making them quicker to get to grips with,” explained Carlo Alberto Razzoli, Manitou’s MRT product manager.
Two new models have been added to the Vision range, the MRT 1645 and MRT 1845, offering a lifting height of 16 m and 18 m respectively with a load capacity of 4.5 t.
The Vision range has a wide selection of 14 models in total, featuring heights ranging from 16 m to 25 m, for a load capacity of up to 4.5 t.
The higher capacities are grouped together in the Vision+ range, which provides 12 new models in total. This line has also been completely revamped with several new products: the MRT 2260, MRT 2660, MRT 3570 (also available in an electronic suspension version), MRT 2570 and MRT 3060.
Mr Razzoli said, “There is growing demand from customers wanting machines that offer higher performance on construction sites. This high-capacity range meets these expectations perfectly with a very high level of equipment.”
With models offering a lifting height of 22 m to 35 m and an improved capacity of up to 7 t, the Vision+ range is ideal for the installation of structural steelwork, renovation of buildings and even demolition.
Both the Vision and Vision+ ranges are now available worldwide. They are planned to be delivered to the dealer network, rentals and key accounts by September 2021. According to Manitou, the machines will be powered by Stage IIIA engines in the Southeast Asian market.
Specific attachments
New attachments, designed by the Manitou attachment competence centre (ACC) based in Italy, accompany the launch of these two ranges. Two units of CAF 1030 (6 t and 7 t) and one CAF 1080 (7 t) floating fork carriages will benefit users needing to handle pallets or big-bags with optimum visibility. They are lighter and more robust, and are fitted with a fork locking system.
The performance of winches, jibs and cranes has been enhanced with a winch equipped with a new hydraulic motor suited to the new MRTs. With a capacity ranging from 600 kg to 2 t, they meet the requirements of the new MRT range.
A new 100% aluminium platform is also now available across the whole Vision+ range. Weighing just 180 kg for a loading capacity of 365 kg, the new PSE 4200/365 is lighter than the previous range, allowing a greater outreach. It also features easy opening.
Cab visibility
To increase visibility, a reinforced gridless roof, certified to ROPS/FOPS level 2, is available as an option for closely monitoring loading operations at height. Present on all Vision and Vision+ models, the pressurised cab guarantees a healthy working environment for the operator and additional sound insulation, for enhanced comfort.
Another highlight is a new, optional driving remote control for controlling the machine from the basket or when the operator is outside the machine. As a result, it is possible to move it safely without having to return to the driver's cab, saving a lot of time on site.
A new hydraulic pump is fitted on all of these new models. With a hydraulic flow of 116 l/min, the Vision range ensures an execution speed 50% quicker for simultaneous boom movements. This improvement rises to more than 30% for the 2260 and 2660 models in the Vision+ range, which are equipped with a pump that delivers a flow rate of 185 l/min.
The lifting capacities and load charts have also been significantly improved, most notably the capacity at maximum height by up to 100% and at maximum reach by up to 25%. The weight of these machines has been reduced by more than 5% while benefiting from an increase in their load capacity of up to 15%.
Safety and ergonomics
Five LED headlamps ensure full lighting all around the machine, plus two worklights on the boom head for visibility during loading operations at height. A rear camera that sends images to the cab allows the machine to be manoeuvred in complete confidence.
Four accesses have been built into the chassis, on the left and right, and at the front and rear of the machine. This enables the operator to climb into and out of the machine easily regardless of which way the cab is rotated.
The cab is fitted with a brand-new 8-in vertical touchscreen on the Vision range, and a 12.1-in XXL version on the Vision+ range.
The Vision and Vision+ ranges also feature hydrostatic transmission offering better driving flexibility and giving the operator a maximum speed of 40 km/hr, whatever the model.
The latest addition to the Vision+ range, the MRT 3570, allows the operator to carry out handling operations up to 35 m, the greatest height available from Manitou. For enhanced visibility at this height, Manitou has introduced a new electric seat that tilts by up to 18° to easily monitor deployment of the boom. This model is also available in an electronic suspension (ES) version.
Manitou further mentioned that a full electric extension to the Vision+ range will be introduced by the end of this year, as well as a hybrid version combining a smaller engine with a lithium-ion battery.
To watch video of the launch event, click here.
