Electric telehandler for agriculture
French handling specialists Manitou has developed its first all-electric telehandler concept aimed at the agricultural market.
Manitou, the French materials handling specialist, has expanded its range of industrial forklifts with eight new models of 5-10 tonnes lift capacity.
The 50, 60 and 70 models, offering nominal lift capacities of 5, 6 and 7t, are available with either a Cummins QSB 3.3L diesel engine or a PSI 4.3L LPG engine (100hp). The larger 80 and 100 models with 8 and 10t capacities are diesel only and powered by a Cummins 4.5L engine producing 110hp.
All units have a power-shift transmission with 30km/h maximum speed, oil immersed brakes for a long service life and an inching pedal as standard for jerk-free approach. These models also have an end of stroke function for safety.
Particular care has been taken over the cabin design, which offers non-slip access steps, a flat floor offering more space and improved visibility through the wide fork frame, hi-vis roof and ‘sculpted’ rear pillars. A contoured seat with seat belt completes the package.
Manitou says the design brief for the new models was based on users’ needs for simplicity, comfort, reliability and efficiency, and low operating costs.
Three New Zealand agritech companies are set to join forces to help unlock the full potential of technology.
As the sector heads into the traditional peak period for injuries and fatalities, farmers are being urged to "take a moment".
Federated Farmers says almost 2000 farmers have signed a petition launched this month to urge the Government to step in and provide certainty while the badly broken resource consent system is fixed.
Zespri’s counter-seasonal Zespri Global Supply (ZGS) programme is underway with approximately 33 million trays, or 118,800 tonnes, expected this year from orchards throughout France, Italy, Greece, Korea, and Japan.
Animal owners can help protect life-saving antibiotics from resistant bacteria by keeping their animals healthy, says the New Zealand Veterinary Association.
According to analysis by the Meat Industry Association (MIA), New Zealand red meat exports reached $827 million in October, a 27% increase on the same period last year.

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