Ultra-compact, lightweight handlers with generous lift and reach performance

The new handlers are available in the UK in traditional Manitou red, and Gehl yellow. They are manufactured at Manitou’s Lille, France factory and come with the same build quality and high standard of finish as larger models in the Manitou range.

Two models

There are two models in each brand – including the ULM (Ultra-Light Manitou) 412H capable of lifting 1,250kg to 4.3m and the ULM 415H with larger diameter lift rams which can lift 1,500kg to 4.3m. Equivalent Gehl versions are the GCT 3-14 and the GCT 3-14+. Weight without an attachment is from only 2,550kg for the ULM 412H, and from 2,700kg for the ULM 415H.

The machines are approximately 30cm narrower than the popular compact MLT625 model, at just 1.49m wide, and 1.92m high. Full lift capacity is available to maximum lift height, and then the boom can be extended forward up to one metre, allowing attachments to reach over the sides of high-sided trailers.

Convenient transport

For transport, a conventional 10x6ft trailer can be used with the boom projecting over the drawbar; but a 12×6 trailer is the best option, suggested the Manitou UK team at the mid-December demonstration.

Target markets include equestrian businesses, dairy farms, hobby farms, horticultural, and livestock rearing enterprises – but the nimble handlers are ideal for operation anywhere space is limited and will have special appeal to businesses with multiple sites.

The ground clearance is 29cm, and 4wd is standard with limited slip differentials front and rear.

The boom has duplex construction made from two U-shaped sections and there is a choice of three headstock options including a four-point carriage, a skid-steer carriage and a Euro carriage. A Manitou-style hitch isn’t available.

Compact but comfortable cab

The cab is narrower than on standard models. At 66cm the internal width is compact but adequate. Controls are on a floating armrest and, like other Manitou machines include double switch buttons which can be moved around the control panel to suit the user and application, and pop-up screen notifications. Manitou versions which are likely to be the most popular for agricultural applications have the JSM joystick. Gehl models, more likely to be sold for industrial and construction site use, have a traditional joystick design.

Even though the cab is smaller than a typical farm handler, there is good all-around vision from the seat. There are no roof bars, and a polycarbonate roof window provides a clear view when handling loads at maximum height. The dashboard and windscreen base are low, so the view to the front is good. The engine hood and boom are low, and hoses are routed internally to maximise the view to the right.

The cab features ROPS and FOPS protection.

Power and flow

Power is from a Yanmar 3-cyl diesel engine with 35.1hp and meeting Stage 5 emissions standards using a diesel oxidation catalyst and a diesel particulate filter.

The transmission is a two-speed hydrostatic. Additional features include ‘inching’ using the braking pedal and an automatic parking brake.

Hydraulic flow is from a standard 48-litres/min gear pump, or a larger 62 litres/min version is an option giving extra flow for auxiliary functions. A flow sharing hydraulic distributor allows operation of multiple functions without sacrificing cycle times. A small 39-litre hydraulic oil supply tank has an anti-aeration filter to remove air bubbles – so that oil returned to the tank is suitable for immediate re-use.

A new electronic carriage angle compensation system uses an angle sensor at the rear of the boom and a carriage rod length sensor inside the bucket cylinder, removing the need for compensation rams and pipework and reducing weight. Advantages include extremely precise operation and reduced carriage drift.

Specify equipment

Manitou models come in three specification levels – Essential, Comfort and Classic. Options include LED lighting with poultry lights available, a reversible cooling fan, and air conditioning which adds 3cm to the overall height. Fuel savings are provided by an automatic stop/start system, which switches off the engine after idling periods from 1–30 minutes. To restart, the user has only to move the joystick or activate the throttle. The manufacturer said that handlers used in construction can spend up to 45% of the time idling, and that specifying the new option saves fuel, reduces emissions, extends the period between servicing and increases residual values, and it has proved popular on other machines in the line-up since it became an option in mid-2021.

Popular tyre options include Mitas TR07 31-15.5-15 agricultural, and Trelleborg 11LR16 industrial – additional options are available from Michelin, Alliance and Camso.

A range of 20 dedicated attachments is available with a range of bracket types, and Manitou expects early demand from poultry enterprises where advantages over skid-steer machines include greater lift capacity and height.

There is no homologation for pulling trailers, but a rear hitch provides limited towing ability around the yard.

Manitou telematics are standard, and free for the first two years. Machines are covered by a standard two-year or 2,000-hour warranty.

Functional design

A look around the machine confirmed that although it is very small, it isn’t short of useful features.

The cab is compact, but with the seat fully back and the steering wheel suitably adjusted, taller drivers can work in reasonable comfort. The upper section of the door can be removed for operation in good weather, and this increases space for the driver’s left arm.

The cab feels much larger than its dimensions suggest – mainly due to the large glass area and excellent visibility. There is no B-pillar on the right-hand side so the view across the boom and engine hood to the front, side and rear is unrestricted.

The test area included a steep slope, and the opportunity to re-handle aggregate making full use of the potential power and capacity.

Even working hard, the quoted 76dB noise level was reasonable, and the handler performed well. The automatic parking brake is a handy feature and makes it easy to stop and pull away again on slopes and achieve controlled operation when loading on uneven ground.

Like larger Manitou models, the JSM joystick has a capacitor sensor which detects when the operator’s hand is present, so there is no need to operate a safety trigger or button before operating the boom.

The overload protection system uses a rear axle sensor to monitor weight reduction on the rear wheels and doesn’t interfere with normal operation. As well as Standard mode, there is Bucket mode which allows maximum break-out force to be achieved, and Suspended load mode which reduces the lift capacity for added safety.

There is a handy lifting point below the attachment carriage for under-slung loads which is standard on all three carriage types, and an external pressure release button makes it easy to swap hydraulic connections for different attachments and implements.

The engine has plenty of power, and cycle times are reasonable, but for basic handling operations faster boom and attachment movements from a slightly more powerful engine and larger pump would increase productivity.

For a small machine, the maximum reach and lift height are impressive, and superior to a skid-steer model for loading high sided trailers or large feed mixers.

Four-wheel steering ensures very good manoeuvrability, and two-wheel steering and crab modes are also available. The steering components are sealed for life reducing the need for routine maintenance.

Verdict

Manitou has designed its new ultra-compact handlers from scratch, with build quality and features which are expected by those used to the brand.

Demand for these smallest models will be limited, but there are many farms where the ability to share a machine between work sites by moving it behind a pick-up on a trailer will appeal.

For its size it is quite comfortable and easy to use, and with back-up available through a network of excellent UK dealers it is an attractive proposition.