Manitou South Africa, a subsidiary of Manitou BF in France, is a local market leader in rough terrain handling and lifting equipment on that continent. At last month’s Electra Mining exhibition it showcased the quality, versatility and economy of its machines. One of the highlights was live demonstrations of two of its flagship machine models. The 21-t, 63-in MHT 10210 tyre handler boasts a lift height of 9.70 m and a maximum forward reach of 5.87 m.
Manitou’s unique tyre handling attachment, which enables the machine to safely and efficiently change heavy duty tyres on most mining vehicles, was also be on display. Both the locally manufactured South African tyre handler and the cylinder handler were demonstrated with the MHT 10210.
The MT732, a flameproof mining specific machine, demonstrated the Manitou four fork tyre handler with a 1.4 t tyre on a rim. The machine has been adapted to a lower height for mining purposes and has a lifting height of 6.9 m.
Another product of interest was the Maniacaccess 160/180ATJ platform. With a height of 2.37 m and lifting height of 17.65 m, this access platform was demonstrated with a personnel cage.
Other selected models from Manitou’s proven range of equipment on display included the MLT742 full underground mining specific machine fitted with a cage, forks or bucket, the Gehl articulated loader with its lifting height of 3,917 mm, the standard Gehl E-series Skid Steer Loader with bucket attachment, the M30-2 fitted with forks and the CD30, fitted with forks and side shift and with a lifting height of 3,365 mm.
The range of machines on display highlighted the versatility of Manitou’s equipment. With its series of quick-fit attachments, Manitou machines are suited for drilling, boring, installing wire mesh for roof support, charging up for blasting, removing and replacing motors or engines underground, automated replacing of large tyres underground, loading and unloading, lifting, digging and cleaning. Its product range includes telescopic handlers, rough terrain and conventional forklift trucks, TLBs Gehl Skid steer and articulated loaders, attachments and truck mounted forklifts.