TWO of Manitou's all-rounder MLA telescopic articulated loaders – the compact 26kW MLA-35H and the high output 106kW MLA 533-145V+ – were just two of the stars for the company at the recent Irish Ploughing Match.

From its telehandler ranges two of its popular and versatile MLT models – the 74.4kW MLT 630-105 and the 100kW 741-140V+ – were given a public airing. With lift capacities of 3000kg and 4100kg, and lift heights of 6.1m and 6.9m, respectively, these are high-performance machines are for heavy duty work.

Also on show, for work indoors or in confined spaces, was the compact 53.7kW 2600R skid-steer loader. At just 1.7m wide, 2.8m long, and 2.1m high, this small machine gets through a lot of work thanks to its responsive and powerful hydraulics and excellent manoeuvrability.

Sister brand, Gehl, also had two newcomers on show – the AL 650 is the smallest of Gehl’s three pivot-steer telescopic loaders. This 49kW machine is ideal for small to medium-sized agricultural work, while the Gehl R165 skid-steer loader on show was powered by a Tier 4 all-new Yanmar 52kW naturally-aspirated diesel engine. This also gets an automatic 'glow plug' heating system for better cold-weather starting and an integrated after-treatment system which meets all Tier 4 engine emission requirements.