MENU/SAFETY

EN 15000 regulations meant safety was pretty much top of Manitou's design agenda.

There are three handling modes on the 840.

1. Default only allows non-aggravating movements (like lifting or retracting the boom) once the boom-out load limit is reached.

2. Bucket mode. This Manitou-designed system allows non-aggravating movements, as well as crowd and tilt of the headstock. An auxiliary service can also be operated.

3. Suspended load mode is similar to default, but derates the machine's capacity by 10% to account for swinging loads like fertiliser bags. This mode will stay on even after restarting the loader.

Other settings accessed through menu hotkeys include boom suspension and an easy connect system - press and hold the labelled button to vent the hydraulic system before coupling/decoupling attachments.

HYDRAULICS

The 840's hydraulics have been beefed up by 25% since the 741. The 180-litres/min load-sensing pump seems more than adequate, even when completing two operations at once. That should help keep revs and thirst down during work.

To cope with the macho hydraulics, the boom has been strengthened. It also now has a cast-iron neck, rather than welded box section, to reduce the pressure on welds.

Oil flow rate to the hydraulic couplings can be adjusted by twisting dials behind the joystick. We reckon this will prove pretty handy for grab-type work to avoid snatching at material.

Controlling the hydraulics is quite complicated (to start with, anyway). A switch near the manual handbrake directs oil either to the front or rear of the machines. When flicked forwards a diverter tap on the boom neck sends oil either to the locking pins or auxiliary couplings.

Flick the switch backwards and the hitch or rear auxiliary is controlled by the joystick-mounted roller. The lower roller controls the boom (we'd prefer these the other way around). A 10t towing capacity should make the 840 handy for picking up the odd grain trailer, too.

CONCLUSION

Top marks go to the cab and transmission. The smooth shifts in auto are ideal for road work, while manual should suit yard duties.

Any operator will have to spend time with their nose in the 840's manual if they're going to be able to use all the features, though.

Available now, the MLT 840 costs £76,470.