The Manitou Group is testing two construction telehandler prototypes fitted with hybrid and full-electric drivelines developed by the Deutz Group.
Believed to be an industry first, both were developed by e-Deutz, a division within the Deutz Group dedicated to developing new driveline technologies. In the hybrid prototype, the MT 1335’s 75kW (100hp) Deutz TCD 3.6 diesel engine has been swapped for a 55kW TCD 2.2 and a 20kW/48v electric motor. The full-electric Manitou MT 1135 telehandler is equipped with a 360v vehicle power supply, 60kW electric motor and 30kWh capacity battery.
Designed to reduce overall running costs and fuel consumption and lower emissions, Manitou is the first customer for the e-Deutz technologies. President and CEO Michel Denis of the Manitou Group says it allows the company to enhance its existing hybrid and electric ranges. “The integration of electric drives into our telehandlers is very encouraging for the future,” he said.
The burning question now is whether Manitou has any plans to include similar technologies in its ag handlers? We are unable to answer this question just yet but can reveal that the first opportunity to see the construction versions will be at next April’s Bauma construction machinery show in Munich, Germany.
