JP Developers get a foothold with the MLB 625 T Manihoe

Hull based JP Developers Ltd were one of the first companies in the UK to take delivery of a new Manitou MLB 625 T Manihoe from local dealer Hessle Fork Trucks.
A few weeks down the line we paid them a visit to find out how they were getting on. Mark Powley , Construction Director of JP Developments explained that as sites are getting more and more confined and one of the reasons for the companies initial interest in the Manihoe, was to reduce the amount of machinery moving around on site thus reducing the risk of accidents. Despite the size of the machine , which is slightly larger than the traditional backhoe used on building sites, the Manihoe is surprisingly manoeuvrable and overall takes up no more room than a traditional backhoe.

The main advantage to the Manihoe is obvious at first glance. In this machine you have complete two in one tool, with a telescopic handler front end which gives about the same lift height as a masted RTFL and a well proven backhoe on the rear. The Visibility to the forks is far better than a conventional backhoe with fold over forks and the forward reach gained by having the telescopic boom means that the driver can unload a delivery vehicle from one side ,minimising disruption to the site. Within a minute the driver can change the front end attachment from forks to 4-in-1 bucket and the machine again can offer various advantages over a traditional backhoe. One of the biggest advantages that we found is being able to reach across the base of the house and place materials such as stone, concrete and blocks nearer to where they are required which saves a lot of time.

The controls for the back hoe were altered to a Mini excavator pattern as JP developments drivers were all more accustomed to driving Mini excavators. This made the transition seemless and meantthat the operators were in a farmiliar environment straight away. From a financial viewpoint JP can see that replacing a Telescopic handler and an excavator makesgood sence. The initial purchase price alone saves nearly 40% and then when you consider the saving in terms of maintenance and wages this machine stacks up as a sound business proposition.

For more information on how the Manihoe from Manitou can help you please call us on 01977 550557