Telehandlers are slowly gaining popularity among Canadian farmers. While they aren’t yet taking the market by storm, manufacturers are beginning to give potential buyers more reason to consider adding a telehandler to a farm fleet, offering models tailored for farm environments and typical agricultural jobs. Bringing them to farm equipment shows helps catch farmers’ eyes.
Manitou’s NewAg 737-130 PS+ is one of those machines we noticed on last summer’s show circuit. It’s one marketers think will score points with producers. With a maximum lift capacity of 3,700 kilograms (8,100 pounds) and a lift height of 6.90 metres (22 feet, seven inches), this machine can definitely outperform the average utility ag tractor with a front-end loader.
And with an overall height of just 2.38 metres (seven feet, nine inches), the 737-130 PS+ can definitely sneak into those low pole sheds or specialty barns where a standard ag tractor with a cab dare not venture.
Under the hood the new Manitou uses a Deutz, four-cylinder, 3.6-litre diesel that puts out 129 horsepower. To keep it cool, an auto-reversing fan able to blow out debris is standard equipment. The engine routes power though a 6F X 3R “Powershift Plus” transmission. which gives it a maximum roading speed of 40 km/h.
To move the boom, it uses a load-sensing hydraulic pump capable of moving 150 l/min. (39.6 g.p.m.). The Manitou’s “Intelligent hydraulics” system includes “quicklift,” “bucket shaker” and “return to load” features to simplify things for the operator.
And speaking of the operator, inside the cab is a reasonably quiet environment with a published noise level of 73dB. For comparison, the government of British Columbia’s HealthLink website estimates the noise of a vacuum cleaner or an average radio at 75dB.
