The Go-Anywhere Machine

Enlarge Image Image 1. Manitou offers two 523 models: the MT 523, shown here, and the MLT 523 MU.

December 21, 2005 • Two years ago, only a couple of compact telescopic handlers were available to North American buyers, but today more than 30 models from at least a dozen manufacturers are being promoted to the construction and rental markets. During the year, I reviewed several of these machines, including the Ingersoll-Rand VR-518, Terex's TX5519, and the Manitou MT 523 (Image 1), which appears here. Watch for my reviews of the other two machines in upcoming issues.

 

French manufacturer Manitou BF wrote the book on low boom-mounted compact telescopic handlers, and the company's North American subsidiary Manitou North America, based in Waco, Texas, was the first to introduce this product to the U.S. and Canadian markets.

 

Manitou North America offers two models in the 523 series: the MT 523, which is the machine I operated, and the newly released MLT 523 MU. The MLT 523 MU model is equipped with a 75-hp turbocharged engine, fully enclosed cab, and “Mono Ultra” single joystick control. The MT 523 model offers a naturally aspirated 58-hp engine and open cab, which is only a swinging door away from being enclosed. Both machines in the 523 series offer excellent performance with a lift height of 16 feet and a maximum capacity of 5,000 pounds. The models are identical in appearance to the larger Maniscopic series and offer comparable capabilities, striking a balance between performance and compactness.

 

The ultra compact MT 523 joins Manitou North America's extensive product range as one of the smallest rough-terrain forklifts in the industry. Its overall dimensions of 71”x79” makes this model a go-anywhere machine. The MT 523's 122-inch turning radius makes it very easy to handle, and its small size enables it to be used in most confined spaces.

 

Engine-mount benefits

Enlarge Image Image 2. The rear engine location enables several design and operational features.

The most significant feature of the MT 523 is that the engine is mounted in the rear of the machine (Image 2). Moving the engine to this position is very reminiscent of an automotive setup and facilitates significant direct and indirect design features and benefits. I can tell you this was indeed a very clean install and will be a breeze to service. It even has gas struts to hold up the hood. Items like the battery, fuel cell, and hydraulic tank are located in an easy-to-access and securable steel compartment on the side of the machine — where other manufacturers typically mount the engine.

 

Enlarge Image Image 3. Offset boom allows for a wider, more spacious cab.

The biggest advantage to putting the engine in the rear is there's more room to push the boom over. However, offsetting the boom to the right (Image 3) did have one drawback: It causes a minor visual block to the right front fork.

 

With the engine mounted in the rear, Manitou has installed a full-size cab • which, of course, means lots of elbow room • with proportions similar to those found on full-size Manitou products. Although the seat did not have a suspension, it allowed full support. As you can see in Image 4, the controls are placed thoughtfully and all analog gauges are easy to see.

 

Enlarge Image Image 4. The cab is as wide as those found on full-size Manitou telehandlers.

Note the three-stick control  cluster in Image 4, which commands a mechanical full-pressure Walvoil-supplied hydraulic valve block. The large joystick controls lift and tilt functions, while the other levers are the telescope and auxiliary functions. The boom controls had a very precise and sensitive feel to them.

 

Selecting one of three different steering modes is done via a mechanical shifter, and a dashboard light indicates when the rear axle is properly aligned. Also shown in the image, you can see the very wide and positive-feeling brake pedal. When the parking brake is set, the transmission shifts into neutral. The tilting wheel provides light and responsive steering.

 

Another benefit of the rear-engine placement is that it limits engine noise. In addition to this, a generous application of insulating material proved to make this unit very quiet to operate.

 

Unquestionable rough-terrain capabilities

The MT 523 is indisputably a rough-terrain truck with its excellent traction and 12-inch ground clearance. Its closed-loop Rexroth-supplied hydrostatic transmission working with Carraro axles put the power to the ground. When I first showed up at the Manitou factory in Waco, one of the first things I was told to do was take the unit behind the plant and try to get it stuck. The powerful and efficient drive system enables it to work flexibly and precisely in the most demanding situations.

 

Although compact in size, the MT 523 delivers a very impressive 9,523 pounds of breakout force when fitted with a 1-cubic-yard bucket, competing with some of the best skid steers on the market. Its auxiliary hydraulic system and ability to accept a universal skid-steer adaptor means it can accept a wide variety of accessories, including forks and buckets, signifying it as a multi-purpose tool that perfectly adapts to the needs of the agricultural and construction industry. Standard disconnect is through a manual system. I tried it myself, and it is really quite easy. However, if you plan to frequently do complete attachment changes, I would recommend looking into the optional hydraulic quick-attach system.

 

Likes

• Rear-mounted engine has direct and indirect design advantages.
• Generous use of insulating material makes for quiet operation.
• Powerful and efficient drive system enables the MT 523 to work in the most demanding situations.

 

Dislikes

• Offset boom partially blocks the view to the right front fork.
• Operator's seat lacks suspension.

 

Verdict

• One of the smallest rough-terrain forklifts in the industry delivers impressive breakout force and accepts a wide variety of attachments, signifying it as a multi-purpose tool.