The Price of Admission - Part Two
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The concept of rotating telehandlers has been slow to develop in North America . Realizing that price was one of the biggest barriers to market acceptance here, Manitou North America of Waco, Texas, has introduced a lower cost unit for entry level buyers.
The MRT 1432 (MRT stands for Manitou Rotating Telehandler) is a smaller, less sophisticated, and less expensive version of the originally imported MRT 1850 and the currently available MRT 2150. While the MRT 1432 offers all the important operational benefits of the larger model, a few trade-offs help keep the cost down. Most notable is that turret rotation is limited to 400°. The MRT 1432 also uses a simple “block” stabilizer system, which means that the outriggers swing straight down into a one-dimensional position. To learn more about how Manitou North America is positioning the MRT family of telehandlers for North American buyers, go to http://www.liftandaccess.com/360/9/pe_2004-07-20_price.html.
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The MRT 1432 features a maximum capacity of 6,300 pounds, maximum lift height of 45'7” and a forward reach of nearly 38 feet. The MRT 1432 is a very capable telescopic handler, but the ability to rotate the boom up to 400° also makes it a useful personnel lift and effective light-duty crane. For full specifications, see Image 2.
Part telehandler
As a telescopic material handler the MRT 1432 operates much like other telehandlers rated at similar capacity. It accepts a variety of tools and attachments from a powered brush to a concrete hopper. The ability to slew (rotate the boom) makes the attachments all the more versatile.
Imagine being able to drive down a narrow row of concrete foundation footers that are spaced only a few inches wider than the 94-inch-wide machine, then being able to rotate the boom 90° to deliver materials on the spot. The low mounted boom also means that the telehandler can be used with a light material bucket.
Part personnel lift
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Four distinctly different platforms are available to use with the MRT 1432. The more standard 13-foot-wide platform is designed to provide nearly 52 feet of working height with 800 pounds of unrestricted capacity. Plus, this platform allows for a maximum horizontal reach of nearly 38 feet. Additionally, the deck features a Manitou-patented compression system that reduces the size of the platform to a 7-foot package for easy transport.
For bigger jobs, a similarly sized platform with 2,200 pounds capacity is available for use in a more limited work envelope. Both platforms can rotate 180° in either direction.
A 660-pound capacity jib platform measuring 98”x48” offers an additional 20 feet of maximum vertical reach and an additional 5 feet of horizontal reach. The platform rotates at the jib tip rather than at the boom tip.
My favorite of the platform attachments is the 3D Rotating Pendulum Basket. This attachment extends the working range of the boom by up to 40 feet. More impressive is its ability to reach below grade up to 35 feet and nearly 14 feet under and behind the unit's centerline of rotation. This makes for an effective bridge inspection tool. See Image 4.
According to Manitou N.A., the 3D Rotation Pendulum Basket works to its full capability when used on the larger MRT 2150. Consider that when mounted on the bigger telehandler, you can achieve 106 feet of working height. Despite certain limitations when employed on the MRT 1432, the platform can also be an effective tool on the smaller unit when used in the right situations.
All four of the platform attachments feature joystick control for the boom functions by the operator from the platform. When a personnel platform is attached, the telescopic handler cannot be driven from the cab.
Part crane
When set up on stabilizers, the 3-ton winch attachment allows up to a full 6,000 pounds of lift capacity. More notable is the 5,830-pound capacity at 17 feet from the center line of rotation. This load can be lifted up to 44 feet under hook height. The winch attachment is equipped with an A2B device to prevent two-blocking and a fixed truss-style jib offers 1,300 pounds capacity to nearly 47 feet of reach.
In control
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The MRT's ability to work as full function rotating telehandler, access platform, and crane relies heavily on the Manitou Stability System (MSS). This is an internally-developed moment indicator that is programmed to manage the load charts of eight different attachments. It is produced for Manitou by 3B6.
MSS manages the load charts by analyzing the position of the load in three dimensions while simultaneously monitoring the work configuration of the machine. See Image 6. The programmed load charts are compared against data sent by various sensors, including a combination of proximity switches, mechanical limit switches, load transducers located in the lift cylinders, and a string potentiometer (see Image 7). When the machine reaches an overloaded position, the system locks outs any non-compliant movement.
Components of the stability system are located in a sealed poly enclosure behind the driver's seat and in a locakable tool storage box at the rear of the cab. Additionally, MSS features self-diagnostics specific to the load management system. Before beginning operation, the operator must select the appropriate load chart for the attachment being used. A selector panel is mounted on the dash.
Boom functions are commanded by a multi-function joystick that features a selector switch for lift/lower and telescope in/out. A second switch controls slewing and attachments. A button on the top of the joystick serves as an operational enabler.
For safety, the unit is equipped with a 5° slope sensor interlock. Manitou recommends using stabilizer pads similar to those used under crane outriggers to help keep the unit as level as possible. When traversing rough terrain, the rear axle oscillates about ±5°, but locks into position when the boom is raised more than 60° and when the turret is rotated more than 15° when on tires. Once the boom is raised but before it reaches 60°, a yellow rear axle warning light on the dash illuminates while the axle is active.
Nuts and bolts
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The original MRT came with plastic fenders and I can still recall the decal warning “No Step” on those fenders. But those shown in Image 1 are made of steel. Featuring flat tops, the fenders are integrated into the base of the machine forming a deck that helps facilitate movement around the machine.
Power comes from a Perkins turbo-charged 1104C-44T turbocharged diesel engine. The four-cylinder direct-injection engine features 268 cubic inch displacement (cid). Power flows through a Rexroth hydrostatic drive to Clark Hurth drive axles, offering both a high and low drive range. The engine coolant and hydraulic oil are cooled via a two-stage radiator. Air is drawn by a two-speed hydraulically driven fan motor. Theoretically, this four-wheel drive unit has 65% gradeability supported by very buoyant Goodyear 400/70R 20 air-filled tires which means it can motor just about anywhere.
All hoses and wiring needed to power attachments are carried on the exterior of the boom in an external two-stage power track. External tracks are an uncommon design choice for telehandlers. While the system seems robust, the unprotected top side of the track might present a problem as debris gets caught in the track. Care should be taken to regularly clean out the tracks. To address concerns about its dependability, however, Manitou has opted to use Military-grade circuitry and wiring throughout the machine.
Operational impressions
If you have ever read any of my evaluations of French-built telehandlers, you know that I love the way they pamper the operator. The MRT 1432 is no different. The fully adjustable suspension seat is as comfortable as a living room rocker. Nicely padded dual arm rests and a steering wheel that tilts and telescopes to fit the operator make for an easier work day. Other creature comforts, such as temperature control and a stereo, are options. Very quiet operation is another big plus. Climbing in the cab is a bit of a chore, however, because the ability to slew the boom means that the cab must to be mounted a little higher than if it were on a fixed boom unit.
I was generally impressed with precise and smooth controls. Boom control seemed straightforward; telescope and lift functions performed smoothly and precisely. The only control issue I discovered was chatter while slewing the unit at a low engine RPM.
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Three- way steering (two-wheel, four-wheel, and crab) comes with a wheel alignment indicator. Although the light was a little hard to see in the bright sun, I appreciated how easy it was to monitor the wheel alignment. Setting the outriggers to bring the unit within the required 5° for boom operation was a snap thanks to a convenient bubble gauge. To set the stabilizers, the transmission must be placed in neutral; to raise the stabilizers, the boom must be fully stowed.
The low-mounted boom affords excellent 360° visibility, especially to the right of the machine. I did find myself having to lean out of the cab, however, to get a good look at the left side tires. I also had little trouble picking up a direct line of sight to the front of the carriage. Visibility out of the top of the Plexiglas opening was quite adequate.
With a base price of $121,760 the MRT 1432 offers all the features and benefits of both the original MRT 1850 and the larger MRT 2150. Although the price of admission is more reasonable for the MRT 1432, it will still take time for buyers to truly perceive the return on investment they can get with this machince. But when you consider the multiple capabilities of this unit and its market potential I wouldn't be surprised if some conceptual drawings are appearing on computer screens in the offices of competitive manufacturers such as JLG or Ingersoll-Rand.
Likes
- The rotating boom design affords tremendous capabilities.
- The MRT 1432 is a quiet, first-class ride.
- This unit is straight forward to operate.
Dislikes
- The boom chatters when powered a low speed.
- The open top power track could lead to future problems.
- The cab entrance is high, although necessarily so.
Verdict
The MRT 1432 offers owner-operators and contractors of all sizes an ideal combination of capabilities. Overall, it is a better machine than its predecessor at a lower price.
