French manufacturer, the Manitou Group unveiled a number of new forklift innovations at the CeMAT exhibition held at the Hannover Messe, Germany 31 May – 3 June 2016.
Among the new products on display were seven new electric trucks and two new warehousing applications as well as a number of product previews. With the industrial market moving towards digitisation and automated machine management, the Manitou Group says it is setting itself apart with its easy-to-use, intuitive and easily maintained trucks.
The Manitou brand entered the market in 2012 with the launch of 12 industrial truck models (MI). To date more than 6000 MI trucks have been sold with growth of 25-30% per year since the range was launched.
At a time when warehouse working standards are becoming increasingly strict, the Manitou Group is developing its range of industrial trucks with the new ME range, powered by an electric motor and designed for light to moderate use and to meet increased user safety and environmental protection requirements.
The new ME 315 C 24V is the latest addition to the ME 48V range for use in confined spaces. This new electric truck is designed for offices, hospitals, small stores and any other premises where there is limited room for circulation. It is aimed primarily at distribution centres and a variety of different industries.
The ME 315 C has been designed to be easy and intuitive to use in order to complement the existing 3-wheel forklift truck segment. Its ergonomics make driving easier because of a simplified dashboard and access from both sides using a step and a wide handle.
The ME 315 C has a lifting capacity of 1.5t and a 24V battery. There are also a number of optional attachments available, as well as a comprehensive range of tyres to best suit the working environment.
Manitou launched three new 48V models – ME 418, ME 420 and ME 425 C – with lifting capacities of 1.8t, 2t and 2.5t respectively. These new 4-wheel electric trucks can be used on logistics platforms, in warehouses, at distribution centres, in industry and in the food-processing sector and are also designed to load and unload lorries
The ME 418, 420 and 425 C 48V models are of a new design which maintains the same dimensions as the current range, with improve ergonomics and quick, intuitive handling.. These products already come with a variety of options, as well as hydraulic controls using a mini-lever and the possibility of changing the battery through the side of the vehicle.
There were also three new high-tonnage trucks designed to complete the current 80V range and satisfy heavy handling needs in the form of the ME 440, 445 and 450.
Designed to deal with heavy loads, they have lifting capacities of 4t, 4.5t and 5t respectively. They can also be adapted to different environments and fields of activity, such as the automotive industry, the paper industry, logistics platforms and lorry loading and unloading operations in general.
These new products offer the travel and lifting speeds necessary for intensive use. Furthermore, the cab can be accessed from either side, making it more ergonomic.
The ME 440, 445 and 450 models are easy to use with intuitive controls and a simplified monitor. There is a wide range of options available to enable the client to equip the truck to suit their specific needs.
The warehousing options have been developed to help prevent musculoskeletal disorders. The new C12 order preparer, fitted with a handling arm, can optimise working conditions and prevent musculoskeletal disorders.
The attached prehensile arm means that the operator no longer has to carry loads throughout order preparation operations. The C12 is ideal for application in warehouses, factories or for order preparation.
The articulated arm can rotate up to 340deg and lift loads of 80kg at 2.2m distant from the truck. Because of this innovation, the operator can work in complete safety. The sensitive handle is equipped with a hand detection system and a system for detecting the load on the ground, which avoids the load becoming detached. The C12 is also equipped with an automatic speed reducer on bends and a protective roof.
This new machine is also highly versatile, enabling the operator to be autonomous in the entire order preparation cycle: one man can perform the entire logistical cycle without carrying any products. Furthermore, the articulated arm can be equipped with numerous attachments – hooks, clamps, etc – and the mast can stack pallets.
This new truck functions on electricity with a 24 V battery and can travel at 12km an hour. It is equipped with an optimised step (130mm high) giving access to an anti-vibration platform, with foam back protection. The C12 improves the efficiency of operations while preserving the health of operators.
To continue the development of ergonomic solutions, by the end of the year, a new machine will be available with a system to aid grasping using a vacuum, which can handle loads up to 200kg.
The other warehousing solution, Stacky 10 S16 was previewed at CeMAT. The Stacky range presents a new option to automatically level the forks, which improves the ergonomics of the operating position and the working conditions of operators. Based on the electric single-mast stacking truck from the Manitou range, this functionality can automatically adjust the forks to the right height, thus optimising the operator’s posture, working time and the speed and efficiency of operators.
It can lift loads up to 1t to a height of 1.6m and is suitable for use in warehouses, factories and in various order preparation tasks. The Stacky 10 S16, fitted with a 24V battery, has a range of speed that is almost identical when it is unloaded and loaded.
Intended mainly for work at the workstation and handling pallets, this new warehousing equipment with automatic levelling prevents the lift-truck operator from working in a poor posture. As it automatically positions itself at the correct height, this solution prevents musculoskeletal disorders.
With its new range of ME 315, 316, 318 and 320, Manitou Group previewed four new models at CeMAT with designs that have been completely overhauled. The lines of these new machines have been redesigned to emphasise a more modern and stylised concept.
Their functioning, using electricity, meets increasingly strict standards for interior usage. These new models can work in logistical centres, for loading and unloading lorries, in stores and warehouses, distribution centres, procurement centres or in miscellaneous industries.
Fitted with a 48V battery, the new ME 315, 316, 318 and 320 are designed to fulfill different lifting requirements, respectively with 1.5t, 1.6t, 1.8t and 2t of capacity. They are equipped with two single wheels at the front and a double wheel at the rear, which is driven by two engines positioned on the two front wheels.
These trucks also offer improved ergonomics in the driver’s compartment, with easier access to the position and controls by mini-levers. The comfort of these machines is optimised by ergonomic controls, excellent visibility from the driver’s compartment and complete lighting.
The range speed and speed of raising and lowering the mast, as well as battery autonomy, have been improved to significantly increase the performance of these new units. The option to extract the battery from the side facilitates its maintenance.