Presented at a convention in Sardinia to an audience of more than 600 dealers and around 60 journalists from across Europe, the NewAg range will also be exhibited at the EIMA exhibition in Bologna from 9 to 13 November and EUROTIER in Hanover from 15 to 18 November. Composed of 9 models, this range is characterized by a wide choice of transmissions, an entirely new cab with "Easy step" access, optimal visibility, improved soundproofing and numerous innovations providing comfort, performance and efficiency. Associated with a complete range of services, the NewAg has a lower total cost of ownership, the lowest on the market.
Why a new range?
In order to best meet the current and future expectations of farmers, the Manitou group has been working for nearly 3 years on a complete range of machines and innovative services, including those related to connectivity and consumables. "As requirements for comfort, performance and productivity are increasingly high on farms, we have to offer a choice of machines that are adapted to these constraints, and of course compliant with the Euro Stage IV engine standards. We have chosen to call this range NewAg because this name reflects the changes in the agricultural world and is understandable by everyone. The range fits perfectly within our REDUCE TCO* (Total Cost of Ownership) program, thanks to the numerous services offered, which can reduce the total cost of ownership still further", says Arnaud Boyer, Vice-President Marketing & Product Development for the Manitou group.
9 models sorted out according to 4 transmissions
Torque converter transmission with Powershuttle gearbox
To provide a range suitable for all types of use, the Manitou group offers 4 types of transmission. The manual torque converter transmission Powershuttle gearbox has 4 gears for handling agricultural loads on the road or on the farm. This transmission is highly reliable and is an economical solution for the user. The MLT 630-105 and MLT 733-105 models are offered with this type of transmission. The maximum speed is 40 km/h for the MLT 630-105 and 32 km/h for the MLT 733-105.
Main characteristics of the MLT 630-105 and MLT 733-105 models:
Torque converter transmission with Powershift Plus gearbox
This transmission, which is very easy to use, enables the operator to choose between a manual and automatic mode. In the first case, the gears are changed using the +/- buttons on the JSM® (Joystick Switch & Move). 6 forward gears are proposed for 3 types of speed in forward-reverse. The operator can move into automatic gearbox mode by using the DSB (Double Switch Buttons) reserved for this purpose on the dashboard, which enables him/her to concentrate during material-handling and transport operations. The Powershift Plus transmission is available on the MLT 635-130 PS+ and MLT 737-130 PS+ models and has a maximum speed of 40 km/h.
Main characteristics of the MLT 635-130 PS+ and MLT 737-105 PS+ models:
M-Varioshift transmission
This type of hydrostatic transmission corresponds to traction operations of varying degrees of difficulty. The JSM® enables transition from a low speed to a high speed via two gears. The first enables the user to drive between 0 and 18 km/h with an optimal torque at low speed for improved loading of agricultural products, while the 2nd gear, between 0 and 40 km/h, enables precise material handling at higher speed, thanks to an optimal torque at high speed. The machine's consumption is also managed better, thanks to the "Eco Mode" system. The M-Varioshift transmission is available on the MLT 630-105 V CP and MLT 630-105 V models.
Main characteristics of the MLT 630-105 V CP and MLT 630-105 V models:
M-Vario Plus transmission
This new generation of continuously variable transmission (CVT) has a single gear between 0 and 40 km/h. Using an engine speed and an associated gear, the M-Vario Plus transmission provides optimal torque at low and high speeds. The 2 hydraulic engines and the default "Eco" mode also reduce the noise nuisance from the engine and the transmission. Highly reliable, this transmission provides fuel savings estimated by the REDUCE TCO program and at up to 5%. The M-Vario Plus gearbox is found on the MLT 635-140 V+, MLT 741-140 V+ and MLT 940-140 V+ models.
Main characteristics of the MLT 635-140 V+, MLT 741-140 V+ and MLT 940-140 V+ models:
"Offering such a wide choice of transmissions allows us to respond to the requirements of farmers. Consumption is better controlled and there are significant productivity gains. Our aim is really to simplify the use of our machines while providing maximum comfort, performance and efficiency every day", says Wim Roose, agricultural range Product Development and Market Manager for the Manitou group.
Improved visibility
The visibility of the models in the NewAg range has been improved, with the redesign of the inclination of the blades on the roof grid by engineers. This roof grid, patented by Manitou, provides the user with a clear view of the load being handled, whatever the height of the deployed boom. Other elements have also been redesigned, such as the low position of the articulation point of the boom. Equipped with a panoramic monobloc windscreen, the NewAg's new cab provides a real 360° visibility.
See and be seen. This motto is also one of the objectives of NewAg. Two front and rear adjustable working lights (LED lights on the Premium and Elite finishes), as well as main-beam headlights, provide the operator with greater comfort during material handling operations while remaining visible, thus increasing his/her safety. Two additional LEDs at the front and the rear are also available with the LED+ option. Another option for improved visibility is a de-icing electric external rear-view mirror, adjustable from the cab, enabling optimal work in spite of difficult climatic conditions. "With the NewAg, we are offering a set of new options. Our machines are even more comfortable, as well as more visible thanks to high-quality lighting", says Camille Rouvrais, Market Manager for the agricultural range.
A cab with all the necessary comfort
Access to the driver's compartment has been completely redesigned. Thanks to a clearly-visible wide anti-slip step and two large handles on the uprights of the truck, getting in and out of the cab is now easier and even safer. Once inside the cab, the user has various services available, notably a high-quality Grammer seat, a USB port and numerous storage spaces. The DSB (Double Switch Buttons) are one of the many innovations of this range: the operator can choose to position the buttons on the armrest or on the dashboard, so as to more easily activate the functions that are regularly used. All of the models in the range are also equipped with the JSM® (Joystick Switch & Move), specific to Manitou. Fixed on an unattached armrest, it gives the user single-handed control of raising and lowering the boom, as well as all hydraulic and transmission movements, with minimum action on their part.
The level of soundproofing is one of the key innovative elements in this cab. Thanks to optimal acoustic insulation, there are no air pockets. The NewAg therefore has the most silent cab on the market (73 dB inside the cab). This comfort enables the operator to work under optimal conditions, with less stress and fatigue.
Hydraulics
Like the MLT 840 & 1040 models that were presented in September, the NewAg is equipped with 3 new "Intelligent Hydraulics" concepts: the "Quicklift", enabling the operator to extend or retract the telescope and lift the boom simultaneously, notably for storage operations. The "Bucket shaker", a new function that shakes the bucket via a single movement of the controls by the operator. The last function of this hydraulic trio: the "Return to load" memorizes the exact angle of the initial position of the bucket, enabling an automatic return to the right level, allowing the operator to perform loading operations without adjustment. The hydraulic pump installed on the MLT models of the NewAg range can deliver a flow of up to 170 l/min, ensuring that all hydraulic movements are smooth. The new generation of boom suspension, Active CRC, speed sensitive and fitted with activation memorization, is also available on this new range. The "Regenerative Hydraulics" option enables the boom to be lowered quickly, using gravity only. The unused hydraulic power is used to perform other movements, thus generating a gain in productivity.
A new design
The design of the NewAg range has been entirely reviewed. As well as the highly curved shape of the cab, the mudguards have been redesigned along with the engine hood. The boom is black on this range, giving it an aggressive appearance, ready to perform any material handling operation. A new claw has also been designed (see opposite). The NewAg range is resolutely modern with strongly dynamic curves. The chassis has been redesigned to adapt to the new cab and the transmission, while retaining the quality of the Manitou chassis.
An engine that complies with Final Tier 4 / Stage IV standards
With a capacity of 3.6 liters, the NewAg's DEUTZ TCD3.6L4 engine develops a power of between 101 hp and 136 hp varying between 74.5 kW and 100 kW depending on the models. Thanks to a thermal management system and a DENox 2.2 post-treatment system from Bosch, polluting discharges are limited. Another advantage of this engine: a reversible automatic ventilator provided as standard (except on the MLT 733 where it is an option) which both regulates the temperature of the engine as well as expels residue when the automatic ventilation reversal (every 3 minutes) is activated from the DSB. This engine naturally meets the requirements of European legislation.
Innovations for improved TCO (Total Cost of Ownership)
Data connectivity, through the Easy Manager tool, enables the user to monitor the real-time condition of the equipment and organize maintenance optimally. A large amount of data is also collected, such as the number of hours worked and the distance run. This data is then used to determine the Total Cost of Ownership of the machine. On the NewAg range, fuel consumption has been reduced by 5% and maintenance costs by 15%, notably through extending the intervals for changing hydraulic oils, which have increased from 1,000 hours to 2,000 hours, as well as the air filter, with 2,000 hours compared to 500 hours on the old MLT ranges. Note that the NewAg range has the lowest Total Cost of Ownership on the market.
Another innovation dedicated to the maintenance of the machines: the 4 greasing points in the NewAg range are now central at the rear of the machine (in contrast to the old MLT models, where they were located above the rear axle). They are much more easily accessible to the operator, resulting in time saved maintaining the machine. The greasing points on the wheel pivots are also easy to access.
All of these innovations naturally contribute to increasing the residual value of the NewAg machines, providing a relevant indicator to farmers on the real value of their machines.
Options
Numerous options are available on the NewAg range. Amongst them, a wide range of tyres from manufacturers such as Michelin, Trelleborg and Alliance can satisfy all requirements. The Alliance 460/70 R24 A580 radial tyre with steel belt and nylon fitment is the tyre supplied as standard on the NewAg.
More than 100 attachments are offered with the NewAg, including the new CBG 2450/1700 bucket. With a total capacity of 1,700 liters for improved efficiency, this attachment is available with grapnels that are mechanically welded or forged to the bucket. The volume is adaptable as the forged grapnels can be dismantled from the sides of the bucket. This very high-quality bucket is perfectly adapted to the NewAg range.
It is important to emphasize that all of the MLT models in the NewAg range are "CE Tractor" approved. The maximum towing capacity (MLT + trailer) for this new range is 28 metric tons.
Thanks to a wide range equipped with numerous innovations, the Manitou group is providing excellent solutions to the problems currently faced by farmers, who have to cope with ever increasing productivity and efficiency. The targets have been met, namely to provide a solution combining comfort, performance, efficiency and services.
