Manitou continues to bring new products to North America with the launch of five new large-frame vertical-lift skid steers and compact track loaders ranging in operating capacity from 3,250 pounds to 3,600 pounds.
The long-time French MEWP maker and Gehl parent says that each new model is a ground-up, “modern industrial redesign” featuring breakout force, hydraulic horsepower and auxiliary hydraulic performance that meets or exceeds many of the largest comparable machines in the industry.
The three skid steers (3250 V, 3350 V, 3600 V) and two CTLs (3350 VT, 3600 VT) are built in Madison, South Dakota.
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The expansion of a core product line, Manitou says, fits the company’s greater vision of delivering a full-line fleet to the North American market.
“These five new models represent the best of Manitou global innovation matched with North American craftsmanship—from an engineering and design team that has built skid steers and CTLs in South Dakota for more than 50 years,” says Ilmars Nartish, VP for North America at Manitou.
How the brands fit
Manitou currently offers the skid steers and CTLs, along with MEWPs, rotating telehandlers, articulated loaders, and forklifts. Its Gehl brand offers skid steer loaders, compact track loaders, articulated loaders, and conventional telehandlers.
Any questions about the distinctions between Manitou and Gehl SSLs and CTLs seem to be clarified by this product launch, which emphasized Manitou’s construction-grade engineering. Meanwhile, a look at product marketing suggests Gehl skid steers have been somewhat retargeted toward the agricultural market.
Another key difference is Gehl’s emphasis on radial lift, while Manitou has gone with vertical lift.
Just seven years ago, Gehl boasted that it made the industry’s largest, most powerful skid steer, a 11,700-pound unit. Times have definitely changed.
As for Mustang by Manitou, the most recent name for the Mustang brand of skid steers, where it fits in today is anyone’s guess. At a dealer event in 2019, Construction Equipment was told Mustang was very popular in the Russian market due to its logo. It is all but erased from Manitou’s corporate website today.
The new models
Hinge pin heights range up to 136 inches for loading and reaching into large/high trucks, and lifting/placing materials to higher points.
Rated operating capacities can be further increased up to 3,800 pounds with the addition of optional counterweights that also serve as protective guarding for the rear of the machine. And load sensing hydraulics help the machine determine the amount of hydraulic load required for each job, which is meant to improve performance and fuel economy.
Attachments and tracks
The machines are built for auxiliary attachment use and performance, with both standard-flow rates (up to 25 gpm and 3,450 psi) and high-flow rates (40 gpm up to 3,450 psi). Variable-rate flow controls that allow the operator to set the flow going to each attachment are standard.
Hydraulic horsepower on each machine—50.3 horsepower standard and 82 horsepower with an optional boost—helps overall machine performance and supports robust attachment performance.
How to safely use attachments on compact equipment
The IdealTrax track-tensioning system (first seen on Gehl machines), which automatically tensions the track to its desired tension upon startup and relieves that tension when the machine is turned off, now engages directly through the in-cab display (versus at the back of the machine in previous models).
The models' lift-arm design slopes away from the operator at the top of the arm and allows for hydraulic lines to run inside of the arm or underneath it for greater protection. The contouring of the arms also prevents material from building up on the machine, and improves visibility for the operator down to the side of the machine.
Comfort ride control (boom suspension) is now standard and incorporated into the design to reduce spillage and improve operator comfort. Skid steer models feature an adjustable arm downstop to accommodate different tire sizes depending on the application.
The undercarriage of each tracked model has also undergone a major redesign for improved performance and durability. This includes steel forged hardened sprockets with a corrosion inhibitor for longer sprocket life; dual flange idlers in both the front and rear to prevent de-tracking, reduce vibration, and reduce service over time; and triple flange rollers to reduce vibration, prevent de-tracking, and limit materials spilling from the bucket.
Cab amenities
The cab has an adjustable workstation that allows each operator to adjust their orientation in the cab to their preference. This includes pilot joysticks attached to the seat to move with the operator, a seat and armrests that adjust independently based on operator preference, and a removable footrest for comfort and bracing.
Options include a fully enclosed cab with full environmental controls, multiple seat options (including a heated seat), Bluetooth radio, a sound reduction package, and Manitou’s Hydraulic Power-A-Tach attachment system that allows for the quick and easy swapping of attachments from inside the cab.
The new large-frame skid steers and CTLs also feature a new 7-inch color display that displays critical machine settings, engine information, service intervals, and other machine information critical to daily use.
An all-new backlit ergonomic keypad on the right-hand side of the cab (facing forward) features new and patent-pending innovations. This keypad features keyless start and is where security codes are entered, lights are controlled, HVAC controls are turned on and off, auxiliary hydraulics are engaged, and other critical machine functions are maintained with an intuitive jog dial.
Optional creep mode is additionally controlled through this keypad and the monitor, which allows the operator to independently set machine travel speeds from the engine throttle to better match road speeds to desired attachment performance for applications such as brooms and cold planers.
Telematics
These large-frame loaders are “Manitou Connected Machines” that provide instant remote access to recent activity, operation codes, CAN data, and service alerts. Owners/operators can stay connected on-the-go with the myManitou mobile app, where they can monitor machine location, fuel levels, and operating hours, and set geofences for added control and security.
For fleet management, EasyManager is a management tool that tracks service intervals, pinpoints machine locations, and identifies diagnostic codes, all from one centralized platform.
Interestingly, the machines are not ready for third-party grade-control solutions yet. They will, however, accept attachments that come with systems.
Manitou SSL and CTL Specifications
3250 V SSL
- Horsepower: 72
- ROC (35%): 3,250 lb.
- Bucket breakout: 10,624 lb.
- Lift arm breakout: 7,116 lb.
3350 V SSL
- Horsepower: 100
- ROC (35%): 3,350 lb.
- Bucket breakout: 10,624 lb.
- Lift arm breakout: 7,116 lb.
3600 V SSL
- Horsepower: 114
- ROC (35%): 3,600 lb.
- Bucket breakout: 10,624 lb.
- Lift arm breakout: 7,041 lb.
3350 VT CTL
- Horsepower: 100
- ROC (50%): 3,350 lb.
- Bucket breakout: 10,624 lb.
- Lift arm breakout: 7,041 lb.
3600 VT CTL
- Horsepower: 114
- ROC (50%): 3,600 lb.
- Bucket breakout: 10,624 lb.
- Lift arm breakout: 7,041 lb.
About the Author
Frank Raczon
Raczon’s writing career spans nearly 25 years, including magazine publishing and public relations work with some of the industry’s major equipment manufacturers. He has won numerous awards in his career, including nods from the Construction Writers Association, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, and BtoB magazine. He is responsible for the magazine's Buying Files.