Manitou has adaptedquickly to evolve and revamp the existing Backhoe range in terms of durability,reliability, productivity, and operator comfort. The new Manitou Backhoe Loadernow comes with a new and easier nomenclature – MBL – and in two variants – MBL 745S, and MBL 745HT S.

Manitou Group is aworldwide reference in the handling, access platforms, and earthmoving. And, throughits three iconic brands – Manitou, Gehl, and Mustang by Manitou – the groupdevelops, manufactures, and provides equipment and services for theconstruction, agriculture, and industrial markets.

By constantly innovatingits products and services, Manitou Group constantly adds value to exceed itsstakeholders’ expectations. Always attuned to its customers via its expertnetwork of over 1,050 dealers, the group continues to be true to its roots bykeeping its headquarters in France. That focus, which powered sales to €1.6 billionin 2020, informs its talented worldwide team of 4,400 whose passion ceaselesslymotivates the group.

With new Emission normsinto force, Manitou had an opportunity to revamp the Backhoe Loader range ofConstruction Equipment machinery in line with its Global Standards beingfollowed all across the world. Manitou adapted quickly to evolve and revamp theexisting Backhoe range in terms of durability, reliability, productivity, and operatorcomfort.

The new Manitou BackhoeLoader comes with a new and easier nomenclature – MBL. The MBL series comeswith two variants – MBL 745S, and MBL 745HT S. With a new appearance andaddition of new Decals in line with the branding of Manitou products across theglobe, it gives the machine a Stronger, Modern, and Updated look which has beenrevamped keeping the customers’ feedback and recommendations in mind.

Performance,reliability, convenience:With focus on this mantra, the Cabin is more spacious and uncluttered, and ismore attractive than ever before. The updated Cabin is revamped with improved side and rear window,entry door, and window catcher.

The rear quarter windowsallow air flow along with improved right-angle trenching visibility and betterCabin ventilation. The cabin is equipped with a comfortable mechanical seatwith headrest and armrest, new steering wheel with better grip and handling,and a Stereo system with two output speakers. The MBL 745HT S has an option ofan AC unit for a better working environment for the operator.

The access to the cabinwill be much easier with conveniently placed grab rails with no compromise on safetymeasures. There are ergonomically placed switches, lever, and Control Clusterswith large size easy to read indicators and warnings.

An option of Level 2ROPS/FOPS cabin is also available for tougher safety norms as per specific requirements.A battery cut-off switch is provided as standard to protect against electricalfires and theft when the machine is not in use.

There is also anEmergency cut-off switch which can be used by the operator to stop the engineimmediately during any hazardous situation.

The MBL machine packs amore fuel-efficient and robust Kirloskar engine. Powered by a BS IV engine, themachine follows the new emission norms of India.

The BS IV Engine has twovariants – 74.5 Naturally Aspirated, and 74.5 High Torque. The ECU coupled withthe Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI) system provides higher output power andtorque rises while offering enhanced fuel efficiency by 10 per cent. The enginemounted After Treatment Device used is DOC – or, Diesel Oxidation Catalyst. TheRegionalised Cooling system is designed to operate in demanding and extremeconditions of dust and high ambient temperature environment with ease.

Manitou is committed tobring more value to customers by incorporating advanced and robust features formulti-application functionalities. MBL’s are rock solid and much more reliableto deliver higher uptime with lowest maintenance. With optimum Total Cost ofOwnership, customers get better Returns on Investments in the lowest possibletime.

The structure of themachine is much stronger than ever before. Additional reinforcements on boomand dipper tubes add extra strength and are more reliable, thereby reducingmaintenance cost and increasing productivity.

Inbuilt Loader LockingStrut helps offer better safety during idle position and maintenance work. WithSmart UCH, the powerful and dual delivery pump unique unloader controlled (UCH)hydraulics are engineered to optimize engine power and, thus, an increase inthe fuel efficiency.

The performance of themachine is enhanced with best-in-class breakout forces allowing better diggingwithout being stressed. Loader Bucket Cylinder is equipped with Single TiltDiversion Loader Arm, which is made up of High Tensile Strength Steel and alsooffers best visibility with higher tearout forces. With a myriad of attachmentson offer, an extended dipper adds additional 3.5 feet reach for the machine.

Excavator Buckets rangingfrom 0.1 to 0.3 cu.m helps customers to select appropriate digging tools. Optionsof 1.1 cu.m, 1.2 cu.m, Multi-purpose Bucket, Bucket with Forks, Grapple help inachieving best performance on Loader End, and the Rock Breakers for secondarybreaking with highest energy per blow.

Manitou standardtelematics called Easy Manager are now available by default on all MBL’senabling the operator to have a digital twin of the machine on smartphone withMyManitou App. Better Planning of  theManitou fleet and higher optimisation in business with access to live machineinformation like Total Running Hours, Working function, etc.

MyManitou App helps intracking of machine, trace and control machine usage along with protection ofequipment from unauthorized usage and provides real time updates.

Not only does the MBLguarantee lower Total Cost of Operations and higher productivity but alsomaximises lifetime customer value. The new Backhoe Loader comes with a Standard2-years or 4000 hours of warranty. This means more Manitou and less stress.

Various other fixes havebeen taken up based on suggestions from Customers:

• Anew and improved braking system with increased brake pressure from Bosch,thereby reducing operator’s efforts, three discs in rear axle brake system.

• Floormounted accelerator throttle for reducing operator’s fatigue.

• Additionalnylon sleeves on hoses in mast casting for prolonged life.

• Standardtransmission dump switch on loader lever for ease in operation, reduce time forde-clutching and stopping machine movement during loader operation.

• Newstandard 1.0 cubic metre loader bucket with additional plates to avoid materialspillage and standard 0.27 cubic meter deep profile excavator bucket, toimprove productivity of the machine.

Manitou always believesin the Customer First approach and this is infused into the processes for avery long time. This helps to come up with many new technologies andadvancements in the product which are one of the best in terms of Technologyand Improved productivity through enhanced operator efficiency techniques.

Manitou is proud to usethe tagline – “Handling Your World”. This is not only a tagline, but a motto toserve customers to better handle their work and business through use of Worldclass, Reliable and Technology-driven products. This tagline holds good in evensupporting the customers to the best possible extent in terms of Service, PartsAvailability, and On-time Responsiveness to the Machine breakdowns.

Aftermarketsupport has always been the most important domain where focus was always onchallenging the status quo and in setting industry best benchmarks bydelivering professional and proactive response. Since a long time, Manitou hasinvested in providing direct sales, aftermarket, and technical/training supportthrough its own facilities (Manitou SSP), which are well equipped with spare parts,training facilities, and not to mention a skilled team.

Thecore KPIs are ‘Responsiveness, Low machine down time, and Reduced Total Cost ofOwnership for our customers’.

The List may be dynamicand never ending, but evolution is the only constant in terms of providing bestservices and value-addition to end customers being the main motto of Manitou,Manitou pledges to be with their customers all through the life cycle of the equipments.