Manitou divisions Gehl and Mustang launch high capacity skid steer

Manitou Group’s two skid steer divisions, Gehl and Mustang, will launch versions of the same 1,815kg capacity skid steer at Bauma. The Gehl V400 and Mustang 4000V are said to be the world’s most powerful skid steers, with a vertical lift height of 3,647mm. The machines use a 74kW (99hp) engine and develop a 40.7kN breakout force.

Manitou’s skid steer loader, the V400, is already proving popular with US road contractors. Named ‘the King’ by the manufacturer, it is the largest skid steer loader available in the world. It was launched in the US last summer and will be available in Europe from the autumn. “In the US it has been mainly road contractors that have bought the machine, because it can do so much more work,” said Kelly Moore, Manitou product and training specialist. “It can work with a wide variety of attachments, such as the

Though keeping exact specification under wraps until the show, Manitou will unveil the first three models in a revised MT line-up of telescopic handlers. The Stage IIIB machines will offer lift heights of 8-30m, and will focus on ease of use for the operator.

Manitou and Yanmar have formed a ‘strategic alliance’ to boost commercial opportunities in the United States for the two leading construction.