Manitou Launches Large-Frame Skid Steers and Compact Track Loaders

Manitou North America has launched five all-new large-frame skid steers and compact track loaders ranging in operating capacity from 3,250 pounds to 3,600 pounds. 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 expansion of a core product line, among the most in-demand in the construction, rental, and agricultural industries, fits Manitou’s greater vision of delivering a full-line fleet to the North American market.

Big Machine Strength & Performance

The five new models introduced by Manitou all compete head-to-head with or beat comparably sized skid steers and compact track loaders in the industry in key performance metrics, including rated operating capacity, breakout force (both at the bucket and the lift arms), and in auxiliary hydraulics for attachment use (both standard and high-flow). Each is built with a vertical lift design optimized for truck loading, as well as lifting and placing palletized materials. Strong cast links built standard into each model also make these extremely successful in ground engaging applications and ensuring they work well as a strong attachment platform.

Hinge pin heights range up to 136 inches to make these machines ideal for loading and reaching into large/high trucks, and lifting/placing materials to higher points. 

Rated operating capacities are 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 improves performance and fuel economy.

Each machine excels in 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. This dictates optimal performance of the attachment, and ensures that only the necessary amount of energy is consumed to operate it. Hydraulic horsepower on each machine — 50.3 horsepower standard and 82 horsepower with the optional boost — further ensures overall machine performance and supports robust attachment performance.

Manitou Americas

All-New Design & Manitou Exclusives

The Manitou design and engineering team worked to incorporate existing Manitou exclusive technologies such as the IdealTrax track-tensioning system and IdealAccess foldable door with all-new design features that deliver practical benefits to machine operation and performance. IdealTrax, 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).

Most noticeable is a unique and ultra-modern lift-arm design that 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 unique 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, which reduces spillage and improves operator comfort. Skid steer models feature an adjustable arm downstop to accommodate different tire sizes depending on the application.

Each arm is designed with strong cast steel timing links that improve everything from attachment carrying and operation to ground engaging bucket work while reducing stresses on the machine. Greaseable pins are also located along the lift arm for easy access and improved service.

Each machine comes standard with a sloped roof and large skylight that minimizes the front upper cross section for better visibility when loading trucks, feed mixers, or placing materials at height. An optional Level 2 Falling Object Protective Structure (FOPS) both improves the protection of the cab and provides a robust protective bracket for the machine’s front LED work lights.

Lighting plays an important role in the new design, with excellent 360-degree illumination available, along with the option to add a beacon on top of the machine for greater jobsite awareness. This includes the standard rear LED position lights, turn signals and front work lights, as well as optional road lights (low beam/high beam/turn signal), hazard lights, and optional side lights tucked under the lift arm. The front worklights even feature an egress time delay to ensure safety around the machine in lowlight conditions.     

The undercarriage of each tracked model — a key factor to ownership and operation costs — has also undergone over 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 spills.

Feature Standardization

A central focus of the introduction of the new large-frame lineup was the addition of a considerably more robust set of standard features, aimed at simplifying the overall ordering process and delivering a more premium owning and operating experience in line with Manitou’s quality commitment. While influence from the automotive industry is clear in each machine, Manitou has industrialized these influences to make them reliable for daily use and heavy work.

This is evident in the cab of each machine and its operator interface. Standard features include a foot pedal for both throttle and deceleration, cabin dome lights, 12V and USB charging ports with device storage areas, and removable rubber floor mats that include a drain that goes through to the bottom of the machine for easy clean out.

The cab is large and spacious with 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 intuitively 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. It also includes Manitou’s smart throttle that senses the input speed and adjusts the acceleration rate — and it always starts at low idle for safety and fuel efficiency. 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.

The Mission: Lowering Total Cost of Ownership

At the heart of every Manitou product launch is the drive to lower total cost of ownership for the equipment owner. Increasing topline revenue through greater performance capabilities and utilization is an important piece of that puzzle, and Manitou complements that with widespread features that enable cost efficiencies, greater uptime, and fewer costly downtime events.

Service is made simple through intelligent engine compartment design and easy access to daily service checks and fill points. The tilt-up hydraulic cooler serves a double purpose of enabling a low profile to improve visibility to the rear of the machine, and allowing for improved access to service points in the engine compartment while discouraging the build-up of jobsite dust and debris. That cooling fan comes with optional reversing capabilities – either at scheduled intervals or on-demand – to improve cooling performance and to keep the engine compartment clear of debris.

These new large-frame loaders are “Manitou Connected Machines” that provide instant remote access to recent activity, operation codes, CAN data and service alerts. Owners/operators stay connected on-the-go with the myManitou mobile app, where they can monitor machine location, fuel levels, operating hours, and set geofences for added control and security. They can even access key documents like the operator’s manual directly from their device. For fleet and business management, EasyMANAGER is a robust management tool—track service intervals, pinpoint machine locations, and quickly identify diagnostic codes, all from one centralized platform.

Manitou also offers financing, extended coverage, and a comprehensive attachment offering for a complete and well-rounded product platform — whether its skid steers, CTLs, telehandlers, MEWPS or forklifts — to businesses, rental operations and owner/operators throughout North America.