French manufacturer Manitou introduced a hydraulic starter that, the company said, is twice as fast as an electric starter, and will cut fuel consumption by 5 percent. The system, to be utilized on its MT 14 and MT 18 telehandlers beginning in 2013, was presented to dealers, customers, rental companies and journalists during Manitou’s “Festival” in Puerto Umbria, Spain, last week.

The system incorporates a Stop & Go function that automatically stops an engine when idling and restarts it when use begins. The engine is designed to quickly re-start when a user’s command is detected. The system is designed to eliminate the 30 percent of time that is spent at idle speed during the construction duty cycle when no activity is taking place.

The system was developed with France-based Poclain Hydraulics. The company plans to later incorporate the system on its MRT models. The company said the units will be available as an option on models fitted with Stage IIIB/Tier 4i engines in Europe and North America.
 

A graphic illustrates the benefits of Manitou’s soon-to-be-manufactured hydraulic starter and Stop & Go system.