As a leader in rough-terrain machinery and in material handling equipment, Manitou Southern Africa will be returning to Electra Mining Africa this year to launch three new flameproof mining machines and introduce the world’s largest telehandler – the MHT 14350S – to the mining industry at its stands OS1, C13 and C16.

As Southern Africa’s largest mining, industry, machine tools and electric trade show, Manitou sees Electra Mining Africa as the ideal platform to showcase its latest innovations in flameproof vehicle technology adapted for African mining environments, as well as the MHT 14350S.

“With a maximum lift capacity of 40 t, the Manitou MHT 14350S that will be launched at the exhibition will be the world’s largest tele-handler available on the market,” says Manitou Southern Africa MD Lindsay Shankland.

The model features advanced usability improvements with a 7.2 l Mercedes-Benz engine and caters for the growing heavy-industrial market and, in South Africa specifically, for the handling of conveyor belt reels, tyre assemblies, wheel motors and so forth in the mining sector.

In addition to advancing the lift capacities of mobile material handling equipment, Manitou will launch three new flameproof mining machines to its expansive range of mining equipment: the Manitou Scaler, Roof Bolter and ManiTrax Tow Tractor.

Manitou Scaler: enables operators to scale hard and soft rock from secure areas on its 7 m, 180° rotational turret, either from within its fully-enclosed cab, or from up to 20 m away by remote control for maximum safety. The scaler, traditionally a telehandler attachment, can be fitted with several attachment variations itself, and has secondary functions such as pipe and cylinder fitment, mesh erection and the destruction of large rocks.

Manitou Roof Bolter: an automated drill and bolt rig that offers manoeuvrability and performance in confined soft and hard rock hanging walls as low as 1.8 m. The roof bolter, a permanent fixture to the Manitou MT-X 742 Telescopic Handler, consists of a single rotating carousel head, which carries six roof bolts, and enables drilling, automatic epoxy injection and bolting functions in a single procedure. Besides enhancing bolting capabilities, the multi-function carousel offers cost savings for customers.

ManiTrax Tow Tractor: a utility vehicle used for hauling, towing and transporting purposes in mining applications. Manitou has designed this tow tractor with full four-wheel crab steering functionality for maximum manoeuvrability – ideal for underground, confined spaces. Unlike other hauling vehicles, the ManiTrax positions its operators forward in the carriage for maximum visibility, and thus safety.

“Manitou’s recent drive to supply flameproof technology has become the pacesetter in a new movement towards guaranteed operator safety in explosive gas and dust, and fiery coal environments,” comments Shankland.

“Our ability to customise Manitou machinery to address specific African mining issues is part of Manitou Southern Africa’s unique innovation and adaptability offering that sets us apart from our competitors,” he adds.

Hall OS1, Stands C13 and C16