Manitou Group has launched a new range of backhoe loaders, aimed at the Indian, Latin American, Russian and African markets. The renamed MBL (Manitou backhoe loader) / GBL (Gehl backhoe loader) models feature a new design with a completely revised cab and a wide range of equipment to suit various applications.

The machines – comprising three models – are equipped with a new cab that provides greater operator comfort. It has more space and an adjustable suspension seat with armrest, a height adjustable steering wheel and a radio. Safety is also enhanced with 360-degree visibility and a highly robust DCPD hood. The hood can be fully opened and absorbs potential impacts during loading operations, preventing bumps and breakages. Its design facilitates servicing of the machine for better maintenance.

Connected as standard, the MBL / GBL range allows operators to have a digital twin of their machine on their smartphone with the MyManitou app. This service enables users to anticipate maintenance of their machine while optimising consumption.

In order to meet the Indian market’s Bharat IV regulatory requirements, the new backhoe loaders are powered by a 74.5 hp BSIV Kirloskar engine. According to Manitou, both 90 hp and 92 hp versions are also available for the Southeast Asian, Central and Latin American, Brazilian, Middle Eastern, African, and Russian markets.

“We are investing heavily in our product development and manufacturing facilities in order to meet the growing demands of our customers in these strategic areas. The introduction of the new backhoe loaders demonstrates our commitment to serving our customers with the best products and services to meet the requirements of their activities,” said Rahat Uppal, Manitou’s product manager for backhoe loader range.

For carrying out numerous operations such as demolition, propulsion of equipment, excavation and road construction, Manitou offers a variety of versatile attachments, including backhoe and loader buckets of various sizes, as well as trenching buckets for pipe laying. Also available are factory fitted rock breakers for demolition. They incorporate robust advanced features for numerous applications, while increasing productivity and reducing the total cost of ownership for the user.