Electric telehandler for agriculture
French handling specialists Manitou has developed its first all-electric telehandler concept aimed at the agricultural market.
Manitou Australia is launching its Gehl R series radial-lift skid loaders ‘down under’, and they are expected to be popular with farmers.
The line-up is all new, the company says. The models R190, R220 and R260 offer a better operator station with an integrated digital display, improved visibility, pressurised cabs, Tier IV engines and a high-powered hydraulic system.
These machines are rated large-frame and bring “unparalleled performance to the jobsite,” says Manitou.
When equipped with optional counterweights, the rated operating capacities range from 957kg on the R190 to 1260kg on the R260. Lift heights reach up to 3060mm on the R190 and 3124mm on the R220 and R260.
Their emissions compliant Tier IV Yanmar engines have DPF (diesel particulate filter) technology – environmentally sound and needing no fuel after-treatments, such as urea. With maximum torque ratings from 235 Nm on the R190 to 279.3 Nm on the R260, power is ample, says the company.
The R Series skid loaders come with high-powered auxiliary hydraulics that achieve flow rates from 119L/min on the R190 to 32.5L/min on the R220 and R260 with the high-flow configuration.
High breakout forces are great for digging and faster cycle times further enhance productivity.
The cabs have a new side-folding restraint bar and armrests with multiple adjustments. Joystick and hand/foot control towers are fully adjustable and the mechanical or air-ride suspension seat options gives plenty of comfort.
A cab-forward design and lowered rear towers give good visibility to the bucket edge and rear of the machine. The optional pressurised sealed cab enclosure, with sound reduction material and a rear-mounted air filter, is clean and quiet.
Newly elected Federated Farmers meat and wool group chair Richard Dawkins says he will continue the great work done his predecessor Toby Williams.
Hosted by ginger dynamo Te Radar, the Fieldays Innovation Award Winners Event put the spotlight on the agricultural industry's most promising ideas.
According to DairyNZ's latest Econ Tracker update, there has been a rise in the forecast breakeven milk price for the 2025/26 season.
Despite the rain and a liberal coating of mud, engines roared, and the 50th Fieldays Tractor Pull Competition drew crowds of spectators across the four days of the annual event.
Nationwide rural wellbeing programme, Farmstrong recently celebrated its tenth birthday at Fieldays with an event attended by ambassador Sam Whitelock, Farmers Mutual Group (FMG), Farmstrong partners, and government Ministers.
Six industry organisations, including DairyNZ and the Dairy Companies Association (DCANZ) have signed an agreement with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to prepare the country for a potential foot and mouth outbreak.
OPINION: ACT MP Mark Cameron isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but he certainly calls it how he sees it, holding…
OPINION: Did former PM Jacinda Ardern get fawning reviews for her book?