Human beings are known for myriad of things, but most importantly, they are known for getting better on a consistent basis. This inclination towards growth, no matter the situation, has already enabled us to hit upon some huge milestones, with technology appearing as a major member of the stated group. The reason why we hold technology in such a high regard is by and large, predicated upon its skill-set, which realized all the possibilities for us that we couldn’t have imagined otherwise. Nevertheless, if we look beyond the surface for a second, it will become clear how the whole runner was also very much inspired from the way we applied those skills across a real world environment. The latter component, in fact, did a lot to give the creation a spectrum-wide presence and start what was a full-blown tech revolution. Of course, this revolution then went on to scale up the human experience through some outright unique avenues, but even after achieving a feat so notable, technology will somehow continue to bring out the right goods. The same has turned more evident in recent times, and assuming a new construction-related development works out just like we envision, it should only propel that trend towards far bigger and better heights moving forward.

Manitou has officially launched two new telehandlers in MRT 2260e and the MRT 2660e that form the extension of its VISION+ line of rotating telehandlers. According to certain reports, both the products will deliver 13,200-lbs. of maximum capacity in a 100 percent electric machine. Another detail linking them up is their 700V-65 kWh lithium-ion battery, which is specifically built to sustain work in outdoor environments, but that’s not all. You can also expect to find an optional second battery so to double the battery capacity available at the operator’s disposal. Now, if two separate batteries are not enough to seal the deal, Manitou has also provided a fast charger which can achieve charging times in less than an hour in the right conditions, whereas an optional E-Xtra Generator is put in place to realize a hybrid experience that can supplement the primary stock of electric power. Guess what; we are still not done, as the telehandlers further feature a “plug-in” mode, a mode which allows the machine to operate while connected to the main energy supply when the stabilizers are extended.

When quizzed regarding the new products, Steve Kiskunas, product manager, telescopic handlers at Manitou, responded by saying:

“We’ve retained the performance and specs of the diesel models while reducing emissions, lowering noise on the jobsite, and making lifetime owning and operating costs significantly less. Telehandlers are perfectly suited for electrification due to their varied use throughout the day, their ability to charge relatively fast, and the importance of less noise impacting verbal communication in many material handling applications. And the elimination of service and support operations and costs around the diesel engines will have significant lifetime cost savings.”

Apart from the VISION+ rotating telehandlers we already covered, Manitou also launched a new MT 625e compact electric fixed telehandler. This one s a 100 percent electric fixed compact telehandler with a maximum capacity of 5,500-lbs., max reach of 19-ft., 2-in., and a max outreach of 11-ft., 1-in. Equipped with powerful combination of  a 25 (standard) or 35 kWh (optional) lithium-ion battery, the machine takes about two hours to fully charge once connected to the optional 9 kW on-board charger.

“Between sound regulations and quiet hours in urban areas, and the elimination of emissions for indoor work — plus the broad range of attachments, the MT625e is one of the most dynamic all-around pieces of equipment on any jobsite,” said Kiskunas. “It can be run day and night without disturbing neighbors, and delivers a whole new level of versatility to indoor work.”